Hope for the Oceans

I recently completed a natural resource unit for my Masters. My research paper was about the state of the world's fisheries, which inherently links to ocean and reef health. I attempted to argue for hope and solution to the fisheries crisis albeit a slightly uphill battle.

You don't have to delve too far into the conservation or even pop culture space to hear the names of David Attenborough, Ric O'Barry, and Steve Irwin. While doing my research, I came across Dr Silvia Earle, who quite frankly I feel silly for not knowing before. If you are like me, you may also not have heard about the Mission Blue - Silvia Earle Alliance. If you haven't, I shall tell you.

Dr Silvia was born in 1935, is an incredibly accomplished Oceanographer and has been fighting to protect the world's oceans since her science graduate days in the 1950's. Her accomplishments and global advocacy work speaks for itself so Google her if you want to learn more.

More interestingly though, is her recent fight to scale up conservation progress by advocating and working to increase the % of protected ocean globally by establishing more Marine Protected Areas, newly dubbed as 'Hope Spots' through her new Mission Blue initiative. Click on the link below and learn more about preserving the world's oceans.

http://mission-blue.org/

I had the privilege of visiting Fiji in March this year and experienced the stunning reef. I noticed Mission Blue's work with a local organisation called Reef Explorer Fiji to restore coral gardens. I had no idea you could do this!

-Propagated corals awaiting transport to Votua Village Fiji- Image Reef Explorer LTD-

Here are a few poignant pieces of info from my research and also Mission Blue:

- In 1947 there was only 1 oil drilling site along the Gulf of Mexico. In 2013 there are 33,000.
- The number of ocean dead zones as a result of eutrophication (excessive chemical nutrients)  particularly from animal and crop agriculture is now in excess of 500 globally.
- Examples of how tourism and sport fishing resulted in destroying local oceans and coastal communities, have been reversed by developing marine protected areas and promoting regulated eco-tourism. This has helped reinvigorate communities and economies as well as the oceans.
- The global fishing industry is largely owned by only 13 corporations who control approximately 40% of the most valuable fishing stocks and up to 15% of global catch. These companies are based in Japan, Norway, USA, Thailand, Spain, South Korea and China.
- Illegal fishing vessels and techniques contribute to an estimated 10-15% global marine catch. 


My thoughts and suggestions:


- What we choose to eat plays an enormous role. Think about when you order food at a restaurant, where is it coming from? Where is it sourced?  Do you ever see restaurants labeling the sources of their seafood? If you knew it came from an illegal fishing operation, would you still eat it?
- Ask for better labeling of seafood products. Did you know 2/3 of Barramundi served in Australian restaurants is imported from Asia? See http://labelmyfish.com/#
- If you go snorkeling or visit a popular reef destination ask yourself and look around you. Does the operator demonstrate their best interests to protect the oceans? Do they educate tourists? Do they hassle marine life? Are local communities being exploited for tourism?
- Support conservation organisations like Mission Blue and their partners. No I am not affiliated, only an independent supporter.
- Over fishing is only part of the bigger ocean conservation space, but it's something we all have a say in. The systems are all interlinked and effects flow on. Small changes can have a big impact. Ask the important questions, raise awareness and find out more.

Cheers,

Luke


 Sources: UN FAO State Report 2014; labelmyfish.com; mission-blue.org; Pitcher & Cheung 2013, Hope or Despair; Osterblom et al 2015 Transnational Corporations as Keystone Actors.