1 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Blue Marine Foundation 2018 REVIEW 2 3 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Contents

4 Annual Overview 6 BLUE’s Mission, Strategy and Focus 8 Key Achievements 10 2018 in Brief 14 Projects Map 16 UK Overseas Territories 18 Ascension 20 St Helena 22 Bermuda and Ascension 24 The Solent and Blackwater 26 Lyme Bay 28 Sustainable fishing in the UK 30 Marine Parks 32 Pulse Fishing and Fisheries Bill 34 Aeolian Islands and the Mediterranean 36 The Maldives 38 Azerbaijan and Patagonia 40 Protecting the High Seas 42 Education 46 London to Monaco 50 Blue Marine Yacht Club 52 Corporate Partners 54 BLUE Team and Trustees 56 Thank You 58 Financial Overview

Galapagos shark chasing triggerfish off Ascension’s Long Beach. Photo by Polly Burns. Cover photo: Pipefish (corythoichthys intestinalis) by Viv Evans. BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

5 2018 REVIEW

CHARLES CLOVER CHARLES DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE Bringing new money into conservation conservation into money Bringing new set up was the things BLUE one of was had our best- we do and this year to Monaco sponsored London to ever cyclists a hundred ride with over cycle South London. from setting off celebrated when we a year This was achievements policy some notable in the UK, including the first-ever organised on marine parks conference with Plymouth City Council after which a marine park in Plymouth the idea of nod an affirmative Sound received the Environment Michael Gove, from that note to I am pleased Secretary. working of announcement Gove’s 30 per cent of protection towards oceans has also been the world’s of time. some for aspiration BLUE’s campaigning year a tough It was ocean for with a setback at times, in the South Sandwich conservation Secretary the Foreign where Islands, the full protection offered has not yet British Oceans the Great which for been have coalition and 285 MPs campaigning. Our campaign against by hugely helped electric pulse fishing, media unit,our new a ban on secured this damaging method in British waters in involved were And we after Brexit. the improve to about how discussions make it to for Fisheries Bill, arguing is a marine life clear that Britain’s be managed and should public asset On all fronts, everyone. on behalf of our goal towards drive to continue we ocean. a healthy of Reflections on 2018 Reflections than at home. faster time is moving where parts the world are There of reliant country totally a the other day in the Maldives, thinking this I was These ecosystems. and mangrove reefs - its coral assets on its marine airports, new resorts, 135 new from pressure under increasing are assets are There waste. pollution and temperatures, sea warming overfishing, ago. years five none were there where at night lights on the horizon the election celebrate to there I was government democratic a more of manifesto, environmental with a strong move to will have but that government assist to will have BLUE, fast, and we, marine assets them if this country’s I heard decline further. not to are places the people saying that in many the diving, which has made of quality for a destination such the Maldives What go down. to continues tourists, resorts? more with even will it be like struck were we Earlier this summer, the of Pugh, UN Patron when Lewis he wildlife little how remarked Oceans, saw on his Long Swim up the actually of it is not a state English Channel. But put should, or need to, that we affairs has extraordinary nature up with. For and has regeneration of powers our some of them in demonstrated as on the South Coast such projects Lyme Bay and the Solent. on places focus is to strategy BLUE’s them a chance and make that have Territories The British Overseas better. remains and BLUE canvas a broad are reserves of engaged in the creation Helena and Ascension, St around a marine achieve hope to we where the island’s cent of in 100 per reserve hard been working has BLUE waters. this and the Mediterranean around the first- secure managed to we year in the area marine protected ever Caspian Sea.

GEORGE DUFFIELD & CHRIS GORELL BARNES GORELL CHRIS & DUFFIELD GEORGE CO-FOUNDERS

2018 A breakthrough year for BLUE year Dear Friends, BLUE! for year What a breakthrough in part of attention, focus finally become the The oceans have which our of wake Blue Planet II - in the of success the huge due to action. engagement and conservation record-breaking drove team been unbelievably partners have and corporate Our donors for year high-water in a new and engaged, resulting supportive wins and conservation worldwide had incredible have We BLUE. in fisheries management spreading innovations new developed and further Our visionary media unit will afield. Europe across the world. to stories success these conservation deliver to race as we and faster better getting bigger, will continue BLUE oceans the world’s 30 per cent of protecting of meet our target 2030. by marine actual effective, and the time for is laser focused BLUE ensure can to we do everything must We is now. conservation on Earth. life protect oceans to healthy have we made ocean magic happen have and brilliant team Our growing to them. Please continue all of of proud are and we this year mission. on our critical support us

BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

4 2018 REVIEW 6 7 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION BLUE’s vision BLUE’s focus REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Our oceans are in crisis. Marine life is under threat from climate Our ocean is being simultaneously assaulted on multiple fronts. change, acidification, agricultural pollution and plastic. But arguably We recognise that, as a small yet ambitious charity, we must focus on the greatest threat of all is overfishing because if we strip the oceans the most serious threats which we can solve. The most macro of all ocean of all their life, they will have little resilience to the other threats. It is challenges, ocean warming and acidification, are related to climate

the marine life in oceans that enables them to absorb half the world’s change and will require a continued concerted global effort to be effectively addressed. CO2 and produce half our oxygen. Overfishing therefore threatens the future of humanity. Plastic pollution is an issue that has captured BLUE’s vision is a healthy ocean forever, for everyone. BLUE’s aim is to the public imagination – perhaps because see 10 per cent of ocean under protection by 2020 and 30 per cent of images of plastic in the sea embody our ocean under protection by 2030. collective guilt about the damage we humans are inflicting on nature. But plastics are a land-based problem that ultimately must be addressed at source. The fight against plastics has become a reassuringly crowded space. BLUE’s strategy The fight against overfishing remains relatively under-resourced. Overfishing is one of the most solvable of all the world’s major environmental problems. BLUE will continue to focus on combatting overfishing and habitat destruction – two BLUE’s strategy is to: of the ocean’s greatest challenges which, if solved, will deliver massive environmental • Create marine protected areas – areas of ocean free from returns. We will address plastic pollution in industrial fishing – so that fish stocks can rapidly recover. local strategic interventions where we can move the dial – for example, ghost net removal • Materially contribute towards securing an international in the Aeolians, microplastic identification in agreement on the need to protect 30 per cent of the oysters and models of island waste disposal world’s ocean by 2030, including the high seas. in the UKOTs. • Develop models of sustainable fishing, proving that fishing But our main focus will be on protecting can be managed responsibly so that stocks recover while the marine life that ensures oceans are this benefiting local fishermen and coastal communities. planet’s life-support system. • Restore marine habitats, in order to protect vulnerable and threatened species.

• Raise awareness about the need to address overfishing.

Maldivian school girl snorkels for the first time as part of BLUE’s project on Laamu Atoll. Photo by Andy Ball. 8 9 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION In 2017, BLUE, as part of the Great British Oceans REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION coalition, secured an even stronger manifesto BLUE’s Key 2017 commitment from the UK Government ahead of the June 2017 election to protect over four million square Achievements kilometres of ocean around the UK overseas territories.

In the summer of 2017, broodstock oysters in BLUE’s 2010-2018 2017 Solent Oyster Restoration Project spawned, releasing millions of larvae into the Solent.

In 2010, BLUE brokered a deal to enable the creation of what was then the largest marine BLUE’s Lyme Bay model of sustainable fishing is 2010 2017- being rolled out in other sites in the UK and in the protected area (MPA) in the world around 2018 Chagos in the Indian Ocean. Mediterranean.

In 2012, BLUE partnered with the government of BLUE spearheaded a social media campaign to Belize and the Bertarelli Foundation to protect the encourage the public to tweet and email their MPs, 2012 2017- Turneffe Atoll in Belize, an area rich in biodiversity 2018 resulting in 285 MPs from eight political parties signing and CO2 absorbing mangroves. up to the Blue Belt Charter by the end of 2018.

In 2015, the Great British Oceans coalition, The UK government announced a target of 30 per cent of which BLUE is part, secured a UK government 2015 of ocean protected by 2030, aligning with BLUE’s commitment to create the world’s largest marine 2018 long-term strategy. reserve around Pitcairn in the Pacific.

In 2015, BLUE and the Great British Oceans coalition secured a government manifesto commitment Azerbaijan declared the first MPA in the Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water on the planet. The new 2015 to create a “Blue Belt” around all 14 UK overseas 2018 territories, hailed as “the greatest conservation MPA will seek to protect six significant marine species commitment by any government ever”. on the brink of extinction.

In 2016, BLUE secured the creation of a After a long campaign by BLUE’s media unit and 2016 no-take zone nearly the size of the UK 2018 others, the UK Government has pledged to ban around Ascension Island. electric fishing in British waters. 10 11 2018 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION JANUARY – On 16 MAY – BLUE became a SEPTEMBER The UK NOVEMBER – Chris Gorell January, the European member of the High Seas Government announced Barnes with John Kerry. Parliament voted to ban Alliance, a coalition of a target of 30 per cent of Chris hosted a high-level electric pulse fishing. 37 NGOs dedicated to ocean protected by 2030 Our Ocean side event at Six However, pulse fishing protecting 45 per cent of the as the London to Monaco Senses Uluwatu to discuss continued, including in earth’s surface. riders arrived in Monaco. small-scale fisheries. some of the UK’s most sensitive MPAs. MAY – BLUE arranged a OCTOBER – BLUE NOVEMBER – Azerbaijan letter to the Prime Minister announced an ambitious announced the first MPA in FEBRUARY – Charles from 42 Conservative MPs partnership with DP the Caspian Sea, the largest

Clover and Beth Taylor calling for the designation of World and the Fleming inland body of water on the

in Brief visited St Helena where the South Sandwich Islands Foundation to protect planet. The new MPA will Beth started her role at the G7. the high seas. protect six species on the as project manager to brink of extinction. secure St Helena’s MPA. MAY - The third annual OCTOBER – The next Ocean Awards were phase of the Solent Oyster MARCH – the Great held with partner BOAT Restoration Project began, British Oceans coalition, International. Winners with 30,000 oysters being of which BLUE is a included the campaign relayed. DECEMBER – The UK member, hosted the for the Ross Sea MPA. government pledged to ban Blue Belt parliamentary OCTOBER – Rory and electric fishing in British reception which was JUNE – In collaboration with Gavin Ziemann went to waters. attended by MPs Plymouth City Council, BLUE a responsible fisheries including Michael Gove. invited 150 delegates to a UK event in the Aeolian Islands Marine Parks Conference where fishermen from five DECEMBER – BLUE MARCH – BLUE hosted a held at the National Marine different European MPAs submitted evidence to reception at 11 Downing Aquarium. came to discuss best the DEFRA consultation Street. The Chancellor practice. on the future of national Philip Hammond JUNE – At the NEX parks, recommending that welcomed guests and Giving Day, with help from OCTOBER – Charles Clover National Marine Parks are a gave a speech about ambassador Simon Le Bon, presented evidence to central part of the review. our work. BLUE won a substantial the Environmental Audit grant to research the Committee where he drew DECEMBER - BLUE was APRIL – Fishermen breeding habits of St attention to ways in which heavily engaged in in the Aeolian Islands Helena’s whale sharks. the Blue Belt could be better constructive commentary committed to fishing managed in the UKOTS. on the Fisheries Bill and sustainably by signing up JULY – Lewis Pugh set off gave evidence to two to BLUE’s voluntary Code to swim the length of the NOVEMBER – The number parliamentary committees. of Conduct. English Channel to raise of MPs who have signed the awareness of the need for #BackTheBlueBelt Charter DECEMBER - In the Maldives, APRIL – New fisheries and greater marine protection. climbed to 285. the Laamu Atoll Council conservation partnership Lewis stopped at BLUE’s committed to create five projects in North Devon, projects in Plymouth, new protected areas, Jersey, west of Scotland Lyme Bay and the Solent. including two important and Berwickshire began. grouper spawning sites AUGUST – Lewis Pugh NOVEMBER – Tom Appleby and the largest green turtle APRIL – BLUE hosted completed “The Long presented BLUE’s complaint nesting site in the country. a Fishing in Transition Swim” and was greeted about pulse fishing in North Seminar at Fishmongers’ on Shakespeare Beach Sea marine protected Hall for fishermen to hear in Dover by Michael Gove areas to the European from a range of experts and the BLUE team. Commission in Brussels. what to expect after Brexit. SEPTEMBER – Zara and NOVEMBER - Charles Mike Tindall launched Clover, Viv Evans and Shaha APRIL – BLUE team London to Monaco 2018 Hashim met newly elected attended the Ditchley and joined day one of environment and fisheries Foundation ocean the ride. ministers in the Maldives conference to make with progress made. recommendations for the G7 in June.

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Children from Wiccor Primary School examine a tiny porcelain crab at BLUE’s Solent Oyster Restoration Project. 14 1515 2018 REVIEW 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATIONBLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATIONBLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

ISLE OF BERWICKSHIRE ARRAN

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN NORTH DEVON BLACKWATER LYME BAY SOLENT

JERSEY

AZERBAIJAN MENORCA AEOLIAN ISLANDS

BERMUDA

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

ASCENSION MALDIVES ISLAND

ST HELENA INDIAN OCEAN

SOUTH ATLANTIC SOUTH OCEAN PACIFIC OCEAN

SOUTHERN OCEAN PATAGONIA

SOUTH GEORGIA & THE SOUTH SANDWICH Current Projects ISLANDS 16 OUR PROJECTS 17 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 14 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION UK

Overseas Territories

Britain is responsible for 6.8 million enabled us to keep the issue of marine square kilometres of ocean – the conservation in the public eye and to fifth largest marine estate in the keep up the pressure on government to resolve some of the knottier issues world – the vast majority of which we have been campaigning for, such is around the UK’s 16 Overseas as marine parks at home and better Territories. implementation of MPAs in the UK Overseas Territories. Spread across the world’s oceans, the Overseas Territories harbour a The sticking point for the UK remarkable 94 per cent of the UK’s government has been actually making unique biodiversity. BLUE’s strategic the South Sandwich Islands a fully priority is to ensure that the waters of protected reserve. This issue slowed as many of these territories as possible the implementation of the rest of the are protected from overfishing. Blue Belt Charter, for which we have the support of 285 MPs. Michael Gove, The UN Patron of the Oceans, Lewis the Environment Secretary, proved Pugh, supported our coalition’s supportive - despite Foreign Office #BackTheBlueBelt campaign with pushback on the South Sandwich his unprecedented feat of swimming Islands - and, shortly after Lewis Pugh 330 miles from Land’s End to Dover finished his swim, announced the in 50 days, The Long Swim. Sky TV’s commitment that Britain would seek coverage of his progress and the the protection of 30 per cent of the places where Pugh stopped on the world’s oceans by 2030. way, many of them BLUE projects, 18 OUR PROJECTS 1919 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Ascension Island

The peak of a giant, undersea volcano forming part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Ascension Island is an isolated and exceptional British overseas territory. The upwellings and sea mounts in its waters are highly productive, harbouring huge and rare fish. Ascension hosts Below: Leigh Morris, Black triggerfish. the second largest green turtle nesting site in the Atlantic and is home Ascension Island cycle team. Pupils from Two Boats School with BLUE-funded iPads. to extraordinary seabirds.

Until 2013, Ascension’s 440,000 square Cycling for Ascension The future of marine protection Leigh Morris, BLUE’s ‘man on St Helena’ kilometre exclusive economic zone was being in Ascension spent a month on Ascension in the summer plundered by a long-line tuna fleet which was BLUE has continued to support Ascension as of 2018, supporting the roll out of new waste associated with human rights abuses, shark much as it can through our London to Monaco Diane Baum, Head of Conservation on management and recycling strategies for the finning and high levels of by-catch. cycle ride. Now in its third year, the ride has Ascension, put together an Evidence and island. Leigh has written detailed reports on raised funds and brought a range of benefits to Options Paper for the Ascension Island the waste management and horticulture on In January 2016, BLUE helped secure the the island, including: Councillors to explore the costs and benefits Ascension Island to identify potential next steps closure of 52.6 per cent of Ascension’s waters of a 50 per cent marine protected area and the opportunity for more collaboration • 32 iPads for school children to fishing. The northern 47.4 per cent is open versus a 100 per cent marine protected area between the UK overseas territories. to long-line fishing on purchase of a licence on • A new science lab for Two Boats School in Ascension’s waters. BLUE submitted its condition that vessels adhere to best-practice response to this paper ahead of the Council guidelines. But only four licences have been • The new Green Mountain boardwalk reaching its final decision in February 2019. In sold since January 2016. By contrast, the particular, BLUE outlined the potential benefits conservation team has raised over £2m for • New information boards and signage of a 100 per cent marine protected area. the island. throughout the reserve

Life on Ascension has become very difficult • Turtle interns to monitor turtle breeding on Working on Ascension since April 2017 when the runway (owned Long Beach and operated by the American airforce) was The only way to get to Ascension at the moment closed for repairs. A once-a-month flight to • Shark tags to track shark activity around is via St Helena, and then you have to stay St Helena is insufficient to keep tourism alive the island either a night or a month! But BLUE managed to and means that the islanders struggle to send two people to Ascension in the last year: • Lab equipment to ensure that Ascension’s obtain supplies. rare and endemic plants can be Polly Burns spent two and a half months on BLUE has written a ‘vision for the future propagated Ascension and Saint Helena in 2017 where she of Ascension’ which stresses the need for interviewed 139 Ascension residents as part of 2018’s ride raised £100,000 for Ascension Island the islanders to be supported in their role her ‘Old Man and the Sea’ thesis. In 2018 she and BLUE is keen that this funding provides as custodians of some of Britain’s most published her thesis which is a comprehensive further support for the island community, exceptional biodiversity. BLUE believes that study of Ascension’s marine environment from including the renovation of the Turtle Ponds, a Ascension would be best served if 100 per the date of discovery in 1503 to the present day. mini kiln for community pottery classes and an cent of its waters was declared a marine innovative laser cutter to teach pupils design protected area. This would, we believe, unlock and technology. significant philanthropic donations as well as opening up eco-tourism and scientific funding Ascension fielded its own cycle team in 2017 opportunities. But we also believe that the and 2018 with riders braving strong winds and UK Government should support Ascension tropical heat, to raise awareness for marine by funding the cost of enforcing its marine conservation on the island. protected area. 20 OUR PROJECTS 21 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION St Helena REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

St Helena’s waters were designated an IUCN Category VI marine protected area in 2016. BLUE is working alongside the community to ensure that the area – all 444,916 square kilometres – is indeed protected and that the local islanders benefit from their exceptional natural resource.

BLUE’s St Helena team, Beth Taylor and Leigh BLUE also understands that St Helena has a local Morris, began work with the St Helena National fishery which needs to be protected against outside Trust early in 2018. They have recruited a team of long-lining interests. We are working closely with local ‘Saints’ and together have achieved a huge local one-by-one pole and line fishermen to try to get amount in their first year. better prices for their tuna. Beth has been elected onto the committee of both the St Helena Nature A key focus has been on outreach and Conservation Group and the St Helena Commercial education to raise enthusiasm about the island’s Fishermen’s Association. exceptional sea life. The marine team held This photo: Beth Taylor with whale shark. Below; bearded screenings of the BBC’s Blue Planet II which were Even though it is so remote, St Helena sees plastic Fireworm, St Helena Sharpnose Pufferfish, Cunningfish, lobster by Leigh Morris, the St Helena team on the ground. attended by over 500 people, some of whom waste washed up on its shores. The marine team gave presentations on their work and love for the cleans-up plastic and collects data from the island’s Facing page: Diver comes face to face with a spotted moray eel. oceans. Beth has been working to develop a new two main beaches every week. It has secured Marine Centre on the waterfront to showcase the a £72,000 grant with the Government’s Marine island’s marine reserve. The Team on St Helena Section to develop an innovative plastics recycling has been engaging with the island schools and programme on the island. Plastic pellets discovered are developing a marine education programme. on Sandy Bay beach were revealed to be part of a major spill in Durban South Africa a few months St Helena is believed to be one of the few places earlier. This became a major news story on the island, in the world where whale sharks may breed. raising a lot of interest on plastic pollution within the BLUE (with the help of Simon Le Bon) secured a Saint community. But in the spirit of transforming grant from NEX for £150,000 which will be used to waste to a good purpose, BLUE is working with a local record previously unseen breeding behaviour of jeweller to develop beautiful sea glass jewellery using whale sharks. glass collected on beach cleans.

PIECES OF LITTER COLLECTED 22 23 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Adam Sweidan of Aurum, David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, Charles Clover, BLUE, From top left: Early image of marine life on Ascension Island. Polly on her research mission to Ascension and Walton Brown, Minister of Home Affairs in the Cabinet Office, Bermuda. and St Helena, with local fishermen.

Bermuda Ascension’s Global Importance

Bermuda is one of seven seamounts BLUE’s view has been that Bermuda could BLUE funded MSc researcher But whereas in other parts of the world, similar that sit amid the Sargasso Sea. Its reconcile its domestic conservation laws with Polly Burns to reconstruct studies show biodiversity loss to have been international best practice with relative ease, pervasive and steep, in Ascension the abundant coral reefs, the most northerly in thereby unlocking funding for conservation and the environmental history of marine life has remained remarkably intact. the world, are in excellent condition monitoring of the island’s remaining habitats, Ascension’s marine fauna, from This makes Ascension highly unusual in a by global standards but the island terrestrial and marine, including its relatively discovery in 1503 to the present unfished offshore waters. BLUE advanced fast-changing world in which overexploitation has had its ups and downs with this case with officials under the previous day. Polly spent four weeks on and species declines are commonplace. It fisheries management and control government and visited again in May when Ascension and two weeks on St shows that Ascension has extraordinarily high of illegal fishing. Bermuda is key to Charles Clover had an apparently successful Helena studying archives and conservation significance, and warrants the highest possible level of protection. the conservation of the Sargasso meeting with David Burt, the dynamic Premier. interviewing 139 residents about All went quiet until the autumn when the In early 2019, Polly returned to Ascension with Sea, the huge area of high seas Governor, John Rankin, made his annual Throne their experiences of marine life BLUE’s director of policy, Adrian Gahan to between the Azores and Florida. Speech (on behalf of the Queen) in which he over the last fifty years. present her findings to the islanders and show referred back to the conference organised by them – according to their own testimony – just Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory though XL Catlin as one of the highlights of the year. Her study of historical archives has unearthed how special Ascension is. its government is highly independent and “Organisations like the Blue Marine Foundation depictions of abundant fish and seabirds in does not wholeheartedly embrace the British participated in the Ocean Risk conference early images of the islands. These are unusual government’s commitment to create a “Blue hosted in Bermuda in May, and their goal features of early engravings, leading one Belt” of marine reserves and good fishing of increasing the protection for the world’s to conclude that Ascension marine life was practice around its territories. Bermuda is a oceans is one Bermuda should share.” We will considered exceptional centuries ago. therefore a unique conundrum, with a high level be returning to discover if Bermuda’s elected of consciousness about marine conservation on government agrees with him in 2019. the island and a distinguished history of marine conservation that dates back to protecting turtles in the 1600s. 24 OUR PROJECTS 25 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION BLUE is committed to overcoming some of the Blackwater major barriers to restoration not only in the Solent, but throughout Europe. BLUE is working BLUE has also been supporting the restoration with researchers from Cefas and the Roslin of native oysters in Essex. The Essex Native Institute to investigate the basis for genetic Oyster Restoration Initiative (ENORI) is working resistance to Bonamia in oysters. Bonamia to restore native oysters and the beds they causes mass mortalities in oysters – up to 90 form in the 284km2 Blackwater, Crouch, Colne per cent in severe cases. It represents one of the and Roach marine conservation zone (MCZ). major barriers to restoration and this project BLUE has supported the project by hiring a could be potentially ground-breaking. coordinator, Matt Utley, to drive the restoration

programme.

BLUE is also working with windfarm operator, Ørsted, to place broodstock oysters around the bases of the Gunfleet Sands wind turbines. This innovative project will be a UK first and provide Solent and an additional source of larvae for the MCZ. Blackwater

Oyster beds filter the water column, removing nitrogen, sequestering carbon and providing habitats for hundreds of species. Tragically, they have disappeared around the UK’s coastline, and these critical services lost from the environment. BLUE is creating a model for restoration of this key habitat by relaying millions of oysters into the Solent – once Europe’s largest self-sustaining native oyster fishery.

2018 has been an eventful year for the Solent parties meant that these oysters were spared Oyster Restoration Project. The number of sites and now form part of the restoration process. housing the innovative broodstock oyster cages has increased from six to ten. The cages continue to be a great way to get young people engaged in marine conservation. Increasing the number of sites has helped A strong and growing volunteer network has to distribute further the larvae produced by the developed over 2018, with over 200 volunteers adult oysters that live within the cages. involved in the project. In the summer of 2018, the broodstock oysters spawned – these oysters can release up to one Throughout October and November this year, million larvae each! BLUE conducted its first seabed relaying trials. A total of 20,000 juvenile native oysters were BLUE worked with the fishing industry and re-seeded into the River Hamble. These oysters the National Grid to ensure the effective will be monitored over the next six months. The translocation of oysters that may otherwise results of this trial will help to inform the scaling have been destroyed during infrastructure up of relaying to one million oysters in 2019. works. Hard work and cooperation from all

This page (from top): BLUE team laying oysters. Senior Project Manager, Morven Robertson, discusses oysters with Lewis Pugh.

Facing page (from top left): A goby found in a broodstock cage, students from Orchard House School learn about oysters, Charles Clover and Lewis Pugh speak to Sky News about the collapse of the Solent oyster population. 26 OUR PROJECTS 27 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Lyme Bay

BLUE’s flagship project in Lyme Bay continues to show that marine protected areas, when managed properly, can restore ecosystems and give a voice to the communities that live and depend on them.

Over the last seven years, BLUE has developed observed by commercial and recreational a collaborative model with fishermen, scientists, fishermen. marine regulators, conservationists and recreational interests to effectively manage the But well-conserved marine life does not come Lyme Bay Reserve and facilitate an open forum at a price to local fishermen – quite the reverse. to discuss relevant developments in the sector. Local fishermen enthuse about the evident recovery in fish populations. One scallop diver Sensitive management of the reserve has led said, ‘I could have lived down there for a year to a flourishing of marine life. When Lyme Bay and not caught anything like I’m catching now was first surveyed by Plymouth University in in a single dive’. Facing page: Lyme Bay fisherman by Saeed Rashid. This page from top: Scallops by Saeed Rashid. 2008, the year that the area was first closed Brothers Charlie and Gavin Ziemann. A delicate ross coral on the seafloor of the Reserve. to bottom-towed gear, the seabed was heavily Not only are the fish more plentiful, but degraded and fish stocks were in decline. Take fishermen are better off. By signing up to a dive today and you are met with a seabed BLUE’s code of conduct and agreeing to fish bursting with marine life and vibrant colour. sustainably, fishermen can earn more for In 2018, BLUE made further advances in port Even areas that were once sand are slowly their catch thanks to improvements in port infrastructure with a regular van now taking being colonised by reef. Pelagic fish species infrastructure and new routes to market under fish to market in Plymouth. BLUE has also are also thriving, with a record number of rays BLUE’s growing Reserve Seafood brand. issued new mobile phones to all the fishermen on the scheme to house an app called GAP Guardian. This user-friendly app uses satellite technology to deliver accurate positioning data and guarantees the traceability of each catch.

Results from Lyme Bay prove that banning trawling and dredging facilitates the recovery of the marine environment. It has also shown that fishermen can fish sustainably and be rewarded economically. However, Lyme Bay remains one of the only UK marine protected areas that is entirely protected from damaging gear types. Trawling and dredging are still allowed in some 92 per cent of England’s supposed protected areas. More shocking still, some even allow electric pulse fishing. (See page 32.) 28 OUR PROJECTS 29 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION UK Sustainable Fisheries BLUE’s work in Lyme Bay has shown that it is possible to deliver conservation gains which benefit small-scale fishermen and their communities. In 2018 BLUE set about rolling out this model to four further sites around the UK coast. At the heart of our model is collaboration: we work with local fishermen, conservationists, scientists, recreational

interests and regulators to develop a plan which will best serve the marine environment and coastal communities. BLUE’s long-term vision is to see the UK’s inshore waters once again teeming with life where sustainable, local fishing communities thrive.

North Devon Isle of Arran Berwickshire Jersey

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is home South Arran is the largest marine protected The Berwickshire coastline is home to soft Jersey’s territorial waters with its seagrass, to extraordinary biodiversity. Sandy gravels area in Scotland protecting some of the corals, sea caves, rocky reefs and kelp forests. kelp forests and maerl beds showcase some provide essential spawning grounds for sharks country’s most important and productive Converging tidal currents from the warm Gulf of the best shallow marine habitats in the and rays and are interspersed with rocky reef seabed habitats. It contains the Clyde’s largest Stream and the much colder Arctic Stream British Isles. The government of Jersey is keen nurseries for shellfish including rare spiny seagrass bed, a patchwork of recovering maerl mean cold-water species live alongside exotic to protect its waters, and in 2017, two extensive lobsters. At its heart lies Lundy Island and one beds and nursery grounds for scallops and warm-water species. Within these waters lies marine protected areas (MPAs) were designated of only three no-take zones in the UK. finfish such as cod, haddock and whiting. the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine to protect large offshore reefs – one of which is Reserve – a paradise for divers and one of the three times the size of Jersey itself. For centuries, fishermen have worked with the Within the MPA lies Lamlash Bay no-take only places in the UK where the elusive wolffish strong, unpredictable tides to fish a diverse zone, the first and only fully-protected marine can be found. Samantha Blampied, BLUE’s local PhD and abundant catch. In the 19th century, over reserve in Scotland. BLUE is supporting the student, is helping build a case for further 100 boats were based out of Clovelly alone in Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) BLUE is supporting the marine reserve to marine protection by monitoring species pursuit of their ‘silver darlings’ (herring). Today, and Glasgow and York Universities to continue establish essential monitoring of habitats and recovery within the newly established MPAs. only three herring fishermen remain, and the monitoring recovery inside these protected fish stocks to address knowledge gaps about Her assessment of commercial fish and shellfish disappearing fishery is a reflection of the areas. Their research provides evidence of the pressures the area may be under including stock recovery will help demonstrate the struggles of inshore fishermen around the UK. changes in populations of important marine fishing and climate change. This work will economic value of Jersey’s MPAs to the local life and fish stocks which demonstrates the determine both the impacts and sustainable fishing fleet. BLUE is working with local fishermen, regulators value of large marine reserves. limits of all marine users inside the marine and scientists to map North Devon’s marine reserve, advocating for best practice and Excitingly, just one year since designation, habitats to ensure they are protected and BLUE will use this evidence to build the case management where possible. marine life is making a swift comeback. improve fisheries monitoring and reporting. for more core reserves around the UK. Juvenile scallops have appeared across the This will allow North Devon’s small-scale fishing BLUE hopes to demonstrate the value of maerl beds that provide the perfect nursery communities to achieve a higher market value community-led marine protected area ground. Such evidence of recovery underpins for their catch and secure the future of this management in the UK by measuring its the case for protecting and extending Jersey’s sustainable, artisanal fishery. impact ecologically, economically and socially marine ecosystems, ensuring fragile and on local coastal communities. Part of this work important habitats are safeguarded and fishing involves fostering a partnership approach to levels are sustainable. If proven successful, management based on Lyme Bay including additional areas that could benefit from MPAs science fisher research collaborations to will be put forward to government. underpin a suitable long-term bottom up management strategy.

Caption

Facing page from left: Clovelly herring festival 2018. BLUE PhD Sam Blampied and States of Jersey Fisheries Officer Francis Binney measure a spider crab and lobster as part of study to assess levels of potting within Jersey’s MPAs.

This page: A brown crab (cancer pagurus) is measured and tagged. Sam Blampied takes a look at the seabed of Les Ecrehos MPA thanks to a drop down video camera. 30 OUR PROJECTS 31 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Marine Parks

Marine parks could be the best way to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and maritime heritage of our coastal waters. Marine parks allow the story of the ocean (and why we should protect Plymouth sits within one of the biggest and it) to be told simply and effectively. most beautiful natural harbours in the UK, its surrounding waters are some of the highest designated in the country. Despite rich The conference concluded that marine parks Why do we need marine parks on top of maritime heritage, parts of Plymouth remain could better protect coastal waters as public everything else? The current network of disconnected from the sea – there are children assets. They could bring shared prosperity, protection suffers, as BLUE trustee Professor who have never visited a beach. Plymouth, public engagement and even regeneration to Callum Roberts says, from “a tragic lack of the UK’s Ocean City, will be the first marine deprived coastal communities. Furthermore, a ambition.” At this point, as Julian Glover writes park in the country. marine park could be established in Plymouth Michael Gove’s National Park Review, marine Nationally, we are on the threshold of a Sound using existing legislation and this could parks remain undefined in this country. We have great opportunity. Marine parks could be the form a blueprint for others in the UK. In support a chance to make them extraordinary in their vehicle to conserve and enhance the precious of the conference and the nascent marine park, conservation ambition. We should be leading coastlines that fringe our island, but they Plymouth landmark Smeaton’s Tower was lit up the world on this, we are not. require cross-party political support fired by in blue. public interest. During 2019, this is what BLUE In June, BLUE and Plymouth City Council invited Next year is the 70th anniversary of the 130 delegates to the National Marine Aquarium will seek to encourage. National Parks Act, it is high time for to discuss whether marine parks could improve national parks for our seas that work for the the conservation of natural beauty, wildlife environment and people. BLUE’s strategy is and cultural heritage in UK coastal waters and two-fold; to push for marine parks to become provide opportunities for people to understand part of the national agenda and to support the and enjoy the country’s marine landscapes. development and implementation of the UK’s first marine park in Plymouth.

Charles Clover calls on the audience to vote. Plymouth Sound, the potential site of the first A panel of marine parks experts answer Smeaton’s Tower on Plymouth Hoe is turned blue There was unified approval for creating a National Marine Park in the UK. questions from the audience. by Plymouth City Council in honour of the proposed marine park in Plymouth. National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound. 32 OUR PROJECTS 33 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION The Fisheries Bill

This is the first entirely new Fisheries

Electric Fishing Bill for the UK in over 100 years. BLUE knew that a new Fisheries Bill would come with Brexit. Our task was to ensure that industry, Around the world many countries have tried pulse fishing but concluded Facing page: Images from BLUE’s fellow environmentalists, DEFRA and the devolved that it was too effective, that the collateral damage was too high and #StopElectricFishing social media administrations approached this Bill with the campaign. Images: Bloom. had it stopped. common aim of trying to achieve best practice Top: An electric pulse trawler. in fisheries management. BLUE organised a conference in 2017 to explain the various best- practice models globally - the US, Australia, Norway Electric fishing is one of the most controversial undertaken and this is in reality an out-and-out and New Zealand - and another conference on weapons in the fisheries arsenal. Nets bristling commercial fishery. transition to an independent coastal state, in April with electrodes are dragged along the seabed, 2018. With the publication of the Fisheries Bill in the zapping everything in their path and leaving After receiving reports from fishermen that autumn we realised we would need to improvise some of the UK’s richest MPAs in the North The rapidly to improve the wording of a hurriedly- behind a trail of destruction. Pulse fishing causes fish to spasm and spring up into nets, Sea were being turned into “graveyards” by drafted Bill. This we did. Our experts gave evidence but tests show that it also kills 25 per cent of a fleet of (mostly Dutch) pulse trawlers, BLUE to MPs and government officials and sat, until 11 partnered with French NGO Bloom to campaign Media Unit o’clock at night, in committees, trying to ensure young cod outright and can break the spines against this flagrant disregard of EU policy. of big fish. It is only now being fully tested on that a less-than-perfect Bill delivers conservation. On the back of the huge success of Among our objectives: to give devolved organisms living on the seabed, to which it is BLUE lodged a complaint with the European Blue Planet II, BLUE has launched administrations a duty to co-operate properly believed to be lethal. Commission and widely publicised the a groundbreaking and innovative and to ensure that UK fisheries are responsibly issue, getting the story published in the media unit to continue and accelerate Pulse fishing has been banned in countries managed as a public asset. Times newspaper. In December 2018, the UK campaigning and action for the oceans. around the world, including China and the US. government announced that pulse fishing The media unit will focus on quality The EU banned it in 1998, but in 2006 allowed would be banned in UK waters post-Brexit. content and social media to drive members to use electric fishing to fulfil their The fight to get pulse fishing banned in the awareness and progress on the issues fishing quota in the North Sea in the name rest of the EU will continue in 2019. BLUE and our partners are addressing. of “research.” Little or no science has been

BLUE Head of Legal Affairs, Tom Appleby, gives evidence. BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 35 Facing page: 4000kg ghost net removed from the from ghost net removed page: 4000kg Facing sea floor. insulated use Fishermen in Stromboli top: From fish. caught sustainably to to add value fish boxes dry Octopus Turkey. in fishing community Woman-led overfished are waters but Greek sun in the Santorini up with Sunseeker teams BLUE and lack protection. protect to Fund Preservation and the Menorca marine environment. Menorca’s BLUE’s Ambitions in the in the Ambitions BLUE’s Sea Mediterranean has been network volunteer growing and A strong having volunteers 200 with over developing growing fisheries – Small-scale in the project. been involved ties community strong impact gear and low with their landscape with over the Mediterranean – dominate fleet, the fishing 80 per cent of for only yet accounting to strengthen seeks fish caught. BLUE cent of per 24 of the by adapting the principles artisanal fishers circumstances. Mediterranean Lyme Bay model to where sites for Mediterranean scouring the are We from artisanalwill benefit co-managing fishers the and implementing areas marine protected engaging local pressure, Lyme principles: reducing marine management, supporting better communities, sharing, and spreading knowledge coordinating such identified several have We success. of stories – and and Turkey Cyprus as in Greece, – such sites with like-minded relationships work establishing are and individuals. organisations implement a locally- plan is to Our long term in a resulting these sites, model in each of adapted cohort leading each fishing community of substantial engaged in and actively in sustainability the way these local groups marine management; moreover, sharing and knowledge of network a strong form the Mediterranean. support across collaborative Menorca a declared was Menorca The Balearic Island of The Biosphere in 1993. UNESCO by Reserve Biosphere BLUE realm and the marine into extending is finally Menorca’s that it protects ensure to is on the ground from pressure Increasing environment. marine diverse existing risk making tourism fishing and unregulated habitats ineffective; marine protection and proposed as juvenile vital which are beds, as seagrass such carbon than 35 times more – and trap nurseries fish especially vulnerable. – are rainforests the Menorca up with local NGO, teamed BLUE International, and Sunseeker Fund Preservation restore marine protection, improve to on a project a network establishing beds by seagrass vulnerable ghost fishing nets, removing ‘eco-moorings’, of reducing pollution. and illegal fishing monitoring on the island all fish packaging has replaced BLUE ongoing work and alternatives with biodegradable reducing pressure fishermen is with local small-scale fish stocks. on coastal Fisheries exchanges fishermen Aeolian by taken endeavour The voluntary example, is setting a fine sustainably fish more to small-scale A BLUE both locally and internationally. fishermen brought programme exchange fisheries Lyme Bay and from in Italy MPAs existing three from fishermen convinced Aeolian the Aeolians. in the UK to of conduct’‘codes the audience that adopting fishing in the sea. Their visiting life restore to essential was recovery the remarkable of spoke counterparts Italian The in Italy. well-managed MPAs within fish stocks of Lyme Bay reports from by cemented was argument in fish populations and prices increases long-term of of The exchange seafood. sustainable traceable, for a small- opinion resulted and experience knowledge, Aeolian with visiting and revolution, scale fishing partto be of the scheme. fishermen all asking fishermen to be fishing less and making more money. money. and making more to be fishing less fishermen landings and seagrass on fish Scientific studies baseline beds compliment the project, providing marine environment, which on the Aeolian knowledge BLUE and allow of the MPA will influence designation time. in ocean health over document improvements to the seas is in the hands of Aeolian of The future the most: on these waters and rely people who know scientists and support NGOs, fishermen. With from to government, the dynamic may revert the Italian for those who care for the ocean provides one where it most.

OUR PROJECTS OUR

Artisanal Aeolian fishermen are steadily running out of fish. The once running out steadily are fishermen Artisanal Aeolian by been overfished bountiful have the Sicilian archipelago around seas for pelagic quota fishing boats with advanced technologically large, tuna. and bluefin swordfish fish like Aeolian Islands Aeolian Local, small-scale fishermen are forced to fish forced fishermen are Local, small-scale reefs fish on lower-value catching shore, closer to lost on the rocky often beds. Nets are and seagrass years. for sea life entangle leftseabed and are to co-existedfor with the sea The fishermen have With that changing. millennia; this dynamic is now values and community culture history, change, lost. are this reverse is to in the Aeolians mission BLUE’s an effective of the establishment change through and a low-impact, area marine protected closely with works local fishery. BLUE sustainable a local Fund, Island Preservation the Aeolian has government this. The Italian achieve to NGO, marine reserve the largest creating to committed support to is underway in the country and research the designation. Aeolian MPA of the and efficacy The success Aeolian the from is dependent on the buy-in With this in fishermen and island communities. the Lyme Bay fisheries- is developing mind, BLUE MPA the Aeolian ensure model to conservation supports support the fishermen and the fishermen at its most efficient. – marine conservation the MPA and Salina Islands have Stromboli of The fishermen of conduct’, ‘codes fishing responsible signed up to fishing pressure. their gear and reducing voluntarily these fishermen with insulated is providing BLUE quality the to improve and ice machines fish boxes goal is for The ultimate their catch. of and value

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Maldives Coral reefs are the most threatened ecosystem on this planet. The Maldives owes its entire existence to them, yet less than 0.1 per cent of the country’s waters is protected.

The Maldives Resilient Reefs Project After working in the Maldives for over two years with the national government and local Education communities, we have a strong appreciation of In 2018, BLUE donated marine species what is at stake. identification books to all the schools in the BLUE wants to rebuild and protect climate resilient Atoll, providing easy access to information reefs teaming with fish. We aim to prove that to 2,400 students. Under a partnership with marine protection can benefit nature, tourism Ministry of Education’s Farukoe (reef child) and the Maldivian people. programme, we took 200 students snorkelling- a first for many. Working from the top down... What next? In July, BLUE met with the Maldivian government to agree on new work activities. However, our plans The end of this year has been a great success changed when in November, unexpectedly, another From top left: A Maldivian girl looks up after for BLUE. The Laamu Atoll Council declared party won the national election. having seen a coral reef underwater for the very five new marine protected areas in the atoll. first time, BLUE supports the national educational Two of these are the grouper spawning Quick off the mark, that same month, Charles, programme ‘Farukoe’ to show every child in the aggregation sites that BLUE identified last Viv and Shaha travelled to the capital to meet the Maldives a coral reef, a young Maldivian boy year and one of them is the largest green newly elected Ministers and the previous President observing marine life amongst a healthy patch of turtle nesting site in the country. BLUE will of the Maldives to discuss how BLUE could assist seagrass, school girls holding the marine ID guides work to develop management plans for the new government to meet its international BLUE donated to schools in Laamu Atoll, Sha, Viv these areas in 2019. and Charles meet the Minister of Environment and commitments. Energy. Charles explains the crisis of overfishing to Our meetings were a huge success and BLUE is guests at Six Senses Laamu. supporting the Ministry of Environment to develop and implement their national strategy on marine protected areas, and working with the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture to manage the commercial grouper fishery. And from the bottom up...

BLUE’s work continues to thrive at the local level in Laamu Atoll where we are working with local fishermen, government, communities, schools and Six Senses Laamu to ensure we have their support for a fully protected marine reserve. From top left: Statue of an artisanal sturgeon fisherman at the gate of the 38 OUR PROJECTS first MPA in the Caspian Sea. Spawning 39 grounds of Caspian kutum (whitefish) will be protected by the Gizilagaj MPA. 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION Fingerling sturgeon. Rory Moore chairs a REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION working group of marine conservationists Patagonia Azerbaijan in Baku, Azerbaijan. BLUE is gathering evidence to justify the designation of a vast marine protected area in the Gulf of Peñas in Patagonia, one of the last great coastal refuges in the world and a feeding ground for some of the rarest baleen whales in the Pacific Ocean.

A mass mortality event of over 200 Sei BLUE believes that the whales and the threats

whales in Patagonia in 2016 first drew our they are facing strengthen the case for attention to the area. Research suggests that protection of the area, but what is needed is this was caused by toxic blooms of red algae, co-ordination of local and international NGOs and may well be exacerbated by the threat of to form a Patagonian MPA working group. intensive, poorly-regulated salmon farming, The proposed group will press for a number of which floods the fjords with antibiotics and strategic MPAs along the Pacific Chilean coast, algae-promoting fish waste. Then in December the Gulf of Peñas being the largest. 2018, BLUE researchers observed a juvenile Blue whale in the gulf, confirming suspicions that A vast MPA in the Gulf of Peñas would not only the area is home to the largest animal on the protect the great whales and their habitat but planet. Acoustic hydrophone recordings also ensure that coastal fishing communities thrive, point to the presence of Southern right and and destructive, unsustainable salmon farming Humpback whales. is regulated. In 2018, BLUE saw the designation of the first ever MPA in the Caspian Sea, Gizilagaj MPA, near the mouth of the Kura river. The MPA provides a sanctuary for sub- adult sturgeon and spawning Kutum.

1948: A conservationist stood at the banks block migration, systematic poaching reduces of the Kura river and watched in awe as stocks further, climate change alters river flow great schools of anadromous fish made their and pollution has disrupted the food chain. annual migration to spawning grounds in the oxygen rich, fast flowing mountain rivers of BLUE is working with local NGO, IDEA, to tackle these problems by building a partnership the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Giant Clockwise from top: Research between government, charities and local Caspian salmon, lamprey and six species of vessel ‘Saoirse’ searches for endemic sturgeon instinctively followed the communities. BLUE is using innovative whales in a glacial fjord. A 22 fresh snow-melt for hundreds of miles so that environmental DNA sampling to identify areas metre subadult Blue whale they could lay their eggs. We will never know still frequented by endangered marine species. surfaces for air. The BLUE if the conservationist foresaw that these were project team prepares for DNA A countrywide ban of gillnets has reduced the last marches of the sturgeon and that their sampling. The Gulf is one of poaching and accidental bycatch of migratory the last great remote coastal survival was in the balance with the onset of fish. As protection increases and habitats are refuges for feeding whales. industrialisation in the Caspian basin. restored, the balance may be tipping in favour Researchers document a giant Today, these fish are all critically endangered in of these prehistoric, nomadic fish. Sei whale skeleton - one of 200 discovered in the gulf. All photos the wild and will become extinct if conservation and back page by Will Darwin. measures do not succeed. Hydroelectric dams BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 41

Dan Crockett and Adrian Gahan from BLUE BLUE Gahan from and Adrian Dan Crockett the of as members the UN conference attended coalition of an international High Seas Alliance, a comprehensive secure campaigning to NGOs UN agreement. that this UN high seas process believes BLUE to Britain for opportunity a rare can create in global position itself as a leading player ocean conservation. to G7 country the first was The UK government 30 per protecting commit, to 2018, in September work to intends BLUE 2030. by its waters cent of and our sector with the UK government, private embed this ambition civil society partners to it as a catalyst and use government UK across in the UN high seas process. leadership for campaign on a two-year has embarked BLUE and awareness a vision, raise articulate to in high seas leadership encourage ultimately the High Seas of As members conservation. global, legally-binding seeking a are Alliance we seas biodiversity. high protect to treaty

BLUE’s mission is to see 30 per cent of the world’s ocean under protection ocean under protection the world’s 30 per cent of see is to mission BLUE’s the ocean, up 64 per cent of which make and the high seas, 2030 by this goal. achieving to vital are

OUR PROJECTS OUR Protecting Highthe Seas The high seas, those parts of the ocean beyond those parts the ocean beyond The high seas, of up nearly two national jurisdiction, make than one less ocean. Yet world’s the of thirds protected. the high seas is properly per cent of organisations 21 separate of A patchwork spaces species, different regulates currently with varying and activities on the high seas, effectiveness. of degrees requires patchwork This regulatory a legal instrument specifically underpinning by and biodiversity, protect designed to the scientific need independently assess protection. for Nations United of a two-year stage The first agreement an international secure to process National Beyond in Areas Biodiversity protect to 2018 in Jurisdiction (BBNJ) began in September York. New the political and raise ambition to It is BLUE’s the next over talks of these UN public profile leading a coalition of will develop We years. two and maritime retail the food, from businesses the UK government in urging join us to sectors in ocean role a global leadership take to high an ambitious for push to diplomacy seas deal.

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Education BLUE’s goal is to inspire and educate young people about marine conservation locally and internationally, equipping them with knowledge to tackle the problems facing our oceans.

In 2018, BLUE maintained its education BLUE makerzine outreach programmes, formed new school partnerships and developed initiatives and In partnership with Planetari, founded by BLUE educational materials for the UK Overseas Ambassador Cindy Forde, BLUE has created an Territories and the Maldives. educational ‘makerzine’. With pop-up sections and lots of interaction, the makerzine is a fun School partnerships way of exploring the ocean – the creatures, the geography, the science and the threats. BLUE was chosen by Orchard House School By using illustrated examples from BLUE’s as its charity of the year in Chiswick, London. project sites, we enable children to visualise The children worked hard to raise over £10,000 ocean conservation from anywhere in the world. through activities and events. In the summer, Copies of the makerzine will be distributed to these students visited our Solent Oyster our partnering schools in London, Ascension Restoration Project in the River Hamble. Island, St. Helena and the Maldives. BLUE was also selected as the annual Charity by Garden House School in Chelsea, London, Snorkelling initiative, Maldives where we enjoyed explaining our work at school In 2018, BLUE staff taught over 200 Maldivian assemblies. These young conservationists are children how to snorkel and identify species brilliantly knowledgeable about the issues they saw along the way. For many children, this facing our oceans and BLUE staff left feeling was their first time looking underwater. They buoyed up by their enthusiasm. were amazed by what they saw and much more receptive to learning about plastic pollution Lyme Bay outreach and coral bleaching. In Lyme Bay, fishermen deliver interactive presentations to local students, sharing their own experiences and explaining why sustainable fishing works. The children love having talks from real fishermen and being introduced to Larry the Lobster.

Top from left: Gavin Ziemann displaying an example of marine litter to a classroom. Jacob Kean Hammerson teaches pupils about oyster restoration. Pupils from Two Boats School learning about the coastline of Ascension Island. 45 We are a small, focused team with huge ambitions. We are pragmatic pragmatic are ambitions. We with huge team focused a small, are We engage with UK and We no for an answer. do not take We conservationists. communities with local work We and organisations. governments international build partnerships, often with unlikely We projects. conservation establish to outcomes. improbable achieve to allies,

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2018 REVIEW 44 47 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION £1 MILLION REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION RAISED FOR 10,000 M OCEAN CONSERVATION ELEVATION OVER THREE YEARS

270 RIDERS FROM 13 COUNTRIES £460,000 OVER THREE YEARS (UK, IRELAND, MONACO, ITALY, SPAIN, GERMANY, RUSSIA, HOLLAND, FRANCE, ITALY, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA AND US) RAISED LONDON2MONACO

“Oceans are more than ever 53 PUNCTURES at the heart of our common 1800 CUPS OF COFFEE future. The London to Monaco 3 X 200 KM DAYS cycle ride is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness on the necessity to protect our fragile oceans.”

H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO

12 COUNTRIES 120 RIDERS 7 DAYS 8 COUNTRIES BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 49 Automobile Club De Monaco Automobile Torrison, and Terry Damien Crean COCC & Hunter Rawlinson Looping Events adventure X Race UB-Cool Communications exSite Billy Springer Special mention for their support: • • • • • • • • underway well already 2019 are Plans for incredible more route, including a new climb and additional exciting to mountains Watch and sponsors. our riders for perks this space! www.london-monaco.cc London – Dover (134km 84 miles) / – Dover London miles) / 75 (120km Roubaix Dunkirk – (189km / 118 miles) Mondorf – Strasbourg / 86 miles) – Basel (139km Strasbourg / 106 Miles) (170km – Ivrea Martigny (185km / 115 miles) – Albenga Ivrea / 60 miles) (96km Albenga – Monaco CAROLINE O’DONNELL, ARTEMIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT ARTEMIS O’DONNELL, CAROLINE Day 1: Day Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: support the Blue to is delighted “Artemis the all know L2M. We and Marine Foundation inspired are face in our oceans. We we issues takes that BLUE the action by and encouraged the damage that’s or reverse help arrest to are been done and applaud the part they our oceans and seas.” playing in protecting ITALY ALBENGA GERMANY HOMES SWITZERLAND HOPKINS LUXEMBOURG IVREA BASEL MONACO STRASBOURG MARTIGNY BELGIUM MONDORF ROUBAIX FRANCE DUNKIRK DOVER UK CMJN 100 70 55 15 CMJN 100 50 37 4 London to Monaco 2018 and Partners Sponsors London to founding partner: L2M’s to A special thank you UK LONDON THE 2018 RIDE 2018 THE GLYN HUTCHINSON, ICON CONNECT ICON HUTCHINSON, GLYN PING TAI DIRECTOR, MANAGING HOLTHOFF, TIMO “We are proud to support Blue Marine to proud are “We on their again this year Foundation Monaco cycling challenging London to in and especially their efforts tour the ocean.” protecting “Icon Connect are proud to have have to proud “Icon Connect are supported Blue Marine since the and this epic journey beginning of their of results applaud the tangible We projects. marine conservation many hear the plans for 2019 and can’t to wait supporting L2M” to committed remain In three years, a total of 270 passionate, passionate, 270 of a total years, In three warriors ocean cycling and steadfast determined nearly helped raise have sponsors and event projects marine conservation £1 million for conservation in huge resulting the world around is working. BLUE gains in areas funds BLUE’s will support of four This year’s Mediterranean Helena, Ascension, St projects: roll-out and Lyme Bay. in the pedals again to took team The BLUE Vivienne Evans, 2018 including: Dan Crockett, Lynne Hammerson, Gahan, Jacob Kean Adrian and SJ Skinner Medlock,Robertson, Morven Catherine Whitley.

BLUE launched the third London to to London third launched the BLUE ride this September Monaco cycle £260,000 an impressive raising of again its target exceeding A Blue Marine Yacht £250,000. made an additional Club member to £200,000 of donation generous to London the projects go towards Monaco 2018 supported. Riding the waves the Riding

BILL SPRINGER JOURNALIST JOURNALIST SPRINGER BILL “I’ve already signed up to do the L2M signed up to “I’ve already because in a row!) ride (for the 4th year in highly helps BLUE raise we the money there’s But ways. and effective practical be to committed it than that. I’m to more because ongoing success part the L2M’s of anything how son young my show to I want action and pull take when we is possible big challenges.” tackle to together (FORBES, OCEAN HOME AND YACHTING MAGAZINES) YACHTING AND HOME OCEAN (FORBES,

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2018 REVIEW 48 50 51 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION Members have supported the Throughout the year members receive a creation of some of the world’s number of benefits and privileges including invitations to private dinners and BLUE’s largest marine protected areas annual events, access to scientists, marine in the world. conservationists and leaders from both government and business and various special BLUE takes a strategic and incisive approach to offers from BLUE’s partners tailored specifically solving the crisis which allows its BMYC members to BMYC members. to see tangible results from their donations. Members are offered the unique opportunity to Members are able to showcase their

Blue Marine visit BLUE’s projects around the world and see commitment to ocean conservation by flying first-hand the conservation benefits in areas the exclusive BMYC burgee designed by Ralph Yacht Club their money has helped protect. Lauren and adhering to the BMYC Club Charter. THE OCEAN’S FAVOURITE CLUB

“My family’s livelihood has been built around the oceans for generations. I can’t think of anything more important than keeping them alive and beautiful for generations to come. I support BLUE because they are an effective, It is through strong On board hardworking organisation who get the job done. The BMYC allows people with power and influence to use this On the final eve of our third London to Monaco institutional partnerships, collectively to reverse the ocean’s crisis. I love being a cycle ride, BLUE hosted its bi-annual Blue Marine such as the one between member because it’s the only yacht club that enables you Yacht Club member’s event at the Monaco Yacht to turn the tide!” my foundation and the Blue Club. The event was kindly sponsored by BLUE’s Marine Foundation that we long-standing partner and BMYC member, PETER LÜRSSEN, CEO OF LÜRSSEN YACHTS, 2 STAR BMYC MEMBER Lürssen and the Club’s founding patron, Prince “It makes complete sense to me to protect the things you can fight against climate Albert. The event took place on the poll deck of the love and enjoy. BLUE is making a real difference to the change and manage Monaco Yacht Club providing a beautiful setting health of our oceans and life within it so it gives me great for members and guests to relax while learning pleasure to be a long-standing member of the BMYC.” our natural resources how their support has benefited BLUE’s projects SIR CHARLES DUNSTONE, 1 STAR BMYC MEMBER responsibly.” and contributed to ocean protection on a global scale. “I have been passionate about the sea since I was a child and H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO, that passion has never diminished. I am therefore delighted BMYC FOUNDING PATRON to be a long-term supporter of BLUE in their commendable The Club endeavours to protect the world’s oceans. We will continue to Launched in 2012 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of work with BLUE for many years to come as this is something Monaco, BLUE set up the charitable initiative, the which will impact us all if nothing is done.” BMYC, to unite the world’s yachting communities ANDREW WINCH, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, WINCH DESIGN, 1 STAR BMYC MEMBER in a clear mission to protect our ocean. “Benetti are delighted to continue and grow their Yacht owners, shipyards, brokers, marinas and commitment to the Blue Marine Foundation by being a other members from within the superyacht member of the BMYC. The work BLUE does is essential to the industry are joining the BMYC at the client and preservation of the marine world, which we all depend upon corporate level to express their concern and for business and life. Benetti looks forward to introducing desire to protect the ocean. new ideas to help support their efforts ongoing”. TOBY WALKER, HEAD OF SALES, BENETTI, 1 STAR BMYC MEMBER Above: Prince Albert II of Monaco welcomes the riders to the Palace. Below left: Peter Lürssen.

Now is the time to join. Members Help us turn the tide.

For further information about membership please contact BLUE’s Head of Partnerships, Sara-Jane Skinner: [email protected] or +44 (0) 207 845 5850 52 53 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION Corporate REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION partners

At the 2018 Our Ocean conference in Bali, BLUE co-founder Chris Gorell Barnes was encouraged to see and hear from so many major businesses tackling the crisis in our ocean. As John Kerry said to open the conference: “We have 12 years

to save the world. We don’t need more science; we have to act now and fast to save the ocean. It always looks impossible until it’s done, let’s get it done.” BLUE’s corporate partners have been instrumental in “getting it done” during 2018. The power of corporates to make a difference to the future of the ocean has never been more important or pressing. Of particular note in 2018 were:

Long-term supporter of BLUE and BMYC member, Lürssen, exceeded BLUE took part in the NEX giving day, represented restore oysters to the Solent, BOAT International every expectation this year. As well as Lürssen paying for BLUE’s by our wonderful ambassador Simon Le Bon. provide invaluable media support and Climpson & marketing and communications as they have done for years, Peter A deserving group of charities presented Sons provide incredibly generous support to London Lürssen made a substantial personal donation to support BLUE’s competitively to win a grand prize for their to Monaco. Ascension Island’s walkways have been London to Monaco projects. All of the team at BLUE would like to thank respective causes. Beth Taylor took to the stage transformed thanks to Accsys Wood. Lürssen for their generous and visionary support. with Simon Le Bon and spoke about the importance BLUE would like to thank trustee Sofia Blount and of St Helena’s marine environment. At the end ambassador James Blunt for hosting our 2018 of the evening, NEX CEO and BLUE supporter New corporate partner DP World has supported BLUE’s high seas corporate partners dinner at their wonderful pub, Michael Spencer revealed the winner as… everyone. work for the next two years. BLUE aims to put 30 per cent of ocean The Fox and Pheasant. Team members Viv and This meant all charities received £150,000. The under protection by 2030 and the high seas are vital to achieving Morven presented about their respective projects, this long-term goal. BLUE is delighted to be working with DP World incredibly generous prize will support a range of much fine wine was consumed and corporate on a major campaign to encourage a successful result in the BBNJ initiatives on St Helena. partners old and new gathered to discuss (biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction) treaty negotiations. BLUE’s momentum. Mohammad Al Hashimy, Deputy Group General Counsel & Company BLUE would like to welcome Imperial Yachts and Secretary at DP World, said: “We are really excited to support Blue Bluegame as new corporate partners. BLUE would Last but not least, BLUE would like to thank each of Marine Foundation in their campaign to protect the high seas. DP World also like to thank James Hopkins of Hopkins Homes our pro-bono partners for their enduring and vital is committed to a sustainable ocean and recognises the importance of for his donation to London to Monaco. support. BLUE’s work is helped enormously by the this vast common resource for a healthy planet.” pro-bono commitment of Latham & Watkins, White Two long-standing corporate partners continue & Case, Rawlinson & Hunter, Steve Edge Design to improve our sartorial elegeance and raise and Freuds. Sunseeker International joined BLUE as a major corporate partner to donations: Frangipani released another shirt work together on Project Menorca. This major project aims to support and Reef Knots another tie in support of BLUE. BLUE is actively seeking new corporate partners, BLUE’s vision for a healthy Mediterranean with a number of initiatives, Donations in kind continue to be of huge assistance please contact BLUE’s Head of Development, including removal of ghost nets, a new patrol boat for MPA enforcement, to BLUE. For instance, MDL Marinas continue to Dan Crockett, [email protected] protection of seagrass beds and the installation of eco moorings. provide the infrastructure from which BLUE can or +44 781 235 4122. Sunseeker also created an extraordinary exhibition to illustrate the partnership at Southampton Boat Show.

Below from left: Dan Crockett with Julian Dunkerton, Steve Edge, Charles Clover sporting a Reef Knots tie. Facing page: BLUE team at NEX Giving Day and BLUE ambassador Simon Le Bon. 54 55 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Blue team and trustees

Charles Clover, Executive Director “I absolutely love being a Trustee of BLUE. Clare Brook, CEO The team work so hard and achieve so much, Tim Glover, UK Projects Director all with a smile on their faces. Most importantly Adrian Gahan, Director of Policy though, we are working to protect our children’s Dan Crockett, Head of Development Project Coordinators/Consultants Board of Trustees futures and that makes me even prouder of the Sara-Jane Skinner, Head of Partnerships Giulia Bernardi Dr Tom Appleby impact BLUE has made to date.” Lynne Medlock, Financial Controller Shaha Hashim Sofia Blount SOFIA BLOUNT, TRUSTEE Poppy Wetherill, Head of Operations Ran Levy Dr Arlo Brady Jess Rattle, Comms and Marketing Manager Sophie Locke Craig Davies Ian Hendy, Head of Conservation Leigh Morris Lord Deben “The ocean has always been a magical and captivating part of my life, so to make a Rory Moore, Senior Projects Manager, International Sarah Russell George Duffield, co-founder significant difference is extremely fulfilling Morven Robertson, Senior Projects Manager, UK Beth Taylor Chris Gorell Barnes, co-founder for me. Particularly when achieving marine Matt Uttley Professor Callum Roberts Viv Evans, Projects Manager, Maldives conservation success when working for BLUE.” Jacob Kean Hammerson, Solent Project Coordinator Mandy Wolfe Mark Rose IAN HENDY, HEAD OF CONSERVATION Catherine Whitley, UK Researcher Andrew Woods

“It’s impossible to imagine a more brilliant, “It’s my dream job, combining finance “No two days at BLUE are the same. One day “There was a lot to be proud of this year: dedicated, hard-working bunch than the BLUE experience with passion for the oceans and I’ll be discussing marine parks at Westminster our wonderful team, our growing influence, team. So much of BLUE’s success is down to the life it supports. To witness the dedication, and the next I’ll be dressed as a penguin, our work with great partners and solid these ocean-loving workaholics. Luckily they inspiration, energy and passion that every team interviewing Simon Le Bon about whale sharks. conservation successes nobody can take seem to enjoy what they do because they member gives to help BLUE achieve big impacts I’m amazed by how much the team is able to away from us, at home and abroad.” never stop!” is really special.” achieve, and I’m proud to be a part of it!” CHARLES CLOVER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLARE BROOK, CEO LYNNE MEDLOCK, FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JESS RATTLE, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS 56 57 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION BLUE would like to thank every single one of our supporters, no matter how Special thanks goes to: Peter Lürssen for his trail-blazing support, Julian Dunkerton for helping REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION big or small. Your support makes our vital mission possible. Thank you to BLUE transform the future of UK fishing, Rolly and Françoise Van Rappard for helping BLUE protect every individual donor, trust, foundation, corporate partner, BMYC member, Ascension and St Helena and for their visionary establishment of BLUE’s media unit, Michael Spencer for his generosity and Merrill Eliza Fitzgibbons. We are so grateful to Zara and Mike Tindall Join BLUE member, ambassador, pro bono supporter and volunteer. for launching London to Monaco and to Prince Albert of Monaco for welcoming the ride at his palace for the third time. Huge thanks to Simon Le Bon for donating so much of his time to BLUE throughout the year. Special mention must also be made to corporate partners DP World and NEX for their commitment to major BLUE projects. Thanks also to Tudor Evans, OBE, for supporting BLUE’s marine parks conference.

TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS MAJOR DONORS DONORS JOIN BLUE MEMBERS CORPORATE PARTNERS AMBASSADORS PRO BONO

Adessium Foundation Julian Dunkerton Chris Allen Lord James Abinger Accsys James Blunt Graham Bogle Artemis Foundation Peter Lürssen Damion Berger Roger Ames Amels Sir Nigel Bogle David Churchill Brook Foundation Françoise and Rolly Van Rappard Joshua Bower-Saul Aqualuce Bloomberg Alex Caizergues Paul Colley Don Quixote Foundation Michael Spencer Amanda Bradley Nigel Bloxham Bluegame Cara Delevingne Damian Crean Dulverton Trust Oliver Bryant Rob Button Boat International Poppy Delevingne Freuds Fishmongers’ Company Nick Cross Alex Crombie DP World Sir Charles Dunstone Steve Edge Design Garfield Weston BMYC MEMBERS Chris Dyson Studio Delta Frangipani Dr Sylvia Earle Shaun Roster Golden Bottle Trust Martin and Julie Gill Benjamin Dives Imperial Yachts Ben Fogle Terry Torrison Prince Albert II of Monaco Hoare Trust Lou Grether Dame Vivien Duffield Kenzo Cindy Forde Vanessa Turco Benetti Ian Fleming Foundation Georgia Grimond Roaming Expert Lürssen Stephen Fry Latham & Watkins Bertarelli Foundation John Ellerman Foundation Tom Hill Regina George Marks & Spencer Olivier de Givenchy White & Case Sir Charles Dunstone Lloyds Register Foundation Anne Karina Asbjoern Mike Hall MDL Marinas Ben Goldsmith Andrew Woods Peter Lürssen National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Greg Kozicz Peter Hall NEX John Hitchcox Andrew and Jane Winch Ruth Smart Foundation Jo Meekly SF Marina Reef Knots John Jencks Merrill Eliza Fitzgibbons Sackler Trust Gary Peart Mike Sharp Six Senses Melanie Laurent Simon and Yasmin Le Bon Switzerland for the Ocean Julia Quintana Peter Whale Sunseeker Simon Le Bon Matthew Freud Utley Foundation Alistair Roay Winch Design Yasmin Le Bon Whitley Animal Protection Trust Rory Trahair Carl Gustaf Lundin Burkhard Von Schenk SCHOOLS Takuji Masuda Jono Wilson Sienna Miller Garden House School Andrew Woods Rupert Murray Orchard House School Gary Wright Amber Nuttall Marie-Athena Papathanasiou Jonathon Porritt Sir Stuart Rose Marina Vaughn Spitzy Baroness Worthington of Cambridge BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2018 REVIEW 59 Corporate donations Corporate Individuals foundations Private income Auction donations membership BMYC Donations in kind Gift Aid Monaco London to Total square kilometres of ocean of kilometres square Total protect: has helped to that BLUE 4 million 47% 8% 5% Total number number Total members: team of 16 14% 2% 3% 4% 16% BLUE size BLUE square Total office: of feet 673 HOW WE PRINTED THIS zero using 100 per cent renewables, by powered in a factory materials on 100 per cent recycled printed was This review and society. to the environment contribution while making a positive landfill zero and generating and chemicals, water For every £1 BLUE spent generating funds, generating spent £1 BLUE every For funding £25 of secured we income of Sources Year ended Year ended Year 31 March 201731 March 31 March 201731 March £544,681 £544,681 £1,618,613 v v ended Year Year ended Year 31 March 201831 March 31 March 201831 March £569,720 £569,720 £2,048,140 £2,048,140 Funds distributed distributed Funds ‘Free’ reserves as at as at reserves ‘Free’ 201831 March

Spent on management and administration

5% OF THE THE OF MONEY MONEY WE SPENT WE Spent generating fundsSpent generating on projects

4% was spent 91p was Spent on projects 91%

Financial Overview* *All figures based on audited accounts to year-end2018. to 31 March accounts based on audited figures *All Of every pound pound Of every spent... BLUE

BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

2018 REVIEW 58 60 2018 REVIEW 2018 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

Communications kindly sponsored by

For more information please contact: [email protected] Registered Office:South Building, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LR Blue Marine Foundation is a UK registered charity. no: 1137209