1 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION RESTORING HEALTHY OCEANS 2017 REVIEW BLUEBLUE MARINEMARINE FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION 2 20172017 REVIEWREVIEW 3 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2017 REVIEW 2017 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

4 Annual Overview 6 BLUE’s Mission, Focus and Key Achievements 8 2017 in Brief 10 Projects Map 12 UK Overseas Territories 14 Ascension Island 16 St Helena and Bermuda 18 The Solent 20 Lyme Bay and UK Rollout 22 Future of UK Fishing and Back The Blue Belt 24 Aeolian Islands 26 The Maldives 28 Caspian, Patagonia and Scotland 30 London to Monaco 32 London to Monaco 34 Blue Marine Yacht Club 36 Corporate Partners 38 Thank You 40 Financial Overview 42 BLUE Team and Trustees BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 4 2017 REVIEW 5 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2017: UNITED TO PROTECT OUR OCEANS

In a year marked by national and international disagreements, ocean conservation was one issue on which most people could agree. In the United Kingdom, an astonishing 232 MPs from eight parties found common cause in signing the Blue Belt Charter in a pledge to ensure that the UK government protects four million square kilometres of ocean around the British Overseas Territories by 2020.

The #BackTheBlueBelt social media Ascension, the Maldives, the Mediterranean campaign, conceived by BLUE and and the Solent, where our oyster restoration generously funded by the Brook Foundation programme gathered momentum in 2017. was designed to ride the wave of 2018’s ride will be even more international, concern for the oceans inspired by David crossing eight countries in seven days. Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series. The With Brexit dividing opinion in the UK, BLUE campaign was supported by the Great determined to seek guidance on best practice British Oceans coalition, a united group of in fishing from nations who are managing NGOs consisting of Blue Marine Foundation, their fisheries sufficiently well that stocks Greenpeace, Marine Conservation Society, are recovering rather than declining. Our RSPB, Pew and ZSL. Public support was conference at Fishmongers’ Hall saw experts pivotal; at the height of the campaign, from the United States, Australia, New the #backthebluebelt hashtag was being Zealand and Norway advising how Britain used every 1.8 seconds and someone was could manage its crowded waters in a post- tweeting their MP on average every 7.5 Brexit regime. We are sharing the findings seconds. BLUE’s ambassadors, including of the conference with the Department of Stephen Fry and Cara Delevingne, did a Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs. fantastic job in raising awareness among their millions of followers. The resulting 2017 has been another wonderful year at cross-party support will help secure the BLUE where project after project delivers largest network of fully-protected marine success, from the concerted support from the “WHILE POLITICS REMAIN DIVISIVE, BLUE IS reserves in the world. British government to protect the Overseas Territories, to our oysters in the Solent having DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE EVEN MORE IN 2018 BLUE’s London to Monaco cycle ride also millions of babies, to evidence from Lyme transcended national boundaries in the FOR THE MARINE LIFE WHICH KNOWS showing that fish stocks are recovering cause of ocean conservation as cyclists of faster even than we thought, to fishermen in NO NATIONAL BOUNDARIES.” 12 different nationalities came together to the Maldives united on the need for better ride through three countries in ten days. management of groupers, to Azerbaijan and The shared global purpose was exemplified the Aeolians moving towards declaring marine by Ascension Island, a British Overseas protected areas. Territory which is leading the way in conserving its 440,000 square kilometres While politics remain divisive, BLUE is of exceptional biodiversity, hosting its own determined to achieve even more in 2018 tributary ride on the first day. London to for the marine life which knows no national Monaco 2017 raised even more money boundaries. than last year: an extraordinary £290,000 which will support marine conservation in Charles Clover, Executive Director Clare Brook, CEO BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 6 2017 REVIEW 7 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION BLUE’S MISSION Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) exists to restore healthy oceans. Our focus is combatting overfishing by creating marine reserves,

establishing new models of sustainable fishing and restoring marine BLUE’S KEY habitats. BLUE’s aim is to see at least 10% of ocean under protection by 2020, with a long-term aim of 30% protected. ACHIEVEMENTS 2010-2017

Healthy oceans are vital for the future But, unlike most other environmental of humanity, not only to provide a future problems, overfishing is relatively easy to In 2010, BLUE brokered a deal to enable the creation of what was then food supply for a growing population, solve. BLUE’s projects around the world are the largest marine protected area (MPA) in the world around Chagos in but because complex ocean ecosystems designed to be decisive and effective. So far, the Indian Ocean.

absorb half the planet’s CO2 and produce BLUE has contributed to nearly four million nearly half its oxygen. Oceans denuded of square kilometres of ocean being protected. In 2012, BLUE partnered with the government of Belize and the Bertarelli fish cannot function effectively and are less Foundation to protect the Turneffe Atoll in Belize, an area rich in

resilient to climate change, acidification biodiversity and CO2 absorbing mangroves. and plastic pollution. In 2015, the Great British Oceans coalition (GB Oceans), of which BLUE is part, secured a UK government commitment to create the world’s largest marine protected area around Pitcairn in the Pacific. MORE FISH In 2015, BLUE and the GB Oceans coalition secured a government manifesto commitment to create a Blue Belt around all 14 UK overseas territories, hailed as ‘the greatest conservation commitment by any LESS PLASTIC government ever’. Since 2010, when BLUE was established, species and habitats is part of BLUE’s In 2016, BLUE secured the creation of a no-take zone nearly the size of public interest in ocean’s crisis has grown strategy and is incorporated into our the UK around Ascension Island. exponentially. Recently, concern has projects: from net recovery in the focused particularly on plastic pollution. Yet Mediterranean, to revealing microplastics In 2017, BLUE, as part of the GB Oceans coalition, secured an even a range of issues, notably climate change, in native oysters, to seeking waste solutions stronger manifesto commitment from the UK government ahead of acidification, overfishing and pollution are for remote islands, to supplying thousands the June 2017 election to protect over four million square kilometres of all combining to destroy ocean health. of reusable MORE FISH LESS PLASTIC bags ocean around the UK Overseas Territories. to key project locations, we recognise that a BLUE’s focus remains on combatting healthy ocean ecosystem does not contain In the summer of 2017, BLUE’s broodstock oysters spawned, releasing overfishing. Destruction of the ocean’s plastic. We will continue to make strategic millions of larvae into the Solent. biodiversity caused by unsustainable interventions on plastics where we can fishing leaves the oceans less resilient to make a meaningful and lasting difference. BLUE’s Lyme Bay model of sustainable fishing is starting to be rolled out other main threats, so tackling overfishing to other parts of the UK and in the Mediterranean. is arguably the cornerstone of solving the But plastics are a land-based problem that ocean’s crisis. ultimately must be addressed at source. During the Blue Planet II series, BLUE spearheaded a #backthebluebelt Most of the plastic in the ocean originates social media campaign to encourage the public to tweet and email their BLUE and others are making great progress in a handful of countries. MPs, resulting in 232 MPs signing up to the Blue Belt Charter by the end in protecting vast tracts of the oceans of 2017. from the ravages of unsustainable fishing. The fight against plastic has become a Globally recognised targets of ten per cent reassuringly crowded space. The fight of oceans protected by 2020 and 30 per against overfishing remains relatively cent by 2030 remain within our reach. under-resourced. So that is where BLUE will continue to direct its focus. Addressing plastic pollution, particularly within the context of protecting threatened BLUEBLUE MARINEMARINE FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION 8 20172017 YEARREVIEW IN REVIEW 99 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 2017 IN BRIEF

January. The Ocean Awards in partnership with Boat International took place at Restaurant Ours in London. Winners included Daniel Pauly,

Dirk Zeller, Claire Nouvian of BLOOM and Ian Urbina of the NY Times.

January. Organised by BLUE and hosted by ZSL, winning duo Daniel Pauly and Dirk Zeller went on to give a fascinating lecture on the true and shocking level of the world’s wild fish catches.

February. Charles Clover visited St Helena where BLUE is building up local conservation capacity. BLUE has recruited a marine biologist to work in St Helena from January 2018.

March. BLUE held its corporate partners’ dinner at The Goring Hotel. Accsys, one of BLUE’s corporate partners delivered enough specialist September. BLUE ambassador, Poppy Delevingne launched London timber to Ascension to replace the entire boardwalk leading up Green to Monaco 2017 which raised a phenomenal £290,000 for four projects. Mountain and all the nature signage on the island. Ten days and 1,500km later Prince Albert of Monaco welcomed the cyclists at his palace. Simultaneously, a team set off on Ascension April. Charles Clover visited Bermuda with Prof Daniel Laffoley of the Island, completing an equivalent distance to the first day in International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to discuss tropical heat. with the government some of the island’s marine and terrestrial environments becoming “conserved areas.” September. The annual Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC) event in Monaco was hosted by Lürssen on board their yacht, Areti. BMYC’s founding April. BLUE, as part of the GB Oceans coalition, secured an even patron, Prince Albert attended the event, and Clare Brook and Rory stronger manifesto commitment from the Conservative Party ahead Moore gave a presentation. of the June 2017 election to protect the UK Overseas Territories – the so-called Blue Belt. October. The Italian government, with our support, began research to map the seabed and identify habitats and endangered species around May. Charles Clover won the Special Achievement Award at the the Aeolian Islands to create the largest marine protected area of its Footprint Awards for his 30 years in environmental journalism and kind in Italy. campaigning against overfishing. October. Richard Benyon MP’s Blue Belt pamphlet, with input from BLUE May – September. Our Solent oysters spawned, releasing millions of and the GB Oceans coalition, was launched in parliament by Foreign larvae into the Solent. We identified 90 different species around the Secretary Boris Johnson MP. 20,000 oysters in cages, including endangered eels and seahorses. November. Rory Moore visited Azerbaijan and was encouraged June. Early evidence from the Lyme Bay potting study showed a by progress towards creating the first marine protected area in four-fold increase in reef species thanks to spatial closures and gear the Caspian. restrictions over the last decade. November. BLUE co-hosted a ‘Best Practice in World Fisheries’ July. Through meetings with the Foreign Office, BLUE helped secure conference at Fishmongers’ Hall with international experts advising a renewed commitment from the government that £19.3m will be how Britain could better manage its waters should it leave the Common deployed on delivering the Blue Belt in the UK Overseas Territories Fisheries Policy. over the next five years. December. Our #BackTheBlueBelt campaign was at its height being August. The Lyme Bay model is starting to be rolled out around the tweeted on average every 1.8 seconds. The campaign encouraged UK coast. We identified four sites for our 2018 roll out and formed 232 MPs from all eight political parties to sign GB Oceans’ Blue Belt local partnerships. Charter by the end of 2017.

BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 10 2017 REVIEW 11 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION CURRENT PROJECTS

SCOTLAND

SOLENT

LYME BAY NORTH CASPIAN ATLANTIC AEOLIANS NORTH OCEAN NORTH PACIFIC BERMUDA PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN

MALDIVES ASCENSION ISLAND

ST HELENA

INDIAN OCEAN PITCAIRN ISLAND SOUTH ATLANTIC SOUTH OCEAN PACIFIC OCEAN

PATAGONIA SOUTHERN OCEAN

SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS OUR 12 PROJECTS 13 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

UK

OVERSEAS THE GB OCEANS’ TERRITORIES BLUE BELT CHARTER

Britain is responsible for 6.8 million page) to #backthebluebelt. By the end of With the fifth largest marine estate in the world, the UK and its square kilometres of ocean, most 2017, an astonishing 232 MPs had signed Overseas Territories are custodian to the largest coral atoll on earth, the charter with representatives from eight of which is around the UK Overseas globally significant populations of albatross, whales and turtles, Territories (UKOTS). Spread across different political parties. This genuinely cross- and as many as a quarter of the penguins on the planet. the world’s oceans, the 14 Overseas party support for the campaign was hugely Territories harbour an astonishing encouraging and will ensure that the Blue Belt 94 per cent of the UK’s biodiversity. commitment is upheld. Through the actions of successive governments, the UK has demonstrated global BLUE’s priority, therefore, is to leadership in ocean conservation. We call on the UK to reaffirm this leadership by working BLUE’s approach is to complement our ensure that the waters of as many with the governments of the Overseas Territories to deliver on Blue Belt pledges to: influence with UK government by working of these territories as possible are with individual island governments to ensure 2 protected against overfishing. • Establish a 500,000 km fully protected marine protected area around the South the policy is implemented as well as possible Sandwich Islands in 2018 BLUE continued to make good progress in and – crucially – that it brings benefits to • Deliver on the commitment to establish a fully protected marine protected area in 2017, working with the British government to local islands. Marine conservation can be at least 50% of Ascension Island’s waters in 2019 strengthen its Blue Belt commitment and to both empowering and enriching to local • Support the establishment of a locally-led marine protection regime throughout the bring to fruition what has been described as communities, far more than selling fishing waters of Tristan da Cunha by 2020 ‘the greatest conservation commitment by licences to huge vessels which come nowhere • Strengthen the development of the locally-led marine protection regime throughout any government ever’. Our work is enforced near shore and simply plunder the waters. the waters of St Helena by being part of the Great British Oceans Having secured confirmation that the We also call on the UK to remain a leading force within those international bodies coalition consisting of BLUE, Greenpeace, government still intends to spend £19.3m over concerned with greater protection of the Polar Regions, the UN process for establishing Marine Conservation Society, Pew, RSPB and five years on the Blue Belt, we are working to marine protected areas on the High Seas, and within the Regional Fisheries Management ZSL. Together we ensured that the original 2015 ensure that as much of this funding as possible Organisations. manifesto commitment was reiterated – and goes to the Overseas Territories themselves. indeed strengthened – in the run-up to the BLUE is also funding local conservation June 2017 General Election. capacity on both Ascension and St Helena. We followed this up by providing input on Richard Benyon MP’s pamphlet which was launched in the House of Commons on 25 October 2017 to ensure broader buy-in across all parties into the Blue Belt policy.

BLUE then devised a campaign to coincide with increased interest in oceans arising from the BBC’s Blue Planet II programme encouraging members of the public to write to their MPs to sign a charter (see opposite

Marine life in the UK Overseas Territories. From left; BIOT, Ascension Island and St Helena. OUR 14 PROJECTS 15 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

ASCENSION ISLAND

Ascension’s 440,000 square kilometre exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Departing on the same day as the London to Monaco ride, a small team from Ascension Island braved which straddles the mid-Atlantic ridge, harbours globally significant 33 degree heat to complete a 115km ride around the island in support of ocean conservation. marine biodiversity. Huge and rare fish swim in Ascension’s waters and green turtles nest in vast numbers on its beaches. Until 2013 the waters were plundered by a long-line fleet which was associated with human BLUE’s vision is that Ascension can be a These include supporting Ascension’s rights abuses, shark finning and huge levels of by-catch, including centre of conservation excellence in the only school, providing state-of-the-art threatened blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, turtles and seabirds. Atlantic with the islanders benefitting science equipment for the conservation from being custodians of 440,000 square team, supporting a PhD student who is kilometres of unusually productive ocean. investigating why tuna in Ascension’s waters On 3 January 2016, thanks to BLUE’s was diverted until 2020 due to major At the July ‘Future of Ascension Forum’ are bigger than anywhere else in the world intervention, the UK and Ascension structural problems with the runway, a Foreign Office source echoed our view and rebuilding the boardwalk up to the top governments announced that 52.6 per which is owned and operated by the US that the future of Ascension would be of Green Mountain. BLUE’s hope is that we – cent of Ascension’s EEZ would be closed to Military. The closure of Ascension’s runway has best served if 100 per cent of the exclusive and other visitors – will soon be able to reach fishing (a closed area nearly the size of the prompted a wider consultation by the Foreign economic zone was declared a marine this remarkable island again. UK) with the other 47.4 per cent to be fished Office on the future purpose of Ascension. protected area. according to best practice. BLUE has worked strenuously to ensure that The Ascension Island conservation team Very few fishing licences have been sold and conservation is at the heart of any future continues to work tirelessly under difficult the Ascension Island conservation team has strategy for the island and has been urging circumstances. BLUE raised £200,000 for brought in almost £2 million in grants and the Foreign Office to find a solution as quickly Ascension in 2016 and 2017 from its London donations as a direct result of the proposed as possible as the island’s economy and the to Monaco cycle rides and those funds have creation of a reserve. However, in April 2017, livelihoods of those who live there are entirely been deployed on a range of conservation the twice-weekly RAF flight to Ascension dependent on regular and direct access. and education initiatives.

Pupils from Two Boats School using binoculars Endemic shrimp (top) and Blue sharks funded by the London to Monaco cycle ride. (bottom). Photos by Paul Colley. OUR 16 PROJECTS 17 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

ST HELENA BERMUDA

The remote South Atlantic island of St Helena is home to a third of all Bermuda is one of seven seamounts that sit amid the Sargasso Sea and the endemic species in British territories including 11 species of fish has the northernmost coral reef system in the world. It has a history of found nowhere else in the world. Whale sharks migrate there every year marine conservation that dates back to the 1600s and is fiercely proud and are seen amid the moorings in Jamestown harbour. It may be that of its fisheries and conservation legislation, but this does not translate they breed there but this has yet to be ascertained. easily into international recognition. Attempts by US conservation groups to persuade the islanders to adopt a concept called the Blue The UK Foreign Office and the Saint Helena government agreed in 2016 to make all 444,916 Halo – a reserve ring around the island – were rejected. square kilometres of the island’s waters what the IUCN calls a “category 6” reserve – which means sustainable use only. There is strong support for the reserve from the island’s BLUE has adopted a different approach, helping the government to assess the risks to its fishermen who catch tuna by artisanal methods, rod and line or by pole and line. Pressure exclusive economic zone and encouraging the Bermudians to adopt new proposed IUCN remains, however, for foreign industrial long-line vessels to be allowed in, as Charles Clover guidelines called Conserved Areas which will give recognition to areas not currently within found on a voyage there in February. If this threat is to be seen off more work needs to be the international protected area system. At a meeting in April attended by Charles Clover, done to support artisanal fishing and to describe the habitats and species the reserve government experts in Bermuda recognised that many of Bermuda’s marine habitats, will protect. including its outer EEZ, would qualify as Conserved Areas under this new system. The task force also discovered hidden gems, such as the area closed to all vessels around the former In the autumn access to the island for tourists and conservationists alike improved greatly US base at Clearwater, which includes the entire global breeding population of the cahow, thanks to the opening of the £250m airport. BLUE now plans to supply conservation the Bermuda petrel. skills, equipment and support through a post at the St Helena National Trust, the local conservation group which needs to expand its capacity to cover marine. Beth Taylor, In July there was a general election and the government changed. Environment was taken our newly recruited Project Officer, arrives in January with a brief to work alongside the under the Home Affairs minister. The task of gazetting new conserved areas remains a community to develop a marine protection regime. policy objective but when this will happen depends on the new government’s priorities which have yet to emerge. BLUE remains in contact with officials in Bermuda and met the “THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO HELP BLUE SECURE dynamic Premier, David Burt in London in December. CONSERVATION GAINS IN THIS ‘GALAPAGOS OF THE ATLANTIC.” BETH TAYLOR, PROJECT OFFICER

From left: Charles Clover arrives in St Helena. Mobula Ray. BLUE’s Project Officer Beth Taylor. From left: Charles Clover with former Premier Dunkley in Bermuda. Sargassum. A Bermuda petrel. A local fisherman. OUR 18 PROJECTS 19

THE SOLENT

Oyster beds were once abundant around the British Isles; billions of these bivalves helped to keep our waters clean and provided food and habitat for countless species. Today, oyster beds are one of the world’s most imperilled marine habitats - over 85% have been lost globally.

BLUE’s ambitious project to reseed the Solent with BLUE has been helped in its work by over 130 keen millions of juvenile oysters over the next five years made volunteers across the Solent, including university good progress in 2017. Over 20,000 oysters have been students, local schoolchildren and Ben Fogle. suspended in cages under MDL Marinas’ pontoons The hands-on nature of the project allows local across six sites. Oysters at all six sites spawned in the communities to engage and learn for themselves the summer of 2017, releasing millions of larvae into the incredible role oysters play in the Solent ecosystem. water. Average mortality of the broodstock remains well Large-scale restoration of oysters to the seabed is below expected levels at 15 per cent. the ultimate aim of the Solent Oyster Restoration Over 90 species have now been found living on or Project. Trials to determine the most effective around the cages, including over 20 sightings of restoration methods have begun. In partnership critically endangered European eels, a juvenile spiny with the University of Southampton, 3,000 oysters seahorse and sea bass. These exciting findings have been deployed to the Solent in gabions on the demonstrate the value of oysters and the habitat they seabed. Throughout 2018 BLUE will complete further create for enhancing marine biodiversity. trials with the overall aim to introduce one million oysters into the Solent by the end of the year.

Top: Ben Fogle launches the Solent Oyster Restoration Project. Below: European eel, squat lobster, seahorse and juvenile stickleback found on cages.

OVER 90 SPECIES HAVE NOW BEEN FOUND LIVING ON OR AROUND THE CAGES, INCLUDING OVER 20 SIGHTINGS OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED EUROPEAN EELS. Clockwise from top left: BLUE Project Officer Morven Robertson. Volunteer Callum Skene with PhD student Luke Helmer and Project CoordinatorJacob Kean Hammerson. PhD students survey the cages. Children from Wicor Primary School learn about oysters. OUR 20 PROJECTS UK ROLLOUT 21 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION Around the UK, industrial fishing pressure and lack of quota are destroying small- scale fishers’ livelihoods and threatening their communities. In addition, marine habitats and the fish stocks they support are increasingly endangered by a lack of protection and effective management. LYME BAY BLUE’s Lyme Bay project has already

BLUE’s model project in Lyme Bay, now in its fifth year, continues to benefit proved that it is possible to deliver conservation gains while benefiting small- the marine environment and the local fishermen, who are seeing higher scale sustainable fishermen. Over the next prices for practising low-impact, responsible fishing. The model, which six years BLUE will apply the best-practice proves that it is possible to fish sustainably within a marine reserve, management principles of the successful is being rolled out around the UK coast and in the Mediterranean. Lyme Bay model across thirteen diverse marine environments and associated fisheries around the UK coast. The roll- out of this model to new sites will not only Above: Pupils from West Hill Primary School, Ottery St. address local conservation and community Mary. Below left: Tim Glover and Morven Robertson Since BLUE’s partnership began in 2012 all 42 half times increase in landings of brown crabs with new chiller units at Lyme Bay. Below right: Neville challenges, but will serve as a blueprint of boats and 59 fishermen in the Reserve operate and a quadrupling of flatfish catches since the Copperthwaite (BLUE’s Lyme Bay Coordinator) at how inshore waters can be well managed for under a voluntary code of conduct. In return, Reserve was established. The reef habitat has Broadmayne First School. both fish and fishers. BLUE has invested in chiller stores and ice- improved just as much with a near doubling At the beginning of 2018 the first four making equipment to improve quality of catch. of different species found and a 400 per cent LYME BAY EDUCATION sites will launch with local partnerships Over the last year, the last two chillers have increase in the number of branching sponges. in North Devon, Jersey, St Abbs and been installed and are now up and running. OUTREACH But it’s not only the fish that are thriving. The Eyemouth and the Solway Firth. Work on 29 species of Lyme fish are now being sold in Wellbeing Study conducted by Plymouth and BLUE’s education outreach programme sends a local scale will seek to address issues London restaurants with fishermen enjoying up Exeter universities in 2016 found that fishers fisher-ambassadors into schools to talk to children including designations for a properly to 20 per cent higher prices for their catch. The in the Reserve had higher incomes than those as young as seven. To date 85 schools have managed network of protected areas, chiller units also reduce waste; fishermen report outside and more job satisfaction. This can be participated, engaging 5,188 students from all year fairly allocated inshore quotas to support that whereas they would have cut up non-target put down to BLUE rewarding the fishers for their groups, with 20 schools requesting an annual year low-impact artisanal fishers, enforceable species for bait, they can combine these with low impact, responsible methods, by completing group repeat. At Dorchester’s Thomas Hardye measures to protect threatened species and someone else’s catch and sell that too. the installation of chiller stores and ice School 400 Year 9 (13-14 years old) pupils attended seabed features, and economically viable machines in each of the four ports and creating our presentation and they want us back next conservation. The marine environment is recovering thanks to a seafood brand, Reserve Seafood, which year! In addition, a trial talk to undergraduates spatial closures and gear restrictions observed A research programme in collaboration with delivers price-premiums on landings because at Plymouth University was very well received. by the code of conduct within the bay. A the University of Plymouth will underpin of their sustainability, traceability and high BLUE-backed Plymouth University study has BLUE has invested in a state-of-the-art and inform the management blueprint, quality. In many cases this has transformed the shown a four-fold increase in flora and fauna exhibition centre. The new Seaton Jurassic combining universal measurements with lives of fishermen in giving them the means and reef species, a doubling of scallop landings, a Centre has a dedicated Lyme Bay project area local research requirements. equipment to land and store their catches in the quadrupling of juvenile lobsters, a two-and-a- enabling more than 66,000 visitors a year to engage best possible conditions. with the Reserve project. Lyme Bay fishermen are BLUE will continue its engagement heavily involved in the presentations at the centre with government and is increasingly and are key to communicating their enthusiasm being consulted by the Department of for responsible and sustainable fishing to the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs next generation. (DEFRA) and local marine authorities about the future of marine management policy around our coast.

“WE THANK YOU ALL SINCERELY FOR PROVIDING SUCH A BRILLIANT, INFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS”. JUDITH WARDLAW, SCIENCE COORDINATOR, THE THOMAS HARDYE SCHOOL

Cup coral and cuttlefish, both found in Lyme Bay. OUR 22 PROJECTS 23 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

FUTURE OF UK #BACKTHEBLUEBELT

FISHING CAMPAIGN

BLUE’s ‘Best Practice in World Fisheries’ conference was designed to This social media campaign was devised by BLUE to “slipstream” showcase four of the world’s top fisheries management regimes and the BBC’s extraordinarily popular Blue Planet II series, giving people understand why they are successful. Held at Fishmongers’ Hall, something they could do about the crisis in the oceans described in the conference sought to bring together key representatives from its episodes by Sir David Attenborough. all sectors of the fishing industry and from environmental groups.

Fisheries management experts from the Speakers included Margaret Spring, who served Viewers were invited by some of the biggest United States, Australia, New Zealand and at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric hitters on social media – including Stephen Norway were invited to explain how their Administration from 2009 to 2013, Geoff Tingley, Fry, Cara Delevingne, James Blunt, Kirstie fisheries were managed and to consider formerly principal scientist at the New Zealand Allsopp and Chris Packham – to tweet their what lessons the United Kingdom might learn Ministry of Fisheries from 2011 to 2014, Professor MP to sign up to the Blue Belt charter, written from their experience and apply to its own George Kailis from the University of Notre by BLUE and other members of the Great waters in the event of leaving the EU and its Dame, Australia and Peter Gullestad, who was British Oceans coalition. The campaign, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). director general at the Norwegian Directorate devised for BLUE by Tim Scoones, former of Fisheries from 1996 until 2008. executive producer of the BBC’s Springwatch, Introducing the day, Nigel Bankes, Prime and a west-country-based team, proved Warden of the Fishmongers’ Company, said The insights from the day were summarised wildly successful. that Britain had a once-in-a-generation and made available to policymakers and other opportunity to write a new Fisheries Law key stakeholders, including the Secretary of On the evening of 10 December 2017 when after Brexit and the day was an opportunity State at DEFRA, The Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP, the concluding episode of Blue Planet II was to see what did and did not work. who agreed to respond to its conclusions. aired, the #BackTheBlueBelt campaign was posted about on social media more than 5,800 times, 4,000 of which occurred from 8-10pm (a rate of one post every 1.8 seconds). At its height, during that episode, an MP was tweeted every 7.5 seconds. Since it began, the #BackTheBlueBelt campaign has had well over 100m impressions on social media, reaching a potential 28m people. 232 MPs had backed the Blue Belt charter by the end of 2017 and the number is still rising.

This picture: Steering committee clockwise from top left Above: Panellists Ian Boyd, Margaret Spring, Adrian Gahan, Andrew Wallace, Erin Priddle, Mike Park, Andrew Rosenberg, Stefanie Moreland. John Goodlad, Tom Appleby, Barrie Deas, Charles Clover. BLUEOUR MARINE FOUNDATION 24 2017PROJECTS REVIEW 25 2017 REVIEW 2017 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

AEOLIAN MED ROLLOUT The Mediterranean Sea was once one of the most productive bodies of water on the ISLANDS planet. In recent times, this vast marine resource has been badly mismanaged and depleted. Overfishing, misallocation of quota, inadequate marine protection and The seas around the seven volcanic BLUE, in partnership with the involved with the management of fisheries disputes have led to a severely islands which make up the Aeolian Aeolian Island Preservation Fund their waters and lead by example, damaged ecosystem. Archipelago, just north of Sicily, urged the Italian government to discouraging destructive and nurture remarkable biodiversity. commit to the creation of an Aeolian unsustainable fishing around Current analysis by the European The inshore reefs are home to marine protected area (MPA). The the islands. Commission shows that 93 per cent of fish stocks are overexploited to the point of grouper, lobster and octopus. The process towards designation is well collapse. The Mediterranean has lost 41 per submerged seamounts provide underway. To support and influence cent of its marine mammals and 34 per sanctuary for amberjacks, the efficacy of the MPA, BLUE is cent of the total fish population over the barracuda and seabream. In deeper applying the Lyme Bay model in BLUE IS HOPING TO past 50 years. water, there are giant swordfish order to improve the livelihoods SECURE THE LARGEST MPA and schools of tuna, whales, of local fishers as management IN ITALY WHILE IMPROVING BLUE believes that a system whereby dolphins, hammerhead sharks, measures are introduced and the THE LIVELIHOODS OF artisanal fishers operate sustainably within rays, sailfish and sunfish. Seagrass marine environment is restored to LOCAL FISHERMEN. locally managed MPAs, providing traceable, meadows provide crucial habitat its former glory. high quality, high value seafood could assist for juvenile fish and trap 35 times Local fishermen are coming the recovery of the Mediterranean Sea. more carbon than rainforests. In together to create a ‘code of BLUE is building on its work in Lyme Bay summer, sperm whales bring their conduct’, a voluntary, best-practice and the Aeolians to roll out its proven model calves to the warm, sheltered way of fishing sustainably, guided by to suitable sites in the Mediterranean area and endangered loggerhead BLUE biologists and implemented by in order to create a network of effective turtles return from the southern Aeolian fishing cooperatives. State- marine protected areas which promote Mediterranean to feed. of-the-art chiller units and insulated sustainable, artisanal and small-scale Recent years have seen a sharp fish boxes will boost the quality of fisheries while allowing stocks to recover. decline in this exceptional fish, allowing fishermen to achieve a higher price for their catch. Vessel The first phase of the Mediterranean roll- marine life. Overfishing, use of out will identify areas where BLUE can monitoring systems will promote unsustainable fishing gear and lack achieve conservation gain, benefit the local traceability and provenance of of management of marine resources fishery and apply the model with support Aeolian branded fish, adding further have led to a sea disconcertingly from local stakeholders. Potential roll-out value and reducing fishing pressure. absent of life. Artisanal fishers sites include Spain, Italy, Croatia, Malta, despair as commercial fleets with As the Aeolian MPA is implemented, From top left: Aeolian fishermen with MORE FISH LESS Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. huge nets take the remaining fish the goal is to have a supportive PLASTIC bag. A diverse seagrass bed. BLUE Projects while tourism puts extra pressure on community of local fishermen who Manager Rory Moore with local fishermen. Aeolian Islands. delicate marine habitats. will have representation, be directly OUR 26 PROJECTS 27 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

MALDIVES

Groupers are integral to keeping coral reefs healthy. But they are also economically valuable as a fishery resource. In the Maldives, groupers are targeted for export as part of the live reef fish trade, but overfishing of immature fish and targeting of spawning aggregations have pushed this fishery to the point of collapse. Groupers do not reach sexual maturity until Our education programme has raised awareness about the critical status of the grouper fishery. they are around 14 years old, so by targeting increasingly Through a series of practical games and small and underage fish, the population is being decimated. presentations at all thirteen schools in Laamu Atoll where the project is based, we encouraged over 400 children to get excited about marine BLUE’s Maldives Grouper Fishery and We are hopeful that prescribed life. By inviting over 300 community members to Conservation Project, in partnership with management measures will be accepted come and hear about the project, we broke down the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Six because, crucially, the fishermen themselves communication barriers and made the people Senses Laamu, and the Laamu Atoll Council, now recognise the need for better regulation of Laamu feel valued and involved in our efforts. has spent the last year collecting data of the fishery. Over the past year we We also hand painted two beautiful wall murals which proves definitively that there is a clear carried out over 100 fishermen interviews. conveying the importance of sustainable fishing need for better management of the fishery 85 per cent of interviewees are in favour practices and marine protected areas on three to bring it back from the brink of collapse. In of management of the fishery because different islands. populations have declined so drastically particular, we have focused on the need to Our work extends beyond Laamu Atoll. We causing them a loss of livelihood and protect grouper spawning aggregation sites developed five internships for Environmental (grouper reproduce on mass at fixed times income. Management undergraduates from the Maldives in the lunar cycle and so are horribly easy to We listened to fishermen recount scenes National University, giving them practical target) and to implement strict size limits. from 20-30 years ago of a ‘sea black with experience in the field and an insight into their prospects as future marine scientists. The next phase of the project will be spawning groupers stacked on top of one to present this data to the Maldivian another’. This seems almost unimaginable Funding for our work in the Maldives in 2017 was government and make a clear case for compared with the sparse numbers we saw kindly provided by Six Senses Laamu, Marks and the implementation of national catch and underwater over the course of more than Spencer and the UNDP Small Grants Facility for export size limit regulations and protection 200 survey dives. Studying these sites has Low Emission Climate Resilient Development allowed us to document their demise and (LECReD). Nirvan Veerasamy kindly donated to of one or more of the identified grouper From top: Vivienne Evans and Shaha the Maldives at BLUE’s Blue Marine Yacht spawning aggregation sites. build a strong case for their protection. Hashim of BLUE’s Maldives team. Club dinner. A Maldivian grouper. Fishermen pull up grouper in nets. Schoolchildren learn about grouper anatomy.

From left: Local fishermen learn about fishing sustainably. Viv and Shaha at work on “HAVING SEEN THE EXTRAORDINARY DIVERSITY OF LIFE ON A CORAL REEF, an educational mural. IT IS THRILLING TO WORK ON A PROJECT CONSERVING THESE ECOSYSTEMS BLUE’s MORE FISH LESS PLASTIC bags BY PROTECTING GROUPERS.” VIVIENNE EVANS, PROJECT COORDINATOR held by Simon Harding and Maldives National University staff. OUR 28 PROJECTS 29 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

to begin the task of individual recognition of PATAGONIA the whales. Several excursions with remotely CASPIAN operated underwater vehicles are looking at In 2016, the research sloop life which exists on the floors of some of the The Caspian Sea, the Earth’s largest enclosed body of water, was once more far-flung fiords. teeming with enormous sturgeon, salmon and numerous other fish ‘Saoirse’ documented the largest This research is essential to plan future including the whitefish, a mainstay of inland European fisheries in the baleen whale mortality event studies and expeditions, all of which is aimed Middle Ages. These fish are now vanishingly rare due to overfishing, ever while exploring Chilean Patagonia. Research carried out at making the case for the creation of marine pollution, and introduction of non-native species. The damming of rivers protected areas in Patagonia. in the mid-twentieth century meant fish that migrate between fresh in 2017 traced these deaths to and salt water to feed and reproduce were thwarted. climate change, toxic algal blooms and intensive salmon farming SCOTLAND on the Chilean coast. The marine community support With the continuing support of BLUE, Saoirse is now toting an arsenal of technical gadgets project in Scotland continues aimed not only at revisiting the rather to provide bespoke support to BLUE has been working in the region for spawn. Genetic analysis is identifying diverse gruesome scenarios of the original mortality community groups in progressing the last two years in an attempt to save populations to be reared and released into event, but also with the hope of sketching these extraordinary marine species from restored littoral and coastal environments their development and voice within out a road-map for future studies in the extinction in the wild. The project is gaining and a countrywide initiative to improve marine management in Scotland. area. There is potential to study an entire momentum through targeted restoration education and awareness of the marine region, about which so little is known, by BLUE has supported Kerri Whiteside to work programmes and support from an Azeri environment is underway. This will include observing the movements and behaviour of with local communities keen to establish non-governmental organisation, the promotion of eco-tourism and the creation of the living sei whale population. The crew of marine protection in their areas. In 2017, International Dialogue for Environmental alternative livelihoods for local fishers. Saoirse was thrilled to discover that a large, BLUE co-funded the development of an Action (IDEA). Through a holistic approach, BLUE hopes to hitherto unknown, population of endangered online platform www.communitiesforseas. The first marine protected area in the bring about a recovery of the Caspian Sea, sei whales exists in the extremely isolated scot to enable remote communities to share Caspian will be designated in 2018 in an changing the habitual exploitation of marine reaches of the Golfo de Penas. experience and learning and speak with area crucial for the survival of juvenile fish. resources into a sustainable relationship a united voice on issues of concern within With scientific direction provided by Dr A ban on plastic gill nets will open the river between communities and the environment. marine management in Scotland. Since Vreni Haussermann, hydrophones were mouths so that anadromous fish (fish that launching in September 2017, the site has had used to make some extremely rare acoustic are born in the sea but migrate into fresh 5905 visitors with an average of 104 users per underwater recordings of sei whales. Drones water to breed) can move freely upriver to day, to date. filmed the surfacing whales in an attempt

BLUE HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE REGION FOR THE LAST THERE IS A TWO YEARS IN AN FANTASTIC ATTEMPT TO SAVE POTENTIAL THESE EXTRAORDINARY TO STUDY AN MARINE SPECIES FROM ENTIRE REGION EXTINCTION ABOUT WHICH IN THE WILD. SO LITTLE IS KNOWN.

Rory Moore with IDEA coordinator Scientists analysing a dead sei Afag Rizayeva. Juvenile beluga sturgeon. whale in Patagonia Left: Clare Brook and Charles Clover present Prince Albert II of Monaco with a BLUE print.

Below: An elated BLUE team complete day one! From left to right: Dan Crockett, Poppy Wetherill, Morven Robertson, George Duffield, SJ Skinner, Amy Hammond, Tom Appleby, Adrian Gahan and Arlo Brady.

LONDON2MONACO LONDON TO 32 MONACO 33

REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION LONDON TO In two years, a total of 150 passionate and determined ocean cyclists and MONACO sponsors have raised over £570,000 2017 The caffeinated Giant of Provence for BLUE’s projects around the world. This year our riders were treated to extra fuel TEN DAYS TO SAVE THE OCEANS: thanks to coffee sponsors Climpson & Sons. 2017’s funds supported four projects: Ascension, the Maldives, Travelling in their Mystery Machine, Nicole and the Solent and the Mediterranean where we are combatting Matt served up delicious coffee at every stop including the summit of Mont Ventoux. plastic pollution with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

“I panic trained for 3 months and ended up absolutely “London to Monaco is good for the planet. And as a loving it. Very grateful that BLUE inspired me to do the passionate repeat rider I can also say, it’s good for the ride. I couldn’t recommend it more.” legs, heart, and the soul too.” BLUE’s departure… George Duffield, Founder, BLUE Bill Springer, Freelance journalist Riders enjoyed a send-off from Somerset House with BLUE ambassador Poppy Delevingne cutting the “London to Monaco 2017 drew on the huge success “It was the best charity ride I’ve ever taken part in, not blue ribbon and marking the official start of the ride. of 2016 and has cemented this event as a leading only for the routes but the camaraderie and personal Rub and grub fundraiser for ocean conservation.” coffee van from Climpson & Sons.” Jimmy Carroll, Co-Founder, Pelorus Tiffany Cromwell, Canyon-Sram Pro cyclist As our riders rolled into their hotels at the end of the day, soigneurs kicked into action to “London to Monaco was the most satisfying thing I did “The 10-day London to Monaco ride was a truly in 2017.” sooth muscles and extreme calorie burns were memorable event. It was a great challenge for a very Adrian Gahan, Policy Director, Blue Marine Foundation relevant and worthy cause. I was so happy to have had replenished with wonderful food. the chance to be part of it.” “The ride enabled our team to form invaluable Nick Haley, Superyacht Captain relationships with organisations across a number of Meanwhile in the Atlantic... sectors and industries.” A valiant band of Ascension Islanders set off on a Jonty Gurr & Andy Besant, HiFX parallel ride some 4000 miles away in the tropical For more information on London to South Atlantic. The four riders completed the “I feel proud about completing this ride from London to Monaco 2018, please contact BLUE’s Monaco. I have gained so much: new friends, new sport gruelling Green Mountain in 33 degree heat. and donations to help protect the ocean.” Head of Partnerships, Nicolas Fry, Camper & Nicholsons Sara-Jane Skinner: High speed thrills and spills [email protected] With the thrilling descents came some casualties. or +44 (0) 207 845 5850 But in true London to Monaco spirit our ocean Special thanks to founding partner: cycling warriors were not off their bikes for long. Thanks to camaraderie and determination, our injured riders pedalled on to the finish line. Châteaux, rain and smiles Having crossed the Channel a hardy group of ten- day riders steamrolled their way through northern Special thanks to our London to Monaco 2017 partners and supporters France from Reims to Lyon covering 597 kilometres and climbing 6,093 metres in all weather conditions. There was never a dull moment on the road with smiles wide and spirits high.

CMJN 100 70 55 15 Prince, Palace and Party Our London to Monaco riders were greeted in Monaco with a champagne-sprayed finish line, cheering crowds and Prince Albert to welcome CMJN their impressive arrival. Lycra was swapped for 100 50 37 4 Injection of fresh legs glad rags at the Icon Connect after-party and Excitement and anticipation grew as six-day riders received London to Monaco goody bags. riders joined the ride in Lyon to continue the journey through France to Monaco. BLUE MARINE 34 YACHT CLUB 35 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

BLUE MARINE

YACHT CLUB Join the ocean’s favourite club.

“IT IS THROUGH STRONG INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, SUCH AS THE ONE BETWEEN ON BOARD MY FOUNDATION AND THE BLUE MARINE The evening after the arrival of our London to The event was held on board Lürssen’s new 85m FOUNDATION THAT WE CAN FIGHT AGAINST Monaco cycle ride, BLUE hosted its Blue Marine yacht, Areti, providing a beautiful setting for its CLIMATE CHANGE AND MANAGE OUR Yacht Club members’ event with its long- members and guests to enjoy while learning how NATURAL RESOURCES RESPONSIBLY.” standing partner and BMYC member Lürssen their membership support has benefited BLUE’s and the Club’s founding patron, Prince Albert. projects and contributed to ocean protection.

H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO, BMYC FOUNDING PATRON

BMYC MEMBERS THE CLUB BLUE takes a strategic and incisive “I SUPPORT BLUE BECAUSE THEY approach to solving the crisis which allows ARE AN EFFECTIVE, HARD WORKING Launched in 2012 by H.S.H. Prince Albert its BMYC members to see tangible results ORGANISATION WHO GET THE JOB DONE. II of Monaco, BLUE set up the charitable from their donations. Members are offered I LOVE BEING A MEMBER BECAUSE IT’S initiative, the Blue Marine Yacht Club THE ONLY YACHT CLUB THAT ENABLES the unique opportunity to visit BLUE’s YOU TO TURN THE TIDE!” (BMYC) to unite the world’s yachting projects around the world and see first- PETER LÜRSSEN, CEO OF LÜRSSEN YACHTS, 2 STAR BMYC MEMBER communities in a clear mission to protect hand the conservation benefits in areas our ocean. their money has helped protect. “MEMBERSHIP TO THE BLUE MARINE YACHT CLUB IS A WAY WE CAN ENSURE WE Yacht owners, shipyards, brokers, marinas Throughout the year members receive a KEEP OUR OCEAN HEALTHY AND BLUE.” and other members from within the CHRIS LEE, CAPTAIN OF SEALYON, number of benefits and privileges including 1 STAR BMYC MEMBER superyacht industry are joining the BMYC invitations to private members’ dinners and “WE FEEL THAT ANYONE WHO LOOKS TO at the client and corporate level to express BLUE’s annual events, access to scientists, THE OCEAN AS A SOURCE OF RECREATION their concern for the ocean and desire to marine conservationists, and leaders from OWES IT TO THEMSELVES TO GET protect its future. both government and business and various INVOLVED. EVERY MEMBER OF THE BMYC special offers from BLUE’s partners tailored WILL BE MAKING A CONTRIBUTION.” KIRSTY BERTARELLI, 3 STAR BMYC MEMBER specifically for BMYC members. MEMBERS HAVE SUPPORTED “BLUE MAKES A REAL AND VITALLY THE CREATION OF SOME OF Members are provided with various means IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE TO THE HEALTH NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN THE BMYC THE WORLD’S LARGEST MARINE in which to demonstrate and showcase OF THE OCEAN AND THE LIFE BENEATH THE their commitment to ocean conservation WAVES. IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO For further information about membership and its PROTECTED AREAS IN THE including flying the exclusive BMYC burgee BE A MEMBER OF THE BMYC KNOWING MY benefits please contact BLUE’s Head of Partnerships, DONATIONS WILL BE USED TO PROTECT WORLD. designed by Ralph Lauren and adhering to Sara-Jane Skinner: THE AWESOME BEAUTY AND WELLBEING [email protected] the BMYC Club Charter. OF THE MARINE WORLD.” SIR CHARLES DUNSTONE, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF or +44 (0) 207 845 5850 TALK-TALK, 1 STAR BMYC MEMBER OUR 36 PARTNERS 37

CORPORATE PARTNERS The 2017 Our Ocean conference in Malta included, for the first time, huge corporate attendance. Commissioner Karmenu Vela was prompted to say: “Business has stepped up. The conference separates the walkers from the talkers.” BLUE would like to thank our corporate partners for their support during 2017. Whether donations of cash, services, time or goods, every little helps BLUE to achieve our mission.

MAJOR PARTNERS CORPORATE PARTNERS

Lürssen, who also supports the BMYC, provides a substantial contribution Sponsorship in kind can mean an enormous amount Cornish beauty company Living Sea Therapy each year to support BLUE’s marketing and communications, including to BLUE’s projects. For instance, ACCSYS provided joined BLUE as a corporate partner, supporting this review. The generosity of Lürssen, year on year, makes them one of £10,000 worth of their innovative wood to help with a donation and a percentage of pack sales. our most valued corporate partners who do an incredible job of raising rebuild a walkway on Ascension Island. MDL Marinas Mark Sullivan, the Chairman of Living Sea Therapy, international awareness in the superyacht industry and beyond. and Land Rover BAR use their infrastructure to says: “We thought long and hard about choosing a support placing native oysters into the Solent. BOAT charity to work with. BLUE is a young and energetic International has supported BLUE hugely as a media team which is making a real difference. We are very Marks & Spencer has been a huge supporter of BLUE over many years. partner, helping to promote the London to Monaco proud of this partnership.” As well as backing the Lyme Bay project right at the start, its funding ride to a fantastic audience. BLUE would like to thank our corporate partners at has enabled a huge educational campaign across three projects (Lyme Two of our corporate partners have supported BLUE every level. Working with us is a fantastic chance Bay, the Aeolians and the Maldives). Mike Barry, Director of Sustainable for years; Frangipani released a second shirt that to align with a small, dynamic organisation that Business at Marks & Spencer, said: “A pound spent with BLUE really can gets things done. We are currently seeking more change the world.” donates ten per cent of profits to BLUE, while Reef corporate partners, so if you or anyone you know Knots continue to sell their fantastic tie with a new model planned for 2018. BLUE is also delighted to would like to work with us please get in touch. announce a partnership with Orchard House School. If you are interested in becoming a Facebook was incredibly helpful in understanding how Six Senses, Laamu, has played a vital role in establishing BLUE’s grouper corporate partner, please contact BLUE’s to use their platform to promote BLUE’s initiatives. conservation work in the Maldives. As well as generously donating to Head of Development, Daniel Crockett, BLUE, the infrastructure of the resort has been vital in making the project Other partners such as Whaleslide (who donate each [email protected] a success. Six Senses has provided accommodation, contacts, equipment time someone buys a product using their browser) or +44 20 7257 9569 and transport to help BLUE’s project become a great success. and Mark Hix (who donates a proportion of water sales) all add vital funding to further our goals.

Sunseeker International announced a long-term corporate partnership with BLUE. The partnership increases awareness of ocean conservation and supports BLUE’s projects. Phil Popham, CEO of Sunseeker commented: “I was particularly impressed with the energy and motivation of the charity which is evident in the fantastic work that is carried out across the world and in many of our popular boating locations. This is a cause which really resonates with me as I am sure it will with our owners too. Our oceans are a vital resource and it is essential we all do what we can to preserve them.” BLUE is working with Sunseeker to identify a major project for 2018, watch this space! BLUE would like to thank every one of our supporters who make it possible for us Special thanks are due to Françoise and Rolly Van Rappard for their incredible support of BLUE’s 38 work in Ascension and St Helena and for their visionary funding of the #backthebluebelt campaign, 39 to achieve so much. This includes ambassadors, trusts, foundations, corporate to Peter Lürssen for his unstinting and crucial support, to Julian Dunkerton for sharing our ambition

partners, members of the Blue Marine Yacht Club, Join BLUE members and to transform the future of UK fishing, to BLUE co-founder George Duffield for getting on the saddle REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION individual donors, pro bono supporters and all those who have personally and raising tremendous awareness and funds for the London to Monaco cycle ride, to BLUE ambassador Poppy Delevingne for cutting the ribbon to launch the ride, Ben Fogle for launching our given their time for free. Solent project and Colin Jackson for launching our partnership with Sunseeker, to Prince Albert II of Monaco for welcoming the ride at his palace. Thanks are also due to Tim Scoones for the fantastic #BackTheBlueBelt campaign and to Fishmongers’ Company for hosting the Better British Fisheries conference.

TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS BMYC MEMBERS JOIN BLUE MEMBERS AMBASSADORS CORPORATE PARTNERS BLUE BOARD PRO BONO

Adessium Foundation Prince Albert II of Monaco Aqualuce James Blunt Accsys Dr Tom Appleby Freuds Artemis Foundation Benetti Roger Ames Sir Nigel Bogle Amels Sofia Blount Latham & Watkins Brook Foundation Bertarelli Foundation Charles Asprey Alex Caizergues Bloomberg Dr Arlo Brady Rawlinson & Hunter Clore Duffield Foundation Sir Charles Dunstone Nigel Bloxham Cara Delevingne Boat International Craig Davies White & Case Don Quixote Foundation Feadship Andrew Callender Poppy Delevingne Frangipani Lord Deben Dulverton Trust Peter Lürssen Taran Davies Sir Charles Dunstone The Goring George Duffield Esmée Fairbairn Anthony Lyons Marianna Detering Dr Sylvia Earle Kenzo Chris Gorell Barnes Fishmongers’ Company Andrew and Jane Winch Benjamin Dives Ben Fogle Land Rover BAR Professor Callum Roberts Garfield Weston ArabellaDuffield Cindy Forde Living Sea Therapy Mark Rose Golden Bottle Trust Vivien Duffield Stephen Fry Lürssen John Ellerman Foundation Gill Gorell Barnes Olivier de Givenchy Marks & Spencer People’s Postcode Trust - Small Grants Peter James Hall Ben Goldsmith MDL Marinas Programme Gavin Hardy John Hitchcox Orlebar Brown Rothschild Foundation Harry Heathcote Amory John Jencks Reef Knots Sackler Trust James Kalbassi Mélanie Laurent Six Senses Seaworld & Busch Gardens Conservation Mr & Mrs Smith Simon Le Bon Sunseeker Fund Angela Pau Yasmin Le Bon Winch Design Stavros Niarchos Foundation Georgina Peppering Carl Gustaf Lundin Samuel Power Takuji Masuda MAJOR DONORS Peter Rigg Sienna Miller The Roaming Expert Rupert Murray Julian Dunkerton Kadee Robbins Amber Nuttall Peter Lürssen Mike Sharp Marie-Athena Papathanasiou Françoise and Rolly Van Rappard Joanna Von Schenk Jonathon Porritt Alannah Weston Sir Stuart Rose Peter Whale Marina Vaughn Spitzy Rawlinson & Hunter Baroness Worthington of Cambridge Studio Delta OUR 40 FINANCES 41 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

FOR EVERY £1 BLUE SPENT GENERATING FUNDS, FINANCIAL WE SECURED £24 OF FUNDING OVERVIEW*

OF EVERY POUND BLUE SPENT... ‘FREE’ RESERVES AS AT 31 MARCH 2017

£544,681 £531,018 SOURCES OF INCOME Year ended v Year ended 31 March 2017 31 March 2016 87p was spent on projects Corporate donations 14% 11% 2017 Individuals (March 2017) 1% Private foundations Auction income 17% 22% BMYC membership donations Spent on projects Spent generating funds Donations in kind Spent on management Gift Aid and administration 13% FUNDS 16% London to Monaco DISTRIBUTED 6% 5% 8% 87%

BLUE SIZE OF THE £1,618,613 £1,964,451 MONEY Year ended v Year ended Total square Total number Total square kilometres of ocean WE SPENT 31 March 2017 31 March 2016 feet of office: of team members: that BLUE has helped to protect: 531 13 4 MILLION

*All figures based on audited accounts to year-end 31 March 2017. BLUEBLUE MARINE FOUNDATION 42 2017TEAM REVIEW 43 2017 REVIEW 2017 BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

BLUE TEAM AND TRUSTEES

Clockwise from top left: Craig Davies, Trustee Adrian Gahan, Director of Policy Poppy Wetherill, Head of Operations Sara-Jane Skinner, Head of Partnerships 2017 INJURY TALLY Chris Gorell Barnes, Co-founder Dr Arlo Brady, Trustee Simon Harding, Head of Conservation Sofia Blount, Trustee 1 broken arm on London to Monaco cycle ride Tim Glover, Projects Director Catherine Whitley, UK Project Co-ordinator 7 sore bottoms on L2M ride Dr Tom Appleby, Trustee George Duffield, Co-founder Rory Moore, Projects Manager Morven Robertson, UK Projects Officer 1 splinter in toe from superyacht Dan Crockett, Head of Development Amy Hammond, Research Officer Clare Brook, CEO Charles Clover, Executive Director 3 back aches from carrying bags of oysters 1 squashed nose from walking into glass door in Monaco In absentia: Jacob Kean Hammerson, UK Project Coordinator 1 frayed nerves from being shot at in Azerbaijan Mark Rose, Trustee 1 head covered in seagull poo in the Solent Professor Callum Roberts, Trustee Lord Deben, Trustee

Our future is directly I love BLUE, what we stand BLUE has developed a In nearly 30 years of BLUE is highly effective in Being relatively new to the BLUE is a united, efficient It’s great working with such linked to the health of our for, what we’ve already knack of seizing the day. working, I have never making real conservation team I am blown away by and motivated movement, a highly driven team who oceans. We must have a done and what we are going If you had told me that we encountered such a happen. There is less talk how much is going on every achieving huge gains in are always pushing the healthy marine ecosystem to do. We have a window could achieve so much dedicated, driven, inspired, and more action. BLUE’s single day. I might be neck marine protection. As a boundaries and coming to sustain life on earth. I of opportunity to save the when we started eight inspiring team. There is a staff come from different deep in the Solent one day marine biologist, I have up with new ways to tackle care deeply about BLUE’s seas and we must get on years ago, I would not have spirit of fun in the office, working backgrounds and and talking to fishermen in found my natural habitat! the multiple challenges mission and I’m hugely with it. believed you. Success has combined with a sense of that is the glue which holds Northumberland the next. Rory Moore, affecting our oceans. proud of everything that we George Duffield, brought the confidence to excitement at how much we the team together so well. It’s a wild ride that makes Projects Manager Simon Harding, have achieved so far. Co-founder act quickly. are able to achieve. Tim Glover, things happen. Head of Conservation Chris Gorell Barnes, Charles Clover, Clare Brook, CEO UK Projects Director Morven Robertson, Co-founder Executive Director UK Projects Officer Communications kindly sponsored by Lürssen

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