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2020/21

Blue Belt Programme

Annual Update for Financial Year 2020/21 Contents

4 Introduction 6 Ascension 8 St Helena 10 12 Summary of all Activity 2020/21 14 British 16 18 & the South Sandwich Islands 20 British Territory 21 Cross-territory 23 Future Ambition

The Blue Belt Programme is Ascension Pitcairn Island an ambitious UK Government Islands commitment to enhance protection and management St Helena

across more than 4 million square Tristan da Cunha British Indian kilometres of ocean around Ocean Territory British Antarctic South Georgia & the the UK Overseas . Territory South Sandwich Islands Image credit for front cover and page 2: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue.

2 Blue Belt Programme – Annual Update for Financial Year 2020/21 Contents 3

Introduction “The flagship Blue Belt initiative has exceeded its target of establishing over 4 million square kilometres of protected and managed oceans across The Blue Belt Programme supports protection of the marine environments the UK Overseas Territories. We are excited to build on this around the UK Overseas Territories of , St Helena and landmark year, working to Tristan da Cunha (classed as one territory but each ecologically unique), strengthen the protection of British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, these marine environments and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. for future generations.

This year the Overseas These territories are home to been approved for Ascension Island’s Territories, supported by some of the most biologically (MPA) and the Blue Belt Programme, valuable and unique life on innovative drone technology has been Earth, from the butterfly of developed to tackle illegal, unreported and have established new marine St Helena to the vast penguin unregulated fishing activity. management plans, harnessed colonies of South Georgia & the the latest technology to South Sandwich Islands. The Blue Belt Programme continues tackle illegal, unreported to support UK Overseas Territory and unregulated fishing, The Blue Belt Programme is the largest Governments and local communities and put in place legislation marine conservation programme of its kind across the territories who are at the heart in the world. It is driven by United Nations of the ongoing work and future ambition. to strengthen governance. (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on Biological Diversity, and In 2020, the Blue Belt Programme was The Overseas Territories underpins the 25 Year Environment Plan funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth are acutely aware of, and and global ambition for 30% of the world’s and Development Office (FCDO) and the impacted by, the ocean oceans to be protected by 2030. It is Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The programme challenges we face on a central to the UK Government’s ambition of global scale – from climate leading global action against illegal fishing, is supported by delivery partners – the climate change and loss. Centre for Environment, Fisheries and change to overfishing. Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Programmes such as the Since 2016, the Blue Belt Programme Marine Management Organisation (MMO) Blue Belt show what can be has supported the UK Overseas on behalf of the UK Government. achieved through coordinated Territories to enhance the protection action, and I am calling on and management of their marine These organisations provide knowledge environments and resources. and expertise in the fields of applied the international community marine science, management, technology, to work with the UK Government During 2020–2021, significant and enforcement; and work with to protect 30% of the world’s developments across the programme other UK Government bodies and oceans by 2030.” have continued despite the COVID-19 non-governmental organisations to pandemic. Tristan da Cunha made global ensure the Overseas Territories receive Lord Goldsmith, the best support available. news by designating the largest Marine Minister for Pacific Protection Zone (MPZ) in the Atlantic, and the Environment a new marine management plan has

4 Introduction Introduction 5 Ascension Island

Ascension Island sits within the South Atlantic and is home to globally Work has been ongoing to support important marine life, including green turtles and large predators. sustainable fisheries management around Ascension Island. In 2019, the designated one of the largest MPAs The programme has continued to assist in the world which covers their entire (EEZ) The Blue Belt Programme provided with the compliance and enforcement of over 440,000 square kilometres. advice on the development of data of Ascension Island’s MPA. collection programmes needed to undertake stock assessments of Trials of NovaSAR satellite data are exploited fish and shellfish species, Building on the designation of their MPA, ongoing. If successful, this will help which include the rock hind, squirrel fish the Ascension Island Government, the to monitor possible illegal fishing and the spiny . The information Island Council and the Fisheries and activity and improve surveillance collected will ensure these species are Conservation Department have led the coverage of Ascension’s MPA and fished sustainably. development and implementation of new the vulnerable marine surrounding its seamounts. management and monitoring strategies. The impact of climate change on the These plans are designed to conserve distribution of commercially important The Blue Belt Programme also helped precious marine life and sustainably in the waters of Ascension Island support the introduction of the latest manage ongoing human activities like was modelled, (this work was also technology and techniques to better fishing and ecotourism. conducted for Tristan da Cunha and understand and protect the rich St Helena) helping to build knowledge The work resulted in the production biodiversity within the MPA. Green turtle hatchling, Ascension Island of local fish stocks. and publishing of the Ascension Island The Ascension Island Fisheries and MPA management plan and associated Conservation Department intends documents, which were approved in to establish a network of 12 inshore February 2021. monitoring stations. This monitoring The Blue Belt Programme supported “We Ascension Islanders believe network will include the deployment of a the Ascension Island Government with strongly in sustainable fishing. suite of seawater loggers to record water temperature, salinity and conductivity. advice and acted as a robust ‘sounding- Our hope is to set standards to board’ on the MPA management plan, others to prove that marine life The data collected will inform the research and monitoring plan and can live in harmony with their creation of -based models financial plan. human neighbours and be fished that can assess the condition of key responsibly to ensure that our The programme funded a number of marine habitats and species, as well as fish stocks are around for future key roles and staff within the Ascension environmental variables associated with generations to come and enjoy.” Island Fisheries and Conservation the effects of climate change. The Blue Belt Programme funded equipment for Department, to support with the Squirrel fish, Ascension Island Ascension Island Council management and implementation the stations and will provide ongoing of the MPA. support with the project’s delivery.

6 Ascension Island Ascension Island 7 St Helena

Understanding and protecting the Plans have been developed for a biodiversity around St Helena has Remote Electronic Monitoring trial also been central to the Blue Belt for the offshore pole and line fishery. Programme’s work. This complimentary tool will use St Helena is an oceanic island located in the tropical South Atlantic. cameras and GPS technology to collect The island’s first inshore habitat maps The island’s sustainable use MPA, established in 2016, encompasses data on a fishing vessel’s activity. The were developed using various data types. These describe the nature of the seabed its entire EEZ – over 440,000 square kilometres. St Helena’s waters plan has been designed to improve management effectiveness. substrate and can be used to identify support a range of marine life including endemic and migratory areas important for key marine species. species such as butterfly fish and . The programme continued to fund a number of roles for St Helena to help To better understand ocean currents implement new policies and build local around St Helena, the programme and This year the Blue Belt Programme capability. These include a Marine British Antarctic Survey developed continued its supportive role working Enforcement Officer, Marine Data oceanographic models to determine with the St Helena Government. Apprentice, Blue Belt Coordinator regional ocean circulation. These will and Fisheries Officer. help inform future wastewater and The programme assisted in the fisheries management strategies. development of new policies for marine and marine development A new laboratory was funded to enable activities within St Helena’s MPA. These safe and effective marine science policies will support the sustainable studies and monitoring on St Helena. and responsible use of the MPA. Opening in 2021, the lab will include A tuna tagged by Blue Belt scientists an interactive interpretation board to The programme helped produce a provide information on St Helena’s waterproof booklet for all marine marine environment. The programme has worked closely with tourism operators, detailing the rules St Helena Government to ensure the local Glasseye fish, St Helena (Credit: Martin Collins) about interacting with marine wildlife Marine Awareness Week was celebrated fisheries are managed sustainably. in a responsible way. on the island in March 2021, with Data was collected with St Helena the theme “Blue Belt – Tomorrow’s “This year the Blue Belt Programme Guidance has been developed to Government and the local fishing fleet to Ocean Today”. The Blue Belt has helped us deliver more key support implementation of the new assess stock status and provide fisheries Programme produced scientific and policy successes policies and licensing process. management advice for key fish species. activity booklets for aimed at ensuring the effective St Helenian school St Helena Government introduced management of our marine children, aligned logbooks within the fishery, providing environment. The funding Blue with the national a means of monitoring the fishing Belt has provided to build our new curriculum. effort and catch across different laboratory will help to increase areas and times. the capacity and capability of on island staff as well as ensuring St Tuna-tagging data was analysed Helena and its research institute is (includes tags deployed by the Blue a centre of excellence for marine Belt Programme) to form the basis of science for years to come.” a peer-reviewed publication on the fidelity of to the St Helena Government Tuna tagging off St Helena seamounts and island of St Helena.

8 St Helena St Helena 9 Tristan da Cunha

To underpin the new marine protection Tristan da Cunha is an isolated in the South Atlantic, home strategy, the programme also supported to the world’s most remote human settlement. Comprised of four Tristan da Cunha Government to produce a suite of draft management documents, main islands, its Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) covers around 700,000 including marine management, seamount square kilometres and was designated in 2020. Many species in Tristan’s management and operational plans. productive waters are endemic and depend on its environment. These will ensure effective management, monitoring and evaluation of the new MPZ and remaining fishing zones.

In November 2020, Tristan made global Managing and understanding the impact news with the announcement of its of human activities has been a key part of marine protection strategy, ensuring work around Tristan this year. the long-term protection of its marine environment. This included: October 2020 brought news of the sinking of MFV Geo Searcher (lobster A no-take Marine Protection Zone fishing vessel) off . Rockhopper penguins, Tristan da Cunha encompassing over 90% of its waters, Fortunately, all crew escaped unharmed. in which fishing and other extractive Given the vulnerable species nearby activities like deep-sea mining are and the importance of the lobster banned. fishery to the local economy, a rapid The Blue Belt Programme supported risk assessment was conducted by Tristan to designate two Areas to be Improved conservation and the Blue Belt Programme into threats Avoided (ATBA) within its EEZ to sustainability measures in the remaining posed by the wreck. reduce the risk of shipping accidents fishing zones for the seamount fishery, Tristan da Cunha’s MPZ covers around 700,000 sq km and pollution events. including a ban on bottom trawling An oil spill detection system has been designed to protect vulnerable marine sent to Tristan, which will act as an early With assistance from the Blue Belt ecosystems such as deep-sea coral reefs. warning system for the community in Programme, Tristan da Cunha “This year we on Tristan da Cunha tracking and responding more effectively Government has now developed a This designation made Tristan responsible were delighted to designate one to oil spill events and to adjust fishing comprehensive monitoring and reporting for the largest no-take in the Atlantic. of the world’s largest Marine effort as needed. system to track activity within the ATBAs. The Blue Belt Programme worked with Protection Zones, supported by the the RSPB, the British Antarctic Survey and Blue Belt Programme. If we as an Work has also been undertaken to the of Plymouth in assisting island of 250 people can do this, develop Virtual Aids to Navigation. Tristan on their journey towards this then I hope politicians around the This technology acts as an early landmark decision, which will protect a world will sit up and take note.” warning system that will help alert wealth of wildlife, including sevengill transiting vessels to hazards and ATBAs, sharks, rockhopper penguins and the James Glass, Chief Islander improving compliance. endemic Tristan . Tristan da Cunha

MFV Geo Searcher

10 Tristan da Cunha Tristan da Cunha 11 Ascension Island Cross-territory Summary of all Activity 2020/21 Ascension Island’s new MPA Compliance and enforcement management plan was approved, strategies implemented across designed to conserve key marine all Overseas Territories, including life, and sustainably manage assistance from the Blue Belt ongoing activities. Intelligence and Surveillance hub. Enhancing marine protection across 4 million square kilometres St Helena Trialled new satellite technology to Fully autonomous drone being of marine environment in the UK Overseas Territories by: help monitor possible illegal fishing developed with Virginia Tech Assisted in development of new activity and improve surveillance University. Self-reliant and able policies for marine tourism and coverage of Ascension’s MPA. to persistently monitor large marine development within St areas of remote marine Helena’s MPA, ensuring human Impacts of climate change on environment for unlawful activity. the distribution of commercially activities are managed effectively. important tuna in waters of Assisted Atlantic Overseas Continued to fund a number Ascension Island were modelled. Territories with ICCAT obligations, of roles for St Helena to help including scientific and compliance implement new policies and Funded key roles within the and enforcement data reporting. Ascension Island Fisheries and build local capability. Understanding Strengthening Managing Sustainable Supporting Conservation Department, to Deployment of extensive Island’s first inshore habitat and protecting governance human fisheries compliance and support with the management underwater camera network across maps generated to identify key biodiversity impacts management enforcement and implementation of the MPA. ten Overseas Territories to monitor areas for valuable and vulnerable marine environments, leading to marine species. more informed management. More on Page 6 Celebrated Marine Awareness Funded legal support in the Week and Blue Belt-themed activity Attorney General’s Chambers to Pitcairn Islands booklets were provided for school draft new marine-management children on the island. legislation within St Helena,  New MPA Officer role funded to ensure Logbooks introduced by Ascension Island and Tristan effective management of the MPA. Blue St Helena Government within da Cunha. Belt Programme is providing training and fishery to better monitor the support to the officer. fishing effort and catch. More on Page 21 Seabed habitat maps created around the Pitcairn Islands to inform management of Tristan da Cunha More on Page 8 how boats anchor, ensuring sensitive corals are not damaged. Tristan’s new marine protection New visitor interpretation board was strategy was announced, closing developed, detailing the different marine over 90% of its waters to fishing South Georgia & the species visitors might see, such as and other extractive activities. humpback . South Sandwich Islands Assessment conducted on wreck Detailed how climate change might impact of MFV Geo Searcher, which sank British Indian the coral reefs of the Pitcairn Island, and off Gough Island, to identify risk Compliance and Enforcement strategies for mitigation. of oil pollution and impact on Framework for SGSSI further Ocean Territory rare species. developed to strengthen the territory’s role in managing More on Page 16 Comprehensive monitoring and and monitoring their marine Active surveillance for IUU reporting system developed to environment. fishing, including remote analysis track shipping and human activity of compliance data to inform within the newly designated Areas Passive acoustic device trialled future operations and improve to be Avoided. within SGSSI waters, to potentially enforcement. track mechanical vessel sounds First stock assessment of bluenose to tackle IUU fishing. Initial training on new SMART warehou in the Atlantic carried out. technology rolled out. This new Findings will inform conservation RRS Discovery Expedition data used tool will help to better monitor, measures for vulnerable species to develop models that predict evaluate and adaptively manage around Tristan. and map areas around the islands enforcement activities. British Antarctic Territory containing vulnerable species, informing management measures. Coastal erosion assessed around More on Page 10 using satellite imagery Supported work to underpin international negotiations Funded underwater cameras and the latest remote technology, relating to the management of the krill fishery. The that have been deployed on highlighting areas which need Blue Belt Programme used its expertise in fisheries over 500 fishing longline sets to further monitoring. management analysis, simulation and advice. monitor fishing operations and deep-water biodiversity. Detailed how climate change might Continued to support the monitoring of waters impact the coral reefs of BIOT, around BAT for unlawful activity, using both aerial Potential impacts of the megaberg and strategies for mitigation. and satellite surveillance techniques. A-68 on local ecosystems assessed through funded oceanographic gliders and underwater More on Page 14 More on Page 20 temperature and depth sensors.

More on Page 18

12 Summary of all Activity 2020/21 Summary of all Activity 2020/21 13 British Indian Ocean Territory

The Blue Belt Programme has continued to work closely with the BIOT Administration to enhance marine protection across the territory’s 640,000 This work has been supported by the square kilometre MPA. introduction and trialling of cutting-edge technologies for use within BIOT and Human activities that take place within the other Overseas Territories (see page 21 BIOT’s MPA – such as a busy shipping for more information): lane – can impact its marine environment. The programme has assisted in identifying Clown fish on coral reefs, BIOT BIOT staff have been given initial and minimising both local and global training on a new Spatial Monitoring human impacts. and Reporting Tool (SMART), a field- The programme undertook an The patrol ship, BIOT based data collection area management Changes in water quality have significant assessment of coastal erosion around system. This technology has begun to impacts on marine environments, Diego Garcia. Using satellite imagery be rolled out in BIOT and is designed to particularly coral reefs. The programme and the latest remote technology, better monitor, evaluate and adaptively assisted the BIOT Administration in the areas that need further monitoring Only low-level recreational fishing is manage enforcement activities. development of their monitoring strategy were highlighted. permitted within BIOT’s MPA, and the and provided new monitoring equipment, Blue Belt Programme has continued to Working with the BIOT Administration assisting them to identify potential assist on best management practices and and UK Hydrographic Office, the problems quickly and ultimately to inform wider compliance. management decisions. programme is currently investigating the potential need for a voluntary Area The programme advised on how to A new report card was produced on to be Avoided (ATBA). If created, this the impacts of climate change on the would mean nearby vessels are aware of monitor recreational fishing – which is coral reefs of BIOT. Potential impacts the important coral reefs around BIOT, popular around Diego Garcia – to improve on these reefs were assessed, as well as reducing collision and pollution risks understanding of its overall impact. how the BIOT Administration can work and supporting conservation activities. to manage and mitigate them. The programme continues to assist with surveillance for Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing. Remote monitoring and data analysis assists The BIOT patrol team at work within the MPA “The Blue Belt continues to effectively support the BIOT Administration’s ability to the Senior Fishery Protection Officer protect its waters from the threat of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing. to brief the patrol vessel to carry out Training on new monitoring technology and continued threat analysis has improved enforcement and detention of vessels our capability to identify vessels acting unlawfully.” operating illegally. BIOT Administration

14 British Indian Ocean Territory British Indian Ocean Territory 15 Pitcairn Islands Image credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue.

A new report card was produced on the The Pitcairn Islands in the South have one of the largest impacts of climate change on the coral reefs of Pitcairn. Potential impacts on EEZs in the world. Made up of four islands, the no-take MPA established these reefs were assessed, as well as in 2016 covers over 840,000 square kilometres and is home to a huge how Pitcairn can work to manage and range of marine species and exceptionally preserved coral reefs. mitigate them.

A new visitor interpretation board was developed in collaboration with the The Blue Belt Programme has supported RSPB. The board will provide information the Government of the Pitcairn Islands on the different marine species visitors to strengthen the governance might see, including humpback whales underpinning the MPA. and rare . The programme supported the development of the new Pitcairn Islands MPA Management Plan, setting Survey vessel off Pitcairn Islands (Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue) out clear guidance on the day-to-day management of the MPA. The plan is with the Island Council for approval In January 2021, the Blue Belt Programme during 2021. Coral reefs, Pitcairn Islands also started to assist with the surveillance (Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue) of Pitcairn’s MPA. The Blue Belt Programme funded a new MPA Officer for the islands to implement Green turtle, Pitcairn Islands This included the analysis and use of the new management plan. The post will The programme has worked alongside the (Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue) satellite imagery provided by OceanMind. ensure effective management of the MPA Government of Pitcairn Islands to better Compliance in the MPA has been very and the programme is providing training understand and protect its valuable marine high, with no confirmed instances of and ongoing support to the officer. life and coral reefs, as well as to manage “The Blue Belt Programme illegal activity over the last year. the impacts of human activity. continues to be an extremely important piece of work for the To better understand the unique shallow Pitcairn Islands. This year we’re waters around Pitcairn Island, the Blue excited to put in place our new MPA Belt Programme and the Joint Nature Management Plan, which will bring Conservation Committee used unique cameras to create new seabed habitat clear guidance on how to manage maps for around the island. These maps and effectively protect our valuable are used to manage how boats anchor marine environment.” around the island, ensuring sensitive Michele Christian, Government of corals are not damaged. Pitcairn Islands White tipped reef , Pitcairn Islands A diver surveying the coral reefs, Pitcairn Islands

16 Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn Islands 17 South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands

The Blue Belt Programme funded South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a sub-Antarctic underwater cameras that have been archipelago in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. The MPA, deployed on over 500 fishing longline Blue Belt Programme funded established in 2012 and enhanced in 2019, covers over 1.2 million sets to monitor fishing operations and their impact. They also provide key temperature and depth sensors, square kilometres and is home to exceptional wildlife including vast information on deep-water biodiversity which have been deployed on fishing penguin colonies, elephant seals and migrating whales. within SGSSI waters. lines since 2016, are contributing data to inform the assessment of the A risk framework that can be used impact of the megaberg on BAT’s The Blue Belt Programme has continued for fisheries management is being marine ecosystem. its work with the SGSSI Government to developed. This will bring together effectively assist them in protecting their research and fishery data to assess risks The programme also funded marine environment from unlawful activity. from fishing activities, supporting and the deployment of underwater informing management decisions. oceanographic gliders as part of a The Compliance and Enforcement British Antarctic Survey led scientific Framework for SGSSI continues to In late 2020 the mega iceberg A-68 investigation into the impacts of be developed. When implemented, it drifted close to South Georgia, with the megaberg. will provide clarity and transparency concerns over the impact this may have for vessels operating in the EEZ as to on local ecosystems: how inspections and enforcement The passive acoustic device being collected off action is carried out, helping SGSSI SGSSI (Credit: British Antarctic Survey) to manage, monitor and protect their marine environment. “The Blue Belt Programme is an projects to develop a better understanding The programme trialled a new passive of the deep-sea environment in SGSSI and integral part of the Government acoustic device within SGSSI’s waters any potential risks from human activities. of South Georgia & the South in partnership with the Commonwealth Sandwich Island’s evidence-based Scientific and Industrial Research Data collected during the 2019 RRS approach to environmental Discovery Expedition to SGSSI has been stewardship. The programme helps Organisation. The device’s ability to track Oceanographic glider (Credit: British Antarctic Survey) mechanical vessel sounds was tested, used to develop models that predict and us gather key scientific evidence to as this could help tackle unlawful fishing map areas around the islands that are inform our decision making, as well by detecting vessels operating illegally suitable for vulnerable species, ultimately as contributing to our compliance and without their positional systems informing management measures. and enforcement activity. We look turned on. Results from the trial will be forward to ongoing engagement assessed during 2021. Deepwater with the programme to support camera the protection of SGSSI’s The biodiversity around SGSSI is rich and units incredible biodiversity.” hugely varied. The Blue Belt Programme continued to support several long-term Nigel Phillips CBE, HM Commissioner for SGSSI

Elephant seal photographed by deep-water cameras on fishing longline sets

18 South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands 19 British Antarctic Cross-territory Territory

The waters around the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) are amongst the most productive in the Southern Ocean, supporting large populations of krill, which feed larger predators, like baleen Antarctic krill Ima ge cr whales, penguins and seals. edit: Britis A vessel suspected of IUU fishing h An tarct ic Su was investigated using both satellite rvey A fishery for Antarctic krill is active during and aerial surveillance to ensure it Many projects within the Blue the austral summer in BAT. There is also was complying with CCAMLR Belt Programme are relevant to The Blue Belt Programme is supporting a small research fishery for the valuable management measures. a number or all of the Overseas Overseas Territories colleagues to review Antarctic toothfish. Both fisheries are Protected Area Management Effectiveness managed by the Commission for the The (RAF) carried out a Territories, and so provide (PAME) tools. These tools allow MPA Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living surveillance flight to identify the suspect cross-territory outcomes. The managers to understand the strengths Resources (CCAMLR). vessel, providing near real time data on programme, in partnership with and weaknesses in their management any human activities. Combined with measures, and ultimately adapt them to Critical CCAMLR regulations, in place satellite surveillance data, these methods the territories, collaborates for the krill fishery, are due to expire make sure they are effective. significantly enhance monitoring and with a number of agencies, in 2021. In partnership with the British enforcement capabilities. A roundtable event was held with Antarctic Survey, the programme is non-government organisations international experts, Overseas Territories providing additional scientific support for and academics to develop and staff and partner organisations to discuss the renegotiation of these regulations, implement its work. management effectiveness, suitability of particularly through the application of data different tools for each of the territories, limited methods for fisheries management “The Blue Belt programme and share experiences. analysis, simulation and advice. continues to support our scientific Understanding the biodiversity across the territories is key to being able to Within Ascension Island, St Helena and To ensure compliance and enforcement, understanding of the , which will be vital in developing effectively protect it: Tristan da Cunha, funding has been the programme has continued monitoring provided for legal support from the the waters around BAT to prevent unlawful climate-smart management The Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network Attorney General’s Chambers to support activity, including within the South Orkney regimes under the Convention was launched. Underwater cameras will be with the drafting of new legislation, to Islands Southern Shelf MPA. for the Conservation of Antarctic deployed across ten Overseas Territories help enable effective management of Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). during 2021 to collect data on marine their marine areas. Through the development of biodiversity. This data will actively inform sophisticated surveillance future management measures. Sustainable finance is key to ensuring methods, we are now better able to effective MPA management. Funded by assess, and deter, the threat of IUU Strengthening governance is a core objective the Blue Belt Programme, a scoping exercise fishing across the Southern Ocean”. of this programme. After a territory designates for sustainable finance opportunities, an MPA, it is then vital they implement exploring future possible funding Jane Rumble OBE UK Commissioner to regularly reviewed management plans to mechanisms and developing a potential fund CCAMLR and Deputy Commissioner for ensure they are effective. and governance structure, was undertaken. British Antarctic Territory. Further of financial opportunities and support strategies for UKOTs will be Image of BAT taken during RAF surveillance flight explored in 2021. (Credit: RAF)

20 British Antarctic Territory Cross-territory 21 Future Ambition

During 2020–2021, the Blue Belt Yellownosed Albatross, Tristan da Cunha Programme met its milestone target of protecting and Drone trials, BIOT A silky shark, photographed by camera types used enhancing over 4 million by the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network square kilometres of marine Over the next year, the Blue Belt Programme, funded by the FCDO, will continue to work in Compliance and enforcement is critical Across the territories the programme environment across the UK partnership with UK Overseas Territories and in tackling issues such as IUU fishing and has continued using cutting edge technology Overseas Territories. external stakeholders to: ultimately in ensuring effective marine and innovation. This includes use of the new management. This year: NovaSAR satellite data and passive acoustic The programme is central to the UK devices to monitor possible unlawful activity, as Government’s ambition of tackling some of Support implementation and review Compliance and enforcement strategies well as the development of drone technology: the serious global threats to our seas – from of management plans, as well as have been adopted across all the illegal fishing to climate change – and is ongoing monitoring, compliance and UK Overseas Territories within the Following previous drone trials in driven by a recognition that a step change is enforcement to ensure that these programme. The strategies include BIOT in 2018-2020, the programme needed if we are to preserve unique species unique marine environments will be assistance provided by the Blue Belt (with Loughborough University) is and habitats for future generations. conserved and sustainably managed Intelligence and Surveillance Hub and redeveloping the drone to expand the into the future. address the individual needs of territories range of patrol vessels monitoring the One year into the UN Decade of Ocean to ensure surveillance and any further MPA. Work is ongoing to enhance Science (UNDOS), 2021 marks a ‘super Build understanding of the biodiversity action is appropriate. capability (range, flight duration etc.), year’ for the world’s oceans with the G7 across the programme. A survey and a roadmap has been produced to summit hosted in the UK, the Convention expedition is planned to voyage between Routine surveillance using satellite data optimise operational performance. on Biological Diversity (COP15) and a year St Helena and Ascension Island in 2021, which will provide an opportunity to (with OceanMind and the European of climate action in the run up to the survey the offshore environments and Maritime Safety Agency) has been A fully autonomous drone is also in United Nations Framework Convention look at connectivity between two large implemented across all territories to development with Virginia Tech University. on Climate Change (COP26). scale MPAs at a regional level. ensure their waters are monitored and This innovative and self-reliant drone will The continuation of the Blue Belt Programme unlawful activity is detected. More detailed perform persistent monitoring on large Gather evidence to demonstrate the for 2021-2022 reflects the UK Government’s data is used for areas more vulnerable remote areas. Able to land, take off and effectiveness and benefits of the commitment to safeguarding global to non-compliance. charge autonomously, human operators current marine protected areas and biodiversity. The programme will contribute will be able to direct the drone from comprehensive management regimes significantly to the UK’s global leadership The programme has developed training thousands of miles away. Still at a for local communities and globally. programmes to build long-term low-level of technological readiness, it of ocean protection, and demonstrate that compliance and enforcement capability will be further developed and tested small, remote islands can play a major Further build capacity and skills in across the territories. Training materials before use across the territories. role in achieving global change. the Overseas Territories to ensure cover a range of subject matters and long-term programme legacy by include videos and e-learning modules. supporting infrastructure, training, in-country roles and .

Assistance continues to be provided to Across the ‘super year’ for the oceans, the Atlantic Overseas Territories to fulfill demonstrate the role of the programme their International Commission for the in combatting major threats to the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) oceans, such as climate change obligations. This includes support and overfishing. with scientific and compliance data reporting, as well as assistance with Provide support for other UKOTs the implementation of ICCAT measures wishing to join the programme within domestic legislation. and enhance the protection and management of activities within Silky and Galapagos Sharks, Ascension Island their marine environments. Preparing the drone for trials

22 Cross-territory Future Ambition 23 For more information about the Blue Belt Programme:

Web: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-belt-programme Email: [email protected] Twitter: @UKGovBlueBelt Facebook: facebook.com/ukgovBlueBelt