#marineprotectedareas

[noaasanctuaries]

Let's talk about climate change! 🌎

National marine sanctuaries are engaged in a wide variety of climate adaptation actions. These actions enhance the ability of the nation’s critical marine resources and special ocean places to continue to thrive in a changing ocean, while broadly supporting adaptation throughout their communities.

Learn why and how national marine sanctuaries across the country are adapting to climate change:

📸: XL Catlin Seaview Survey/The Ocean Agency

[bettreworld]

An Unlikely Ocean Warrior: Pioneering Blue Economy Funding

[thxnews]

More Seascape Safeguards: Major Marine Protection Move

A Leap in Marine Conservation

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has unveiled a transformative byelaw set to come into effect on 22 March 2024, marking a pivotal advancement in the UK's environmental stewardship. This regulation, aimed at curtailing the use of bottom-towed fishing gear, encompasses an additional 4,000 square kilometers of English offshore marine protected areas (MPAs), expanding the total protected marine space to nearly 18,000 square kilometers.  

Protecting Precious Marine Habitats

From Consultation to Action Following extensive consultation in 2023, and aligning with the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan progress update, the MMO's initiative is part of an ambitious strategy to safeguard all 54 English offshore MPAs from the adverse effects of fishing activities. The byelaw is a testament to the collective effort and commitment to preserving the nation's marine biodiversity.   The Scope of Protection This regulation extends to 13 MPAs, crucial for the survival of diverse marine species and habitats. Among the newly protected areas are Cape Bank, known for its pea urchins and cushion stars; Haig Fras, a haven for jewel anemones and solitary corals; and Hartland Point to Tintagel, home to pink sea fans and fragile sponges.  

Strengthening Marine Management

Continuous Evaluation and Engagement The MMO is not stopping here. Alongside the byelaw's introduction, the organization is reviewing further evidence on the impacts of anchored nets, lines, bottom-towed fishing gear, and traps on marine ecosystems. A forthcoming consultation will seek to address additional management measures needed to protect these valuable marine features comprehensively.   A Focus on Mobile Marine Species Part of the MMO's ongoing efforts includes assessing fishing impacts on MPAs designated for highly mobile species, such as the harbour porpoise and marine birds like the red-throated diver. Stakeholders across the fishing industry, conservation groups, and scientific communities are encouraged to contribute to this critical dialogue.  

Voices of Leadership

Acknowledgements and Anticipations Acting CEO of MMO, Michelle Willis, expressed gratitude towards participants of the 2023 consultation, emphasizing the informed decision-making process behind the byelaw. Marine Minister Lord Benyon reiterated the UK's dedication to oceanic preservation, highlighting the byelaw as a significant step in enhancing the nation's MPA network.  

A Glimpse at the Protected Areas

To illustrate the breadth of this initiative, here is a simple overview of the MPAs receiving protection under the new byelaw: Location Protected Feature Significance Cape Bank Pea urchins, cushion stars Biodiversity hotspot East of Haig Fras Diverse marine fauna Ecological diversity Farnes East Unique marine life Conservation priority Foreland Marine habitats Environmental importance Goodwin Sands Sandbanks, marine ecosystems Habitat protection Haig Fras Jewel anemones, solitary corals Ecological richness Haisborough, Hammond, and Winterton Sandbanks, marine species Biodiversity conservation Hartland Point to Tintagel Pink sea fans, fragile sponges Habitat diversity Lands End and Cape Bank Marine flora and fauna Conservation significance North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef Sandbanks, reef habitats Ecological importance Offshore Brighton Marine biodiversity Conservation efforts South of Celtic Deep Deep-sea species Ecological protection Wight-Barfleur Reef Reef habitats Marine ecosystem conservation   Sources: THX News, Marine Management Organisation & Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Read the full article

[supedium]

Marine Protected Areas and Their Effectiveness

https://supedium.com/ecosystem-and-environment/marine-protected-areas-and-their-effectiveness/ #biodiversity #conservationeffectiveness #EcosystemHealth #fisheriesmanagement #MarineProtectedAreas #SustainableDevelopment Marine Protected Areas and Their Effectiveness https://supedium.com/ecosystem-and-environment/marine-protected-areas-and-their-effectiveness/

[goodbearblind]

Posted @withrepost • @natgeo Photo by Brian Skerry @brianskerry | Looking slightly wary of the photographer, a school of black margate fish drift in the water column within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, in Belize. This protected area, located off Ambergris Caye, was created in 1987, and has allowed marine life and ecosystems to thrive. Researchers report that at least 30% of Earth’s oceans must be protected in order to have a healthy planet, yet today only about 3% has been conserved. The ocean is the greatest carbon sink on Earth, taking in carbon and giving back oxygen. But as fish are removed in alarming numbers, habitats are destroyed and increased amounts of carbon from fossil fuels are turning seawater acidic. As a result, the ocean loses its ability to function efficiently. Creating more marine protected areas is not only good for fish, but for all life on Earth. To learn more about ocean exploration follow @BrianSkerry. #belize #mesoamericanreef #marineprotectedareas https://www.instagram.com/p/B40INQ6ix0X/?igshid=1vn3u1hmjnidx

[underwaterninja01]

Sunset Lavezares #sunset #villadestura #beachsunset #beach #marineprotectedarea #marineprotectedareas #lavezares #lavezaresnorthernsamar #denr #marinebiology (at Villa_Destura Beach House, Garden and Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeyEMc8vfCJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fishforward]

A slight derivation to the adage ‘catch a tiger by the tail’ in honor of Shark Awareness Day ~~~ #shark #sharks #tigershark #sharkawarenessday #sharkawareness #sharkscience #tagging #tracking #science #research #conservation #ocean #marine #marinelife #caribbean #protectsharks #marineprotectedareas #stcroix #usvirginislands #buckisland https://www.instagram.com/p/CCoo9wkjbmL/?igshid=vw420pnyuys1

[ultimatethread]

Marisa and Reyna and the Stellar Octopus cyanea from Madagascar and the Baby Green Sea Turtle Superstar (Chelonia mydas) Madagascar fisheries engage with the community to practice “no-take” conservation periods which allows the octopus time to mature and reproduce, increasing the catch for those who depend on it. Scientists observed sea turtles spend most of their time breeding and feeding at the protected Dry Tortugas Beach and the protected areas of the Florida Keys. Sea turtles maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, key habitats for marine life. About the Model: Marisa Holmes Troyano is an Artist, Photographer and Mother to her beach loving, sandcastle building daughter Reya. She has seen climate change affect the local waters and hopes to see San Diego take an active role to protect our delicate coastline. #GlamourMPA #OceanSciences #MarineProtectedAreas #climateChange #worktogether #jessicalingfindley #octopus #oceansciences #glamourshots #marineprotected #seaportvillage #portrait #artist (at Florida Keys) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jCSpuH7SL/?igshid=myqa8dxjvgad

[respectanimalrights]

Credit © 🎞 ✅ @jordangatto #Repost @jordangatto —— Northern Resident Killer Whales 🖤 #Orca #KillerWhale #NRKW #Whale #Dolphin #OrcinusOrca #Cetacean #Wild #Wildlife #Blackfish #ResidentOrcas #Salmon #FinToFin #SalmonAreSacred #PNW #MarineProtectedArea #MarineBiology #Ocean #BC #BeautifulBritishColumbia #WhalesOfInstagram #WhaleWatching #BeWhaleWise #WildlifePhotography #ShotOnCanon #CanadianWildlife #VancouverIsland #Telegraphcovev #BlackfishSound (at Blackfish Sound) https://www.instagram.com/p/CddC63aq7Ts/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[amtaham]

Words by @williamwinram Note to self...the cage is over there!!! 😂🤓 I just love the sheer size of some of the great white sharks we have encountered over the years. In this particular trip I remember the camera guys shouting into their rebreathers (maybe screaming is more apt) as they said later they were certain we were doomed...of course the reality of these beautiful predators is different than how they are often portrayed. With 100's of hours logged in the water with them we are still expanding our understanding of their behavior. @deepbludivers #freediving #conservation #greatwhiteshark3d #ocean #bluemind #greatwhiteshark #islaguadalupe #conservation #marineprotectedareas #freedivingphotography#oceanexploration #respect #sharks #greatwhiteshark #freedivephotography #freedivingart #regrann from @discoversharks (at Teluk Jakarta)

[noaasanctuaries]

Slow down today with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

In addition to protecting important ecological resources, the sanctuary waters have a rich cultural and historical legacy, including two hundred shipwrecks are documented here. There are vibrant and contemporary communities of the Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Hoh Tribe, and Quinault Indian Nation who have all forged strong ties to the ocean and surrounding environments. The tribes work together with the sanctuary to protect resources, shape policy, conduct research, and provide educational programs. They also play a critical role in sanctuary management as active members of the Intergovernmental Policy Committee and the Sanctuary Advisory Council. (Photo: Adam Baus. Image description: Sunset by a large rock formation as the tide rushes in towards Rialto Beach on Quileute land.)

[jimabernethy]

Image of Double Breasted Cay, Abaco Bahamas by @jim_abernethy // CALL TO ACTION Please please please pray for our friends and neighbors in the Bahamas as they endure Hurricane Dorian! All my life the aquatic life and the very kind people of the Bahamas has impacted my life in ways I never would have imagined! I'm sure you know all about the magnificent aquatic wildlife from my posts, however the kind, generous, humble and intelligent Bahamian people have also played a big role in teaching me and inspiring me to be the man I am today! Like many of you, since hearing about Dorian I have prayed for our neighbors, my friends, my extended family that have enriched the quality of my life in ways that are unimaginable! These brilliant Bahamian people had the foresight to establish the world's first "Marine Protected Area" in 1959, decades before the MPA phrase was even created! This set the stage for the rest of the world to follow! On July 7, 2011 they protected all sharks in their entire country! Fortunately I've been to every group of Bahama Islands through the years. I can tell you that repeatedly complete strangers have always opened up their hearts and treated me like family even though they didn't even know me! During past hurricanes and their recovery I've always been humbled, amazed and inspired at how everyone helps everyone in times of need. Now it is their time of need, so please please pray for our Bahamian neighbors through this storm and after it passes let's help them completely recover! @jim_abernethy @wildlifevoiceinc @bahamasnationaltrust @pewenvironment #marineprotectedareas (at The Bahamas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B13cxyCJv7h/?igshid=icqlbyjk2p1i

[thxnews]

UK Bolsters Nature Recovery Efforts

Accelerating Nature Recovery

One year after the landmark Environmental Improvement Plan, the UK government has launched a suite of ambitious measures aimed at halting and reversing the decline of nature. With a focus on both land and sea, these initiatives mark a significant step towards a more biodiverse and sustainable environment.   A Sea Change for Marine Life In a bold move to protect marine biodiversity, the UK has announced the permanent closure of sandeel fisheries in the North Sea, starting in April. This decisive action will safeguard vital food sources for endangered marine species and birds, including the cherished puffin and harbour porpoise. Furthermore, the government has set its sights on restricting harmful bottom trawling practices in 13 additional Marine Protected Areas, offering a beacon of hope for pink sea fans, fragile sponges, and anemones.   Revitalizing National Parks and Landscapes To achieve the global ambition of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030, the UK is rolling out a new framework for National Parks and National Landscapes. This initiative is designed to enhance their contribution to nature recovery, including key efforts like tree planting and peatland restoration. Such measures are essential not only for sequestering carbon but also for supporting a rich tapestry of biodiversity across the UK.   Commitments to Marine and Terrestrial Life Environment Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized the progress made since the Environmental Improvement Plan's inception, highlighting achievements in tree planting, public access to natural spaces, and the advancement of farming schemes. The new package aims to further protect marine ecosystems and advance the 30by30 target, underscoring the government's dedication to a cleaner, greener country. Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, and Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, both lauded the government's steps as critical to meeting ambitious environmental targets. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of these measures for food and water security, economic prosperity, and the recovery of the UK's globally significant seabird populations. Their endorsements underscore the far-reaching impact of these initiatives.   Peatland Restoration and Funding The government has also announced £7 million in awards to improve lowland peat soils, targeting the restoration of England's degraded peatlands. These projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands, which are a significant source of carbon release. Through innovative technologies and collaborative efforts, these initiatives will enhance water management on peatlands, contributing to climate change mitigation and environmental co-benefits.   Delivering on Environmental Commitments Since the Environmental Improvement Plan's launch, the UK has made strides in environmental conservation, including banning single-use plastics, planting nearly 5 million trees, and improving air quality. These efforts, alongside the creation of a new national park and forest, demonstrate the UK's leadership in nature conservation and its commitment to meeting the 30by30 global target.   A Global Leader in Environmental Protection The UK's latest announcements not only reinforce its position as a global leader in environmental protection but also exemplify its commitment to sustainability. By adopting comprehensive measures to safeguard its natural heritage, the UK is setting a precedent for the world. It demonstrates that ambitious environmental goals can be achieved through collective action, strong government leadership, and international cooperation.   A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future As the UK moves forward with these groundbreaking initiatives, it is clear that protecting and restoring nature is not just an environmental imperative but a necessary step for ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all. The collective effort of government, conservation organizations, and the public will be crucial in turning these ambitious plans into tangible achievements for the benefit of generations to come.   With the UK government's latest measures, the path to nature recovery looks brighter than ever. As we work towards a more biodiverse and resilient environment, these efforts will serve as a blueprint for global conservation initiatives, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.   Sources: THX News, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs & The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP. Read the full article

[smpieraquarium]

Underwater Parks Day today! Explore the shallow depths of one of the most beautiful local preserves of our beaches and oceans in a 360• VR experience (yes you can stay dry). We are open from 12:30 PM to 5 PM today. So don't miss it! #smpieraquarium #underwaterparksday #kelpforest #vr #virtualreality #marineprotectedareas #mpas #pointdume #sealions (at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsi-PESBxkS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6qazpr8acbbk

[marenostrumdiving]

Born as a result of collapse of part of the coast, whose original line could have been deduced from the position of the archaic lithic anchors unfortunately with impunity taken from the seabed. The fissure opens inside the stack almost to further embellish the uniqueness of its grandeur. **** Nato in conseguenza del collasso di parte della costa, la cui linea originaria si sarebbe potuta desumere dalla posizione delle ancore litiche arcaiche purtroppo impunemente prelevate dai fondali. La fenditura si apre all'interno del faraglione quasi ad impreziosirne ulteriormente l'unicità della sua imponenza. . . . #marenostrumdiving #onefinshotbeyond #thinkgreenliveblue #mediterranean #snorkeling #skindiver #padiskindiver #advancedsnorkeler #ustica #usticadiving #usticaisland #usticaexperience #marineprotectedarea #snorkelingtours #snorkelingspots (at Ustica)

[wildeswiftieuk]

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A post shared by Meg 🌍💃🥑 (@megwilde_ocean)

How I wish to be under the sea 🌊 This was one of the best dives, descending into a battery of barracuda. Sometimes when we're diving we get so caught up on looking down we forget to look up ⬆️ some of the most awesome things can be seen if we look up more. Can't wait to get back diving, it's been too long and in this weather I am craving those cool blue Med seas 🌐 Watch until the end to see me pop up 👋 📍Medes Islands, Spain 🎥: @tri_msport1 . #scuba #diving #fishes #deepblue #barracuda #saveouroceans #research #fundive #sea #ocean #medesislands #mediterraneansea #throwbackthursday #spain #summer #marineprotectedarea https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3cqPdJNkW/?igshid=1ogbtje7qmp22