MARINE NEWS IUCN GLOBAL MARINE AND POLAR PROGRAMME

ISSUE 13 - SEPTEMBER 2016 MARINE NEWS Editorial Issue 13 -September 2016 In this Issue...

IUCN Global Marine and Polar 1 Editorial by Sylvia Earle Reasons for Hope much of the ocean remains unknown, unexplored. Programme But we have discovered enough to understand that Rue Mauverney 28 the ocean governs everything from climate and 1196 Gland, Switzerland 2 IUCN GMPP & the Sustainable By Dr. Sylvia A. Earle Founder of Mission Blue and National weather, to planetary chemistry – generating oxygen, Tel +4122 999 0217 Development Goals taking up and holding carbon. Like all other living Fax +4122 999 0002 Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence things, we are essentially sea creatures, connected to the ocean with every breath, and every drop of water www.iucn.org/marine 4 Global Threats As thousands gather in Honolulu, Hawaii in Septem- we drink. The value of the ocean can no longer be Marine Plastics, Ocean Warming, ber for IUCN’s World Conservation Congress, there measured in tons of fish, barrels of oil and minerals, Editing: Alexis McGivern, Ocean Warming Risk, Blue Carbon/ are plenty of reasons for despair about the declining or as a place to dump waste. Now we know: The state of the natural world and the influence its degra- Alex Clark and James Oliver Blue Forests, Blue Solutions most important thing we extract from the ocean is dation is having on all people, everywhere. our existence. The most important thing we can put Design: Malini Pittet into it are protective polices that yield a healthy ocean 12 Global Coasts The headlines are grim, whether the topic is global and an enduring future for ourselves and that which warming, deadly diseases, profound poverty, or the we hold dear. Back issues available at: Maldives and REGENERATE, EU steep decline of wildlife, from orangutans to ele- http://www.iucn.org/theme/ Overseas, Vamizi, Western Grey Whales phants, crocodiles to corals. Despite efforts of caring Since the mid 1980s, nations with a coastline have marine-and-polar/contact/newslet- people globally, since the founding of IUCN in 1948, enjoyed jurisdiction over vast new areas, the Exclu- ter 23 Global Commons about half of the coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves sive Economic Zone (EEZ) extending 200 nautical and sea grass meadows are gone, and ocean phyto- High Seas Implementing Agreement, miles seaward from their shores. Coastal nations Front cover: © William Win- plankton has declined by nearly as much. In a trajec- have enhanced opportunities – and heightened re- ram “The Woman and the Sea”- Deep Sea Mining, Arctic World tory similar to the decline of songbirds, raptors, wa- sponsibilities – to boldly embrace their blue borders, Freediver Andrea Asunsolo in the Heritage, Sargasso Sea Update, terfowl and whales early in the 20th century, the early and individuals in all nations have a vested interest in company of tens of thousands jack Seamounts 21st century marks a time when 90 percent of many the High Seas beyond national jurisdiction, about half fish species have been extracted from Earth’s aquatic fish in the Cabo Pulmo marine pre- of the world in total. serve (Mexico). realms: large sharks, groupers, snappers, halibut, 34 Other Initiatives cod, wild salmon and even brightly-colored reef A century ago, the U.S. National Park Service was Editorial Photo: © Todd Brown fish such as parrotfish and blue-green, giant-lipped founded to safeguard the nation’s natural, histor- Napoleon wrasse that look and behave like Cirque du ic and cultural heritage – an idea whose time had 38 Marine and Coastal News from Around Soleil performers. Back cover: © Sean Chinn come, as evidenced by the thousands of parks that the Union So, why do I tell children they are the luckiest people have been subsequently established globally. About IUCN FEG, Mediterranean, Asia, ever to arrive on Earth? Centre spread (Photo competi- 14 percent of Earth’s terrestrial forests, deserts, tion) Oceania, West Africa, WCPA, SSC meadows and mountains have been safeguarded There are plenty of reasons for optimism and hope, since then, but the concept of “Blue Parks” has been Top row - left to right starting with technologies that have made possible slower to take hold. Presently, only two percent of Andrew Margolin, Andrew Hume, 49 New Publications unprecedented discoveries about our place within the ocean has been officially safeguarded for fish and Caitlyn Webster, Christine Shepard, the planet that sustains us. For the first time, it is other wildlife. Some say restoring and protecting the Ivan Conesa, Diego Avila 51 Who we are possible to measure, document and communicate ocean requires extending this protection to at least the powerful impacts humans are having in ways we 30 percent. The highly respected ecologist, E. O. Wil- Second row could not even a few decades ago. We can map the son, makes the case for protecting at least half of the Katherina Becker, Christine Shepard, 54 IUCN Congress boundaries of our life support system and under- world to stabilize biodiversity loss and protect Earth’s Lauric Thault, Nicolas Bourquin, stand why protecting nature is neither a luxury nor basic life support functions. even an option – it is critical to our survival. Now we Vardhan Patankar 56 Where we work know. The World Conservation Congress could mark a Third row turning point, a shift from a long history of consuming David Higgins, Sean Chinn, Christine As the Congress is taking place on an island em- Earth’s living assets to a new era of caring for nature braced by Earth’s largest, deepest, oldest body of Shepard, Steve De Neef, Sean Chinn as if our lives depend on it – because they do. water, the Pacific Ocean, it is appropriate that the

meetings will focus significant attention on the blue Fourth row part of the planet. Below the upper, sunlit surface, Dave Weeks, Sirachai Arunrugstichai, Guillaume Pepy, Sirachai Arunrugsti- 2 1 © Dan Laffoley 14.2 (continued) As part of its portfolio of projects in EU Overseas IUCN’s Marine & Polar Activity territories, IUCN has awarded grants to restore ecosys- tem Services and Coral reef quality in four Caribbean Contributing toward the Sustainable Development Goals island systems and is financing the establishment of inter-connected Marine Protected Areas in four island states in the Pacific. IUCN has also worked to ensure protection of the unique resources of the Sargasso Sea Reflecting IUCN’s aim to contribute to the food sources of coastal communities whilst pro- and establish MPA networks in the Mediterranean. delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals tecting them from harm. 14.3 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in IUCN GMPP and WCPA Marine continue to host the Minimize and address the impacts of ocean International Reference User Group on Ocean Acidifica- the roll out of its programme of work for 2017- The exercise of matching activities with SDGs is acidification, including through enhanced sci- tion, a group of leading scientists in this field, with the 2020, it is important to recognise how IUCN’s difficult to complete accurately and exhaustively entific cooperation at all levels aim of compiling and communicating the latest scien- marine and polar activities around the world given the wide inter-connectivity between human tific findings in order to positively influence internation- contribute to these outcomes now and into well-being and the environment. Nearly all SDGs al policy and decision-making. future. Doing so guides conservation action lead one way or another to a need to maintain and aligns it with international priorities, many the health and vitality of the oceans, which play 14.4 IUCN and WCPA is actively trying to influence States of which have been integrated by IUCN’s donor such an important role in so many aspects of By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and to work towards sustainable management of high community. It also reinforces the often-under- human life. end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unreg- seas fisheries. We are going about this at global level

ulated fishing and destructive fishing prac- through participation in UN governance processes and estimated role of living marine resources and For more information, please contact: ecosystems in preserving the livelihoods and tices and implement science-based manage- at regional level through the governance component of [email protected] ment plans, in order to restore fish stocks in Southern Indian Ocean seamounts project, funded by the shortest time feasible, at least to levels FFEM. IUCN has cooperated with the Southern Indian that can produce maximum sustainable yield Ocean Deep-sea Fishers Association to put in place UN Sustainable Development Goal IUCN Marine & Polar Activity as determined by their biological characteris- voluntary closures in highly sensitive areas for marine tics biodiversity. 2 - Zero Hunger: End Hunger, achieve food Aquaculture has the potential to feed millions of people security and improved nutrition and promote around the world and potentially reduce the pressure 14.5 IUCN and WCPA have consistently advocated for sustainable agriculture on wild fish stocks. IUCN has worked for many years By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of expanding ocean areas under protection so that the on the sustainability of aquaculture and, more recently coastal and marine areas, consistent with na- ocean has the capacity to recover from multiple and with the aquaculture and feed sectors looking at the tional and international law and based on the cumulative stresses. In partnership with IUCN’s Oce- sustainability of the fish feed supplying the industry best available scientific information ania Regional Office, IUCN GMPP worked to assist the and at the synergies between aquaculture and marine initial implementation phase of the Cook Island Marine protected areas. Park. And in partnership with Mission Blue, IUCN aims to bring much-needed protection to uniquely valuable 3 - Good Health and Well-being: Ensure IUCN GMPP is looking at the potential health implica- biodiversity-rich areas of the ocean realm. healthy lives and promote well-being for all at tions of marine microplastics on fish and seafood as all ages well as the role Marine Protected Areas can play in safeguarding human health. 14.a Through its portfolio of projects centred on the Mal- Increase scientific knowledge, develop re- dives, IUCN GMPP has worked to increase knowledge 13 - Climate Action: Take urgent action to IUCN GMPP and WCPA Marine have published a series search capacity and transfer marine technol- of local ecosystems and megafauna through intensive combat climate change and its impacts of scientific publications on climate change in the ogy, in order to improve ocean health and to surveying in partnership with local practitioners. As oceans; the role of coastal ecosystems and the open enhance the contribution of marine biodiversi- a result, valuable information on coral bleaching and ocean in the carbon cycle and on identifying how ocean ty to the development of developing countries recovery has been compiled leading to an enhanced warming affects different species and ecosystems. capacity to respond to coral bleaching episodes as 14 - Life Below Water seen in 2016. 14.1 - By 2025, prevent and significantly re- As part of its Closing the Tap on Marine Plastics project, 14.c IUCN GMPP and WCPA are striving to achieve posi- duce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular IUCN GMPP is working with a broad range of stakehold- Enhance the conservation and sustainable use tive global outcomes for marine biodiversity through from land-based activities, including marine ers, including industry, to explore ways to effectively of oceans and their resources by implement- participation in the discussions on the setting up of an debris and nutrient pollution reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean. ing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, Implementing Agreement for management of high seas which provides the legal framework for the resources, a process that is likely to run for several 14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and pro- In partnership with USAID and the IUCN Asia Regional conservation and sustainable use of oceans years starting in 2016. A key component of this drive tect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid Office, IUCN GMPP is implementing a major project and their resources, as recalled in paragraph for sustainability is the safeguard of deep sea ecosys- significant adverse impacts, including by to build knowledge and capacity in the Maldives to 158 of The Future We Want tems from likely irreversible harm from future deep sea strengthening their resilience, and take action enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems and the mining operations. IUCN is an active observer to the for their restoration in order to achieve healthy communities that depend on them. proceedings of the International Seabed Authority. and productive oceans

2 3 Global Threats Closing the Plastic Tap: Stakeholders Meet in Monaco Plastic waste in the ocean is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem in all marine environments. Our oceans are quickly becoming saturated with plastic. Ever-increasing production and consumption of single-use plastic is paired with inadequate waste manage- ment in many countries and regions, frequently leading to entry of plastic material into the ocean. Once there, it becomes infinitely more difficult to remove and poses an immediate and persistent risk to marine animals and habitats.

Floating plastics have now become the most abundant ating links between product designers and waste type of marine litter. Slowly degrading large plastic managers. An important strategy mentioned by items generate microplastic particles (between 1-5mm many participants was emphasising the impacts on in diameter), which can be transported over long dis- human health. tances by wind-driven ocean surface layer circulation. Assessing the Effects of Microplastics in the Arctic Microplastics can also originate from personal care © Will Ng Tracing the Origins of Marine Plastics products (plastic beads used for cleaning purposes, Though many consider the Arctic to be one of the last pristine environments on Earth, the less than 1 mm across) that are washed down the drain At the 2016 IUCN Congress, the Global Marine and Arctic Ocean is already heavily affected by the trillions of pieces of plastic floating in our and pass through treatment filters in wastewater plants. Polar Programme will release a report developed by world’s oceans today. Swiss-based consulting company, “Shaping Envi- IUCN has been working on microplastics since 2011, ronmental Action”. This report will model the sources The Arctic is known to be a sink for The discovery of marine litter and It will also analyse the physical and and is currently conducting expanded field research. and pathways of marine plastics, examining global pollutants including mercury, Per- its potentially hazardous effects chemical impacts of microplastics The Union works with a coalition of private sector, plastics production, mapping key contributors for sistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on ecosystems and human health in Arctic sea ice, including how it governments and NGOs to discuss and develop best waste generation, mapping waste hotspots and and atmospheric carbon partic- underlines the urgent need for may affect formation and melting of practice solutions to address plastic and microplastic ulates. An additional dangerous comprehensive research and mon- ice. With this information in hand, marine pollution. pollutant – microplastic – has now itoring, as well as the development IUCN will provide recommenda- Monaco Meeting reportedly reached the region. The and implementation of a sustaina- tions to governments, industries, IUCN’s Global Marine and microplastic concentrations found ble waste policy and legislation to local communities and civil society Polar Programme believes in Arctic Sea ice far exceed even mitigate the problem of microplas- to design mitigation solutions. that the most effective and those previously reported in high- tics. IUCN will be studying the impact long-lasting solutions are ly contaminated oceanic waters of plastic pollutants on climate those that are borne of col- (plastic gyres) in the North Pacific. Arctic plastic pollution presents change and arctic ecosystems, laborative effort. An ongoing Some studies claim that a sixth a serious human health concern; teaming up with the Korean Gov- partnership with the Swedish “plastic garbage patch” is forming approximately 40% of the Unit- ernment and Korea Polar Research Postcode Lottery Foundation in the Barents Sea. ed States’ commercial fisheries Institute (KOPRI) to conduct a full- has sought to bring togeth- (by weight) come from the Bering scale scientific study of this issue. er relevant stakeholders to Plastic has the capacity to attract Sea, and about 50% of the fish KOPRI is providing technical exper- design and implement long- contaminants, including POPs, and consumed in the European Union tise and access to their research term solutions to the growing transport toxic chemicals into oth- comes from the European Arctic. vessel, Araon, the largest research problem of plastic pollution in erwise clean environments. Invasive Microplastic pollution in the Arctic icebreaker in the world. The project the Mediterranean Sea. species are transported in much and its effects on ecosystems, has also been endorsed by the GE- the same way. It is also assumed human health and ice formation SAMP (UN Joint Group of Experts This meeting followed up on that the plastic is hampering the and melting are the subject of a on the Scientific Aspects of Marine the inaugural meeting in No- modelling areas and industries subject to “leakage”. formation of ice floes and caus- newly launched IUCN research pro- Environmental Protection). vember 2015, where participants identified key priority This report will help stakeholders to plan targeted, ing them to melt faster. The Arctic ject. The pioneering project aims to areas for short- and long-term action. The short-term efficient interventions in order to have the largest is already suffering from multiple assess the origins of microplastics For more information, please priorities inform the “2017 Action Plan”, which in turn possible impact on mitigating this problem. serious stresses induced by climate and the effects of plastic inges- contact João Sousa (Joao.Sousa@ informs the “2025 Target for Solutions on Marine Plas- A range of further proposals are currently in devel- change, black carbon and marine tion on marine life as well as food iucn.org) or Tatiana Saksina tic Litter”. The proposed actions were broken into five opment, including a Plastic Platform for Oceania in acidification. safety consequences for humans. ([email protected]) sub-groups differentiated by their target: businesses, partnership with the Australian Ministry of the Envi- research facilities, NGOs, governments, and cross-sec- The project is divided into three research streams: ronment, and a Baltic Sea Project for Marine Litter tor, multi-stakeholder platforms. focusing on biodiversity, human health and climate I. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of microplastics in the Arctic and study of their origin(s) Suggested actions included mandatory disclosure of change. The second phase of the Azores Project is II. Food sustainability, human health and microplastics (focusing on fisheries and food contamination) companies’ annual plastic footprints; incorporating also in motion, targeting plastic content in commer- III. Effects of microplastics on the formation and melting of ice and, subsequently, as a climate plastic content as a chemical and physical indicator in cial fish species. assessing water quality; rolling out widespread edu- change feedback mechanism. For more information, please contact João Sousa cation and awareness campaigns; banning single-use ([email protected]). plastics (or making their pricing prohibitive); and cre- 4 5 occurring. Initially, some species oceans. Current recommendations changes. Understanding these may benefit from increased point towards measuring and relationships will be critical for temperatures by expanding their managing tidal height and flux. developing effective ecosystem- optimal habitats, while reductions in Suggested conservation measures based management. habitats for specialised species may include restrictions on fishing and Arctic marine mammals (and, to be relatively modest. Ice-dependent commercial development, and an extent, those in the Southern species and others with restricted encouragement of responsible Ocean) face various other threats: (and shrinking) habitats, such as tourism to capture species’ loss of ice-edge habitats and river dolphins, beaked whales and economic value. prey; entrapment in sea ice due to species living in enclosed areas, rapid, atypical shifts in conditions; Whale populations are remain highly vulnerable. competition with species moving expected to shift in response into ice-free waters; and increased Changes in human behaviour to prey distributions and ocean interaction with human activity. resulting from climate impacts, temperatures. Black Sea and Responses must be flexible and however, are vitally important. Food Mediterranean species may be adaptable, monitoring of Arctic insecurity may prompt greater unable to find appropriate habitat marine mammals must improve, reliance on marine species and further north, and migratory species and effective, accurate reporting to further depletion of marine mammal may be especially vulnerable, Marine Mammals and the public must be accompanied by prey. Further, warming in high given their need to find particular adequate protective legislation. latitude waters may drive increased conditions at specific times. Warm water herbivores (primarily Ocean Warming © Steve Dawson aquaculture, linked with culling of Deep-diving beaked whales are manatees and dugongs) face marine mammals and algal blooms. dependent on underwater canyons, somewhat different challenges, but Increased construction activity in a restricted habitat subject to Ocean warming is now acknowledged as crucially important to marine mammal life. Ocean their vulnerability to loss of feeding coastal areas, rivers and estuaries changes in temperature and temperatures affect both the availability of prey and the distribution of mammal popula- areas is already evident in Australia. – possibly for flood protection or circulation patterns. tions. Along with other climate change-induced stresses, ocean warming is beginning to to respond to changing weather The seagrass on which they feed is affect marine mammal populations and behaviour. These developments follow calls from patterns – may cause fragmentation The population recovery rate of the exposed to the effects of sea-level the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to improve our understanding of relationships and habitat destruction among critically endangered North Atlantic rise and decreased light penetration between climate indices and marine mammal distributions, with particular focus on those freshwater species. right whale is being driven by resulting from more regular storms with restricted habitats – ice, bays, coves, ocean basins and seas – that prevent them from changes in prey availability linked and algal blooms. Species Survey to climate change. Mismatches ‘escaping’ local climate effects. Most whale species migrate across large distances, plac- Freshwater species are particularly between arrival times and prey ing them at particular risk from changes across the multiple environments they encounter Adapted from chapter by Mark P. vulnerable to habitat reduction, availability could prompt population Simmonds (University of Bristol). during migration. and exposed to dramatic changes crashes, while disruption of For more information, please In September 2016, IUCN will release the landmark Ocean Warming Report, edited by Dan Laffoley in rainfall patterns and violent environmental triggers for migration contact Dan Laffoley and John Baxter. The report assesses the scale of the challenge and explores the issue from a range weather events caused by warming and reproduction may drive further ([email protected]). of different perspectives – oceanography, ecosystems and different groups of species. It also looks at the effects ocean warming might have on the goods and services that humans derive from the ocean. Looking forward Marine Mammals at Risk weeks since the late 1970s. Larger minke whales, has seen reduced Ocean warming is predicted to reduce the habitats of some ma- stretches of open water are making population numbers as food Marine mammals’ size and pivotal rine mammals, particularly those living in vulnerable ecosystems. oil and gas prospecting increasingly sources (krill and amphipods) position within food webs makes Habitats most at risk include riverine systems, sea-ice, shelf attractive, raising concerns about move north. In the Mediterranean, them ecologically important and a waters and deep sea trenches. Rising ocean temperatures may human-induced underwater sound increased disease vectors, significant conservation concern. combine with continuous exposure to chemical pollution and waves, habitat reduction and oil vulnerable plankton populations Almost a quarter of species are disease to produce sudden, sharp declines in marine mammal spills. Since many of these species and toxic algal blooms are a major threatened with extinction, including populations. Even if greenhouse gas emissions fall sharply, ocean are still recovering from previous subspecies of blue whale, right concern. warming will continue for some time, accompanied by dramatic over-exploitation, the effects are whale, river dolphin and beluga Global Consequences environmental change. whale. The narwhal, adapted difficult to measure. The observed effects of warming to an Arctic pack-ice habitat, is Rapid changes in marine mammal populations are likely to Since the mid-1980s, fin and include changes in migration particularly vulnerable to warming challenge conventional methods in marine conservation. Many humpback whales have been patterns, increased mortality rates effects. Rapid changes in Arctic marine mammal populations remain poorly understood, however, arriving progressively earlier at and changes in reproduction, and environments are also placing the partly due to the expense of monitoring and trade-offs with other their feeding grounds in Canadian movement in populations towards beluga and bowhead whales at conservation projects, though drones and acoustic devices may waters, by more than one day a the poles. Associated effects of risk, as well as the walrus, the polar present cost-effective alternatives. Improving the resilience of year on average. This has been climate change (including the bear and several seal species. Most marine mammals to the threats climate change poses to habi- linked to earlier ice break-up in the retreat of Arctic Ice) are expected Arctic regions have seen periods tats, mortality and reproduction will require adaptable and re- summer and rising sea surface to increase tropical species’ ability of reduced ice cover during the sponsive conservation tools. temperatures. The Norwegian to expand into colder regions. summer months lengthen by 5-10 Sea, a migration corridor for Evidence suggests this is already © Richard Wylie 6 7 suited to low temperatures in the North Sea warns, Recommendations however, that not all jellyfish respond well to warmer On the global level, fisheries must reduce their impact temperatures. Polar species that thrive in cold waters by moving away from industrial practices. Many fish are expected to suffer, but research in polar regions is species eat jellyfish, and young or larval fish can prob- particularly sparse and some studies report no effect ably outcompete jellyfish for zooplankton. More jelly- of increased temperatures in some areas, like Aurelia fish predators and less food sources for jellyfish would aurita in the Baltic Sea. In warmer waters, increased mean fewer jellyfish – so responsible fisheries are temperatures may also drive population increases highly desirable. Further, greenhouse gas emissions through increased winter survival rates and the pro- reductions are essential for slowing ocean warming. longing of the reproductive period. Tropical species, while able to benefit from increases Consequences in temperature in temperate regions, are likely to be negatively impacted in the tropics. Cold-water species The precise impact of jellyfish blooms depend on the are disadvantaged by warmer conditions. role of a particular species in ecosystem functioning. Local recommendations must be considered on a Their impacts on human activities are generally nega- case-by-case basis. Current suggestions include tive. using jellyfish fisheries to reduce populations. Such Distressed low-and-high latitude jellyfish populations options should be explored with care, however, as may also produce negative impacts, due to their im- jellyfish blooms may well be an important part of portant ecological roles. At medium densities, indeed, normal ecological cycles in their respective ecosys- jellyfish may enhance fish populations by providing tems. Reducing eutrophication is an obvious step, Ocean Warming and Global Change: shelter and food to juveniles. but reducing hard coastal substrata is a much greater Jellyfish blooms are not a new phenomenon, but their challenge, given the realities of coastal developments persistence and increased frequency is a symptom of and flood defences. stressed ocean ecosystems. At intermediate latitudes, Jellyfish © Fredski2013 Lastly, a greater understanding of jellyfish and their it is a potential harbinger of a shift from fish-dominat- ecological roles is necessary before passing judge- ed to jellyfish-dominated oceans, and as such should ment on their negative impact on marine ecosystems. Warming and Jellyfish Temperature, amongst other factors, influences the not be underestimated. Global drivers – overfishing metabolic rate of jellyfish, and for some species, their Many field researchers are calling for a broadening of There are more than 1000 species of jellyfish world- and climate change – are reinforced by local factors, respiration rate as well – though in the latter case, sig- jellyfish studies and special observation programmes wide. Reports of large concentrations of jellyfish in one like increasing availability of coastal substrates suita- nificant knowledge gaps remain. Higher temperatures able to attend the sites of blooms at short notice. place – or ‘blooms’ – are on the rise. Climate change ble for polyp settlement. are also associated with faster food ingestion and and overfishing are good candidates as primary global more rapid growth. Some species have wider toler- drivers of this phenomenon, while localised eutroph- ances than others to temperature change, though ication also plays a role. The evidence suggests that temperatures beyond this range would, in most cas- © Paul Marshall ocean warming is driving some species of jellyfish Assessing the risks resulting from a warming ocean es, result in mass mortality. towards the poles as temperate regions become Alongside the forthcoming report on ocean warming, a new analysis of the more tropical. Temperature rises are also thought to resulting risks will be published in late 2016. Conducted by IUCN and leading The Mediterranean Story lengthen the reproductive life of temperate jellyfish and scientists, in close partnership with XL-Catlin, this second report will explore improve winter survival rates of tropical species. The Mediterranean jellyfish typically experience tempera- the implications of widespread oceanic changes. warming of waters below surface level increases the tures between 12-28°C, potentially stretching to ex- Global assessments of risk typically look to obvious phenomena, and when space available for species to flourish, encouraging tremes of 4°C and 30°C in particularly variable years. considering the ocean, frequently only do so from a narrow, anthropocentric large populations. Opportunistic species able to repro- Jellyfish are able to survive these extremes due to the perspective. The World Economic Forum’s 2014 Global Risks Report , for ex- duce asexually, such as jellyfish, have an advantage possibility of polyp formation and changes in phenolo- ample, fails to embrace specifics such as ocean warming or acidification, but over species requiring more predictable environmental gy. Temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have risen readily homes in on natural disasters. The report does not adequately assess conditions to reproduce effectively. sharply since the mid-1980s, driving mass mortality and severe distress among cold-water species, and the impact of gross ocean changes as specific risks, perhaps because scien- Ocean warming at higher latitudes (towards the poles) tific work on the subject is not sufficiently visible. may prove harmful for the reproduction of native spe- the establishment and flourishing of hundreds of cies, leading to local extinctions, but has not yet been tropical species. The increasing abundance of tropical The risk report will address these gaps and omissions, building on current seen to encourage the proliferation of non-indigenous jellyfish in the area exemplifies this trend. Long-term assessment processes but factoring in the latest scientific assessments, and species. Tropical and sub-polar regions are expected studies demonstrate increasing frequency and size of synergistic effects from other stressors. The twin-track approach of develop- to see stable jellyfish populations, whereas temperate jellyfish blooms since at least 2009. While formal stud- ing the science through the ocean warming report, while concurrently assess- regions may see increasingly frequent jellyfish blooms. ies are scarce, these increases suggest they are able ing the accompanying risks, should produce a strong basis for conclusions In turn, larger jellyfish populations can present difficul- to take advantage of higher temperatures. Drymone- and concrete recommendations. ties for human activity in coastal areas and significant ma dalmatinum, a medusivorous (jellyfish-eating) spe- cies of jellyfish, has returned to the area after several increases in mortality in both fin-fish aquaculture facili- Adapted from chapter by Ferdinando Boero (Università del Salento), Lucas Brotz (University of British Columbia) and decades of no sightings, probably due to the prolifer- ties and wild fish populations. The risk of jellyfish stings Mark J. Gibbons (University of the Western Cape). For more information, please contact Dan Laffoley ation of food sources in the form of other jellyfish. in the Mediterranean poses a health hazard and risks ([email protected]). significant economic losses for maritime tourism. Evidence that Aurelia and Cyanea species are best

8 9 Blue Carbon and Blue Forests Blue Solutions Accelerating Successful Blue Carbon Implementation Promoting success for our Planet Ocean

Blue Solutions is a partnership between GIZ, GRID-Arendal, IUCN and UNEP, funded by BMUB, designed to support practitioners and policymakers in improving the management of marine and coastal biodiversity. The initiative covers a range of topics relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, including marine pro- tected areas and marine spatial planning, among others. A global initiative, Blue Solutions works closely with partner projects of the implementing organisations and a range of other organisations across the globe.

Over the last few months, the approach that Blue policy processes, the initiative actively engages at the © Octavio Aburto Solutions has pioneered has garnered significant international level. At the COP21 in Paris (Decem- attention. A new web platform for showcasing and ber 2015), IUCN presented a publication showcasing Conservation efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems as a contribution to promoting solutions is currently under development. a number of marine and terrestrial protected area climate change mitigation have received increased attention through international efforts, The new platform, under the name “Panorama”, will solutions to address climate change, in the presence including advancement through the UNFCCC and the IPCC. initially showcase marine and coastal solutions collat- of a number of African “solution providers” to whom ed by Blue Solutions, as well as protected area solu- support had been given to allow them to attend the The focus has now shifted towards on-the-ground will provide the foundation for discussions on respec- tions assembled by IUCN’s Global Protected Areas conference. Programme. Over time, the Panorama platform and implementation. IUCN is a partner of the UNEP/GEF tive policy priority pathways in a national context, and “Blue Planning in Practice” is a new training course the partnership that carries it will gradually expand to Blue Forests Project, which seeks to promote better for the overall project goal of greater global applica- designed by the Blue Solutions Initiative. It enables feature solutions from other themes. The new platform management of coastal and marine ecosystems by tion and upscaling of the Blue Forests concept. planners and decision makers to develop and engage emphasizing the values associated with ‘blue’ coastal will officially be launched at theIUCN World Conser- Other exciting developments in the blue carbon world in marine and coastal planning and implementation carbon and ecosystem services. Blue forest ecosys- vation Congress in September. It is designed to pro- community include the establishment of an Interna- processes across different contexts and settings, at tems include mangrove forests, seagrass meadows vide a database of success stories that conservation tional Partnership for Blue Carbon, announced by the a broad range of scales. Thanks to its modular struc- and saltwater marshes. They play an important role planners and practitioners can draw on for inspiration Australian Minister for the Environment at the Global ture, it is a participatory and accessible course that for coastal communities by providing shoreline pro- and learning. It will also allow for direct interaction Landscapes Forum in Paris in December 2015. The can be used to support a breadth of planning pro- tection and fish habitat, supporting marine biodiversi- between “solution providers” and “seekers”. Partnership establishes a network of governments, cesses. ty, and storing and sequestering carbon. In early June, the third in a series of Blue Solutions non-profit organisations, intergovernmental agencies Blue Solutions has also successfully concluded the Regional Forums brought together more than 100 IUCN is working with selected international experts and scientists to pool together knowledge and expe- Sustainable Oceans Lab (SOL), a year-long lead- participants from 24 African countries on Zanzibar. through the project’s Policy Advisory Panel to deliver rience to improve understanding of the role of coastal ership programme. The SOL gathers 30 leaders and In a large, open conference room with breath-taking targeted advice for the project's Small-Scale Inter- blue carbon ecosystems in climate change mitigation. change agents from government, business and civil ventions (SSIs) in Indonesia, Ecuador, Mozambique, views of the Indian Ocean, delegates from African This unique partnership has the overall aim of acceler- society across 5 continents and 17 countries. Over Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates. National governments, civil society, the private sector and ac- ating action to preserve and protect these vital eco- the course of the year, the lab team met in Germany, policy assessments are being conducted to gather ademia spent four days sharing and learning about a systems through a number of collaborative actions. Mexico and South Africa to develop means of testing information on legal and policy frameworks. These wealth of inspiring activities implemented in the marine These include measurement of coastal blue carbon new solutions for the sustainable management of our will help identify common pathways for progress and and costal realm across the continent. Twenty-eight ecosystems and their capacity to absorb carbon oceans. barriers, best practices, and opportunities for the examples of “blue solutions” were presented and emissions; development of innovative approaches to management of coastal carbon ecosystems. The SSIs discussed. As one solution provider mentioned, the Looking ahead, Blue Solutions will continue to facili- protect and enhance these ecosystems; and capaci- can use these assessments to pursue feasible policy abundance of distinct approaches demonstrated that tate knowledge sharing and exchanges of approach- ty-building and knowledge transfer across countries. options that reflect each country’s specific political, there was “no need to reinvent the wheel if it has es, making a crucial impact on sustainable manage- The partners will meet for the first time in August 2016 economic and scientific capacities, as well as condi- already been invented”. The resulting recommen- ment of our oceans and coasts. To find out more, visit to discuss next steps. tions within particular site areas. dations were phrased in order to accelerate concrete the Blue Solutions corner at the Oceans & Islands For more information, please contact Dorothée Herr action towards ensuring the sustainable management Pavilion during the IUCN World Conservation The five SSIs sent representatives to attend a work- ([email protected]). and conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity in Congress, or attend one of the Blue Solutions ses- shop in Berlin (in July 2016) entitled “Workshop on Africa and beyond. Participants put forward a range of sion at the Pavilion. Blue Carbon Pathways to Sustainable Development” specific suggestions for the further development of the to further strengthen informed decision-making in their Blue Solutions approach. For more information, please contact Marie Fischborn countries, making use of expertise from international ([email protected]) To support the uptake of “blue solutions” into global policy practitioners. The national policy assessments http://www.bluesolutions.info/

10 © GRID11 Arendal Global Coasts

Project REGENERATE in the Maldives

The Maldives resemble an accidental dash of paint on the world map. Looking very closely, they can only just be identified on the map as a smattering of tiny little specks in the vast- ness of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are geographically unique, comprising 1192 islands Behind Outbreaks of the Crown of with a land area of about 300 km2 dispersed over a total area of 923,000 km2. Thorns Starfish Left: The map shows areas of coral bleaching in the Maldives by Maldives Maribe Research Centre, MRC. Data were collected via citizen scientists and marine biologists who reported coral bleaching to the MRC- and USAID-sup- ported Project REGENERATE, implemented by IUCN.

system can include environment. The participants data on just about were then given maps of North Ari COTS disposal following an outbreak. © Dive Oceanus, Paradise Island Resort & Spa. anything – popula- Atoll and asked to identify areas of The natural environment has several means of maintaining equilibrium in ecosystems. This tion concentrations ecological and social significance balance is essential for keeping interconnected systems healthy and productive. in certain areas, to them. The participants © Alexis McGivern marked positions of signif- how they used marine resources Despite their bad reputation, crown port an abundance of phytoplank- during outbreaks by divers and icant landmarks, on their maps; for example, divers of thorns starfish (COTS - Acan- ton, on which larval and juvenile snorkelers, though this can be and in the case of identified popular dive sites, whilst thaster planci) play an important COTS feed . Normally, a spawn- manpower-heavy and disposal can the Maldives, it can the fishermen identified locations ecological role in diversifying ing female releases 12-24 million be problematic. even be used to where they catch baitfish and spots coral reef systems by feeding on eggs with a survival rate of about In late February 2016, the identify reef crests they frequently visit for fishing. The fast-growing coral species, creating 0.00000001%, or 2 adult COTS. In #KilltheCOTS campaign was and lagoon floors information was then digitised with space for new colonies to attach, nutrient-overloaded waters, larvae launched by the Divers Association of atolls. GIS allows the help of GIS to generate a visual and allowing slower-growing survival rates increase to 0.1%, or of Maldives, alongside volunteers all these different representation of how the North massive coral species to thrive. A 20,000 adult COTS. Thus, high from the diving community and types of informa- Ari Atoll communities use marine healthy reef harbours many preda- nutrient levels in the water, primarily NGOs. A total of 944 COTS were tion, regardless of resources. These maps can now tors of the starfish: the giant triton, from sewage and coastal runoff, their source or orig- be used by policymakers to devise successfully removed from reefs in The widely scattered geography of Napoleon hump-head wrasse, puff- can cause COTS outbreaks. inal format, to be overlaid on top of management plans that ensure the Male’ region. Questions remain the country makes it highly chal- er fish and triggerfish are all known one another on a single map. natural resources in that area are Another possibility is that COTS as to how long the battle will go lenging to identify priority areas to prey on COTS. As long as this being efficiently and sustainably predators are simply disappearing. on, and whether a feasible long- for environmental management. How can this technology be balance is maintained, COTS do used, whilst bearing in mind the Declines in predator populations term solution exists. Humanity is, Geographic Information System useful in a country like the Mal- not pose a threat to coral reefs. needs and concerns of different (particularly those of the giant triton directly and indirectly, intervening (GIS) technology is a powerful dives? stakeholder groups. When the natural balance is dis- shell) driven by overexploitation and in nature’s process and inducing solution to map out information turbed, however, outbreaks of habitat destruction encourage the stresses onto the Maldives’ frag- about locations so as to make As GIS allows datasets to be over- GIS was used by the Maldives COTS populations can occur. An survival of juvenile and adult COTS. ile reef systems. Our actions are such information easily visible laid, it allows decision-makers to Marine Research Centre (MRC) to outbreak is usually defined as 30 There is little evidence, however, perpetuating chain reactions that and accessible to a non-special- gain a better understanding of ge- map reports of coral bleaching and or more adult starfish per hectare that predation plays a significant negatively impact coral reefs and, ographical spaces so that informed to identify the locations and spatial ist audience. GIS is a system for on reefs (see www.reefresilence.org). role in COTS population control, as consequently, Maldivians’ liveli- capturing, storing, checking and decisions can be made, including patterns of bleaching (see Figure During an outbreak, large num- starfish have regenerative abilities – hoods. Proper management of displaying data on the Earth’s identifying important areas to pro- above left). Laying out all the infor- bers of COTS feed on corals at a they need to be consumed whole marine areas and sustainable de- surface. This technology helps to tect, or potential areas of conflict to mation on a single map proved to faster rate than corals can recover, to die. Hence, targeting the reduc- velopment are essential for protect- visualise different kinds of data on manage. be useful in recognising the severity causing long-term damage that tion of larval survival rates by re- ing coral reef systems against such of bleaching events, and identifying one map, making it easier to view, GIS was particularly useful dur- may take years (or even decades) ducing water pollution and monitor- damaging imbalances. analyse and understand geograph- areas to focus on at a glance. to repair. COTS outbreaks can ing water quality of reefs can be a ing IUCN Maldives’ stakeholder Article written by Maleeha Ibrahim. ic patterns and relationships. Article written by Farah Ahmed. For completely decimate a reef in a more effective long-term approach consultation in Ukulhas in early For more information, please con- more information, please contact short amount of time if they are not to mitigating COTS outbreaks. The technology allows people to 2016. Raw information was col- tact Ameer Abdulla Ameer Abdulla controlled. In order to mitigate damage to compare environments across lected from fishermen, guest- ([email protected]). various locations to identify how house operators, divers and island ([email protected]). Recent research suggests that the coral reef, COTS populations they relate to one another. The councillors on how they use their areas of high nutrient-loading sup- need to be controlled and removed 12 13 Zamicko: The Exemplary Community Voices

Councillor from Ukulhas © IUCN/Maldives For the adventurous traveller, the world is rich with it is everyone’s civic responsibility to manage waste natural phenomena seen once in a blue moon. The properly, instead of a mandatory obligation they are Maldives are home to one such occurrence, “starry burdened with.” beaches”, caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton activity. During my visit to Ukulhas last month, I wit- Zamicko says that non-littering habits needed to be nessed a surprisingly rare occurrence: a young island- developed and ingrained into local communities at er nonchalantly picking up the trash he came across the earliest possible stage in their lives. “We ran a in his path. Witnessing a Maldivian pick up another poster competition for school children of all grades person’s trash of their own volition was completely to (…) depict positive messages about a cleaner en- new to me. vironment. The aim of this was to encourage the stu- I later learned that this young man, Ali Zameer, collo- dents not to litter, and we also hope that when they quially known as Zamicko, is a councillor of Ukulhas see their posters around the island, it would motivate who wishes to change any preconceived notions them to encourage their friends not to litter,” Zam- Maldivians have about the collaborative effort that icko elaborates. “You will only see the results of what goes into proper waste management. Picking up we’re doing now in the long run. We’re teaching the © IUCN/Maldives trash himself is his humble attempt to lead by exam- new generations the best practices and the impor- ple and show that these actions need not be rare or tance of not littering.” There is an old lore that says that tuna fish were be ecologically and socially significant. After hours exceptional. brought to Maldivian waters by a mythical seafarer of deliberating and meticulously detailed mapping, New developments and the booming guesthouse called “Bodu Niyami Kalefaanu” who sailed to the the participants presented their results to the other business also help to maintain Ukulhas’ cleanliness. “Dagas” – a mystical tree at the end of the world – to groups. The participants had mostly identified how The guesthouse operators are keen to advertise bring the valuable fish here. Science tells us that the they used marine resources – in particular, the spots pristine beaches, and to this effect, each guesthouse abundance of tuna in the Maldives might not be due commonly used for fishing and diving. contributes $10 per room every month for clean-up to this mythical seafarer but rather that the Maldives efforts and to place recycling bins around the island. are blessed with amazingly diverse marine life due to The fishermen identified land reclamation as a major “Our aim is to be the model island in the Maldives. their unique biogeography. concern, as it causes sedimentation, which may in Ukulhas took the initiative to set up a waste man- turn damage surrounding coral reefs as well as the agement system on its own in 2012, whereas the There is no doubt that the lives of Maldivians are lagoons being reclaimed. This can have negative other islands did not start similar projects until 2014. closely intertwined with the ocean. Fish is their main impacts on guesthouse owners as well, as poten- Since then we have brought in over 80 island coun- source of food, and they depend on the natural tial dive spots are lost. Marine creatures are closely resources provided by the ocean for their livelihood. integrated into local cultural identities. Consequently, © Emma J Pettersson cillors from different atolls to show them how we carry out our efforts, and we conducted 15 work- Since Maldivians and the ocean are so closely participants were adamant about protecting coral reef Ukulhas is already famous for its waste management shops on good practices in waste management in linked, it is important to conserve and manage ma- creatures from damage, and preventing them from system, becoming the first community in the Mal- the last year alone. You could say we are an ambi- rine resources effectively to sustain them for future being forced away to other areas to escape environ- dives to implement one in 2012. Today, Ukulhas can tious bunch; we want to be the leading example in generations. One of the main objectives of Project mental degradation. Other concerns raised by many be accurately described as one of the cleanest com- the Maldives.” Zamicko concludes. REGENERATE is to work towards establishing a of the participants included anchoring of boats in reef munity islands in the Maldives. So what prompted resilience-based management framework in order to zones, as this destroys the colourful coral reefs; and Ukulhas to start this movement? “Back in 2008 or Article written by Farah Ahmed. For more informa- maintain a healthy coral reef ecosystem in Maldives. illegal spear fishing, since it targets large individuals 2009, two tourists visited the island and left within an tion, please contact Ameer Abdulla This approach leads to more informed decision-mak- in concentrated areas, severely damaging population hour because of the amount of waste on our beach, ([email protected]). ing, as traditional knowledge and local sources of demographics. and pretty much everywhere else”, Zamicko says. information are integrated into the process, promoting “They looked around, criticised us quite harshly, local adaptation and management. The mutual understanding of the importance of the hired a transfer back to their resort and left because Earlier this year, the IUCN team travelled to Ukulhas environment for livelihoods amongst all concerned they were so disappointed. That’s when we realised – an island traditionally famous for its fisheries – for a parties was heart-warming to see. A common un- something had to be done.” consultation meeting with the local community stake- derstanding emerged that a concerted effort needs holders of North Ari Atoll. Consulting with the stake- to be made to manage marine areas more efficiently According to Zamicko, a lot has changed since that holders provided useful insights into the interactions and sustainably. Participants demonstrated a genu- incident. “Things have changed so much that peo- between social values and resource use in North Ari ine passion for working collectively to foster a more ple actually pick up any litter they come across on Atoll, and also helped to identify areas where different sustainable environment for all Maldivians. the roads. And I think it has actually gotten to the demands on the reef might overlap. point where people are slightly embarrassed to litter Article written by Farah Ahmed. For more information, because we emphasise proper waste management © IUCN/Maldives The participants were divided into three groups. Each please contact Ameer Abdulla so much,” he explains. “People need to realise that group was given a map of their specific region, and ([email protected]). asked to pinpoint the areas that they considered to 15 14 Pacific Biodiversity Blue Belt

The interconnectedness of marine environments makes regional collaboration imperative for effective management. Recognising the global importance of oceans, as well as their contribution to the sustainable economic growth and the social welfare of local communities, the Pacific Biodiversity Blue Belt is working with the four Pacific OCTs (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, RESCQ - Restoration of Ecosystem Services and Coral reef Quality Wallis & Futuna and Pitcairn) to develop strategic approaches for establishing and managing Led by the IMARES Institute at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, RESCQ marine protected areas (MPAs). focuses on restoring coral reefs. It is well aligned with the BEST Caribbean Ecosystem Profile, tackling the key priorities of restoring ecosystems and conserving degraded The project aims to produce a synthesised report complete with guidelines on appropriate and/or threatened ecosystems, and developing the environmental strategies of the four surveillance technologies for MPAs, and an appraisal of how they can promote improved targeted territories: Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba, and Turks & Caicos. ecotourism linked to sustainable management of their marine environments. The approach is tailored to the specific circumstances of each OCT, but will be widely applicable and valuable for other small island states across the Pacific.

The project explicitly caters to the thematic priorities identified in the Pacific Ecosystem Profile; supporting the creation and management of protected areas, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources through marine ecotourism.

© Erik Meesters © Erik Meesters

In partnership with local civil society organisations, a coral nursery will be established in each territory to propagate transplanted Elkhorn and Staghorn coral fragments as a first step towards restoring coral reef zones. Genetic screening and monitoring of coral fragments before transplantation will ensure the genetic diversity of the reefs, and increase their resilience to climate change. The coral nursery in each territory should be fully self-sustaining by the end of the project, ensuring that the experience gained and capacities built during the project’s execution are maintained within the territories themselves.

BEST 2.0: Translating the management of the marine identified in the regional ecosystem and promoting partnerships at necessity for a tailored approach collaboration between the BEST knowledge into actions in environment around the island of profile as well as other relevant all levels, between actors in the incorporating regional support 2.0 programme and the BEST the EU OCTs Grand Colombier in Saint Pierre and local, territorial and regional strat- individual territories, between the and capacity building. To facilitate III project enables the available Miquelon, to developing environ- egies. This informs the European individual territories and at the longer-term investments in the re- funding to be invested strategical- More than 3.5 million euros have mental educational resources and Commission’s selection of projects wider regional level to achieve this gions regional investment strategies ly by directing it to projects that been invested in the biodiversity establishing snorkel trails in the Brit- to be awarded a grant. The eco- is a fundamental principle of BEST are currently being developed under address the real needs on the of the EU Overseas Countries and ish Indian Ocean Territory, reflecting system profile elaboration process 2.0. Half of the projects awarded a the BEST III project in collaboration ground. Territories (OCTs) through the BEST the diversity of the territories them- engages local and regional experts, medium grant cover two or more of with local actors looking at current 2.0 Programme following the first selves as well as the array of threats authorities and other stakeholders the OCTs and have a strong focus and past investments and the ab- For more information, please two calls for proposals launched in and pressures they face. through workshops and consulta- on close cross-territory collabora- sorption capacity for conservation 2015. Considering the extent of the contact Carole Martinez tions in the delineation of key biodi- tion and experience-sharing. These funding. The strategies will present ([email protected]) OCT’s combined exclusive econom- BEST 2.0 capitalises on the ex- versity areas (KBAs), which is based two aspects are exemplified by the project concepts that are ready to ic zones (EEZs) it is hardly surprising tensive work done by the BEST III on a scientific habitat, species and RESCQ project in the Caribbean be implemented over the next 5 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ that half of the 16 funded projects – project – also coordinated by IUCN threat assessment and results in and the Pacific Biodiversity Blue years and address the priority areas 3 of the 8 small grants and 5 of the nature/biodiversity/best/projects/ – to develop a regional ecosystem the identification of priority areas for Belt project in the Pacific. identified in the ecosystem profiles. current/index_en.htm 8 medium grants - have a marine profile for each of the 7 regions action. The positive response to the calls focus. Project activities range from where the 34 EU Overseas entities for proposals launched in 2015 un- The combined science-based and tracking seabirds using GPS (global are located. Projects submitted for Empowering and strength- derlined the large demand for fund- participatory approach followed positioning system) tags to identify funding are assessed for their rele- ening local authorities and civil ing and the enthusiasm of actors during the development of the eco- important marine areas and inform vance to the conservation priorities society organisations in the OCTs, in the regions, and reinforced the system profiles along with the close 16 17 In addition to 72 marine and 59 raising on marine ecosystems and implementation of conservation coastal KBAs, the consultation their sustainable management. projects in the region. Aimed at process also revealed common potential donors wishing to invest The results of this inclusive and thematic priorities with a marine in the region’s conservation and comprehensive ecosystem profile focus in the 7 regions, such as sustainable development, as well exercise serve as the basis for improvement of baseline data as at organizations for effective a Regional Investment Strategy The BEST ecosystem profiles and knowledge of species and targetting of their efforts, it is (RIS), in which the identified prior- ecosystems to better inform hoped that the RIS will be taken ity areas for action are presented marine ecosystem management, into account for national biodi- Making the EU Overseas waters a priority area for action as investment niches over the next strengthening the network of versity strategies or conservation 5 years with project ideas, pro- marine protected areas (MPAs) planning. The majority of the 34 European Overseas entities reside on islands, many remote from posed with an estimated budget through management support continents. Spread across all large oceans of the globe, they gave rise to a unique and rich and duration, taking into account For more information, please and connecting existing MPAs as biodiversity. Comprising over 70% of Europe’s species diversity, they have been interna- the current and past investments contact [email protected] well as education and awareness tionally recognized for their global importance and include 5 biodiversity hotspots. as well as the capacity for the

© Lauric Thiault © Ruben Lopez However, the ecosystems as well define priority areas for action for marine areas as sites of global sig- as their biodiversity are vulnerable conservation and sustainable de- nificance for conservation demon- and already affected by the im- velopment. strates the importance of the EU pacts of climate change and other Over the past two years 7 regional Overseas waters, which collectively threats, such as invasive alien spe- knowledge hubs have mobilized cover over 19 million km2 or 5% cies, habitat degradation, overex- more than 870 local and regional of all oceans and represents the ploitation of natural resources and actors, experts and authorities from world’s largest maritime domain. unsustainable development. over 340 organizations and institu- While the identification of KBAs is a common approach for systematic Despite increasing awareness of tions through a participatory pro- conservation planning, a standard the value of healthy ecosystems cess to discuss the latest available methodology for delineating marine for biodiversity and local communi- scientific data and observations of KBAs has not yet been estab- ties, and the imminent threats they the regions’ biodiversity and hab- lished, mainly due to the lack of face, a systematic assessment of itats, taking into account threats information on species’ distribution species, ecosystems and threats and conservation status. The and migration routes and hence using a common methodology had results were then presented along- their conservation status. Consid- never been done for the 7 Europe- side the respective socio-economic ering that 80% of territory of the an Overseas regions. One of the and political context together with 34 EU Overseas entities comprises objectives of the BEST III project, an analysis of current conservation marine areas, and that local live- launched end of 2013, was there- activities and relevant investments lihoods on over 150 of its islands fore to develop regional ecosystem in the region. In over 70 workshops largely depend on the ocean’s nat- profiles (EPs) using a methodology and consultations, a total of 405 ural resources, it is not surprising established by the Critical Ecosys- priority KBAs were identified for that stakeholders plunged into the tem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the 7 EU Overseas regions, cov- 2 challenge of advancing the KBA adapted to the EU Overseas, in ering over 6 million km , of which methodology to better delineate which key biodiversity areas (KBAs) 85% comprise marine and coastal marine sites of biological signifi- are identified based on standard areas. cance and guide future conserva- assessment criteria in order to 2 Prioritizing over 5 million km of tion and investment efforts. 18 19 © Joana Trindade Europe’s Overseas Regions Essential Players in Marine Protection and Ocean Governance

Spanning five oceans, with a combined exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 19 million km2, Europe’s Overseas Regions (EU Overseas) cover the world’s biggest maritime area and host three of the five largest marine protected areas (MPAs) to date.

Vamizi: Conserving Today to Improve Tomorrow © Laurent Bouveret © CREOCEAN © CREOCEAN For over 20 years now, the Marine Conservation and Research Centre (MCRC; previously The 34 political entities and over in regional waters. around Ascension Island almost as known as the Maluane Project) has been working to preserve the Mozambican island of 150 islands are key actors in cham- big as the current size of the UK. Vamizi, one of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. Partnering with In 2015, France announced the ex- pioning sustainable ocean gov- tension of its largest natural reserve Healthy oceans can also support some of the organisations on the frontline of conservation (Zoological Society of London, ernance and progressing towards in the French Southern and Antarc- climate commitments related to the WWF, WCS, and more recently, IUCN), as well as international and local universities (the the Aichi Targets and the Sustain- tic Territories (TAAF), and France, transition to renewable energies. latter including Lúrio and Eduardo Mondlane Universities), the project was set up to protect able Development Goals (SDGs) Australia and the EU proposed the Sea Water Air Conditioning systems marine and coastal resources, and help local communities to ensure their continuous and by making bold commitments on creation of new MPAs in the Ant- in French Polynesia use cold water ocean and marine wildlife protection sustainable use. arctic Ocean. TAAF is pioneering from the ocean depths to replace as well as harnessing the power of science-based fisheries manage- conventional air conditioning sys- The project has successfully en- lished in which children from the unexplored and protected area the oceans for renewable energy ment approaches in cooperation tems, enabling energy savings of gaged with local communities with local primary school are introduced (primarily due to the Community generation. with scientific organizations such up to 80%. Ocean Thermic Energy the establishment of the Commu- to our conservation and research Sanctuary), Vamizi attracts special- In 2009, the world's first entirely IFREMER (French Research Institute Conversion projects in Martinique nity Sanctuary. Realising that the projects. Each time a new research ists from many different fields. This high-seas marine protected area for Exploitation of the Sea), IRD (In- harness the difference in temper- livelihood of future generations project is established on the island, diversity drives projects looking into (MPA) was declared around the UK stitute of Research for Development) ature between surface and deep- depended on sustainable use of the children are invited to learn previously un-researched topics, South Orkney Islands in the South and fishing industry professionals. er waters to generate electricity, marine resources, the local com- about what is being done, what the while also helping understand- Atlantic. France established the offering remote maritime regions the munity closed off an area of about researchers are trying to learn, and ing Vamizi’s standing from both a French Polynesia is working towards Marine Natural Parks of Mayotte remarkable possibility of achieving 10 000ha to be converted into a why it will help preserve the island’s regional and global point of view, designating its entire EEZ (around 5 in 2010 and Glorieuses in 2012, energy independence. zone where fish populations could ecosystems. Engaging the island’s when it comes to the state of its million km2) as a Marine Managed which together protect a total area grow and reproduce, allowing fish children is essential, be it the sea underwater resources. Each year, Area (MMA) with regulated fishing Supporting the EU Overseas’ global of 110,000 km2 in the Indian Ocean. stocks to remain high. A recent turtle monitoring, humpback whale a group of undergraduate students areas, which respect and integrate role in sustainable ocean gov- In 2014, New Caledonia created the publication (Silva et al, 2015) doc- photo-ID or shark tagging projects. from Lúrio University join the MCRC ra’hui – traditional community-based ernance, through both individual Coral Sea Natural Park, the world’s uments the sanctuary’s significant This approach aims to nurture to conduct small research projects marine resource management. It actions and regional cooperation, largest MPA to date, covering al- and consistent effect on promoting the deep-seated love the children to complete their studies. Not only would also include Pukatai, a pilot will be instrumental in achieving in- most 1.3 million km2. the abundance and distribution of already have for their island and its does this add to overall knowledge network of six Educational Man- ternational goals and targets related reef fish, within 10 years of being unique wildlife, fostering the next of the wildlife on the island; it also In 2014, the British Virgin Islands aged Marine Areas (EMMAs) in the to healthy oceans, restoring and established. A joint effort between generation of conservationists. contributes to the training and established a shark and ray sanc- Marquesas Islands. Pukatai fosters preserving the integrity of marine local communities, government, the development of new biology and tuary within its EEZ, and in 2015 a new generation of ocean stewards ecosystems, and building resilience To inform all of these activities and private sector and conservationists, conservation professionals in the the Caribbean Netherlands opened by providing coastal zone manage- to climate change. efforts, the MCRC focuses its work this remains one of the few suc- country. the Yanari Sanctuary for sharks and ment training for youth. on a range of research projects. For more information, please con- cessful and functioning examples of marine mammals. These, along with Long-term initiatives have been For more information, please con- The UK government recently in- tact Carole Martinez its kind in Mozambique. the AGOA Marine Mammal Sanc- established, including green turtle tact Joana Trindade (joana.trin- troduced an initiative to create the ([email protected]). tuary in the French Antilles, help to To ensure these efforts continue nest monitoring, and grey reef shark [email protected]). world’s largest no-take (no fishing) protect large ecological migration for decades to come, it is vital to tagging. These will help protect marine reserve around the Pitcairn corridors. They also demonstrate a involve younger generations in some of the region’s most impor- Islands in the Pacific, protecting a more integrated approach to trans- carrying out marine and coastal tant populations of these respective total area of 834,000 km2. In early boundary ocean management, re- projects. With the assistance of the species, gaining a crucial insight 2016, it also committed to desig- spectful of key, emblematic species Friends of Vamizi Trust, a weekly into their conservation status and nating an MPA in the Atlantic waters “Wildlife Club” has been estab- behavioural dynamics. As a pristine, 20 21 Global Commons

New Resource Guide Maps out more Effective Planning Strategies UN takes Significant Step towards a New for Seismic Survey Techniques and Environmental Imaging Treaty to Conserve Marine Life Beyond Boundaries

The oceans are a noisy place, from natural sounds made by animals or caused by storms and earthquakes, to human-made noises caused by marine seismic surveys, ships, sonar and others. What happens when these interact? How can we manage ocean noise to reduce its impact on whales and other marine species which rely on sound as their “underwater eyes” in navigation, foraging and communication? At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Sep- The manual will be of particular interest to environmental tember 2016, a new practical guide for the envi- managers and operational leads of survey activities, from ronmentally responsible planning of marine seismic either industry or research entities, as well as the regula- surveys, a source of the loudest human-made noise tory managers responsible for the assessment and effec- © IISD/Francis Dejon in the ocean, will be released. tive mitigation of their potentially negative environmental impacts. In response to mounting concerns about declines in ocean health, the United Nations finally In seismic surveys, air guns towed behind ships emit delivered some good news in April 2016. The first of four two-week UN Preparatory powerful, repeated bursts of sound. Sensors meas- With respect to potentially impacted species, the focus Committee sessions concluded on a positive note, identifying the key elements of a new ure the return echo to reveal details of the sea floor here is primarily on marine mammals, logically so since, treaty designed to better protect and sustain marine life in the two-thirds of the ocean and underlying geologic structure to a depth of sev- in addition to existing as top predators in most marine considered to be international waters. The second session will be convened from 26 August eral kilometres. Sound is a powerful tool for imaging ecosystems, they are commonly afforded relatively greater and investigating the sea floor, and is deployed pri- regulatory protections in different parts of the world. How- to 9 September this year. marily by the energy industry to pinpoint the location ever, the elements of this planning tool are applicable and The preliminary discussions tance of enhancing marine sci- on the ocean are decreasing the of oil or gas deposits. Such surveys are also used adaptable to any environmental focal species that may be achieved broad agreement on entific research and building the ability of many marine species to for mapping the continental shelf and for finding the locally important, e.g., vulnerable fish and sea turtles. three of the four main topics under capacity of developing countries find food, reproduce and tolerate best sites for new offshore wind energy projects. Building on a scientific article published in 2013, this consideration. These included the to ensure effective implementation the multiple additional stresses in- Whales rely on sound for communication, navigation publication provides more detail on many of the envisaged need for precautionary action to of the agreement. This can lead flicted by overfishing, pollution and and foraging. Exposure to loud noise from seismic processes as well as current and comprehensive referenc- sustain the health of species and to benefits for developing and habitat degradation. ecosystems through networks of developed countries alike. Recom- surveys can result in stress and behaviour changes, es for regional-specific operational practices, regulatory A robust new treaty is, there- marine protected areas; the need mendations for draft elements for affect their search for food and nursing, and even requirements and criteria, data analysis and archiving, fore, absolutely essential. Saving to review the impacts of human a third implementing agreement to cause direct physical damage. and other practical guidance for effective and responsible the High Seas and International activities prior to approving them the 1982 UN Convention on the planning. Seabed Area is beyond the capac- While many of the lessons-learned examples guid- so that measures can be taken Law of the Sea are to be deliv- ity of any one nation: international ing the recommendations in the IUCN’s publication Another IUCN-WWF-IFAW publication Western Gray Whales to avoid significant adverse harm; ered to the General Assembly by cooperation is of critical impor- come from planning and implementation of large- Advisory Panel: Stories of Influence will also be unveiled at and the need for marine manage- the end of 2017. Though many this year’s IUCN Congress. It explores the lessons learned from tance. Despite continuing disa- scale airgun surveys, the authors also consider the ment to embrace entire ecosys- difficult hurdles remain, it is widely working with the oil and gas industry for more than a decade to greement on principles and prior- responsible planning of other forms of environmental tems, rather than narrow geo- hoped that a decision to launch mitigate the impacts on the western gray whales in the Russian ities, it is hoped that UN member imaging surveys associated with offshore exploration graphic areas or a single species. formal negotiations for the new Far East. www.iucn.org/wgwap. states can keep the spirit of Paris and energy production. treaty will be taken by 2018. Both reports will be published in the IUCN library online: https:// Significant progress was also alive, paving the way for a new Effective planning strategies for managing portals.iucn.org/library. For more information, please contact Anete made on the fourth – and most At stake is no less than the future treaty that places the common environmental risk associated with geophysical Berzina ([email protected]) or Giulia Carbone (giulia.carbone@ contentious – issue: how bene- health of the global ocean and its interests and common concerns of and other imaging surveys: A resource guide iucn.org) from IUCN’s Business and Biodiversity Programme. fits derived from marine genetic role in sustaining and nourishing all states and peoples at its heart. for managers covers all of the relevant consid- resources from the High Seas life on this planet. The first World erations and evaluation parameters. All stages of and the International Seabed Area Ocean Assessment, released by Further Reading: operations are considered within a systematic risk might be shared within the global the UN in January 2016, reveals On IUCN’s role in the process: assessment-based self-evaluation before, during community. While differences that the oceans have absorbed see “Can the world agree on how and following survey operations. These concepts are remain as to whether living marine more than 93% of heat generat- to conserve the oceans?” Blog based on progress in scientific studies of potential resources in such areas are, or ed by increasing CO2 emissions, by Lydia Slobodian, Legal Officer, impacts, and practical observations of operations should be, part of the ‘common strongly dampening the land IUCN: https://www.iucn.org/content/ and associated monitoring and mitigation from heritage of mankind,’ discussions impacts of higher greenhouse un-takes-significant-step-towards- several decades of seismic surveys. Increasingly are now turning to more pragmatic gas concentrations. Nevertheless, new-treaty-conserve-marine-life-be- complex regulatory evaluation, sustained research frameworks for establishing what while rising CO2 emissions are yond-boundaries efforts, and technological improvements all help kind of benefits might be consid- raising water temperatures, they inform a logical and structured approach to the ered, and how they might be fairly are also contributing to increasing For more information, please responsible conduct of high-power marine seismic © Yuri Yakovlev and equitably shared. States also ocean acidity and shrinking oxygen contact Kristina Gjerde surveys and other forms of environmental imaging. agreed to recognise the impor- supplies. Such adverse impacts (kristina [email protected]).

22 23 Deep Sea Mining Exploring the environmental impacts and unknowns

All three photos © NOAA MBARI 2002

them from mining, there are major temporal variations, and resilience sea ecosystems are particularly concerns about the potential for of deep-sea species to specific vulnerable to change and at risk adverse consequences resulting pressures, in deep-sea environ- from disturbances. It is estimated from large-scale mining activities. ments. To place the current lack of that most deep sea ecosystems © Deep Atlantic Stepping Stone Science Team/IFE/URI/NOAA knowledge pertaining to the deep will take hundreds to thousands The direct impacts of the physical ocean and its ecosystems in per- of years to recover, if at all, from Often compared to outer space in its vastness and mystery, the deep sea is aptly described disturbances caused by deep sea spective, the International Cen- human disturbances such as deep as Earth’s final frontier. Accounting for 95% of the ocean’s entire volume, the deep sea is mining in marine environments sus of Marine Life programme, seabed mining. include digging up benthic animals conducted from 2000-2010, the world’s largest biome. Although it remains predominantly unexplored, past expeditions Commercial interests and mining with mining tools, running them found that every second spec- have revealed that the deep ocean supports an astonishing abundance of unique biodiver- technologies are developing at a over, destroying or altering their imen collected from the deep sity, habitats, and ecosystems. Once considered isolated and unattainable, recent tech- faster rate than discussions on and habitat, generating light and noise sea below 3,000m was new to regulation of deep ocean scientific nological advancements have forever changed the world’s perceptions of the deep sea. In pollution, and increasing vessel science and had never before research and ocean governance. If combination with commercial interests, these technologies are driving the ‘blue economy’ activity on the surface. The less been described. deep seabed mining activities are deeper and deeper into the oceans’ unchartered territories in an effort to exploit the wealth immediate, indirect effects are less We do know that species found to proceed on an industrial scale, of deep-sea resources, despite the potential for irreversible environmental damage. well-understood and more diffi- in the deep ocean are generally it is essential that existing knowl- cult to predict. These can include slow-growing and long-lived. Two- edge gaps are filled, and adequate detrimental environmental im- thirds of all known coral species regulations and governance frame- Where is deep seabed mining to begin on an industrial scale. mining operations, Nautilus Miner- pacts from sediment plumes and live in the deep sea and some works are developed, implement- taking place? Exploitation licenses have not yet als is planning to start its exploita- sediment deposition, biodiversity been issued by the ISA; however, tion of hydrothermal vents just off coral reefs can live up to 8,500 ed, and enforced. Scientific knowl- Deep seabed mining is at the loss, the release of heavy or toxic a regulatory framework is currently the Papua New Guinea coast by years, perhaps longer. It is known edge is necessary to determine forefront of deep-sea commercial metals or other tailings, and the re- under development for commercial 2018. If this commercial mining that the deep sea rivals tropical baselines; baselines are essential activities. As of July 2015, the In- covery dynamics of affected deep mining permits in the deep seabed project is successful, it is likely that rainforests in terms of biodiversity, to establishing comprehensive ternational Seabed Authority (ISA) sea ecosystems. “Area” beyond national bounda- many more will follow Nautilus Min- and that multiple sites of mining environmental conservation and has issued 27 contracts to select- ries. erals’ lead, subjecting the Pacific interest are considered biodiversity management requirements; and ed public and private interests for Where do knowledge gaps Islands region to a future of deep hotspots (see FFEM-SWIO Project, sound environmental management exploration of minerals found on Two national governments are exist? seabed mining activity. p.35 of this issue). Species found is needed for the ‘sustainable’ de- the deep seabed. The majority of known to have already issued Perhaps the largest and most cru- around hydrothermal vents form velopment of deep seabed mining. these exploration contracts are deep seabed mining exploitation What are the potential impacts cial knowledge gap is that of base- isolated communities that have for manganese nodules within the licenses within the national juris- For more information, please con- of deep seabed mining? line information on the biodiversity adapted to very particular living tact Whitney Berry (whitneyberry07@ Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in diction of their states’ Exclusive and ecology, ecosystem function- conditions. These factors contrib- gmail.com) or Kristina Gjerde (kristina. the Central Pacific, with the rest of Economic Zones. The government Roughly 1.2 million km2 of in- ing and connectivity, spatial and ute to scientists’ belief that deep [email protected]). the contracts exploring the Central of Papua New Guinea issued one ternational seabed area beyond Indian Ocean Basin, South West such license to Nautilus Minerals national jurisdiction is currently Indian Ridge, Central Indian Ridge, for use in the Solwara 1 Project, licensed for mineral exploration, IUCN is seeking to ensure that any regulations reflect best environmental practices, the best available data Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the West- taking place in the Bismarck Sea. potentially signalling the creation of and information, and research requirements. It also promotes application of the precautionary principle and ern Pacific Ocean. The other was issued by both Sau- the largest mining operation that an ecosystem-based approach to management and enhanced international collaboration to increase our di Arabia and Sudan in a joint ven- the planet has ever witnessed, fundamental knowledge of the deep sea. The IUCN is an active participant in the Deep Ocean Stewardship Several of the issued exploration ture with Manafa International and dwarfing existing terrestrial mines. Initiative (DOSI), a group of multidisciplinary experts seeking to integrate science, technology, policy, law and licenses are due to expire in 2016, Diamond Fields International to With such large areas at stake, and economics to advise on ecosystem-based management of resource use in the deep ocean and strategies to raising the question of whether exploit mineral deposits in the Red so little knowledge of the dynam- maintain the integrity of deep-ocean ecosystems within and beyond national jurisdiction. they will be renewed and extend- Sea. Although neither one of these ics of existing deep sea environ- http://dosi-project.org ed to allow deep seabed mining projects has yet begun industrial ments or the potential impacts to 24 25 Sargasso Sea Commission working to protect a wonder of the Sargasso Sea – the European Eel

The European Eel, Anguilla anguilla, is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Like the American eel (Anguilla rostrata), it only spawns in the Sargasso Sea, in the mid- North Atlantic. The eels’ migration to the Sargasso Sea is a true wonder of nature.

Arctic World Heritage Scientists gather in Paris to explore World Heritage potential in the Arctic © Caitlyn Webster

Scientific experts from around the world gathered at A key conclusion of the meeting centred on the intimate © David Curnick UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters in February 2016 for a interaction between local communities, traditional cul- two-day working meeting to explore possible new ma- tures and the Arctic’s natural environment. It was agreed rine World Heritage sites in the Arctic. Experts discussed that the Outstanding Universal Value of the Arctic region unique and exceptional Arctic features that could merit should be considered from both cultural and natural European Eel (Reinhold Hanel). Distributions of Anguilla leptocephali in the Sargasso Sea (Miller and Hanel, 2011, unpublished). their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. perspectives. Further, it was noted that, contrary to the traditional country-by-country approach, marine World The Arctic is home to geological features and animals European eels spend most of their lives in the fresh or Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Monaco, UK and US. Heritage sites must reflect and protect the large-scale found nowhere else in the world. The oldest vertebrate brackish waters of European and Mediterranean coun- In 2014, Monaco – with the support of the Commission features of marine ecosystems. species, the Greenland shark, has recently been esti- tries. Once matured, they undergo major physiological - successfully proposed that the European eel be listed mated to have a life span of 400 years. It is also highly Traditionally, identification and prioritization of sites for changes to allow them to swim nearly 4,000 miles to under Appendix II of Convention on Migratory Species, vulnerable to climate change, warming at twice the World Heritage listing is undertaken at the national level, an area in the Sargasso Sea south of Bermuda, where as “having a conservation status which would signifi- world average rate. The Arctic is a sink for pollutants but recent trends in identification of marine phenomena they spawn and then die. This unique event has never cantly benefit from international co-operation”. originating far from the region itself. The latest area of and sites for conservation underline the need for trans- been witnessed. Scientists have estimated its location To investigate the ways in which such cooperation may concern is high concentrations of microplastics – rep- boundary supranational and regional cooperation in the by measuring the sizes of larvae (leptocephali) in vari- improve the conservation status of this extraordinary resenting a significant threat to human and ecosystem identification of sites, as well as their management and ous places. We do know, however, that once hatched, migratory species, the Secretariats of the Sargasso Sea health. As sea ice retreats, and Arctic seas become governance. Community consultations, and engagement the leptocephali make their way back to Europe on the Commission and of the Convention on Migratory Spe- increasingly accessible for shipping and oil and gas with Indigenous Peoples in particular, are prerequisites ocean currents for the cycle to begin again. The Europe- cies will convene a meeting in Galway Bay, Ireland in development, the need for conservation of the area’s for success in this endeavour. an eel has seen precipitous declines in recent decades. October 2016. Drawing representatives from more than Outstanding Universal Values grows. At present, there Some of this is due to the construction of physical im- 50 states in which European eels are found, as well as The Paris meeting forms part of an innovative multi-year are just two World Heritage sites in the region: Ilulissat pediments to their migration – like dams and weirs – but experts from North America, the workshop will review project led by IUCN in partnership with the Natural Re- Icefjord and Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve. there is concern that oceanographic changes in their the threats to both European and American eels and sources Defense Council (NRDC) and UNESCO World Earlier work by the World Heritage Centre and IUCN spawning areas in the Sargasso Sea have also affect- discuss measures that could be taken at an international Heritage Centre’s Marine Programme. IUCN is an official determined that the Arctic region is underrepresented on ed numbers. The voracious appetite for smoked eel in level to protect them during migration. One proposal advisor to the World Heritage Committee and works UNESCO’s World Heritage List. the sushi trade is also highly relevant. It has generated under discussion seeks to apply all the protections that to enhance the role of the World Heritage Conven- a lucrative export trade in elvers – tiny eels, caught as international law allows to the area where they spawn in Participants debated the unique marine features of the tion in protecting the planet’s biodiversity. This project they make their way back to coastal waters from the the Sargasso Sea. Arctic that are currently underrepresented on the World was made possible through the generous support of Sargasso Sea. After external trade was banned from EU Heritage List. These include distinctive geological pro- the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, WWF and countries in 2007 and Anguilla anguilla was listed under For more information, please contact Dr David Freestone cesses, iconic species and high densities of endemic bi- UNESCO. The results of the workshop are expected to CITES Appendix II, the focus of trade has shifted to An- ([email protected]) odiversity found nowhere else. They also studied poten- be presented at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in guilla rostrata in North America and the larger Caribbean or Faith Bulger ([email protected]) tial new sites that could meet the World Heritage criteria 2017. islands. or consult the website at and compared them with sites that are currently listed The state of spawning areas in the Sargasso Sea is a http://www.sargassoseacommission.org on the tentative World Heritage List. IUCN and UNCES- For more information, please contact Tatiana Saskina key concern of the Sargasso Sea Commission, estab- CO will issue a report on the workshop’s findings, laying ([email protected]). lished in August 2014 pursuant to the Hamilton Dec- thorough scientific groundwork to assist State Parties in laration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the identifying Arctic marine sites of potential Outstanding Sargasso Sea and signed by 6 governments: Azores, Universal Value. 26 27 IUCN GMPP Oceans Photographer of the Year 2016

Over 370 entries from 48 participants around the world!

28 29 IUCN GMPP Oceans Photographer of the Year 2016: Winners Gallery

Marine Life: Sean Chinn The Poles: Guillaume Pépy Human Impact: Paddy Ryan

Destinations: Lauric Thiault Open Choice: Mathieu Foulquié Marine Conservation: Paddy Ryan

30 31 Seamounts Conservation and sustainable exploitation of seamount and hydrothermal vent ecosystems of the West South Indian Ocean in areas beyond national jurisdiction

Seamounts: a new expedition in the South West Indian Ocean © James Cook IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme, together with the scientific partners of its ongoing marine conservation project in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (FFEM-SWIO Project), will lead an expedition at sea in the South West Indian Ocean in April-May 2017.

The expedition will focus on the Walters Shoal, a floor) in the world’s oceans have been studied, most of unique place in the oceans. The Walters Shoal is a which have been visited or sampled only once. seamount, or group of seamounts, located 700km off Seamounts are often considered biodiversity hotspots. the coast of Madagascar. Despite being so far from Migratory fish and cetaceans, as well as seabirds, rely the shore, the summit depth is only 18m (59ft) below on seamounts for their food supply. These ecosys- sea level. The 26-day expedition will sample the fauna tems are facing major threats. First, from overfishing between the summit and 1500m depths, and more and potential destruction of habitats through deep-sea specifically between the summit and 500m depth, an bottom trawling; and second, from potential destruc- area with a high prevalence of unique, highly-adapted tion of habitats and pollution from deep sea mining species. In addition to studying the organisms living exploration and future exploitation activities. on and around the seamount, the scientists on board The scientific results from this new research expedition will carry out sampling of some surface-level species, will contribute to increased knowledge and a better measuring environmental and physical parameters in understanding of the interconnected role of seamount order to gain a better appreciation of how these spe- ecosystems in the biodiversity of areas beyond nation- cific ecosystems function. al jurisdiction (ABNJ) of particular regions. This is an essential step towards biodiversity conservation and Seamounts are among the least-understood ecosys- sustainable use of ecosystem resources. tems on Earth. A very small portion of the 33,500 sea- mounts (elevation higher than 1500m above the sea- The final objective of the project is to propose candi- dates for Marine Protected Area status, and to help identify adequate conservation measures in ABNJ in the region. This requires collaborating with coastal States, building on existing regional frameworks or initiatives (such as Southern Indian Ocean Deep-sea Fishers Association (SIODFA) and voluntary closing The project is funded by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM; http://www.ffem.fr) with several cofinancing. off of Benthic Protected Areas). It also builds on the Project partners: National Museum of Natural History (France), the Institute of Research for Development (IRD, France), Institute for Sus- important work of FAO on Vulnerable Marine Eco- tainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) and Oxford University. systems, and of CBD on Ecologically or Biologically The project is supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Significant Areas. Project implemented in collaboration with several institutions, ongoing projects or programmes: notably, the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of South Africa, the Deep Sea Project of the FAO ABNJ For more information on the FFEM-SWIO project, Program and its partners, The Nairobi Convention, The Southern Indian Ocean Deepsea Fishers Association, universities in South Africa please contact Aurélie Spadone and Reunion Island, IFREMER, the International Seabed Authority, SAPPHIRE and AfriCOG. ([email protected]).

Map and 3D zoom: shows where the expedition at sea will take place (see Marine News 2014). Situation and 3D maps of the South West Indian Ocean. Bathymetry in meters; Exclusive Economic Zones (black lines); Walters Shoal seamount area (yellow circle). 32 33 Other Initiatives Hope Spot Newsletter Update Stay connected with the Global Marine Community

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Beach Cleanup HopeSpot: Hatteras Community Education Event

IUCN and Mission Blue (an organisation founded by Dr. Sylvia Earle) have formed a partner- ship to create a formal process for designating Hope Spots across the globe. These areas are parts of the ocean that deserve protection for their special features and ecosystems. The Hope Spot process is unique in that nominations can come from any source – a dis- tinctive feature of the global marine protection effort.

A nomination system and council are currently being plains, the Mission Blue effort works on the expectation set up to assess public nominations and, if successful, that "a global network of Hope Spots will protect and SEVENSEAS is the leading free publication that promotes marine conservation through community place them on the world map of Hope Spots. To inform restore a healthy ocean.” engagement, online media, and eco-tourism, with readers in 170 countries. We continue to inspire whether an area can be formally recognised as a Hope and educate all our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and an underlying conservation Spot, it must meet a set of criteria: North Carolina, on the East coast of the United States, harbours an inspiring example. The proposed Hope message. From our inaugural issue we pledged to preserve SEVENSEAS as a free resource available • A site of special abundance or diversity of Spot site is the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands to students, families, and professionals of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds. It is only by the gen- species; that are home to a wide range of coastal habitats. Each erosity of donors and readers like you that we have the ability to make our mission a reality. • Containing special, unusual or representative island supports a large range of species, including species, habitats or ecosystems; and several that are threatened, such as the loggerhead Visit sevenseastravelmagazine.com to view the magazine and subscribe for free! • Holding significant economic, historical, turtle (Caretta caretta) and the piping plover (Charadrius cultural or spiritual values. melodus). The Hope Spot: Hatteras project was first proposed by a university professor and a group of her The Hope Spots council is composed of regional marine students. Even in advance of receiving approval, the experts well-placed to review and accept nominations. group have raised funding and recruited volunteers from Dr. Earle, the council and Mission Blue will provide local communities, undertaken beach clean-up opera- on-going support to new Hope Spots by increasing tions, produced a short film and launched a website to visibility, supplying expert knowledge, and helping to raise visibility and public support for their nomination. build a network of supporters and advocates to uphold There are currently 61 Hope Spots in place, some with future legal efforts. Along with other media tools, the legal protection (such as the Chagos Archipelago) and first edition of the “Hope Spot Sentinel” newsletter will others without. The success of Mission Blue’s media be launched, containing stories and pictures of these outreach has resulted in the receipt of several hun- remarkable places from around the world. Both Mission dred nominations, from members of the public with Blue and Dr. Earle have built a large and influential online a deep-rooted love for their local coastline, to highly presence, together with the release of the film ‘Mission dynamic and integrated communities. With the nomina- Blue’, chronicling Dr. Earle’s life and her vision for Hope tion system soon to be in place, chances are that many Spots. important sites will soon become fully-fledged Hope Once these systems are up and running, they will act as Spots, continuing to inspire visitors and locals alike to a platform to advocate for legal and social protection of protect and respect unique patches of ocean. new Hope Spots via community support, education and For more information, please contact Raphaelle Flint the effective use of social media tools. As Dr. Earle ex- ([email protected])

34 35 Sustainability of Fish Feed in Aquaculture Aquaculture and Marine Protected Areas In 2016, total aquaculture production intended for human consumption is expected to exceed global fishery production. Within this global picture, fish farming is developing quickly, both for freshwater and marine species. Breeding fish, however, also requires feeding them. Fish feed is formulated using a diverse range of sourc- es of proteins and lipids. A large part of this comes from fish meal, made mainly from a mixture of whole fish (mainly small, foraging fish species, such as the anchoveta – from the portion not directly consumed by humans) and fishery processing by-products from processing. However, many other foodstuffs are used to manufacture the meal and formulate the feeds, including soya, corn, wheat, seaweed, and terrestrial Aquaculture is likely to be an expanding industry over the coming years. The need to feed a animal by-products from the food processing industry. growing world population is an ever-greater and more pressing challenge. One of the major Regardless of the mixture of sources used, fish feed constraints to aquaculture growth, however, is limited availability of, and access to, space. production remains plagued by sustainability issues, including its impact on biodiversity, natural resource Competition with other marine activities is intense, primarily because the bulk of marine availability, social acceptability and industrial feasibility. aquaculture is located close to the shore. The cultivation of fish, shellfish and algae re- quires high-quality water, but coastal waters are often of insufficient quality to support the IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Programme (GMPP) production of food with high nutritional content. and the Commission on Ecosystem Managament – Ecosystem-based Aquaculture Group (CEM E-bAG) In order to provide ecosystem goods and services, Drawing on a series of case studies, the project will has been tackling this complex issue in collaboration such as carbon sequestration, oxygen production, deliver a technical brief setting out the main princi- with the animal feed industry and the aquaculture sec- Preliminary results of sustainability analysis for fish feed sources (FP = fish protein, PAT = terrestrial animal protein, and good quality water, it is necessary to conserve ples for reflecting on aquaculture-MPA synergies, tor, with the support of the Directorate of Fisheries and miA = micro-algae) healthy ecosystems. A popular means of doing so is and providing an ethical and practical framework for Aquaculture of the French Ministry of Environment. the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). implementing sustainable aquaculture in MPAs. The Several workshops have been organised, and a report impact. Algae-based fish feed, or ‘vegetarianism for Aquaculture is often seen to pose pollution risks, while report will introduce and discuss the value of different has been drafted incorporating the best available fish’ can also provide all the required nutritional com- MPAs are generally regarded as no-take zones (no aquaculture types within an MPA: small-scale aquacul- knowledge. All protein and lipid sources have been ponents of fish food. fishing, mining or drilling). ture; community-based aquaculture, integrated mul- assessed from environmental, social and economic In addition to being a “glocal” phenomenon – imple- ti-trophic aquaculture, aquaculture-oriented MPAs and sustainability standpoints, and recommendations have menting global principles at the local level –sustainabil- Good examples of aquaculture employ a range of sus- MPA-labelled aquaculture. It will also identify links with been agreed. ity in fish feed extends far beyond the ecosystem level. tainable practices, however, and there are six catego- other labels (ASC, Fair Trade, Organic, Label Rouge, Agro-ecology, circular economy dynamics, life-cycle ries of MPA, of which only one is no-take. In acknowl- Slow Food). Looking to the future, a number of alternatives are analysis, traceability and source certification are all rel- edging that aquaculture requires good quality water, available, including protein from insects and worms, evant to achieving sustainable fish feed management. and that MPAs need to be economically viable, it is The report will also consider whether some types of and proteins and lipids from micro- and macro-algae. possible to reconcile the two in pursuit of the overall aquaculture should be excluded from MPAs (par- The latter is the most promising, given that algae cul- For more information, please contact François Simard goal of sustainable development. ticularly industrial-scale carnivorous fish cages), and ture is the most sustainable in terms of environmental ([email protected]). whether it is best to adopt a framework, targeted To this end, IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Pro- approach or a set of general principles. A matrix com- gramme (GMPP) and World Commission on Protected paring the various types of aquaculture and the MPA Recommendations Areas (WCPA) are exploring synergies between aq- categories, and the interactions between them, will • Fish meal and fish oil from dedicated fisheries: ensure they are sourced from fisheries and processing uaculture (across all types) and MPAs (across all MPA also be developed. plants certified by, e.g. the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and from countries that have sustainable categories and their various management objectives). fisheries management regulations in place. In collaboration with several partners (including FAO, To meet Aichi Target 11 (10% of the oceans in effec- • Fish meal and fish oil from fishery and aquaculture by-products: ensure the upstream sustainability of GFCM, Blue Ventures, IFREMER, Agence des Aires tively managed MPAs by 2020) and Sustainable Devel- by-products and optimise the use of discarded product. Explore the use of by-products at the local level Marines, and several universities), the project aims opment Goal 2 (end hunger, achieve food security and and the potential for circular economies of production and consumption. Ensure by-products are subject to identify and pursue positive interactions between improved nutrition and promote sustainable agricul- to strong traceability standards. aquaculture and MPAs. ture), we will have to reconcile nature conservation and sustainable development. Applying the ecosystem • Terrestrial vegetal proteins: ensure the sustainability of primary production processes (since the vast ma- The main question being tackled currently is how approach to marine activities such as aquaculture is jority of vegetal proteins are agricultural by-products). This is particularly relevant to soy bean and palm MPAs can support aquaculture growth and how aqua- an important step towards this goal. oil production, and feeds back into much larger debates on sustainable agriculture, including the use of culture activities might support MPAs, minimising the GMOs. negative side-effects of one on the other. Forthcoming For more information, please contact François Simard • Terrestrial animal proteins: similarly to vegetal proteins, the primary issue is the sustainability of the meat discussions will cover different kinds of interactions, ([email protected]) industry. The issue of social acceptability of using particular animal proteins (feed made using blood, skin, positive and negative effects, sustainability patterns, bones and feathers) to feed fish must also be confronted. lessons learned from previous experiences, pitfalls, drawbacks and, finally, concrete recommendations. 36 37 From Around the Union From Around the Union Mediterranean News

Proposed activities for IUCN/CEM/FEG 2016

Working as always at the interface between fisheries Think Tank Activities and conservation, the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group The FEG responded to the recent high-level of interest (FEG) will focus on completing the numerous activities in governance by promoting discussions on the topic, undertaken in the last 2 years, and, in particular, finish- focusing particularly on the BBNJ Ad Hoc working © Alain Jeudy ing and publishing the outcomes of its scientific work- group. The FEG, alongside IUCN and the US Na- shops. tional Marine Fisheries Services, also participated in Environmental Science • Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans in The FEG will also continue to present in international the elaboration of a book on Financial Instruments to 2016 has seen the preparation and dissemination the Black and Mediterranean Seas (ACCOBAMS) fora the conclusions of its work on (i) Balanced Har- mitigate the impacts of fisheries by-catch on biodi- of key documents on the Mediterranean region and • IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation vest; (ii) MPAs and fisheries; (iii) global governance of versity, to bring together all instruments and issues to specific countries within it. Knowledge production fisheries and conservation; (iv) payments for ecosys- propose least-cost conservation and mitigation strat- is therefore taking centre stage as the key support • Mediterranean Protected Areas Network (MedPAN) tem services; and (v) financial instruments for by-catch egies, as well as to promote increased involvement structure for informed decision making. In particular, mitigation, contributing to clarifying the issues emerg- with the fishery sector in the design of solutions. Oth- progress this year has been centred on discussions Science and Policy Communication for the Public ing in the ongoing global reform process. Finally, FEG er activities in this area included working with IUCN to around a Deep Sea Science and Conservation Strat- IUCN’s Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, EFE will continue to look for opportunities to stimulate and decide on the components of the situation analysis to egy; review of the international and regional conser- Agency, Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies participate in international collaborative initiatives aim- be undertaken by IUCN, to identify consultants and vation labels applicable in the Mediterranean Sea; a (AMAN) and fourteen press agencies (50 participants ing at sustainable use of ocean living resources involv- clarify operational aspects. first edition of the Atlas of Mediterranean Seamounts from 15 countries) convened in Málaga with some of ing environmental and fisheries organizations such as designed to support deep sea conservation efforts; The FEG also pursued the preparation for a special the strongest regional environmental organizations to FAO, IUCN and CBD as well as GEF and World Bank. assessment of MPA legislation in Albania, Croatia Theme issue of the ICES Journal for Marine Science find an answer to the challenges facing environmental and Montenegro; the first steps towards the estab- 2016 is an exceptionally busy year for fisheries and on balanced Harvest following the request for sub- reporting in the Mediterranean. The conclusions of lishment of a biodiversity platform; the development marine conservation with many important internation- missions in April 2014, working to present the current two days of debate on the subject were subsequently of a geoportal for the Alboran Sea including over 100 al events such as FAO/COFI, the CBD/SBSTTA and thought on the concept through eight papers. codified through the Málaga Declaration. The Dec- Geographic Information System (GIS) layers; the first COP, the IUCN World Conservation Congress, and the laration, endorsed by all participants of the meeting, Atlas of the Seagrasses of Spain; the development of CITES COP. Below is a brief description of the upcom- It has been agreed with FAO to produce a FAO/FEG advocates for the establishment of a partnership to the Mediterranean Marine Invasive Species (MEDMIS) ing events and ongoing processes in which FEG has technical paper on the best presentations made in provide cooperation mechanisms for environmental application; and first steps towards compiling and been or will be actively contributing, and proposed ac- Sydney about MPAs, fisheries, livelihoods and food se- and scientific information professionals operating in maintaining a red list for Mediterranean marine eco- tivities. curity. This book, containing thematic issues and case Mediterranean countries. The creation of a media systems. studies, is almost ready for publication and is being network to promote better-coordinated, high-qual-

Collaboration with FAO and the CBD jointly elaborated by FAO and FEG (led by Lena West- ity scientific and environmental press coverage at From Environmental Science to Environmental lund and A. Charles). the Mediterranean level is one of the key objectives Policy FEG continued its close collaboration with intergov- Overall, it has been a productive year for the FEG with identified. A “journalist’s” guide to key questions and An alliance between all regional organisations for ernmental bodies and NGOs, including participating in multiple product outputs as well as valuable and in- institutions is the first product of this alliance. supporting and coordinating efforts for nature conser- the FAO Project “Common Oceans”, within which the teresting discussions on the wide range of issues that FEG is a partner. FEG also contributed to the process of vation and sustainable use of marine resources in the are related to fisheries. All related documents and more can be found at elaboration of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Mediterranean is being formed, involving the following http://bit.ly/IUCN-MedPublication. Please contact the Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) and collaborat- partners, with more to join as the project develops: For more information, please contact Serge Garcia IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation for more ed with the FAO and the CBD to conclude an agreement • UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (Secretariat of ([email protected]) or Despina Symons (despina. information: [email protected] (Marine Depart- on Aichi Biodiversity Target 6, which aims to Improve the Barcelona Convention) [email protected]) ment) or [email protected] (Corporate depart- Progress Reporting and Facilitate Implementation. • General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterrane- ment). an (GFCM-FAO) 38 39 Asia News © Thanongsak Chanmethakul In June 2016, the fifth National Marine Science Sym- and mortality appears to be minimal in most protected posium, held in Bangkok, brought together over 700 areas in Thailand. It appears that with some luck in the marine scientists, park managers and policy makers pattern of temperature fluctuations, proactive meas- around the country to discuss medium and long-term ures have paid off and are helping to buy some time for coral beaching intervention options that help coral nature to adapt. reefs cope with more frequent elevated sea temper- DMCR and IUCN have been partners in conserva- atures. In his keynote address, entitled ‘Keeping the tion since 2002, collaborating on numerous projects, blue – green’, Professor Marc Hockings of the Univer- including Mangroves for the Future (MFF), Mangrove sity of Queensland and Vice-Chair of IUCN WCPA’s and Markets (MAM), Ecosystems Protecting Infra- global programme on Science and Management structure and Communities (EPIC) and the Trans- of Protected Areas, emphasised the importance of boundary Dolphin Conservation project. In 2016, improving standards of marine protected areas as an IUCN signed an MoU with DMCR to improve marine essential component of improving resilience to climate and coastal conservation in Thailand and to ensure change. Professor Hockings also introduced IUCN’s that conservation and enforcement tools under the Green List of Protected Areas, an initiative that meas- newly adopted Promotion of Marine and Coastal Thailand Takes Action to Save Coral Reefs ures, shares, encourages and celebrates protected Resources Management Act are implemented to the areas that successfully reach good standards of man- benefit of coastal communities and ecosystems. amidst Looming Climate Change Threats agement. IUCN had previously assisted Thailand’s DNP in evaluating management effectiveness of 22 Temporary Closure of Reef Areas Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), in cooperation with the marine protected areas. Discussions on the appli- cation of the ‘Green List’ concept to the country’s The coral bleaching response taskforce has proposed Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), IUCN and other part- protected areas are also under way. the temporary closure of 32 sensitive reef areas, 15 ners, has launched a framework for proactive monitoring and management of coral bleach- of which are located in the Andaman Sea, and 17 in ing to minimise the impacts of climate change in critical marine areas. The measures in- “Building ecological resilience through the develop- the Gulf of Thailand. These measures are intended clude the temporary closure of several diving sites in order to protect important reef areas. ment of marine protected area networks is key in to minimise human impacts and maximise protection helping corals fight climate change. Crises such as of source areas. The protected areas include famous Coral reefs, along with seagrass beds, mangrove for- Collaboration between DMCR and IUCN coral bleaching events have captured a lot of public diving sites such as the east coast of Mu Ko Simi- ests and other tropical marine environments, are criti- “The sea surface temperature throughout Thailand interest and we have seen policy changes and strong lan National Park and Mu Ko Surin National Park in cal habitats that support the highest concentrations of during the hot season this year has been ranging measures being implemented here in Thailand to Phang Nga; Ko Yung and Ko Phai in Mu Ko Phi Phi marine biodiversity in the world. They provide feeding, from 30-33°C. This is significantly above Thailand’s mitigate the current impact. IUCN congratulates Thai- National Park in Krabi; Ko Aew in Phuket; Ko Adang nursery and spawning grounds for a wide variety coral reef current threshold for bleaching at 30.5°C. If land for developing a comprehensive and proactive Rawi in Satun; Ko Talu in Prachuap Khiri Khan; and of marine life and protect the coastline from severe temperatures remains the same, or rise, it is predicted management plan in response to the coral bleaching the northern part of Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Samui in storms and rises in sea level. Over 500 million people that widespread bleaching will occur in up to 80% of event. IUCN will continue to support the work carried Surat Thani. The proposed period of closure of one worldwide depend on them for food, storm protec- coral reefs in the country. A taskforce consisting of out by the government of Thailand in minimizing the year will be reviewed, and further notice given, once tion, jobs, and recreation. Coral reefs are extremely DMCR, other relevant government agencies, univer- impact of this global event,” said Mr Petch Manopaw- detailed monitoring and reporting has taken place. sensitive to small increases in ocean temperature and sities and IUCN has been formed to provide concrete itr, Deputy Head of IUCN Southeast Asia Group. acidity, making them some of the most vulnerable recommendations for swift management actions,” The peak of El Niño has passed and sea surface tem- For more information, please contact Angela Joehl ecosystems to climate change. said Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director of the Marine and peratures in Thailand have now returned to normal. Cadena ([email protected]) or Petch Man- A resilience-based approach has been put in place Coastal Resources Research Institute, DMCR. Many bleached corals are now on the route to recovery, opawitr ([email protected]). by DMCR, DNP, IUCN and partners. This aims to DMCR has been monitoring the situation closely. It © Thanongsak Chanmethakul foster public discourse on coral bleaching, redesign began assessing coral reef resilience throughout Thai- marine protected areas networks and temporarily land based on the new guidelines jointly developed close popular diving sites in order to minimise hu- by Thai marine scientists and IUCN last November. man disturbances and give coral reefs the chance to DMCR scientists, in collaboration with DNP, applied cope with severe stresses. This is in response to the customised resilience indicators based on the stand- devastating effects of the third global coral bleaching ard protocol for coral reef assessment recommend- event on the northern part of Australia’s Great Barrier ed by IUCN. The results will help to identify critical Reef, Hawai’i and elsewhere. areas in need of protection and assess resilience Thailand has been regularly experiencing major coral levels across the reef ecosystem. The comprehensive bleaching since 1991, with severe coral bleaching response plan includes a dedicated coral bleaching taking place in 1995, 1998 and 2010. This has left warning system website which provides daily up- much of the once-pristine coral areas in the Anda- dates on the coral situation in Thailand. Launched in man Sea and the Gulf of Thailand in critical condi- February, the information portal presents users with tion. While many of the reefs are well on the recovery real-time sea surface temperatures, and also com- trajectory, the current global bleaching event could prises a reporting channel that features marine-related further degrade their conditions, ultimately affecting information gathered from various stakeholders on the coastal community livelihoods as well as the tourism ground. sector. 40 41 41 Oceania News © Jeff Litton West Africa: development of an observation mechanism for the West African Coastline

Coastal erosion is the breaking down of land and beach sediments by wave action, currents and high wind. These processes, and the resulting changes to the shoreline, bear social and economic consequences that have been observed in West Africa for many decades.

The impact of erosion, exacerbated by climate ing a will to pool resources to realise the common change and of increasing relevance to coastal popu- goal of creating a regional shoreline monitoring mech- lations, has already been identified by several pan-Af- anism. This initiative was recommended in response rican ministerial conferences, notably in 1997 at the to alarming increases in the scale of economic and Conference of Ministers of the Environment within the social costs of coastal erosion in West Africa, made Previously unknown ocean values motivate West African Economic and Monetary Union, better worse by the pressure of growing coastal populations known by its French acronym, UEMOA. In April 2007, and infrastructures, and in light of various different EEZ-wide planning in Pacific Island countries this same conference launched a Regional Program manifestations of climate change. to Combat Coastal Erosion in West Africa. In 2012, the West African Observation Coast Mis- In 2009, UEMOA, responding to demands from part- sion (WACOM; MOLOA in French) was established Island countries ner states, partnered with IUCN to implement a Pre- with the financial support of UEMOA. An effective More than 95% of most Pacific Island nations are covered by ocean. Recent studies show vention Plan on coastal risks and a Master Plan for operating system has been developed over the last that the marine environment provides ecosystem services worth billions of dollars to the West African Coastline (SDLAO in French). In May three years, establishing national branches in each Pacific Island economies and people. 2011, Ministers of the Environment from eleven West of the eleven signatory states to monitor the risks of African countries adopted the Dakar Declaration, coastal erosion and how they evolve. The Centre for bringing the SDLAO into existence and demonstrat- Ecological Monitoring in Dakar handles the regional Only a small part of this value is reflected in the formal Ocean, and in doing so, protect their people. coordination of the monitoring mechanism, with the marketplace. The majority of the value of marine eco- The Cook Islands are also exploring the options and support of the Marine and Coastal Programme of systems services is not bought or sold; they reflect opportunities of large-scale ocean planning within its IUCN for Central and West Africa (IUCN-MACO). the intangible benefits of the marine environment Marae Moana (Marine Park). IUCN has been able to to Pacific Island cultures, food, coastal protection, WACOM is currently preparing its first “Evaluation support these efforts with funding from Global Blue climate change impact mitigation, and more. Pa- of West African Coasts” report, allowing it to share through spatial data compilation and legal analysis. cific Island leaders are spearheading global efforts important developments, identify areas subject to to consider the full range of values of their marine Managing huge marine protected areas brings unique particular stresses, and catalogue responses from resources in making more balanced, more sustainable challenges. IUCN, with support from the US Embassy, governments, intergovernmental organisations and decisions. IUCN is supporting these efforts in close was able to convene a meeting of managers of some partners since the publication/release of the SDLAO collaboration with SPREP and GIZ through the Ma- of the largest open ocean spaces in the world (Kiri- Master Plan in 2011. The report findings are expect- rine and Coastal Biodiversity Management (MACBIO) bati, USA, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands) – to ed to be adopted at the meeting of Ministers of the Project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of share lessons learned and strengthen cooperation in Environment organised by UEMOA in 2016. Environment. areas such as capacity building of management com- The WACOM mechanism is being designed in col- mittees, policy reviews, sustainable financing mecha- Reflecting the crucial importance of the ocean to laboration with a diverse number of partners, includ- nisms, research, surveillance and enforcement. Pacific Islanders, a range of different approaches has ing the World Bank and ClimDev-Africa. In the com- traditionally been applied to manage coastal ocean Across the Pacific, there is also a keen awareness ing years, it should reinvigorate and mobilise national spaces – for example, by declaring temporary or that the future of Pacific Island countries lies with bases, diversify the network of observers (including longer-term “tabo” or no-take areas hundreds of years their youth. With support from the US Embassy in local authorities, coastal villages and managers of ago. Fiji, IUCN convened an Emerging Ocean Leaders’ protected areas) and standardise reporting systems. Conference in Suva which saw over 30 young Pacif- Another important communicative tool will be the Higher mobility, increasing populations, as well as ic Islander professionals build knowledge, networks bi-annual publication of Evaluation of West Afri- the far-reaching impact of globalisation, make it even and capacity to better support their countries in all can Coasts reports, and to construct partnerships more important to promote sustainable resource use aspects of marine resource management. Topics around decentralised cooperation, as well as with in appropriate places, to minimise conflict over re- addressed and debated included fisheries, marine other organisations and regional networks engaged sources, to protect biodiversity and to carefully control spatial planning, communications and social network- in similar projects around the world. ing as a management tool. marine resource uses. Ocean-wide spatial planning For more information, please contact Idriss Deffry provides new tools that Fiji, the Solomon Islands, ([email protected]). Tonga and Vanuatu are bringing to bear, supported For more information, please contact Leanne by MACBIO, to safeguard the future of the Pacific Fernandes ([email protected]) or Katrina © Idriss Deffry Davey ([email protected]). 42 43 © Thanongsak Chanmethakul

WCPA-Marine is also involved in the MPA Agency important information is placed in peer-review pub- Partnership, a forum of senior government officials lications, it also builds linkages between key global providing opportunities for global leadership on MPAs, MPA stakeholders. WCPA-Marine has an agreement collaborative problem solving and collective contribu- in place with Aquatic Conservation, an international tions to global marine conservation. The Partnership scientific journal, to publish special issues on IUCN’s provides a space for discussion, research and stra- major global events focusing on MPAs. tegic planning with the core agencies responsible for These achievements are just part of the wider work delivery of three-quarters of the MPA areas achieved being undertaken by WCPA-Marine members, cover- under Aichi Target 11. ing issues as diverse as ocean acidification, blue car- In January 2016, a UN Working Group agreed to dis- bon and aquaculture. The One Programme initiative cuss the development of a legally-binding agreement continues to thrive and strengthen with the support to facilitate, among other things, the establishment of of other Commissions, the Global Protected Areas The World Commission on Protected Areas MPAs in the High Seas. The January Working Group’s Programme, and the Global Marine and Polar Pro- consensus recommendation was the outcome of over gramme. Plans are in motion for the Fourth Interna- a decade of coordinated efforts by the WCPA High tional Marine Protected Areas Congress in La Serena, Marine: making a big splash for the future of our ocean Seas MPA Specialist Group, the IUCN World Com- Chile from 4th - 7th September 2017, with a focus on mission on Environmental Law, the High Seas Alliance ‘Inspiring New Generations’. and many others. The 2014 World Parks Congress in Sydney saw a significant scaling-up of recognition of ocean issues by IUCN, For more information, please contact Dan Laffoley Capturing new knowledge on MPAs on behalf of the WCPA-Marine and partners. Since then, much has taken place behind the scenes to expand WCPA-Marine action areas, ([email protected]) or Marisol Bianco international community has also become a key pri- whilst strengthening existing programmes, membership services and visibility. This article provides a few highlights to ([email protected]). illustrate the breadth and depth of its ocean conservation, protection and management work. ority for WCPA-Marine. Not only does this ensure that

WCPA-Marine has been focused on many areas, build- been prepared by the Large-Scale Marine Protect- ing on the momentum of 2014 by conducting outreach ed Areas Task Force, in partnership with Big Ocean. The latest Special issue of Aquatic Conservation – ‘Building Networks of MPAs: The Legacy from the 2014 Syd- on the marine components of the Promise of Syd- The guidelines have been developed following exten- ney World Parks Congress’ – is scheduled for launch on 6th September at the World Conservation Congress in ney. It gathers, writes and distributes updates on key sive consultation and peer review with IUCN Commis- Hawaii. The issue contains 15 papers covering many of the key issues discussed in Sydney, including connecting milestones to partners, promoting awareness of – and sion members. The Task Force has helped create a people to nature, MPA management and the challenges of protecting the high seas. Planning for the next Special progress on – Sydney’s marine recommendations. pioneering framework for gathering large-scale data on Issue is already underway – it faces a challenging set of deadlines to be published in time for launch at IMPAC4 design and management plan development timelines. in Chile in September 2017. Possible topics include MPAs and blue carbon, MPAs and the high seas, MPAs and It has been a remarkable time for the development and Aichi Targets, and MPAs and climate change, but the full contents are still being developed and suggestions and A landmark achievement of WCPA-Marine work strengthening of Important Marine Mammal Areas offers of papers are welcome. The Special Issues were conceived to give people who might not otherwise pub- with many partners in 2015 was ensuring the ocean (IMMAs) by the joint WCPA-Marine/Species Survival lish peer-reviewed literature the opportunity to share their expertise and experiences with a much wider audience. featured in the Paris Agreement. Prior to COP21, Commission Marine Mammal MPA Task Force. Follow- This success of this initiative is clearly illustrated by the fact that ten of the top downloaded papers for Aquatic oceans were generally sidelined in UN climate nego- ing work on agreeing criteria for IMMA identification, Conservation in 2015 were published in the first Special Issue series from the IMPAC3. funding was obtained by the MAVA foundation for the tiations. In Paris, the mobilisation of civil society and first workshop, in the Mediterranean. Shortly after- scientific voices calling for the inclusion of oceans gave wards, funding was announced for the Task Force of long-awaited prominence to the issue. The number of expert workshops to identify IMMAs in five Southern ocean stakeholders, boosted by French organisations Hemisphere regions (South Pacific; Southeast Pacific; within and outside the conference, has grown expo- waters around Australia and New Zealand; Northeast nentially. The number of side events discussing ocean Indian; Northwest Indian). This forms part of a larger issues, such as acidification, island vulnerabilities and package of financial support for the Global Ocean blue carbon, has seen a threefold increase. Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI) provided by the German WCPA-Marine efforts at COP21 were reinforced by the Federal Ministries for the Environment, Nature Conser- newly established WCPA Marine Young Profession- vation, Building and Nuclear Safety, through the joint als Task Force (YPTF). The YPTF’s primary objec- Climate Change Initiative (IKI). tive is to engage the next generation in supporting ocean conservation and MPAs, through innovative and The WCPA-Marine Working Group on the IUCN Green creative outreach and communication activities. The List of Protected and Conserved Areas (GLPCA) Task Force’s first deliverable was released at COP21: was established in 2015 to ensure that MPAs are em- an ocean and climate infographic, the first in a series bedded within the overall IUCN GLPCA programme; highlighting the role of MPAs in combating climate that the MPA community is fully aware of the GLPCA’s change. It was published online during the COP21 role in promoting effective management of protected Ocean Day under the hashtag #FutureOceanLeaders. areas; and that MPAs are assisted and encouraged in Social media activity during the conference reached achieving Green List status. 1.8 million Twitter users, with a total reach of well over The Guidelines on the Design and Management 2 million through additional shares on Facebook and of Large-Scale MPAs, to be launched in 2016, have other media.

44 45 Marine species Red Listing: Full speed ahead fish, the GMSA has assessed more than 6,500, in a The cost of Red Listing a marine species range of taxonomic groups. Of these, more than 300 Red Listing is a cooperative effort. International species are listed as threatened (Critically Endan- experts, including taxonomists, biologists, fisheries Red listing marine species is a glob- gered, Endangered or Vulnerable), including charis- scientists and many others, attend workshops to al conservation priority – yet knowl- matic and commercially-fished species, such as tuna review species-specific data against the quantitative edge on the conservation status of and billfish, groupers, parrotfish, wrasses and sea Red List categories and criteria, and determine the breams. In general, larger and longer-lived species marine species lags far behind that extinction risk of each species. The average cost of are of higher conservation concern than their smaller, of terrestrial species. Only 13% of this process is estimated at approximately 500 USD short-lived counterparts. the species on the 2016 IUCN Red per species. Species of high commercial value (for List of Threatened Species utilise example, tuna and billfish) are more expensive to We now know much more about seagrasses and marine environments. assess than others, as additional experts and con- mangroves. Of 138 species assessed, 21 are in sultations are needed. The GMSA has been involved threatened conservation categories. Several inverte- The Global Marine Species Assessment in 61 workshops since 2005, with more than 500 brate groups, such as cone snails and sea cucum- (GMSA) project was launched in 2005 to specialists volunteering their time and expertise. This bers, have also been evaluated. Of these, commer- increase the representation of marine bio- equates to an investment of at least 3 million USD cially-exploited and restricted-range species tend to diversity on the Red List, and particularly to on marine Red Listing by international institutions. be more threatened. Most alarming is the status of attract attention to marine fish, invertebrate The benefits of red listing workshops go far beyond reef-building corals, around which enormous biodi- and plant species. In 10 years, we went the actual assessments, and are crucial for raising versity revolves. Almost one-third of the 845 recog- from 400 marine species assessed prior to awareness around the conservation of marine spe- nised species are threatened, due to a combination 2005, to over 11,800 species today, with cies; increasing international collaboration amongst of climate change and local threats. a target of 20,000 species by 2025. The scientists, conservationists and resource managers; results of this effort have been communi- and training governments and agencies in under- As we have come to understand vulnerabilities to cated in the scientific literature in more than standing and using Red List assessments at nation- exploitation and increasing commercial pressure to 25 peer-reviewed publications authored by al, regional or global scales. overfish, the groups in most need of assessment GMSA members and IUCN Species Spe- have become those fish and invertebrate species cialist Groups, and many more led by others targeted by fisheries. Fisheries extract about 80 Tackling overexploitation in the scientific community. million tons of biomass from the oceans each year. On land, wild animals provide only a small propor- Although the primary threat to biodiversity In 2012, the five most important species by biomass tion of humans’ food sources. This is not the case in the terrestrial realm is habitat loss, marine were Peruvian anchovy, Alaskan (walleye) pollock, in the oceans. According to the Marine Stewardship biodiversity is mostly threatened by overex- Skipjack tuna, various sardinellas, and Atlantic her- Council, fish provides more than 3 billion people with ploitation. Several characteristics can make ring. Highly valuable species are also fished in large 20% of their animal protein, and another 4.3 billion species particularly susceptible to over- quantities, from Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass to people with 15 % of animal protein. While aquacul- fishing, from longevity and delayed sexual less well known, but threatened, species such as the ture continues to grow and will become more im- maturation to aggregating (congregatory) Chinese Bahaba and the Totoaba. portant to the supply of marine living resources than behaviour (for example, for spawning) and fishing natural populations, fisheries still represent high economic value. In addition, misman- Only a small proportion of the species targeted by about half of total production. Moreover, aquaculture agement of many commercially-harvested fisheries have been assessed. Of the 163 species will not necessarily prevent overexploitation, since species has resulted in heavily depleted with formal stock assessments, only 72 have been wild-caught fish are a major component of fish feed populations. Lack of information and moni- assessed using Red List criteria. 19 are listed as in aquaculture installations. In addition, an estimat- toring on many such species has frustrated threatened, and another 9 as Near Threatened. This ed 35% or more of reported catch is discarded. accurate assessments of extinction risk. reflects the complexities in determining the conser- These discards are generally unintentional catches vation status of species that sustain economic inter- (often undersized individuals of target species, or Increasing marine representation on ests, and the relatively larger time and effort required non-target species with no commercial value) that the Red List to obtain and aggregate catch data. Anchovies, go back into the oceans as waste. The IUCN Marine Over the past 10 years, it has become clear sardines and herrings, for instance, form a key link Conservation Sub-Committee is prioritising plans that the marine conservation community in coastal food webs between plankton and high- for a situational analysis of species frequently taken needs to know much more about fish - er-level predators. These so-called “forage fish” are as ‘bycatch’ (or ‘trash fish’ in Asia). These fish are particularly bony fish. Among marine verte- heavily exploited. The abundance of these species is increasingly targeted by trawlers as organic matter brates (about 18,000 species), there is now often highly variable and unpredictable, and despite for the mariculture industry, as well as for processed considerable knowledge on the conserva- occasional massive abundances, overfishing can food (fish balls and surimi) in an unsustainable, tion status of marine mammals (126 spe- cause population collapses from which they do not non-selective fashion. cies), pelagic sea birds (346 species), ma- always quickly recover. Given their economic and rine turtles (7 species) and cartilaginous fish ecological importance, all species of forage fish will For more information, please contact Yvonne (sharks, rays and chimaeras: about 1,100 be assessed as part of a recent partnership between Sadovy ([email protected]) or Claudio species). Of the 16,000 species of bony IUCN and Toyota Motor Corporation Foundation. Campagna ([email protected]).

46 47 © Sean47 Chinn How Protected is your Marine Protected Area ? Child of the Sea New Publications and Reports I have been diving since before I could walk and virtually grew up in the sea. Over the last four decades, I have been fortunate to be diving in some of the most amazing dive sites on the planet, many of which are Explaining ocean warming: causes, scale, effects and marine protected areas (MPAs) or hope spots. Unfortunately, I have also gone diving in spots that do not inspire hope but rather incite despair and frustration in the face of how we are capable of mistreating the consequences Explaining Ocean Warming: oceans. Seeing these spots, motivated me to start speaking out about the state of our oceans and the im- Causes, scale, effects and consequences This landmark publication is the most recent, most comprehensive and portance of protecting them. Edited by D. Laffoley and J. M. Baxter September 2016 in-depth report published to date on ocean warming, the lesser known result of our excessive emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmos- phere. Over 80 leading scientists from 12 countries explain why ocean warming should matter to everyone and details what has happened as a result of the ocean absorbing more than 93% of the enhanced heating from the greenhouse effect and other human activities since the 1970s. The report catalogues the widespread impacts already occur- ring to ocean ecosystems, species and even the deep remote ocean. It looks at the likely economic consequences and risks to human health IUCN Global MarINe aNd Polar ProGraMMe and well-being. Finally, it sets out the likely nature and scale of chang- es yet to come and should serve as a major contribution to future think- I have been diving in areas that, with the marine protected area, taking people diving ing on this subject by the Intergovernental Panel on Climate Change, as while listed as MPAs, have little and enforcing the rules. well as governments, agencies and experts around the world. improved ecosystem richness A sea full of life compared to other unprotect- ed areas. The quantity and different kinds of species I dove with was staggering. As I was lying on the bottom Reef Manager’s Guide to Stewardship of the ocean floor at 22 m depth, hoping for a bull This should tell us that sim- shark, I felt something behind me. I turned slowly ply giving a location a rubber After the success of the first edition “Reef Manager’s Guide to around to see a 60-kilo snapper about 1 foot away stamp and making it a marine Coral Bleaching”, here is the next publication in the series: "A from my fins! Behind it, there were another two-doz- protected area on paper does Reef Manager’s Guide to Fostering Community Stewardship", a en snappers, all surely wondering what this strange not guarantee an improved combination of both theoretical and practical guidance intend- creature was. Behind the snapper was a massive vitality and health of the area. ed for coral reef managers to best use the power of communi- grouper - at least 175 kilos, timidly looking at me What is required is proper ty stewardship as main component of coral reef conservation behind the snappers, keeping a safe distance. management, enforcement and support from the and sustainable use programs. This publication draws from the local government and the local community. We later changed location by a few hundred metres experience of scientists running projects in Australia, Caribbean to find the most enormous ball of fish I have ever Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Cabo Pulmo marine reserve seen - bigeye jacks (Caranx sexfasciatus), in forma- It was more than 25 years ago that I dove here for tion. They followed us around as we dove, filming the first time. Back then it was a remote location and photographing this amazing sight. that you only found by accident on a lonely dirt road They day went on and on and even though we were after driving for several hours. I was told that it was getting tired, we did not want to stop. We also en- a protected area and that you could not fish or hunt countered mobula rays flying along the bottom, sea Special issue of Aquatic Conservation – Building Networks within it, but that unfortunately people did anyway. lions, more large schools of fish, bull sharks, more of MPAs: The Legacy from the 2014 Sydney World Parks At that time, the area was vital and full of sea life, snappers and giant groupers – a truly never-ending Congress but nothing like it is today. So, when I had the op- parade of marine life. portunity to head back there and dive to support a As you can see in the photo, this place is a truly This issue contains 15 papers covering many of the key issues dis- bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) tagging expedition, amazing dive site that shows how well and healthy cussed in Sydney, including connecting people to nature, MPA man- I was a bit surprised at the superlatives that were the ocean could be, can be and will be if we just give agement and the challenges of protecting the high seas. The Special thrown our way about the area. The scientific team it the room to breathe. It is in our best interest to Issues were conceived to give people who might not otherwise publish was raving about this marine reserve as being such protect the one thing that gives us life. I hope you peer-reviewed literature the opportunity to share their expertise and ex- an incredible and rich place, and although I knew it enjoy the photos and that one day you will get to periences with a much wider audience. This success of this initiative is to be quite vital, I was not prepared for what I was dive in the Cabo Pulmo marine reserve; a truly amaz- clearly illustrated by the fact that ten of the top downloaded papers for about to see. ing example of conservation at work. Aquatic Conservation in 2015 were published in the first Special Issue When we arrived to Cabo Pulmo we found a small series from the IMPAC3. but thriving little village of locals who were living and Text and photos by IUCN’s Ocean Ambassador, earning their livelihood from a symbiotic relationship William Winram.

48 49 New Publications and Reports Who we are

Headquarters Switzerland Atlas of the Mediterranean Seamounts and Seamount-like Structures Carl Gustaf Lundin François Simard Director, Global Marine and Polar Deputy Director and Seamounts are seafloor structures of different origins that feature in all of the Programme Senior Advisor for Fisheries world oceans and may be defined as hotspots of biodiversity, greatly enhanc- ing the productivity of the offshore ecosystems and the distribution of pelagic top predators. This Atlas contains detailed maps, made with GIS software, James Oliver Tatiana Saksina geographical locations, depth data and other relevant information. It also sum- Programme Operations Officer marises the results of research conducted in the field under the PROMETEOS Manager - Polar Programme project and provides a good starting point for further conservation work on seamounts. Carole Martinez Anete Berzina Programme Coordinator Manager - Western Gray Whale/SEIC African Solutions in a Rapidly Changing World: Project Nature-based solutions to climate by African innovators in protected areas Regional Seas/EU Overseas

As the world grapples with the urgency of addressing the evident and predict- Joao Sousa Aurélie Spadone ed impacts of climate change, there are many communities whose lives and Marine Programme Officer Marine Programme Officer livelihoods are being affected on a daily basis. In Africa, characterised by its SW Indian Ocean Project exceptional biological richness and high natural resource dependency, the out- look is particularly concerning. The IPCC findings not only identify this region as one where the rate of climate change is faster than predicted, but also as Raphaelle Flint Pierre Yves Cousteau one of the most vulnerable, due to its limited adaptive capacity. Marine Programme Officer Marine Programme Officer

Olivia Meylan Elisabeth Kjellqvist The Sustainability of Fish Feed in Aquaculture Administrative Assistant Thoughts and recommendations on technological, economic, social and envi- Administrative Assistant ronmental aspects

Within its series of reports about the sustainable development of aquaculture, Nicolas Gruner Alexis McGivern IUCN presents a report on the sustainability of fish feed. Describing all the pro- Communications Associate Junior Professional teins and lipids sources that are used and the feed manufacturing processes applied, it assesses the sustainability of the sources from all perspectives: envi- ronmental, societal and economic. The conclusions and recommendations are the results of several workshops and consultations. Whilst the work has carried Sudeep Roy Laure-Elise Hochart out in French, major parts of the report have been translated into English. Temporary Marine Officer Temporary Marine Officer

Sabrina Guduff Malini Pittet Field Guide to Seagrasses of the Red Sea Temporary Marine Officer Temporary Marine Officer Seagrass populations are declining globally at an alarming rate as a result of habitat destruction and marine pollution. The role of taxonomy in understand- ing and managing marine ecosystems is pivotal. Taxonomy provides basic Adam Hughes Helen Fox and fundamental understanding of biodiversity and its functioning, mainte- Temporary Marine Officer Temporary Administrative Assistant nance and sustainable use. Without this understanding, it is very difficult to conserve species through targeted management intervention. This Guide is a fundamental step forward in understanding and managing seagrass species Alex Clark and habitats as an easy-to-use yet comprehensive field guide to the sea- Temporary Marine Officer grasses of the Red Sea.

50 Unless another email address is provided, the format is: [email protected] 51 Who we are

Outposted Staff Advisors Dan Laffoley Dorothée Herr Sylvie Rockel Patricio Bernal Principal Advisor, Marine Science Manager, Oceans and Climate Change Best III Project Officer – EU Outermost Regions Coordinator, High Seas Biodiversity and Conservation Berlin and Overseas Countries and Territories Initiatives Peterborough, England Brussels, Belgium Paris, France [email protected] [email protected] Ziad Samaha Daniel Mitchell Marine Officer, West Asia BEST 2.0 Project Officer Brussels, Belgium Professor John M Baxter Francis Vorhies Amman, Jordan Principal Adviser - Marine, Scottish Natural Senior Advisor, Economics Heritage Switzerland Edinburgh, Scotland [email protected] Ameer Abdulla [email protected] Chief of Party / Chief Technical Officer, REGENERATE Senior Advisor, Marine Biodiversity & Conservation Kristina Gjerde Laura Cassiani Science, Malaga, Spain Senior High Seas Policy Advisor US Fundraising Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA [email protected] [email protected] GMPP in the Maldives

Olof Linden Giacomo Abrusci Ahmed Basheer Abdulla Fisam Senior Scientist Founder and Editor-in-Chief, SEVENSEAS Citizen Science Project Officer Marine Conservation Officer Malmö, Sweden Global Marine Community Americas [email protected] [email protected]

Fathimath Shihany Habeeb Gabriel Grimsditch Community Outreach Assistant Senior Project Officer Patrons of Nature & Ambassadors

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco Mattias Klum IUCN Goodwill Ambassador Munshidha Ibrahim Ahmed Naaif Mohamed Upsala, Sweden Community Engagement Liaison Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Sylvia Earle William Winram Mission Blue IUCN Ocean Ambassador Fathimath Nistharan Njoki Njoroge San Francisco, USA [email protected] Marine Spatial Analyst Office Manager

Nilufer Oral Christophe Lefèbre IUCN Council Focal Point for Oceans Agence des Aires Marines Protégées, IUCN [email protected] [email protected] Vamizi Marine Conservation Center, Mozambique

Isabel da Silva Joana Trindade Research Coordinator Conservation Community Manager Sargasso Sea Commission Vamizi island Vamizi island [email protected] David Freestone Faith Bulger Executive Director, Programme Officer, Cardoso Lopez Sargasso Sea Alliance Sargasso Sea Alliance Community Officer Washington DC, USA Washington DC, USA Vamizi island [email protected] [email protected]

52 53 Hawaii at a Glance... IUCN World Conservation Congress - Hawai’i 2016

Held once every four change and the importance and possibility that will set years, the IUCN World of making the right decisions the scene for successful Conservation Congress now that will affect our planet decision-making. looks to bring together and future generations. change-makers from across Instead of succumbing to If you’ll be in beautiful the world, representing the a pessimist narrative, IUCN Hawai’i, please join us at our brightest minds in academia, chooses instead to insist that Oceans & Islands Pavilion, government, business, we are ready and able to take which will be organised indigenous peoples and civil on this important challenge around three key themes: society to find innovative and make great change Marine Protected Area solutions for our planet. The together. Networks, Islands & Overseas IUCN World Conservation Territories and Financing

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WORLD HEADQUARTERS Rue Mauverney 28 1196 Gland, Switzerland [email protected] Tel +41 22 999 0000 www.iucn.org/marine

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