DAVID BAGGS’ Post

Australia now protects more ocean than any other country on earth 8 October 2024 Australia now protects more ocean than any other country on earth, with the Albanese Labor Government signing off a massive 310,000 km2 expansion of the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park. The decision means that for the first time ever more than half (52 per cent) of Australia’s oceans are now under protection, blitzing a 30 per cent target the Government signed up to as part of a UN nature treaty in 2022. This decision cements Australia’s role as a global leader in marine conservation. It is the biggest contribution to ocean conservation anywhere on the planet this year. The Heard and McDonald Islands marine reserve will quadruple in size, an increase of almost 310,000 km2 – an area larger than Italy – and will provide greater protections for an environment unlike anywhere else in the world. Heard and McDonald Islands are home to glaciers, wetlands, Australia’s only active volcanoes, and diverse and significant populations of penguins, seals and albatrosses. This decision comes after extensive consultation with researchers, conservationists and the fishing industry. The design supports the sustainable, well-established fishery in the region. Minister Plibersek will now recommend the updated marine park design to the Governor-General for proclamation. Last year the Albanese Government tripled the size of Macquarie Island Marine Park – another sub-Antarctic wildlife wonderland. This was the largest contribution to ocean conservation anywhere in the world in 2023. In this year’s Budget the Government funded a research voyage to Heard and McDonald Islands for the 2025-26 Antarctic season, to support Australia’s ongoing management of this globally important region. Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek: “I’m proud that Australia now protects more ocean than any other country on earth. “This is not just a huge environmental win for Australia, it’s a huge environmental win for the world. “We delivered the biggest contribution to ocean conservation in the world in 2023, and we’ve done the same again this year – it’s an enormous achievement for nature. “From the Great Barrier Reef to sub-Antarctic wildlife wonderlands like Heard and McDonald Islands, there are so few places on earth that can be described as truly pristine wilderness. Heard and McDonald Islands is such a place. “Nature thrives there without us. It’s free from feral species and has had minimal human intervention. Not only do the islands contain Australia's only active volcanoes, but huge populations of marine birds and mammals numbering in the millions. “Quadrupling the size of the Heard and McDonald Islands marine park protects more of our oceans around the island and the seals, albatross and whales that call the waters home. “This is a unique and extraordinary part of our planet. We are doing everything we can to protect it.”

Diving into the depths of marine conservation, it's clear that the coral reefs are not just picturesque backdrops but essential homes for a myriad of marine life forms. The article sheds light on the challenges faced by these underwater wonders and the crucial need for conservation efforts to safeguard their existence. 🌊 The fragility of coral reefs is starkly evident with up to 88% in Southeast Asia at risk, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to protect these biodiverse ecosystems. 🐠 Beyond traditional threats like overfishing, the article enlightens readers on the destructive practices of fishing with cyanide and dynamite, exacerbating the decline of coral reefs. It's a vicious cycle that demands breaking. 🌏 Educating local communities emerges as a key strategy in the fight for marine conservation, emphasizing the interconnectedness between human actions and the health of marine ecosystems. The power of awareness and grassroots movements cannot be underestimated. 🌿 Amidst the challenges, there is hope in the form of smarter choices and effective management plans. Every individual can contribute to the cause through conscious decisions that support marine conservation. From the depths of the oceans to the legislation halls, the call for marine conservation resounds loud and clear. It's a collective responsibility to protect and preserve our marine habitats for a sustainable future. Let's dive deeper, beyond the surface, to embrace the beauty and importance of marine life conservation. https://lnkd.in/gJPGgCnF

🌊 On this #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate the deep-rooted wisdom and traditions of Indigenous peoples, particularly those of the Pacific Islands, who have long safeguarded our oceans. The Polynesian practice of Kapu—an ancient system of resource management—ensured the sustainability of marine ecosystems for generations. These practices, refined over centuries, effectively protected fisheries and coastal environments, proving the power of traditional knowledge. Today, as we confront global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, it's crucial to embrace co-designed marine conservation solutions. By working hand in hand with local communities and traditional leaders, we can blend modern science with time-honored practices to protect our oceans and coastal ecosystems for future generations. 🌿🤝 Let’s honor and uplift Indigenous voices in marine conservation, ensuring a healthy future for our oceans. 🌏 #LivingOceans #IndigenousWisdom #MarineConservation #Kapu #PacificIslands #CoDesign

🌊 Diving into the depths of ocean conservation with a splash of good news! 🐠✨ A recent study has unveiled how protecting our oceans doesn't just benefit marine life, but also has a significant impact on the well-being of coastal communities. Talk about a win-win for nature and people! 🌍💙 🐟 Fishy Fact: Marine protected areas saw a 27% increase in fish populations compared to open-access zones. Looks like giving our underwater friends some space works wonders for their numbers! 🐡🌿 🌴 From lush mangroves to vibrant coral reefs, the Mesoamerican Reef is not just a sight to behold but also a hotspot for biodiversity and thriving coastal communities. It's like a bustling underwater city where everyone thrives together! 🏝️🦀 🍴 Who knew that protecting marine areas could also lead to a decrease in children's food insecurity rates? It's amazing to see how conservation efforts ripple out to touch the lives of those both above and below the water's surface. 🍍👧 👩🔬 Balancing science and local wisdom, these findings highlight the importance of community-led initiatives in designing effective marine protected areas. It's a team effort between researchers, fishers, and governments to keep our oceans flourishing for generations to come! 🤝🌊 🌿 As we strive to protect at least 30% of Earth's ecosystems by 2030, these insights remind us that conservation isn't just about saving species — it's about safeguarding our shared future. Let's continue riding the wave of positive change! 🌺🌏 https://lnkd.in/eFd6KFkr

What a year it’s been for rrreefs, and we are only in June 😃 We have built 150m2 of reefs in 3 locations across the globe, every reef we put into the ocean takes us 1 step closer to reviving 1% of coastal coral reefs by 2034. By creating an underwater structure that is built alongside the natural reef, our solution enables #corallarvae to settle on our bricks and grow. The colonisation by new corals is a key driver of reef resilience and recovery 🧱🪸 #rrreefsinthefield 2024 ⬇️ 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 – 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 January 2024 saw the installation of our reef system at Cistern Point, adjacent to the prominent rock formation on the western side of Cooper Island. The prestigious Swiss Institut Le Rosey sponsored the project as part of their mission to synergize education with environmental stewardship. The initiative gave ten students the unique opportunity to embark on a sailing boat, delving into hands-on experiences in marine biology and environmental protection. ARK (Association of Reef Keepers) will monitor the structural impact on marine biodiversity over the next 2 years, specifically focusing on the recruitment of coral, fish, and other marine life. 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 – 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 February was the start of a collaborative research project with Zurich Gruppe Deutschland , TEAM MALIZIA and Mama Earth Foundation, Inc. to explore the co-benefits of restoring different marine ecosystems together, namely coral reefs and mangroves. The project took place in #PujadaBay, and it is our biggest installation so far. The reef covers an area of 100m2, and is combined with 9000 mangroves that were planted along the shoreline. Another element of this project is our partnership with Holcim Philippines Inc. who supplied us with marine bioactive concrete for the foundation of our reef as well as five units that lock into our brick system. 𝗘𝗰𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 - 𝗠𝗮𝘆 Last month we teamed up with the Melitta Group to build a new coral reef ecosystem off Isla El Sucre. Ecuador is known for its rich coastal ecosystems, so it provided an ideal setting for this first initiative. The project, supported by the local community from Los Ciriales and partnerships including Conservación Marina Ecuador alongside local fishermen, represents a significant step forward in coral restoration efforts and marine conservation in the country. This is the first time our system has been installed in the eastern half of the Pacific Ocean which is home to very unique coral reefs, now allowing us to compare its restorative capacities in three oceans across the globe 🪸🌊 Check out the link below for more details on our projects and how you / your business can partner with us to regenerate coastal coral reefs. #rrreefs #savethereef #marinelife #oceandecade #ocean #SDG14 #climateaction #climatechange #biodiversity

Explore the story of Cabo Pulmo, a global model for community-led marine conservation, in this compelling article by Edges of Earth. Marine Conservation Institute is proud to highlight Cabo Pulmo National Park, recognized as one of the most successful marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide. As a designated Blue Spark, Cabo Pulmo is on its journey to achieving the rigorous Blue Park Standard, setting a global benchmark for effective marine protection. This thriving reef system, protected by local no-take zones and supported by the Castro family and the community, demonstrates how conservation efforts can restore biodiversity and create a healthier ocean. However, Cabo Pulmo also faces significant challenges, including overtourism and development. Its story offers valuable lessons for other communities striving to protect their marine ecosystems while navigating similar pressures. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/g62ywZVR #CaboPulmo #BlueParks #BlueSpark #MarineConservation #CommunityLeadership #OceanProtection #30x30

🐠🌊 Dive into the deep blue world of marine conservation with fascinating insights from the latest article I stumbled upon! From the rich biodiversity of coral reefs to the threats faced by marine life, this read opened my eyes to the wonders and challenges of our oceans. 🌏 Marine conservation isn't just about saving fish; it's about protecting entire ecosystems. Did you know that overfishing and destructive practices are pushing coral reefs and endangered species towards extinction? It's a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain for a sustainable future. 🌐 Global efforts like Mission Blue are paving the way for marine protected areas, creating 'Hope Spots' to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems. The commitment of organizations like this shines a beacon of hope for our oceans. 🌟 🐋 Let's take a moment to reflect on our impact on the marine environment. As Sylvia Earle wisely said, "Although man's record as a steward of the natural resources of the earth has been a discouraging one, there has long been a certain comfort in the belief that the sea, at least was inviolate..." ⚓️ What are your thoughts on marine conservation after reading this? Share your feelings and let's discuss how we can all play a part in protecting our oceans! https://lnkd.in/gHhkpkim

It's World Sea Turtle Day! 🐢 Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle live in the waters around Australia, and all occur within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Some species such as the loggerhead and green turtle are seen frequently, while others such as the olive ridley and leatherback are known to occur in the Great Barrier Reef but are seldom seen. The Reef region has globally significant nesting and foraging areas for green, loggerhead, hawksbill and flatback turtles. Marine turtles provide a number of ecological services, including herbivory and seagrass dispersal by green turtles, nutrient cycling and sediment production. Turtles are highly valued by Traditional Owners, visitors to the Reef and the local community. The Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Environment, Science and Innovation) are working alongside Traditional Owners in the northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait to help protect green turtle populations. Long-term tagging and monitoring of green turtles at their northern foraging grounds allows us to assess the health of the population. This 5-year program funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust aims to inform a range of management actions, including how best to respond to the impacts from climate change. Did you know that sex of turtles is determined by the temperature of the sand at the nesting beach? That's why it's critical we continue to work alongside our partners to protect turtle populations, as they face increased global temperatures, leading to an imbalance in hatchling gender - which raises concerns for the sustainability of the populations of sea turtle. Find out more here - https://bit.ly/4c0GTyB #LovetheReef #WorldSeaTurtleDay #GreatBarrierReef #TraditionalOwners

🌊💙 **Dive into the Depths of Marine Conservation** 💙🌊 The world beneath the waves holds a treasure trove of life, but are we protecting it enough? From coral reefs teeming with biodiversity to the fragile balance of ocean ecosystems, marine conservation is a critical endeavor deserving our attention and action. 🐠 **Preservation Beyond the Surface** 🐳 - Marine conservation safeguards ecosystems from over-exploitation and habitat degradation. - Restoration efforts focus on reversing human-caused damage and protecting vulnerable marine species. 🌎 **A Growing Concern** 🌊 - Human activities threaten marine life with coral reef degradation, overfishing, and pollution. - Ocean acidification and oil spills further stress marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity worldwide. 💔 **Crisis of Extinction** 🦈 - Endangered marine mammals like the vaquita and monk seals face dire threats. - Critical species such as green sea turtles and Pacific bluefin tuna struggle to survive amid human impact. 🛡️ **Tools for Conservation** 🌿 - Marine protected areas, technological innovations, and legal frameworks play crucial roles. - Community-centered initiatives and advocacy campaigns drive awareness and action for marine preservation. 🌟 **Your Thoughts Matter!** 💬💭 How do you envision a sustainable future for our oceans? Share your views on marine conservation and let's spark a conversation to protect our blue planet together. https://lnkd.in/gHhkpkim

🌊 We are proud to announce that our Saros Bay Conservation and Restoration Planning Project has received endorsement from the #EuropeanCommission as playing a central role in contributing to multiple objectives of the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters". 🐟This endorsement not only strengthens our commitment to protecting and restoring this ecologically and culturally rich area along Turkey’s Aegean coast but also highlights the importance of our project in driving transformative change in the #Mediterranean. It integrates our work into the broader European commitment to marine #conservation and #sustainability. 🏞️ Saros Bay is home to a rich presence of #PosidoniaOceanica habitats, key coastal wetlands, Coralligenous assemblages, Important Monk Seal Areas (Monachus monachus), high presence of #cetaceans and Important Marine Mammal Areas (#IMMAs), Important Shark and Ray Areas (#ISRAs), and marine bird species of importance, and threatened marine fish species. The area provides invaluable ecosystem services and delivers substantial health, social, and economic benefits to coastal communities. ⚠️However, the region faces numerous threats, including Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, high levels of water pollution, cumulative human impacts, invasive species, expanding coastal infrastructure, and sea-level rise due to climate change. Despite these challenges, there is a noticeable lack of on-the-ground #conservation and #restoration initiatives focused on both biodiversity and sustainable sea and land use systems. 💪Our project takes a participatory and integrated approach, combining environmental, cultural, and socio-economic knowledge and data to define the scope and objectives for conservation and restoration actions, empower small-scale fishers as change agents, assess ecosystem viability, identify socio-political and local threats, and outline strategies for the long-term #Saros Bay Conservation and Restoration Program. Stay tuned for updates as we work to protect and restore this remarkable Mediterranean ecosystem! 📲 For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/dhYdZ5Vs www.yolda.org.tr, or reach out to us at info@yolda.org.tr. #MissionOcean #EUMissions #coralreefs #ForCoral #InclusiveConservation #Sustainability #SarosBay #ocean #seagrass #Biodiversity #marine #SEPLS #Aegean #SSF #OECM #Fisheries #2030SeagrassBreakthrough #HorizonEU #DenizelPeyzajlar #MercanResifleri #Mercan #Koruma #Sürdürülebilirlik #denizçayırı #restorasyon #denizmemelisi #Akdeniz #Biyoçeşitlilik #EgeDenizi #KüçükÖlçekliBalıkçılık #Kültürelpeyzaj Mission Ocean Ocean & Climate Platform Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) Turquoise Coast Environment Fund - Turkey Conservation Collective Sivil Toplum için Destek Vakfı European Union Delegation to Türkiye Alliance for Mediterranean Nature & Culture