MPA’S OF INDIA
MPA’S OF INDIA India is a diverse and unique land. India represents 2.4% of the world’s landmass and supports a population of over one billion people. Along with supporting such a large population, India is also one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries in the world, with 7.8% of the recorded species of the world, including 45,500 recorded species of plant and 91,000 recorded species of animal. The coastline of India is equally impressive. India has an extensive coastline of 7517 km length, of which 5423 km is in peninsular India and 2094 km is in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. This coastline also supports a huge human population, which is dependent on the rich coastal and marine resources. India’s coastal and marine ecosystems are under threat. These marine ecosystems have tremendous ecological and economic importance and are protected via policies and regulatory framework. However, various direct and indirect pressures in the form of economic development and overexploitation are having adverse impacts on the coastal and marine biodiversity across the country. Diligent efforts to protect the marine protected area( MPA) network in India whilst including community participation is required. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS(MPA) IN INDIA An MPA is considered to be any coastal or marine area in which certain uses are regulated to conserve natural resources, biodiversity, and historical and cultural features. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines an MPA as “any defined area within or adjacent to the marine environment, together with its overlying waters and associated flora, fauna, and historical and cultural features, which has been reserved by legislation or other effective means, including custom, with the effect that its marine and/or coastal biodiversity enjoys a higher level of protection than its surroundings”. The MPA network is a very crucial tool being used to actively manage marine conservation along with enhancing and supporting the well-being of people dependent on the coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods. The first MPA in India was designated in 1967 for the protection of wetlands and of the birds migrating there, even before a specific legal framework for protected areas (PA) was put in place. In India, PA’s that fall entirely or partially within the swathe of 500 m from the high tide line and the marine environment are considered to be in the MPA network Scientific monitoring and traditional observations confirm that depleted natural marine resources are getting restored and/or pristine ecological conditions have been sustained in well managed MPAs. MPA’S OF INDIA The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Gulf of Kachchh National Park, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, on the mainland, have unique marine biodiversity and provide a range of ecological services to the local communities. The total area of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 4947 km2, of which 1510 km2 is protected under the provisions of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. There are 105 PAs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and all are part of the MPA network of India. These MPAs cover about 60% of the terrestrial area of the islands and protect more than 40% of the coastal habitat. The important MPA’s in this region include the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park. There are 12 identified protected areas in India which are labelled as trans-boundary protected areas under the framework of the IUCN Trans- boundary Protected Area programme. Out of the 12 protected areas, 2 are MPAs (Sundarbans National Park and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve). India has also designated six UNESCO World Heritage Natural sites, and Sundarbans National Park is one among them. Image by © Vardhan Patankar WHY ARE MPA’S IMPORTANT? Coastal ecosystems are under threat as human-driven impacts due to population growth, economic development and urbanization are going to increase in the coming decades. These actions are major causes of ecosystem degradation as they convert important habitat to other forms of land use for development. Other actions such as overexploitation of species and associated destructive harvesting practices, the spread of invasive alien species and the impacts of agricultural, domestic and industrial sewage and waste also are a major threat to these delicately balanced important coastal ecosystems. Development and creation of new ports and harbours all along the coasts also threatens the coastal biodiversity. Along with these man-made issues, natural disaster’s such as tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes and storms alter the habitats and damage the coastal ecosystem. The MPA network in India has been used as a tool to manage natural marine resources for biodiversity conservation as well as for the well-being of the people dependent on it. Studies have shown that depleted natural marine resources are getting restored and/or pristine ecological conditions have been sustained in well managed MPA’s INDIA’S STEP TOWARDS CONSERVATION OF MPA’S In 2004, the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP7) to the Convention on BiologicalDiversity(CBD) agreed that marine and coastal protected areas, implemented as part of a wider marine and coastal management framework, are one of the essential tools for the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity. The meeting noted that marine and coastal protected areas have been proven to contribute to (a) protecting biodiversity; (b) sustainable use of components of biodiversity; and (c) managing conflict, enhancing economic wellbeing and improving the quality of life. Following on this, Parties to the CBD subsequently agreed to bring at least 10% of the world’s marine and coastal ecological regions under protection by 2012. In 2006, only an estimated 0.6 % of the world’s oceans were under protection. India has taken several steps towards achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, especially Target No. 11 which states that “at least 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved in networks of protected areas” and Target No.14 which states that “ecosystems that provide water, health, livelihoods and well-being are restored and safeguarded”. Towards achieving these two targets, 106 coastal and marine sites have been identified and prioritized as Important Coastal and Marine Areas
REEFWATCH RESTORATION PROGRAM
REEFWATCH RESTORATION PROGRAM Image by © Vardhan Patankar The problem is that our coral reefs are dying. Increasing water temperatures and ocean acidification are the subordinates, and climate change is the master culprit. Corals, unknown to many, are animals. Together, coral reefs create a vibrant ecosystem that is vital to ocean survival. Like any other ecosystem, each organism depends on another, creating an interdependent system that, in this case, depends heavily on corals. Coral reefs are home to about 25% of all marine life and play a crucial role in forming a protective barrier against storms and waves at the shoreline. Because they house so much marine life, they also ensure that fishermen get fish. Currently, coral reefs are dying quickly, and it is vital to the ocean system that we save them. Image by ‘ReefWatch’ The solution lies in restoring and regenerating the reefs. Who has taken on this responsibility? There are many organizations worldwide working to save the reefs. One such organization, Reef Watch, an Indian NGO based in the Andaman Islands, has been working tirelessly on marine conservation since 1993. Image by ‘ReefWatch’ How will we save our coral reefs? Reef Watch aims to restore and regenerate coral reefs using a one-of-a kind mineral accretion technology. Reef Watch starts by rescuing naturally broken coral fragments and reattaching them to a robust substratum, usually a metal structure. This does two things: by securing these fragments to a stationary structure, coral survival rates increase, leading to the possibility of growing into an artificial reef. It also allows Reef Watch to add in their mineral accretion technology, a form of electrolysis. A mild electric current is generated through a solar source, passing through iron frameworks that spark quick accretion of calcium carbonate, in turn helping the reef grow 7 to 12 times faster than normal. The coral not only grows faster, it also develops a higher energy budget that it can use to survive in inevitable warmer water temperatures, evading various types of coral disease. Who knew an electric shock could lead to resilient corals? Image by ‘ReefWatch’ What can you do to help? Coral conservation is not only Reef Watch’s problem—it’s ours too. Reef Watch is just one phenomenal organization working to restore our corals, but they could always do with a little more help. Time and money are two vital resources for change, so if you have either, try donating or volunteering with Reef Watch and help make a difference to save our oceans. Image by ‘ReefWatch’ http://www.reefwatchindia.org/youcanhelp.html
COASTAL REGULATION ZONES
COASTAL REGULATION ZONES The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) consists of coastal land up to 500 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL) and 100 meters along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwaters, and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations. As a part of the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Ministry of Environment and Forests was ordered to regulate coastal activities from 1991. Currently, the Coastal Regulation Zone around India has been divided into four categories, which ultimately help impose restrictions on industry expansion, activity, and processing. CRZ-certified spaces have certain rules and regulations that are often implemented. Some of these include restrictions on setting up new industries or expanding existing industries, manufacturing, or hazardous waste disposal, setting up and expanding fish processing units, discharging a city’s untreated water and effluents from industries, and more. These regulations help protect coastal regulation zones based on a variety of criteria, helping preserve our oceans from a capital perspective. There are 4 categories of CRZ’s, and each has their own set of specific regulations based on their criteria. Areas that are ecologically sensitive and important Areas that have been developed up to the shoreline Areas that are relatively undisturbed Coastal stretches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Coastal Regulation Zones are one step towards a green future for our coasts. With strictly implemented regulation on industry, we can help preserve our coasts, save marine species, and work to educate coastal communities on the importance of the environment, sustainable coastal practices, and ways to interact with our environment in a healthy way.
IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON MARINE CONSERVATION
IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON MARINE CONSERVATION When the pandemic fell upon us, there was increased awareness of negative implications on nature and the environment caused by us humans. Everyone was discussing how nature is fighting back, and if we do not respect and protect nature, we as a human race will be facing many more issues like the COVID-19 pandemic in the near future. Initially, as everyone was stuck at home, the environment seemed to be healing. This was assumed due to reduced vehicular pollution and the closing down of factories and industries that emit harmful greenhouse gases. Even for the oceans, things seemed to be changing for the better with the stopping of ship traffic. However, with time, for the oceans, a different situation has risen, wherein the pandemic has worsened the situation in many ways. Some of which include: Increased plastic pollution Rising illegal activities Research hindered 1. PLASTIC POLLUTION Plastic pollution was already an area of concern even before the pandemic was on us. Every year, 8 million tons (approximately the weight of 90 airplanes) of plastic are discarded into our oceans. 8 million tons can be evaluated as a garbage truck emptying its waste every minute into the ocean!!! It has been predicted that by 2050 the weight of plastic in the oceans will outweigh the number of fish in the sea. So plastic polluting our oceans isn’t a new problem. However, due to the pandemic, the usage of single-use plastic, face masks, and gloves increased tremendously. A shockingly large number of 129 billion masks and 65 billion gloves were used every month globally. Due to improper disposal of these safety gears, most of them ended up in the ocean. The masks when floating in water look very similar to jellyfish. This caused many marine animals, like turtles, to ingest these gloves, thinking that they were eating jellyfish. Masks also were a problem, as the elastic portion of the mark ended up getting entangled with birds, fish, as well as land animals. Image by “oceandesk.org” 1 million birds and marine animals are estimated to die each year due to plastic in the oceans. The use of single-use containers and cutlery due to the pandemic resulted in an increase in plastic use, which ends up in our oceans, making the situation worse. Recycling of these types of plastic requires funds, which are often not allocated for waste management, and this waste ends up untreated and leaks into our oceans, causing our marine life and oceans to suffer. 2. ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES With the stopping of all activities on land and sea, the issue of poorly policed oceans worsened. Coast guards and navies were focused on the inland crisis rather than the sea, and this resulted in the oceans being vulnerable to exploitation by pirates, poachers, and smugglers. Illegal fishing for food and pet trade was much easier than before due to the lack of law enforcement on the water. Image by “https://www.istockphoto.com” 3. RESEARCH Research plays an important role in understanding and documenting underwater life. Fish and other sea creatures are constantly on the move, migrating from one region to the other for a better climate for spawning, birthing, and for food. Researchers are often at months on length on their boats following these species and obtaining important data for science. With the ban of ships due to the pandemic, this important research has also halted. This pause in the research will cause a gap in the data collected by the researchers on important species for their conservation. Image by “https://africasustainabilitymatters.com”
HOPE SPOTS
HOPE SPOTS “The ocean, as a system and our life support, is in trouble, and whatever we can do, whether it’s in our community, state, country, region, or in the high seas, we should really respect what the ocean gives us.” Sylvie Earle, oceanographer and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) patron Hope spots were developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Mission Blue as a project that works to help save our oceans. Hope spots are specified areas in the ocean that have been identified by experts as significant in the fight to save our oceans. Hope Spots initiatives are championed by local conservationists and supported by Mission Blue’s access to communications, expeditions, and scientific advisory. The International Union for Conservation of Nature wants hope spots to be a step towards scaling up marine protection and supporting sustainable development of the ocean, while getting everyone (you included) involved! So what makes an area viable as a “hope spot?” A few main features qualify specific areas as Hope Spots, but mainly those that have a special characteristic, such as an abundance or diversity of species, endangered or unusual species, habitats, or ecosystems. Furthermore, protecting certain hope spots can actually reverse the effects of negative human impacts. For example, a site that is able to flourish with adequate protection while increasing animal and plant populations can actually benefit a wider area in the ocean, increasing diversity and ecosystem sustainability! Currently, less than 6% of the ocean is protected. While Marine Protected Areas cover roughly 5% of the ocean, only 2.5% of those MPAs are actually protected. Many have loose regulations, with little to no surveillance—defeating the point of establishing an MPA in the first place! As a result, Mission Blue’s Hope Spots initiative aims to do two things: Plan for the future of marine protected areas beyond already established MPA’s Encourage further protection of existing MPA’s where more action is needed. Paraphra While ocean conservation often seems beyond India, this is no longer the case. India has two famously diverse groups of islands—the Andamans and Lakshadweep—which have both made it to the top 50 list of hope spots with the potential of significant aquatic change! The Hope Spots initiative brings YOU into the equation. Anybody can nominate a special site—a site that gives you hope! Policy change starts with you—hope spots do as well.
ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES
ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES Introduction A complex web of life is a system that ensures the proper functioning of various ecosystems that exist in the environment. This web of life comprises various components, including interdependent flora and fauna that interact with each other in various ways. These interactions and the existence of various species are crucial for the functioning of our planet, which supports human life. However, several pressures being put on our ecosystem are driving various species of plants and animals towards the brink of extinction, affecting both the functioning of the ecosystem as well as causing various ecological issues overall to both humans and other species on our planet. Image by ‘Umeed Mistry’ The IUCN Red List classifies both plants and animals under 5 categories, which are CR (critically endangered), EN (endangered), VU (vulnerable), NT (LR/nt) (nearly threatened), DD (data deficient), and LC (least concern). What does being an endangered species mean? An endangered species is one that has a very small population and is at greater risk of becoming extinct. On land, there have been various animals that have entered the list of being critically endangered or endangered. The orangutan, black rhino, amur leopard, and giant pandas are some of the most critically endangered species in the world. Many marine species, including marine mammals, sea turtles, and salmonids, are also on the edge of extinction as climate change and overfishing become a major threat to their existence. Loss of habitats, the spread of disease, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices are few of the reasons for these species populations to decline. Image by ‘Umeed Mistry’ The Endangered Species Act In 1969, the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense passed the Endangered Species Conservation Act to prevent mass extinctions of certain species. The use of endangered species by humans for food, fur, and other commercial uses was outlawed by this act and by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act defined endangered or threatened species, put plants and invertebrates under protection, required federal agencies to start programs to conserve important habitats, created a wide umbrella of laws against hunting for endangered species, and matched contributions from individual states towards the project. IUCN Red List of Marine Species According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), hundreds of marine species across the world come under the categories of endangered and critically endangered species. IUCN Red List of Threatened (Marine) Species 5,652 marine species are in serious trouble (as of 17/12/20). CR: Critically Endangered (300 species) EN: Endangered (554 species) VU: vulnerable (972 species) NT or LR/nt: Near Threatened (666 species) DD: Data Deficient (3160 species) (not including LC or LR/LC): Least Concern (11682 species) Due to their vastness and depth, oceans have been viewed as an unlimited resource and have been overexploited by humans for a long period of time. This has led to a number of species populations declining and becoming endangered due to unsustainable activities by humans. There are various species from several marine species families that are endangered. These include species from families such as whales, dolphins, manatees, seabirds, sea turtles, and sharks, among several others. These species are under threat due to various activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, water pollution, boat accidents, and plastic pollution. These animals are crucial for the survival of the oceans and ecosystems and have their own intrinsic value. However, with very few protocols and laws in place for their protection, these creatures are steadily declining. Few of the endangered marine species include: Due to their vastness and depth, oceans have been viewed as an unlimited resource and have been overexploited by humans for a long period of time. This has led to a number of species populations declining and becoming endangered due to unsustainable activities by humans. There are various species from several marine species families that are endangered. These include species from families such as whales, dolphins, manatees, seabirds, sea turtles, and sharks, among several others. These species are under threat due to various activities such as habitat destruction, overexploitation, water pollution, boat accidents, and plastic pollution. These animals are crucial for the survival of the oceans and ecosystems and have their own intrinsic value. However, with very few protocols and laws in place for their protection, these creatures are steadily declining. Few of the endangered marine species include: 1. Vaquita The Vaquita is the world’s smallest and critically endangered cetacean*, found in shallow, murky waters in Mexico. The vaquita is also the world’s rarest sea mammal and one of the most endangered animals in the world. With less than 30 individuals left in the world, this species is on the brink of extinction. Due to extensive use of gill nets for fishing in the Gulf of California, these animals have been a target of bycatch, causing their species to decline at a very fast rate of 15% every year. 2. The Hawksbill Turtle The Hawksbill Turtle is found in the oceans of tropical regions of the world, mostly near coral reefs. Their population has been estimated to have declined by 80% over the last century. It is the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, with an estimated global population of 8,000, with only 1,000 nesting females. These turtles have beautiful colored shells, which have unfortunately been one of the major reasons causing their decline. Illegal capturing of these turtles for their meat and shells, which are sold illegally to create jewelry and ornamental products, which even today are sold across the Caribbean, Asia, and Central America. These turtles also feed primarily on coral reefs, which are on a steady decline, adding more pressure to their already declining populations. 3. Blue Whale Even though the blue whale is the largest living mammal on earth, the species is in danger. These whales play an important role in maintaining a healthy marine environment and are found migrating through both the poles in the oceans around the world. As of 2016, the IUCN has estimated their population to be around 10,000–25,000 individuals around
AMENDMENT OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION – ACT TO INCLUDE MARINE CONSERVATION
AMENDMENT OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT TO INCLUDE MARINE CONSERVATION WHAT IS THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT? (WPA) Wildlife Protection Act No. 53 was established on 9th September, 1972, which states: ‘An Act to provide for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country’ The Act was created mainly for protection of a country’s wild plant and animal species to ensure environmental security and stability. It also encompasses many restrictions and rules for hunting these wild species. It also included a crucial aspect of identifying, creating, and notifying areas as “protected areas” for the wildlife of India. With increasing awareness about India’s unique and diverse biological diversity and its importance, the Act came into place. There was a rapid decline in the population of wildlife in India due to unregulated hunting and clearing of forested regions. A naturalist named Edward Pritchard Gee brought to notice the rapid decline in the number of India’s national animal, the Bengal tiger, which reduced from 40,000 tigers in the turn of the 20th century to only 1872 by 1972. This was a drastic decline, and this was occurring all over India to various other plant and animal species, which in turn was affecting the ecosystem. THE NEED FOR AMENDMENT OF THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT Oceans make up about 70% of our world in terms of surface area and constitute more than 90% of the planet’s biologically useful habitat. Marine and coastal protected areas have been identified to protect biodiversity, encourage sustainable use of components of biodiversity, as well as help in managing conflict, enhancing economic well-being, and improving the quality of life. While the definition of “wildlife” remained limited to forests and terrestrial ecosystems, India’s coastline stretches over more than 7500 km, spread across seven union territories. For many years, India’s coasts have been neglected. The need to protect the marine flora and fauna was specifically recognized and reflected in the statement of objects and reasons of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991. Only at the Eleventh Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in October 2012 did the Government of India express interest in also working to conserve coastal and marine life. India is a country rich in biodiversity, terrestrial and aquatic. MPA’S OF INDIA India has a coastline of more than 7500 km,, with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 2.02 million km2 and a continental shelf area of 468,000 km2, spread across 10 coastal states and seven union territories, including the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep. There are no legally defined categories of MPAs in Indian law. Currently, existing MPAs are either declared as sanctuaries or national parks. Significantly, in India, MPAs are designated for conservation and preservation of the ecosystem and not for fisheries management. Currently, there are 31 MPAs along India’s coastline (including the islands) that have been officially declared for conserving and protecting coastal and marine biodiversity (SCBD 2006). There are another 100 protected areas that have terrestrial or freshwater components, which partly contain the marine environment. IMPORTANCE OF MARINE AND COASTAL PROTECTED AREAS At the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, at its seventh meeting in 2004 on marine and coastal biological diversity, the rapid destruction of marine and coastal biodiversity due to anthropocentric activities was identified as a major concern. It was observed through scientific data that marine and coastal ecosystems are severely underrepresented as protected areas, and these protected areas probably protect a very small proportion of marine and coastal environments globally and consequently make a relatively small contribution to sustainable management of marine and coastal biodiversity. The current legal framework for “protected areas” is highly fragmented. Simply labeling a region as a ‘protected area’ isn’t enough. By assessing the overall effectiveness to protect the unique and fragile coastal and marine ecosystems, proper and specific demarcation of these ‘Marine Protected Areas’ needs to be carried out. Including local communities that live around and depend on the coastline for their livelihood is equally important for any conservation action to be successful. The need for marine and coastal protected areas, developed in the context of specific scientific and management challenges, has been recognized by the international community. ARE THE CURRENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR MPA’S ENOUGH? Various studies conducted in and around MPA’s have identified these protected areas as essential tools for conservation of the unique marine and coastal biodiversity present in our country. Along with conservation of wildlife species, these regions also benefit humans by providing various livelihood activities such as fisheries, tourism and other such economic activities. However, Aichi Target 11 has been created which focuses specifically on coastal and marine protected areas. It states that ‘By 2020, at least 17 percent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape’. Having such initiatives and goals in place will drive a country like ours to do better to conserve these fragile and biologically diverse ecosystems for current and future generations. Special thanks to Umeed Mistry, Reef Watch, and WCS-India for allowing us to use there wonderful images for this site
30 BY 30 – 30 % OCEAN BY 2030 GOAL MPA
30 BY 30 – 30 % OCEAN BY 2030 GOAL MPA “The world is finite, and we need to look after it.” Sir David Attenborough 30 by 30 is an initiative to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. While the ocean covers roughly 70% of our planet’s surface, only 5% of the global ocean is protected in some way. Of that 5%, only 2.5% is heavily protected from destructive activities such as fishing and human development. While we are still a long way from reaching the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal of protecting 10% of the ocean by 2020, with accelerated timelines and worldwide work, the critical benchmark of generating 30% ocean protection by 2030 is within the realm of possibility. This is often done by declaring a designated area in the ocean as a marine protected area. Image by ‘MCI’ A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is essentially a “safe zone.” MPAs are conserved for various reasons, including economic resources, biodiversity conservation, and species protection, and involve management and protection according to various objectives. For example, many MPAs often limit overfishing so that fish stocks are able to grow, creating a win-win situation for both the ocean and the fishing industry in the long run. So why is 30 by 30 important? If we protect our oceans, our oceans will protect us. Oceans are resilient. Science and history have shown us that life comes back in protected areas. When we contribute to our ocean’s safety, the ocean contributes to our climate safety. But protecting any 30% of the ocean won’t do the trick—it has to be the RIGHT 30%. Identifying key ocean areas that play a crucial role in ocean resilience is something researchers have been looking at for years. Some of these factors include protecting ecosystems that are still intact or areas that have the potential to be, conservation that supports landscape connectivity, and conserving ocean regions that are representative of the world’s various diverse ecosystems. While ocean protection may seem far off, like someone else’s job, it’s not. Here are various ways you can contribute to the 30 by 30 goal. The first step is to learn. Learn about ocean conservation, the various initiatives in place, and why they are in place. Once you’ve done that, spread the word. Use your newfound knowledge in everyday conversations and talk about the planet, the ocean, and the 30 by 30 goal. Simple dialogue is the first step to making a difference. If you’re the social media kind of person, use the hashtag #love30x30. Another way to get involved is to look into what your local government is doing about ocean conservation. Are they supporting 30×30? Finally, if you have the resources, donate to organizations like Ocean Unite that are working to make this goal a reality. Remember, change happens one step at a time! https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us-news/en/articles/news-and-expertise/the-ocean-provides-us-with-every-second-breath-202006.html Special thanks to Umeed Mistry, Reef Watch, and WCS-India for allowing us to use there wonderful images for this site
REEFWATCH KARNATAKA PROGRAM
REEFWATCH KARNATAKA PROGRAM “By 2050, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish in the ocean.” ReefWatch, an Indian NGO based in the Andaman Islands, has been working on marine conservation since 1993. One of their more recent projects focuses on conservation along the coast of Karnataka. Karnataka has a broad coastline of over 320 kilometers and is currently facing many coastal issues, including improper land use, overexploitation of natural resources (fish, sand), effluents from industries located on or near the coast, plastic litter, and loss of marine life. You may have heard shot in the dark stories of a whale stranded on a beach in southern India, yet these strandings happen more than we know and are quite harmful to marine megafauna populations, of which many are endangered. Reef Watch, with the help of the Karnataka Forest Department, aims to tackle these issues hand in hand to not only save coastal communities but also to help marine life thrive in an area that can be restored! Using a large-scale, low-cost, and holistic approach, Reef Watch’s Karnataka program’s main objectives include: Conserving the vast number of marine megafauna that are often found stranded on the coast. Conserving their environments and the coasts through clean-ups and dune restoration Image by ‘ReefWatch’ ReefWatch’s Karnataka program is leveraging collaboration with the Karnataka government in order to attack the problem by combining three key players: Education institutes Innovators Coast communities By educating communities on the importance of coastal conservation efforts and marine mammal networks (for when megafauna are stranded), the Karnataka coasts have an increased chance of being saved. Bringing these communities together will help change the way we interact with the ocean, make way for sustainable development, and restore the Karnataka coastline for all members of the community. Image by ‘ReefWatch’ ReefWatch currently has various programs dedicated to cleaning up the coasts. Donations have helped mobilize volunteers, whether it’s related to rehabilitating turtles and buying tanks for them, funding garbage bags and gloves for garbage cleanups, and more. If you’re ready to do your part in ocean conservation, consider donating to an organisation that you know is using your money well. INDIAN SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS Image by ‘ReefWatch’ Laboratory for Aquatic Biology (LAB) project at Kukrail Center, Lucknow Red-crowned Roofed Turtle Recovery Program in Chambal River Conservation Center along the Terai Arc Landscape Nature Discovery Center on the Brahmaputra River HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU WANT TO HELP SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION Image by ‘ReefWatch’ Refuse single-use plastic. If each of us makes a conscious effort to reduce the amount of plastic we use, less life-threatening waste will end up in the oceans. Actively participate in beach clean-ups in your neighborhoods. If you come across a turtle laying eggs or a turtle nest, ensure you do not disturb it and let others around you know that too. e Be aware of issues concerning sea turtles and spread this amongst your friends and family. There are various volunteer positions available where I can donate time and funds to help these organizations continue their important turtle conservation work(Some volunteer projects: Playa Tortuga Conservation Project, The Watamu Sea Turtle Volunteer Project, The Ocean Leatherback Sea Turtle Project, and The Island Conservation Program.) Special thanks to Umeed Mistry, Reef Watch, and WCS-India for allowing us to use their wonderful images for this site.
A TURTLE A DAY, SAVES THE BAY!
A TURTLE A DAY, SAVES THE BAY! A shockingly high percentage of turtles are on the decline. 61 percent of 376 turtle species found in the world are either extinct or threatened. They are being wiped out from the face of our earth at a very fast pace. If you’re wondering why sea turtles? What could be bothering these resilient species that have been on the planet for over 100 million years? Read on to find out the threats being faced by these creatures. Image by ‘Umeed Mistry’ Pollution I’m sure most of you would have seen the horrific video of a plastic straw being pulled out of a green sea turtle’s nostril. Over 1 million marine animals are killed due to ingestion or getting caught by plastic that has been thrown into the oceans. Thousands of sea turtles accidentally ingest plastic bags and other plastic products for their prey, such as jellyfish and small fish. They even get entangled in discarded plastic beer can holders, fishing nets, and other such material, which they end up starving or choking to death. Oil spills and other coastal pollution, including harmful chemicals and waste runoff that enters the oceans, also poison the food resources of the turtles and disrupt the entire marine ecosystem. Overexploitation for meat and body parts Turtles are used for both meat and medicinal properties. In China, both small and large species of turtles are hunted for food and to be used for traditional Chinese medicines. Their hunting for meat is not only restricted to China but to all other parts of the world. Turtles are illegally hunted and transported to be used for food and medicine. Some species, like the box turtle and golden coin turtle, although hardly 8 inches long, are sold for tens of thousands of US dollars in the illegal wildlife trade. Turtles such as the hawksbill turtle are also hunted for their shell, which was earlier used in eyeglass frames, for making jewelry and other decorative items. Climate Change Turtles depend on both land and the sea for their survival. Climate change is having a major impact on the natural habitat all over the world. With the increase in temperatures, which is resulting in polar ice caps melting and sea levels rising, the beaches that turtles depend on for nesting are disappearing. With no beach to come ashore to lay their eggs, future generations of turtles are in major trouble. Since the gender of the turtles also depends on the temperature, an increase in temperatures also causes a skewed gender ratio, with more female sea turtles being born. This drastically reduces reproductive opportunities as well as decreases genetic diversity in the sea turtle populations. Image by ‘Umeed Mistry’ Reef Watch currently has various programs dedicated to cleaning up the coasts. Donations have helped mobilize volunteers, whether it’s related to rehabilitating turtles and buying tanks for them, funding garbage bags and gloves for garbage cleanups, and more. If you’re ready to do your part in ocean conservation, consider donating to an organization that you know is using your money well. Habitat Destruction With increasing coastal development, quiet undisturbed beaches are disappearing. Beaches are flooded with buildings, homes, and man-made structures. Female turtles due to this disturbance end up choosing less optimal beach sites, which result in lesser chances of nest survival. The artificial lighting on beaches also disorients the newly hatched turtle hatchlings. Instead of directly heading to sea, they get confused and lost and end up dying due to starvation and increased predations as they end up spending more time on land after hatching, endangering the future populations of these endangered species. Why are turtles important? Along with just simply the intrinsic value of the species, turtles play a major role in the proper functioning of the ecosystem. Maintaining a healthy ecosystem They help in maintaining the balance of the ocean ecosystem by being an integral part of the food web. For example, green sea turtles’ main food source is seagrass. By feeding on this plant, they act like an ‘ocean gardener’ and maintain the growth of this seagrass. By doing so, they prevent the grass from taking over the ocean floor, which can prove to be a nuisance by leaving no space for other sea organisms to grow and feed on. Healthy sea beds with nicely trimmed grass prove to be an important platform for various organisms as nurseries and are an important carbon sink and oxygen provider in the ocean. Food Source Not only are sea turtles an important food source for various animals like sharks, whales, sea birds, and other fish, but also when on land juvenile sea turtles are preyed on by foxes, racoons, ants, and crabs. But want to hear something exciting? This is not the only way sea turtles provide food for other organisms. Various forms of barnacles, algae, and small organisms called ‘epibionts’ attach themselves to the shells of sea turtles. So the sea turtles carry them around on their backs from one part of the sea to another. Many fish and shrimp species rely on this food source for their survival. You can almost think of it like a moving ‘buffet system’! Coastal Vegetation Leftover sea turtle eggs are a good source of nutrients that help in increasing the fertility of the sand and help in better coastal vegetation. Better coastal vegetation in turn helps prevent soil erosion, in turn helping the overall ecosystem to function better. Even though there are a lot of factors working against sea turtles globally, there are many organizations that are working hard in spreading awareness about the plight of turtles and working towards ensuring the survival of these fascinating sea creatures. Image by ‘Umeed Mistry’