Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS)’s Post

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) hold a special place in my heart and my love for their ecological benefits largely fueled my decision to pursue a Masters in Coastal Management. During my time in David Gill's research lab at Duke, I've also come to appreciate the social and human-centric dimensions of MPA implementation. It has become clear to me that as stewards of our oceans, we must not only safeguard ecological integrity but also prioritize equity considerations and engage local communities throughout the MPA establishment process. Here is the full research paper referenced below for those interested: https://lnkd.in/dXVnYZSa. These discussions will be increasingly important as we continue to aim for our "30x30" conservation goals.

The King of the Jungle Needs Our Help! 🦁 This World Lion Day, let's roar for their protection and ensure these majestic creatures continue to reign in the wild. 👇 World Lion Day: Why It Matters Every August 10th, we celebrate World Lion Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by lions in the wild and the urgent need to protect them. These iconic big cats, often referred to as the "King of the Jungle," are facing significant threats that jeopardize their future. The Challenges Lions Face: Habitat Loss: Expanding human populations and agricultural activities are rapidly shrinking lion habitats, leaving them with fewer places to roam and hunt. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As lions and humans increasingly share the same spaces, conflicts arise, often resulting in the killing of lions to protect livestock. Poaching and Illegal Trade: Despite being protected, lions are still hunted for their bones, which are used in traditional medicine, and for their skins and trophies. Declining Prey Populations: Overhunting and environmental changes are reducing the number of prey available for lions, making survival even more challenging. What Can We Do? Support Conservation Efforts: Contribute to organizations working on lion conservation, protecting their habitats, and reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Promote Coexistence: Encourage sustainable practices that allow humans and lions to coexist peacefully, such as the use of lion-proof enclosures for livestock. Spread Awareness: Use your voice on social media and in your community to educate others about the plight of lions and the importance of preserving their natural habitats. A Future for Lions: Lions are not just symbols of strength and courage; they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. #WorldLionDay #SaveTheLions #LionConservation #ProtectWildlife #RoarForChange

Colombia’s decision to relax a restriction so coastal communities can legally fish 15 species of shark and stingray has divided environmentalists and local communities over how to best protect endangered fish populations while respecting traditional ways of life. In January, Colombia partially lifted a ban on shark and stingray fishing that poor coastal communities had criticized on grounds that it criminalized their livelihoods. Along the Pacific Coast, Afro-Colombian communities are known to consume smoked shark and stingray meat and sell it in food markets, a custom prohibited under the 2021 ban. Responding to community complaints about the three-year-old ban, the Agriculture Ministry on Jan. 24 approved a measure allowing 11 shark and four stingray species to be landed as “bycatch,” which means they have been captured accidentally in the course of catching other, unrestricted fish species. Environmentalists worry the regimen will spur illegal fishing and further reduce already-declining shark and stingray numbers; but local communities say it allows them to resume a traditional practice vital to their economic survival.  Continue reading at: https://bit.ly/3UJY28l

🌟 Lighting the way to sea turtle conservation 🐢 Did you know that accidental capture—or bycatch—by fisheries is a leading cause of sea turtle mortality? In El Salvador, the issue hits close to home for #hawksbills in lobster fishery areas. Our partner ProCosta and lobster fishers have been tackling this problem for the past decade. One of their most effective strategies is attaching LED lights to lobster fishing nets. ProCosta has trialed this technology over 9,000 times with promising results. LED lights reduce hawksbill bycatch by nearly 60% and increase lobster catch by 10%. Learn more in our latest blog: https://loom.ly/kB-7QwQ 📸: Fishing net with LED lights by Carlos Rivas

Sustainable fishing practices are essential for maintaining healthy fish populations and preserving our aquatic ecosystems. From catch-and-release techniques to supporting sustainable seafood choices, there are many ways anglers can help promote conservation. Let's shine a spotlight on the importance of responsible fishing practices and work together to ensure a sustainable future for our fish habitats! https://bit.ly/3WOdEKC #SustainableFishing #Conservation #ProtectOurFishHabitats

Monday is a great day for nature. The ban on Sandeel Fishing in English and Scottish North Sea Waters will be enforced. Why is this crucial for marine life? Sandeels, those tiny yet crucial fish, play a pivotal role in the North Sea ecosystem. By protecting them, we safeguard the entire food web. Seabirds, marine mammals, and commercially important fish species all benefit from this ban. Alongside the sandeel ban, England is imposing stricter restrictions on bottom trawling. These practices have long raised environmental concerns. Now, pink sea fans, delicate sponges, and anemones can breathe a sigh of relief. We must continue restoring our oceans, nurturing biodiversity, and ensuring food security. Let's celebrate this victory for marine life and commit to achieving similar victories for nature in our respective countries. #MarineConservation #SustainableFishing #30by30 #BiodiversityMatters #NatureRestoration #Regeneration

As part of our focus on trusted certifications today, we’re highlighting the British Quality Wild Venison (BQWV) certification. This mark ensures the venison you’re consuming is not only high quality but also sourced responsibly and sustainably. By choosing BQWV-certified venison, you’re ensuring strict standards of production, handling, and traceability are met throughout the entire supply chain. This ensures: ✔️High-quality, lead-free meat ✔️Sustainable wildlife management ✔️Protected ecosystems We have a large deer population in the UK and the BQWV certification recognises that it needs to be managed. Effective management will allow tree planting efforts to be more successful, reduce the high costs borne by farmers of crop damage by deer, and maintain a thriving countryside, with healthy woods and high biodiversity. #GiBWeekDay2 #BQWV #WildlifeManagement #GiBWeek24

Dear #linkedinfam Today, World Elephant Day, is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and take action to protect these majestic creatures. Here are 5 #sustainability measures to protect elephants: 1. Reduce Ivory Demand: Refuse products made from ivory, and support organizations working to end the ivory trade. Choose eco-friendly alternatives for decorative items. 2. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to reputable organizations like the #WorldWildlifeFund (WWF) or the #InternationalElephantFoundation (IEF), which work to protect elephant habitats and combat poaching. 3. Adopt #SustainableTourism: When visiting elephant habitats, choose responsible tour operators that promote ethical wildlife viewing and support local conservation efforts. 4. Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict: Support initiatives that help farmers adopt sustainable practices, like crop insurance and wildlife-friendly farming, to reduce conflicts with elephants. 5. Spread Awareness and #Educate: Share knowledge about elephant conservation, the impact of human actions, and the importance of protecting these incredible animals. Inspire others to join the cause! Some additional thoughts: - Support #reforestation efforts to restore elephant habitats. - Avoid products with palm oil, which contributes to deforestation. - Encourage governments to implement and enforce #antipoaching laws. - Support research and monitoring programs for elephant conservation. Every small action counts, and collective efforts can make a significant difference in protecting these gentle giants. Happy #WorldElephantDay!

https://lnkd.in/dakYFFSQ Explore the current challenges facing Ireland’s fishing industry, from quotas to conservation, and discover how they impact marine ecosystems.