Issue 100 - September 2023

Ecotourism: Avoiding Monkey Business by Kelly Fischbach

Navigating the Ethical Maze of Eco-Travel: Balancing Wildlife Experiences & Conservation in a Complex World

Eco-travelers are faced with an interesting conundrum– how to experience the wonders of the environment without spoiling them? Intrepid nature enthusiasts might seek animal-centric activities while exploring the globe, but are these opportunities also beneficial for the creatures? Sometimes the answer to this question is obvious– but oftentimes, there’s more than meets the eye.

Eco-travelers have a variety of techniques to reduce their ecological footprint as they globetrot. These strategies include being mindful of the types of transportation they choose, opting for self-propelled options such as biking, or group-transit options like trains, buses, or carpools. For unavoidable carbon-expensive options, travellers can purchase carbon offset credits. Purchasing a carbon offset credit funds projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions or sequester carbon in the atmosphere, conceptually neutralizing the carbon produced. Organizations such as Sustainable Travel International are great places to begin your carbon-offset journey. Always mindful of their impact, these travellers carefully consider what they bring with them, and what methods of responsible disposal they might have available to them as they travel- they carry with them the pack it in, pack it out mentality. Additionally, travellers may have a cultural impact on the regions in which they travel and should be mindful of local customs, dress and behaviour.

But what about animal-focused travel experiences such as wildlife viewing, whale watching, safaris and volunteering at animal sanctuaries and shelters? While these activities attract tourists to travel destinations, do these activities adequately address the well-being of the animals and balance that with the experience that tourists receive?

Minimize Your Impact

Seek companies that adopt accreditation standards to ensure tours operate within certain ethical boundaries. When choosing a wildlife viewing experience, do some research first. Listening to word of mouth, reading Google reviews, and checking the company’s social media are all great ways to get a feel for their approach to wildlife viewing. Be on the lookout for large groups and references to holding, feeding or photo opportunities. These are quick indicators of tours you might want to avoid, as they are not likely to have the animals’ well-being in mind. High impact on animals can cause undue stress, disturb routines and contribute to disease transmission. Feeding or holding wildlife can lead to animals becoming comfortable around or even dependent upon people, and in extreme cases, cause conflict resulting in the injury or death of humans and/or animals. Social media encourages unsafe animal practices when images or videos featuring cute animals go viral; oftentimes seemingly cute behaviours are symptoms of stress.

One example of a program that reinforces responsible viewership is Hawaii’s Dolphin SMART Program. Tour operators voluntarily participate in the program, which has secret shoppers join the tours to ensure that captains always abide by federal regulations and promote ethical ways to view wild dolphins. When tour operators successfully complete the task of being secret shopped, they earn the right to advertise their tour as being Dolphin SMART and also place the initiative logo on their promotional materials.

Maintain a Respectful Distance

Wildlife ecotourism is often motivated by viewing opportunities, which can come at a cost to wildlife populations. Impacts can be acute, such as vehicle strikes, or chronic, such as stress, disturbance, habitat destruction and the introduction of novel species or diseases. Some species that can be subject to higher risk receive special regulations enacted to protect them. For example, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 sets boundaries for how close one can approach marine mammals in the wild. With monitoring and careful attention to detail, these impacts can be reduced but not avoided altogether.

Seek Sustainable Options

Remote locations are often far from the infrastructure to handle waste. As a result, special consideration must be made for reducing the impact of various types of pollution and keeping the environment pristine. Reducing waste while travelling begins at home– when trip-planning and packing. Try to use things you already own, or borrow from a friend, instead of buying new ones. If you do buy something new, discard the packaging at home so that you don’t have to worry about its proper disposal. If you must buy, consider purchasing from retailers that offer gently used items like REI’s Used Goods, Patagonia’s Worn Wear, or from other B-Corp companies that repurpose fabrics into new gear, like Cotopaxi’s unique line of Del Dia packs. While travelling to the Peruvian Amazon, we were made aware that trash facilities would be difficult to find, and were encouraged to live as waste-free as possible for ten days. This experience enabled me to more thoughtfully consider what I was bringing with me, and how options for disposal might not be appropriate. One easy swap was to use shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottles. I was surprised to see how little waste I could generate when I really made an effort.

Community: It Takes a Village…

Ecotourism often has a direct impact on local communities, including economic, social, and cultural benefits and challenges, which are all able to be mitigated by including local leaders in the decision-making. Involving the local community can give people a deeper sense of responsibility toward the environment, as the inherent value becomes tangible. Wildlife often benefits directly and indirectly from promoting sustainable ecotourism outfits. Seek Community-Based Conservation (CBC) efforts to get to the root of the cause. CBC initiatives are ones that are operated by local people, with the goal of sustaining biodiversity while reinforcing cultural values. These conservation ideas have a trickle-down effect on the welfare of wild animals, as cultural values often promote the responsible viewing of wildlife to preserve the resource. Financial resources in CBC are often reinvested in the cause, whether making improvements or paying the salaries of workers. In Belize, the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a network of property owners collaborating to ensure that black howler monkeys have access to appropriate habitats. Miss Jessie Young, the matriarch of the CBS, is an inspiring leader who compassionately guides property owners to be excellent stewards of the land.

The Ongoing Quest for Knowledge

Learning more about species, ecology and conservation during ecotourism opportunities is a great way to get the most out of an experience and give back to the greater good. Participants in research-based ecotourism have the opportunity to show their great interest in learning emerging information about a culture, community, environment, or species, and the effect it has on the local host is also beneficial. Because the research-minded ecotourist is interested in contributing to science, they are more likely to behave in ways to preserve the pristine uniqueness of the research area.8

But it’s Complicated…

In some cases, the direct impact on individual animals can be levied against the value of conservation efforts achieved as a result of ecotourism. The management of ecotourism is paramount to balance the positive and negative effects.2 In best-case scenarios, ecotourism benefits not only the tourist, and has a net-neutral effect on wildlife, but has positive outcomes for pro-environmental awareness, attitude and behavior of guides and tourists alike.

For example:

The Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation (ARDCF)

Community and ecotourism have important roles in conservation, and this is why sometimes the situation is a little more complicated than it might seem at first glance. The endangered Amazon river dolphin (known locally as boto) faces numerous challenges, including being targeted for slaughter to be used as bait in a fishing industry that targets piricatinga catfish. Although interacting with wildlife is often contradictory to responsible ecotourism, the practice of having boto swim platforms is a way to educate people on the plight of the boto, their role in the Amazon ecosystem, and the pressures they face. Boto platforms also have a second function of increasing the relative value of the Amazon river dolphin by demonstrating to locals that they are worth much more alive than dead.

Determining if your wildlife excursion is an ecologically-friendly one can be complicated. Still, by taking a few moments to review the company and experience with a careful eye, you can be sure to make the right choice.

Happy travels!

About Kelly Fischbach

Kelly is a Master’s degree student with Project Dragonfly at Miami University, where she studies conservation biology. Her studies have taken her to Belize and the Amazon, and this summer, she will explore Namibia as she learns about the conservation of big cats. When she’s not adventuring, she can be found enjoying her home state of Florida with her dog, Koa.

References

Sustainable Travel International. (2021, December 27). Retrieved April 22, 2023, from Sustainable Travel International
Growth in ecotourism may harm wildlife. (11 March 2004). Retrieved April 2, 2022, Growth in ecotourism may harm wildlife.
US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (2014, June 20). Whale Sense, Dolphin Smart and Blue Star. Whale Sense, Dolphin Smart and Blue Star. Retrieved April 22, 2023
B Lab Global Site. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2023, https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
Home: Community baboon sanctuary visitor centre and museum. Community Baboon San. (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.howlermonkey.org
Ardcf. (n.d.). ARDCF. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://ardcf.org

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Feature Destination

Feature Destination: Tunisia’s Marine Protected Areas and Their Role in Conservation

Tunisia’s marine protected areas serve as significant sanctuaries for varied marine life and ecosystems, combating the adverse impacts of human activities and climate change. One such area is the impending marine protected area around the Kuriat Islands, which plays a crucial role as a primary nesting site for sea turtles in the Mediterranean, holding the potential to preserve varied species and bolster declining fish stocks. The Galite Archipelago, another noteworthy marine area in the process of receiving protected status, along with the Kneiss Islands and the Zembra and Zembretta Islands, signifies the extensive endeavors by Tunisia to conserve marine biodiversity. These islands are particularly critical for maintaining ecological balance, being habitats to diverse marine species and acting as refuge and feeding grounds, thus indirectly aiding in sustaining the local fisheries.

Tunisia’s marine protected regions are typically governed by management plans outlined in international conventions like those of Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro and are reflective of the guidelines proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The endeavors to protect these areas are marked by a collaboration between governmental bodies, local communities, and NGOs, establishing various measures such as stricter fishing regulations, environmental education initiatives, and enhanced surveillance to ensure the sustained well-being of these marine environments. However, despite the comprehensive protective measures, these areas are constantly threatened by illegal fishing practices, habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and other human-induced activities, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts and international cooperation to safeguard the fragile marine ecosystems and the rich biodiversity they host.

Ocean: A Habitat Under Siege

Oceans, with their delicate equilibrium, confront an array of threats. Overfishing stands as a paramount threat, stripping oceans of their biodiversity and disrupting marine food chains. Alarming statistics reveal over 55% of the ocean’s surface is undergoing intensive resource exploitation, affecting fish stocks and potentially leading to marine ecosystem collapse.

Mehdi Aissi, leading the marine program at WWF Tunisia, depicts a grim image of a 60% decline in marine stocks since the 1990s due to irresponsible fishing and extraction practices, notably during breeding seasons.

Bottom trawling, another severe danger, wreaks havoc in marine ecosystems, impacting carbon stocks and leading to the decimation of coastal habitats like Posidonia meadows and coral reefs. Moreover, our activities introduce pollutants that are detrimental to marine life, which when combined with climate change, tip the balance of marine areas, raising substantial concerns about the future of marine biodiversity.

Defending Marine Biodiversity: The Role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

Marine and Coastal Protected Areas (MCPAs) serve as sanctuaries to shield marine ecosystems against burgeoning threats, ensuring a sustainable future. MPAs, established with stringent governance structures, are categorized into strictly closed, temporarily closed or regulated, and open MPAs, each reflecting diverse conservation policies and contributing to the preservation of marine wealth.

In Tunisia, under the spotlight of MedPAN, numerous sites are ascending the ladder to achieve MPA status, including the Kuriat Islands and the Galite Archipelago. Here, comprehensive management plans are in place, with areas awaiting formal recognition. Tunisia, post-2014, has embraced a meticulous creation process involving extensive public consultation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management in marine areas.

MPAs play a pivotal role in conserving endangered species like sea turtles, whose habitats are jeopardized by human activities, such as tourism and the subsequent pollution in the form of artificial lights and plastics. Remarkably, through responsible management, turtle nests have experienced a notable increase, showcasing the recuperative power of MPAs.

Collective Conservation Efforts:

Notre Grand Bleu association in Monastir is a testament to the sustainable practices undertaken within MPAs, monitoring sea turtles and emphasizing ecological conservation. Their hut on the Kuriat Islands acts as an awareness hub, attracting thousands annually, highlighting the ocean’s multifaceted value and reinforcing the imperative to preserve marine biodiversity.

Despite the protective shield, MPAs themselves are not immune to the looming threats of human activities, including illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and accidental pollution. Artisanal fishing, enhanced catching capacities, coastal erosion, and climate change also act as potential sources of danger to MPAs, emphasizing the necessity for robust management and vigilance.

Addressing the vulnerability and richness of MPAs requires a cohesive approach, involving governments, NGOs, and local communities to counterbalance the potential risks. This involves strict regulations, environmental education, enhanced surveillance, and heightened public awareness to secure the future of these marine sanctuaries.

The journey to protect marine biodiversity and resources is paved with challenges but is essential for future generations. A consolidated global vision, transcending regional borders, is crucial to counter shared threats effectively and to exploit marine resources sustainably. Instances like the bacterium attack on Pinna Nobilis emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation to preserve the essence of the Mediterranean and the vast oceans beyond.

In the end, MPAs serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the richness our oceans hold. By protecting and promoting sustainable exploitation of this underwater wealth, we pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous coexistence with our marine ecosystems. The path ahead involves continuous efforts, global cooperation, and unwavering commitment to secure the future of our oceans and the countless species they harbor.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]

Issue 100 - September 2023

Letter From The Editor: 100 Issues

Dear Readers,

It’s hard to believe we are already celebrating the 100th issue of SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Magazine. When I embarked on this journey in 2015, the vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a platform that could unite current and future conservationists in the shared mission to protect our oceans. Now, eight years later, our message has reached corners of the globe we never could have imagined, thanks to you—our dedicated readership.

First and foremost, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or you’ve just discovered us, your readership keeps us buoyant in the often-stormy seas of nonprofit journalism. Your comments, your shares, and yes, even your criticisms, help us grow stronger and more effective in our mission.

Many of you know that SEVENSEAS Media is a labor of love, steered by a crew of just two. The journey has not been without its challenges. From facing the vicissitudes of funding to overcoming operational hurdles, keeping our vessel afloat has been a constant struggle. But the importance of what we aim to do— to elevate the cause of ocean conservation globally—has propelled us forward.

In addition to offering you quality content every month through this magazine, we’ve taken our mission beyond the digital realm. On the coasts of Thailand, our team has been involved in hands-on conservation efforts that include coral reef restoration through coral propagation and monthly beach cleanups. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to make a tangible impact where it counts, both online and on the ground.

As we look forward to the next 100 issues, we invite you to join us more closely in our mission. If you find value in the work we’re doing, please consider making a donation to help sustain our efforts. Every contribution, however small, goes a long way in making a big difference.

Cheers to many more years and countless more achievements in marine conservation. Together, we can continue to chart a course towards healthier, more vibrant oceans for generations to come.

Happy swimming,

Giacomo Abrusci
Director, SEVENSEAS Media

Issue 100 - September 2023

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – September 2023 – Issue 100

Feature Destination

Papahānaumokuākea: The World’s Largest Protected Marine Reserve, Safeguarding Diverse Ecosystems & Bird Habitats

The expansion of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands established the world’s largest protected marine reserve. It further protected the region’s interconnected ecosystems, comprised of deepwater and shallow habitats, coral reefs, low-lying atolls and islands. Read more…

At Home in the Monument: New Research Shows Koholā Widespread in Papahānaumokuākea

Whales are born to travel. As a migratory species, Hawaiʻi koholā (humpback whales) travel thousands of miles between Hawaiʻi and Alaska every year. Hawaiʻi humpbacks are born in late fall or winter in and around the shallow, warm waters of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Read more…

Ocean Exploration Trust Explores Uncharted Area in Papahānaumokuākea Marine Monument with Ala ʻAumoana Kai Uli Expedition

On September 1, Ocean Exploration Trust and partners will set sail from Honolulu aboard E/V Nautilus for a 28-day-long expedition to explore unseen deep-sea habitats of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), focusing on the northwestern extent of the Monument, over 1,000 miles north of Honolulu. Read more…

Papahānaumokuākea Photo Series: A Living Heritage That Reminds Us of The Interconnectedness of All Life on Earth

In the depths of Papahānaumokuākea, we find the mysteries of the ocean, the wonders of evolution, and the importance of protecting our fragile ecosystems.

NEWSROOM

NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Designated as Hope Spot: A Remarkable Urban Revival Story of Environmental Recovery

We are delighted that our estuary, the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary, has been designated as the newest “Hope Spot” by Mission Blue. While most previous Hope Spots are pristine regions with special animals, ours is an urban estuary that was terribly degraded but is making a remarkable recovery. Read more…

Industry-Led Sustainability Collaboration Welcomes The Only Open-Ocean Finish Farm in The United States

Sea Pact is a pre-competitive collaboration of leading North American seafood companies with a mission to drive stewardship and continuous improvement of social, economic, and environmental responsibility throughout global seafood supply chains. Read more…

Global Salmon Farming Revolution: Uniting Communities for Ocean Freedom & Ecological Restoration

With the help of the Chileans, who have had the salmon industry in their waters for many years, and the invaluable support of international NGOs and activists, local organizations, civil society, community leaders, politicians and chefs from Argentina. Read more…

SSI Partners with Edges of Earth Expedition to Promote Ocean Conservation

Scuba Schools International (SSI), the world’s largest professional business-based training agency for scuba diving, is proud to announce its groundbreaking partnership with the Edges of Earth Expedition, an inspiring venture led by a female diving team. Read more…

Ecotourism: Avoiding Monkey Business by Kelly Fischbach

Scientists Discovered New Ecosystem Underneath Hydrothermal Vents

A new ecosystem has been discovered in volcanic caves beneath hydrothermal vents at a well-studied undersea volcano on the East Pacific Rise off Central America. The landmark 30-day expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) was led by Dr. Monika Bright. Read more…

SAWFISH NEWS: Join The 7ᵗʰ International Sawfish Day on October 17, 2023 to Save The Species

International Sawfish Day was established as a collaboration between the Sawfish Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria studbook program, the Sawfish Conservation Society, and research and conservation organizations around the world to highlight the endangered sawfish species. Read more…

United Arab Emirates to Host IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Gland, Switzerland – The next IUCN World Conservation Congress will be held from Thursday 9 to Wednesday 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following the IUCN Council’s selection of the United Arab Emirates as the host country. The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation process of the Emirates’ candidature. Read more…

Travelport & Adventureman Set a New World Record: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World in Less than 7 Days

Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide, and Jamie McDonald, a British adventurer better known as “Adventureman”, today announced a new world record – the fastest time to visit the new Seven Wonders of the World, achieved in less than seven days. Read more…

Regenerative Tourism with Mangrove Planting

Virgin Limited Edition is encouraging its guests visiting the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to make a lasting contribution by helping to replant critical mangroves during a stay on Necker Island. Known not only for being one of the most famed private islands in the world and Sir Richard Branson’s home. Read more…

MSU Forestry Professor Called Upon for Deforestation Expertise in Mayan Forest

To address deforestation and stimulate the production of non-timber forest products for communities within the Mayan Forest Zone, the second largest area of tropical forest in the Americas (which includes large areas of Belize, Guatemala and the Yucatán Peninsula), David MacFarlane is working with the forest — not against it. Read more…

Go Mo Go Travel Blog: The Tao Of Drift Diving

Life was a bit too much at this point. I mean, we’ve all been there; a break up, stress at work, a financial crisis. All these things left me in a state I was not used to. I’ve had bad stuff happen before but I was always so resilient. This time it was a lot harder to get out of this depressed state in which I found myself. Read more…

Chris Bertish Launched His New Book: ALL IN! The Atlantic Standup Paddle Crossing – 93 Days Alone at Sea

Chris Bertish, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, big wave surfer, Guinness SUP World Record holder and conservationist, announces the launch of his newest book, ALL IN! The Atlantic Standup Paddleboard Crossing – 93 Days Alone at Sea, featuring never-before-told tales of his record-breaking 4,050-mile transatlantic solo and unassisted journey from Morocco to northern Florida from December 2016 to March 2017. Read more…

The New Fish: The Truth about Farmed Salmon & The Consequences We Can No Longer Ignore

Eat more fish, the doctors say. But is the salmon you are consuming really healthy? In the early 1970s, a group of scientists researched how to make more food for the growing population of the world. They looked to the sea. They sampled genes from salmon in 41 Norwegian and Swedish rivers and designed a new salmon that was fatter and faster growing. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

Monthly Beach Cleanup Event from July 28, 2023

Coral Nursery & Restoration Activity Update: July 2023

In July 2023, SEVENSEAS Media conducted two impactful events in Krabi, Thailand. The Monthly Beach Cleanup Event at Ao Sew Beach saw enthusiastic volunteers remove a staggering 150.6 kilograms of trash, underscoring the pressing issue of marine pollution and the significance of sustainable practices like reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The organization stressed the importance of proper waste management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Meanwhile, in the face of an unexpected storm, SEVENSEAS Media’s Coral Nursery & Restoration team demonstrated unwavering dedication, rescuing and relocating 75 corals to safer locations, bolstering their chances of survival and growth. The team outlined a comprehensive plan for continued coral recovery missions and data collection efforts throughout the year. The recent storm served as a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard coral reefs from climate change impacts. We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from individuals and communities in this conservation community. We would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]