Latest news with #MarineProtectedArea
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Brunei ramps up marine conservation efforts
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin sounding the air horn to officiate the deployment of 100 reef balls on July 10 in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan in conjunction with World Ocean Day 2025. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei government is taking various measures to support marine conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The measures include designating over 20 per cent of the nation's fisheries management area – more than 1,200sq km – as a 'No Take Zone' through the establishment of Marine Protected Area (MPA) to prevent overfishing and safeguard marine biodiversity; enforcing a moratorium on new bottom trawl licences since 2001; and prohibiting shark fishing and trade of all shark products since 2015 to protect threatened marine species and preserve ecological These initiatives were mentioned by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin in his remarks as guest of honour at the deployment of 100 reef balls of four different sizes in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, held in conjunction with the celebration of World Ocean Day 2025 on Thursday (July 10). Other initiatives, he added, include 'combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through the active enforcement of the National Plan of Action and optimising technology to track and monitor fisheries activities; conducting national fish stock assessments and developing a Fisheries Stock Database to enable informed and evidence-based decisions for sustainable fisheries management; as well as leveraging the use of artificial intelligence to enhance coral reef monitoring, enabling precise reef health evaluation and adaptation to the impacts of climate change'. The minister also highlighted restoration and propagation of seagrass ecosystems, with special focus on vulnerable species. 'Over 100 seagrass plots were successfully planted at Bedukang Island in May, as one of Brunei Darussalam's efforts to salvage and expand the species in its significant role in the ecosystem.' He further revealed, 'Over 1,400 artificial reefs were deployed between 2020 and 2023. We are committed to deploying an additional 1,000 artificial reefs by 2029, further supporting marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. We are proud to continue this journey with the deployment of an additional 100 units of artificial reefs at Pelong Rocks, contributing to our ongoing marine ecosystem restoration efforts.' Brunei Darussalam, the minister emphasised, 'will continue to invest time and effort in marine science for our younger generations, who will be the next key players in sustaining ocean governance in the future. At the same time, we call upon all stakeholders from industries nationwide to adopt environmentally conscious practices to achieve sustainable economic development.' The minister also raised concerns that the ocean is under growing threats across the globe, including in the region, where marine ecosystems are gradually degrading on a large scale as a result of human actions. He cited threats such as marine pollution – driven by the irresponsible disposal of plastic and industrial waste, as well as abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear – continuing to harm marine habitats. 'Evidence of microplastic pollution and ghost nets in reef systems are some of the pressing issues identified, highlighting the urgent need for further research and effective solutions to address these threats,' he said. He added that unsustainable extraction of marine resources due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, along with the destruction of mangroves and other coastal landscapes, have disrupted the balance of ecosystems. Beyond these immediate concerns, he said, 'the health of our marine ecosystems is also increasingly challenged by broader and more complex impacts of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures lead to more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, while ocean acidification weakens reef structures and inhibits the growth of shelled organisms'. 'These changes not only disrupt the delicate balance of the entire marine food web and ecosystems but also jeopardise the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean for food, income and cultural heritage,' he said. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Scoop
4 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Industry Lobby Group's ‘Fishy' Marine Protection Claims Under Fire
Environmental groups, marine scientists, and iwi representatives have today called out lobby group Seafood New Zealand for its egregious greenwashing of New Zealand's commercial fishing industry. In an open letter published today, the signatories accuse Seafood New Zealand of misleading the public with its repeated and unsubstantiated claims that Aotearoa New Zealand has already achieved the global target of protecting 30% of its ocean territory by 2030. 'Claiming New Zealand has already protected 30% of our ocean is utterly disingenuous and creates a dangerous illusion of progress – when in reality, less than 1% of our ocean is highly protected and our fragile marine species and habitats remain exposed to immense harm,' says Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, Chief Executive of WWF-New Zealand. Seafood New Zealand continues to argue that New Zealand has already protected 30% of its ocean because it counts a type of protection known as 'Benthic Protection Areas' (BPAs). While these areas restrict bottom trawling and dredging on the seabed, they still allow midwater trawling, longlining, and other extractive industrial practices to continue unabated. They fall wildly short of 'highly protected' as defined by internationally recognised standards. Even the Department of Conservation acknowledges BPAs don't protect sufficient biodiversity to meet the standard of a Marine Protected Area. 'These areas were chosen – by industry – because they had little impact on commercial fishing operations, not because they protect biodiversity. Most of these zones were never bottom trawled in the first place - because they're simply too deep for it - and in many of them, harmful industrial fishing practices are still rampant. That's not protection – it's pulling the wool over Kiwis' eyes,' says Dr Kingdon-Bebb. 'Calling BPAs 'protected areas' is a dangerous distortion that risks delaying the urgent action needed to safeguard ocean health. It gives the public and policymakers a false sense of progress while deep-sea corals, seamounts, and vital habitats for our declining native species and key fish stocks remain under immense threat.' Dr Kingdon-Bebb says Seafood New Zealand's continued peddling of misinformation does a disservice to many of New Zealand's commercial fishing companies. Fishing company Sealord, for example, has publicly backed the 30% ocean protection target – and acknowledged the significant effort still needed to reach this goal. 'There are commercial fishing companies genuinely trying to do better, but they're being undermined by an industry lobby group more interested in greenwashing and spin. That needs to change,' says Kingdon-Bebb. Since 1970, the health of some of Aotearoa New Zealand's commercial fish stocks have plummeted. In the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, scallop and crayfish fisheries have nearly collapsed. Our country's waters are home to half the world's whale and dolphin species, but 22% of marine mammals are now on the brink of extinction. More species of seabird breed in Aotearoa than anywhere else on earth – but a staggering 90% are now threatened or at risk. 'With our marine life on the brink and New Zealand lagging behind the rest of the world in ocean conservation, we urge Seafood New Zealand to stop overstating the nation's marine protection efforts and instead back meaningful, inclusive, science-led conservation that upholds Māori rights and interests. Our fragile marine environment deserves more than paper parks and poorly executed PR spin. It needs real protection,' says Kingdon-Bebb. The full list of signatories to the open letter include: Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, WWF-New Zealand Dr Russel Norman, Greenpeace Aotearoa Nicola Toki, Forest & Bird Professor Conrad Pilditch, Marine Scientist, University of Auckland Professor Simon Thrush, Marine Scientist, University of Auckland Professor Daniel Hikuroa, Earth Systems Scientist, University of Auckland Vince Kerr, Marine Ecologist, Kerr and Associates Nicola Rata-MacDonald, Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Duncan Currie, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition Natalie Jessup, Endangered Species Foundation Daren Grover, Project Jonah Anna Campbell, Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust Karen Saunders, Native Bird Rescue James Gibson, BLAKE Tom Karstensen, New Zealand Underwater Association Jenny Craig, Dive Pacific
Al Etihad
10-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
From drones to a high-tech vessel: Abu Dhabi's EAD leads with smart tech in marine conservation
10 May 2025 08:55 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) With autonomous systems and smart technologies, the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) is pioneering a new wave of marine conservation efforts. In an interview with Aletihad , the authority elaborated on a number of breakthrough projects that are underway, from using AI in coastal habitat restoration to deploying a state-of-the-art research vessel to gather invaluable data from the sea. At the centre of EAD's marine innovation is the Jaywun research vessel, the most advanced marine scientific vessel in the Middle East."The Jaywun research vessel, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), represents a significant advancement in marine conservation,' the authority is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and facilities designed to conduct comprehensive marine studies."One of its notable achievements is the successful completion of the Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey conducted in UAE waters. Over a 108-day voyage, the vessel covered 324 sites and collected over 2,000 samples, providing invaluable data on fish species and their habitats."Jaywun also carried out the UAE's first acoustic survey of marine life, conducted large-scale eDNA and genomic sequencing for fish, and led a 10,000km aerial research expedition from Spain to Abu Dhabi. These initiatives were supported by global collaborations with institutions such as the Max Planck Society and The Cyprus Institute."The Jaywun research vessel directly supports conservation policies and species protection in Abu Dhabi. Equipped with advanced tools, it conducts fisheries assessments, eDNA sequencing, and acoustic surveys that inform fishing regulations and Marine Protected Area (MPA) designations."The vessel includes an onboard lab capable of rescuing and transporting marine animals, while also contributing to research on pollution, water quality, and climate change. Utilising AI The EAD highlighted the vital role of seagrass meadows, describing them as the ecological backbone of marine biodiversity and climate resilience. These underwater habitats serve as nurseries and shelters for marine life — such as fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates — while also stabilising sediments, reducing coastal erosion, sequestering carbon, and enhancing water agency continues to lead research and monitoring programmes to assess seagrass health and fine-tune conservation strategies. Among its flagship efforts is the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which deploys drone and AI technology for precision seeding of mangroves. "The trials began as far back as 2020 with EAD's partners and have now resulted in the dispersal of more than 9 million seeds in the past two years alone," the authority told Aletihad . To ensure long-term success, EAD is also developing AI systems for restoration monitoring."An AI system is also currently being trialled and developed for monitoring the progress of restoration programmes over time. The key element for ensuring these technologies are successful is to have a thorough testing period that involves ground truthing and field verification grounded in extensive ecological expertise,' it said. Other advanced technologies include a 'Fish AI' system that automates fish identification to support sustainable stock assessments, as well as AI monitoring at Delma Island sea cage farms, enhancing traceability and aquaculture operations. Coral reef monitoring is also being strengthened with platforms like CoralNet and ReefCloud, with future plans to incorporate autonomous underwater vehicles for continuous observation. Evidence-based Strategy EAD stresses that research is directly integrated into evidence-based policy and planning, helping guide sustainable marine ecosystem management."The agency has extensive monitoring, assessment, conservation and restoration programmes… integrated into evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation," it stated, adding that EAD also works across sectors to "advocate for nature protection and restoration and integrate nature into development plans'.To combat key challenges such as coastal development, climate change, and fish stock depletion, EAD uses a combination of marine protected areas, habitat restoration (corals, mangroves, seagrass), and sustainable fishing practices."Fisheries management is a good example of how Abu Dhabi balances conservation with growth," EAD said."With over 80% of catches from sustainably exploited stocks, we are using science, strict regulations, marine protected areas, and innovative technologies to ensure long-term ecological resilience."The agency's Wildlife Rescue Programme has rescued over 1,400 sea turtles and rehabilitated a dugong named Malqout, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable species."The agency identifies and protects rare plant species in Abu Dhabi's waters through comprehensive marine biodiversity monitoring and research programmes. They conduct regular habitat surveys and assessments to track the presence of these species and implement conservation measures."The EAD also tracks coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and fish stocks using satellite tools and global partnerships to continually adapt its strategies and align with international conservation standards such as the CBD and CMS."Community awareness and education play a crucial role in protecting Abu Dhabi's marine ecosystems by fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices," the EAD said.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Science
- Forbes
When Sharks Return, Reefs Respond
The return of sharks to Ashmore Reef after marine protection was enforced in 2008 shows how top ... More predators influence not just what they eat, but how other species behave. New research reveals that sharks reshape reef communities by triggering fear-based responses in mid-sized fish, which affects feeding, reproduction and even population sizes. In the turquoise waters off the north-west coast of Western Australia, Ashmore Reef has become a living laboratory for understanding what happens when big predators come back. Once depleted, shark populations around this remote reef have been rebounding since 2008, when the area was granted fully enforced 'no-take' Marine Protected Area status. And with the return of these top predators, the newly published study gives us a glimpse into how predators do more than eat their prey — they change the very way ecosystems work. A study published in the Journal of Animal Ecology led by Dr. Mark Meekan and Dr. Emily Lester from The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute, alongside Dr. Zoe Storm from the University of Glasgow and researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, compared fish communities before and after shark numbers recovered. 'Reef shark populations on Ashmore Reef have increased significantly since effective enforcement of the no-take Marine Protected Area status of the reef started in 2008,' said Dr Mark Meekan. 'This has enabled us to examine how these large predators have the potential to structure reef communities through the behavioural effects they have on their prey.' Using baited remote underwater video systems, the team analyzed footage from 2004 (when shark numbers were low) and from 2016 (when sharks had bounced back). The goal was to track how rising predator numbers influenced the reef's residents. What they found was a clear shift. Alongside the increase in sharks came a rise in other large and mid-sized reef predators. And not only had the number of large and mid-sized predators gone up, but many smaller predatory fish had declined. It wasn't just a case of sharks eating those smaller species. The fish that remained were acting differently too. Fish that previously roamed more freely were now sticking closer to shelter. Some became more cautious, spending less time feeding or mating and more time simply trying not to get eaten — or even seen! — by the returning sharks. 'Our results show how reefs should function in a relatively pristine state,' said Dr Meekan. ... More 'Understanding the role big predators play is essential for building the resilience and survival of coral reef ecosystems, especially as these environments face increasing pressures from climate change, pollution and overfishing.' According to Lester, this shift in behavior is an example of how predators can affect ecosystems even without making a kill: 'Fearful prey react to an increase in predation risk by exhibiting traits to reduce exposure. They may hide more, become warier and forage in lower quality areas. This limits how much energy they can get from food and can reduce reproduction too.' In other words, the mere threat of a predator can change how prey live, a phenomenon known as non-consumptive effects. Storm added that these indirect effects are just as important as actual predation when it comes to shaping ecosystems. 'Predators structure ecosystems not just by what they eat, but by influencing how their prey behave,' she explained. 'This can affect population sizes and community makeup in big ways.' That means sharks, as top predators, play a vital role in keeping reef ecosystems balanced — even when they're not actively hunting. This dynamic, where predators influence prey behavior and that behavior in turn shapes the entire ecosystem, helps explain why top predators like sharks are so important. Understanding how these effects work is key for conservation and reef management. Coral reefs are among the most complex and fragile ecosystems on Earth, and they face numerous threats, ranging from overfishing to climate change. This study, says Meekan, shows what a relatively healthy reef looks like when top predators are back in the mix and highlights how important those predators are for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. 'Our work contributes to the growing evidence that predators can have important indirect effects on other species in food chains,' Storm concludes, 'by triggering behaviours in prey that attempt to lower their risk of predation.' Ashmore Reef offers a real-world example of what happens when sharks are allowed to return and reclaim their role at the top of the food chain. Their presence is about more than predation — it's about presence itself. The silent power of fear, it turns out, is just as important as the bite. And it's a reminder to all that protecting predators doesn't just save one species… it helps safeguard the entire web of life beneath the waves.
