International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF)’s Post

🌊🐠 Celebrating World Fisheries Day: Sustaining Coral Reefs for a Thriving Future! 🐡🌏 Today, on #WorldFisheriesDay, let's shine a spotlight on the rainforests of the sea – Coral Reefs! 🦑🌿 These vibrant ecosystems not only support an incredible array of marine life but also play a crucial role in ensuring the livelihoods of millions around the globe. 🔍 Why Coral Reefs Matter: Coral reefs are not just beautiful underwater landscapes; they are vital for fisheries valued at US $6.8 billion per year, with over 15 million small-scale fishers in the #CoralTriangle alone. 🌐 Challenges We Face: However, coral reefs are facing unprecedented challenges – from climate change and overfishing to pollution. It is vital that global efforts, such as through the #CoralReefBreakthrough, work towards sustainable practices that aim to secure the future of #coralreefs 🤝 Collaboration is Key: It is imperative that responsible fishing practices are promoted, marine conservation initiatives are supported, and awareness raised about the interconnectedness of healthy coral reefs and thriving fisheries. www.icriforum.org / www.coralbreakthrough.org #WorldFisheriesDay #CoralReefConservation #SustainableSeafood #ForCoral 📷 Erik Lucas - Ocean Image Bank

🌿 Belize is leading the way in slowing climate change, enhancing the economy, and safeguarding communities. A new study reveals the immense value of coastal mangrove forests in carbon storage, tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. #ClimateAction #BlueCarbon #Belize https://lnkd.in/gCqstnwY - A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, fisheries, and protection against coastal storms. - The findings have already provided a basis for Belize's commitment to protect or restore additional mangrove forests totaling an area about the size of Washington, D.C., by 2030. - Nature-based solutions, such as locking up or sequestering carbon in mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, provide a promising solution for many coastal countries. - The study found that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big tourism and fisheries benefits, but carbon storage is initially lower when restoring mangrove areas than when protecting existing forests. - Belize has pledged to protect an additional 46 square miles of existing mangroves and to restore 15 square miles of mangroves by 2030, which will store and sequester millions of tons of carbon, boost lobster fisheries, generate mangrove tourism, and reduce the risk of coastal hazards. - The approach addresses both climate and sustainable development goals, and opens new opportunities for financing nature-based solutions in countries like Belize.

🌊 ⚠ The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) alerts that the eutrophication in the Baltic Sea #ecosystem, aggravated by #climatechange, is affecting #fishing opportunities. 🚨 The high level of #nutrient concentrations in this region is increasing faster than in other ecoregions causing habitat degradation, changes in #food webs, and other #ecosystem processes. 📄 The council will publish a fully revised 'Ecosystem Overview for the Baltic Sea ecoregion' at the end of the year. 👉 To get a small preview of the advice go here: https://lnkd.in/d3csstzj

As an underwater ecosystem with some of the most diverse and valuable marine environments, coral reefs support a multitude of species in building sustainable habitats. 🪸 🌊 However, a recent finding by the Malaysian Fisheries Department uncovered that more than 50% of our vibrant coral reefs are bleached white. ⚪ 😱 But what does this mean, and what is causing this dangerous phenomenon to happen? 🧐 Uncovering what coral bleaching really is, we discover its effects on various populations that depend on its continuing health, and how it may negatively impact our nation’s economy. 💸 🐚 Click on the link below to read more about this matter. 👈 🔍 #wikiimpact #Malaysia #society #change #impact #awareness #important #challenges #data #datadriven #struggles #sea #support #marinelife #corals #coralreefs #marine #protection #coralbleaching #intervention #recovery #environment #seatemperatures #savetheearth

Marine Protected Areas are crucial for the sustainable conservation of our blue planet. That's why we've started a series of posts that will focus on some of the Mediterranean MPAs and (hopefully) bring you closer to them. Today, we're staring with Gökova Bay and its success story 🌊 📍 Location: Aegean-Levantine Sea 📐 Extent: 820.23 km² 🌿 Habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, muddy sands, hard beds, rocks 🐟 Species: Monk seals, dolphins, whales, seabirds, marine turtles, sharks, rays 🚫Threats: Illegal fishing Habitat degradation Overfishing Invasive species 💡 Solutions: No Fishing Zones (NFZs): Six zones established with better enforcement Marine Rangers: Tackled illegal fishing Community Engagement: Stakeholder meetings built trust and cooperation Co-Management: Local fishery cooperatives and government collaboration 🔑 Key Takeaways: Collaboration among fishers, NGOs, academics, and government is crucial Community-based initiatives like NFZs and marine rangers can rebuild fish stocks Education and awareness are essential for sustainable practices 🌟 Opportunities: Pescatourism Sustainable fishing Eco-friendly tourism Success in Gökova Bay serves as a model for –its co-management approach– in sustainable fisheries management across the Mediterranean! 🌍 Stay tuned for more spotlights on Mediterranean MPAs! #MarineConservation #SustainableFishing #OceanHealth #CommunityEngagement #GökovaBay #OceanResponsibility #MPAs

The #Arctic Ocean is encompassed by eight states with a population of 4 million, 10 per cent of whom are indigenous, all benefiting from the ocean's services. Historically veiled in ice for 5,000 years, the Arctic Ocean is undergoing a transformation. The Arctic Ocean now looks and behaves differently, with an area roughly the size of India disappearing during the summer months. The Arctic Ocean serves as a contributor to the world's growing demand for food and protein. Many Arctic communities depend on the fisheries sector, which makes sustainable management a critical element for a commercially successful industry. What is more, if the harvested seafood has been certified to a set of requirements for sustainable fishing, then a company can charge a premium. Today, the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA) stands as a pivotal diplomatic achievement in the Arctic. Anchored in precautionary principles and ecosystem-based management, it uniquely integrates both indigenous knowledge and Western science. CAOFA ensures the sustainable use of fish stocks and safeguards the rights of those dependent on this ecosystem. This Agreement serves as a blueprint, demonstrating effective implementation and upholding of sustainable business practices to prevent unregulated fishing in the high seas. This is the graphic recording summarising the key points of the discussion organised by the AEC and Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) R at the Arctic Circle Assembly. #Sustainability #Fisheries #IndigenousKnowledge

In the face of escalating ocean acidification, the humble oyster emerges not just as a culinary favorite but as a cornerstone species in our marine ecosystems. Recent studies underscore the invaluable role oysters play in enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing shorelines, and purifying waters, contributing billions in trade and ecosystem services. Yet, these vital creatures are under siege from the very waters they inhabit, threatened by the increasing acidity caused by carbon dioxide absorption. This not only jeopardizes the oysters' ability to form shells but also the myriad of life forms that depend on oyster reefs for survival. As professionals in the environmental and marine sectors, we are at a pivotal juncture. The restoration and conservation of oyster habitats are more than ecological imperatives; they are economic and social necessities. Initiatives aimed at bolstering oyster populations can serve as a bulwark against the adverse effects of climate change, safeguarding our coastal communities and economies. The challenge of ocean acidification is daunting, yet it presents us with an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. By supporting policies that reduce carbon emissions and investing in sustainable aquaculture practices, we can help ensure the resilience of our marine ecosystems. Let's leverage our collective expertise and resources to protect these guardians of the ocean. The path forward requires action from policymakers, industries, and communities worldwide. Together, we can turn the tide on ocean acidification and preserve the health of our oceans for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/dsRQj9sU #OceanConservation #SustainableAquaculture #ClimateAction #MarineBiodiversity #OysterReefs

Coral reefs are vital for marine biodiversity, supporting economies through tourism and fisheries, and aiding in shoreline protection. As we uncover their potential for medical advancements, it's crucial to focus on conservation efforts. Discover more about coral reefs' benefits and how you can help at NOAA's Ocean Service. Link: https://lnkd.in/gNAKZABd #CoralReefs #MarineConservation

Cabo Verde | Episode 4 “Artisanal fishing, especially those that catch tuna is an activity that to this day, remains sustainable. Not only for ecosystems, but also on a social level. Fishing is carried out by local communities. This way of life has been developed over several generations. Nowadays, this way of life and those communities that depend on it are threatened. - Tommy Melo, Biosfera Association President  Tommy Melo is talking about the impending threat to the economical survival of small-scale fisheries, the second largest economic activity in Cape Verde. The many jobs, all who are linked to this one man on his boat. All those jobs are at risk when that one fisher’s job is on the line. He worries about the social and economical impact it would have on the lives of so many people in Cape Verde.  We need to transform our world to one where people, economies, and nature can thrive together Help us to achieve this by supporting one-by-one fisheries that respect the ocean while safeguarding the livelihoods of its coastal communities. 🎥 @pepebrix_doc_photography , @ruipedrolamy for @ipnlf @tunatalesproject .  #tunatales #chooseyourtuna #capeverde #sustainablefishing #SaveOurSeas #OurOceanOurFuture

The main internationally accepted area-based management tools used to support the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources🌊🦈🐋🐠🐟🐳 Fisheries closure; In a fishery management system, the closure to fishing by particular gear(s) of an entire fishing ground, or a part of it, for the protection of a selection of the population (e.g. spawners), the whole population or several populations. The closure is usually seasonal, but could be permanent. Integrated Coastal Zone Management(ICZM) A dynamic process for the sustainable management and use of coastal zones, taking into account at the same time the fragility of coastal ecosystems and landscapes, the diversity of activities and uses, their interactions, the maritime orientation of certain activities and uses and their impact on both the marine and land parts. Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) Relatively large areas of ocean space of approximately 200,000 km2 or greater, adjacent to the continents in coastal waters where primary productivity is generally higher than in open ocean areas. Locally-Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Is an area of nearshore waters that is actively being managed in a local‘ practitioner context by residing or neighbouring communities and/or families, or being collaboratively managed by both resident communities and local government representatives based in the immediate vicinity. Marine Protected Area (MPA) A clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Marine Spatial Planning( MSP) Is a public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that are usually specified through a political process. MARPOL Special Area; Under the Convention, these special areas are provided with a higher level of protection than other areas of the sea. Particularly Sensitive Sea Area( PSSA) Is an area that needs special protection through action by(IMO) because of its significance for recognized ecological or socio-economic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities. Ridge to Reef; Aims to protect, demonstrate sustainable approaches, and provide better economic understanding of the links between salt and freshwater ecosystem Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) The main objectives of the management of Deep Sea Fisheries are to promote responsible fisheries that provide economic opportunities while ensuring the conservation of marine living resources and the protection of marine biodiversity. #sustinability #marineconservation #sustainabledesign #MPA #biodiversity #mangroveconservation #marinescience