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Issue 28 - August 2017

New Zealand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as LT&C Exemples – Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Peter Prokosch

New Zealand is a leader in the successful implementation and ongoing sustainability of MPAs and they are able to achieve these outcomes from well thought out approaches that enable tourism to support conservation. Beginning in the 1970’s New Zealand established the Marine Reserve Act in 1971  and in 1981 the NZ government established its second MPA called the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. Since this time, NZ has established 44 Marine Protected Areas and all of them are “no-take” zones. A “no take” zone means there is no fishing, no mining, no oil extraction and minimal interference. nz-marine-reserves-map-newThe fact that NZ has established so many MPAs indicates that they are successful, so much so that the government of NZ is about to establish the 620,000 square kilometres Kermadec Islands Ocean Sanctuary just north of NZ. This sanctuary is the second largest fully protected MPA on our planet and the largest that incorporates land and sea. Although the number of MPAs established globally has grown exponentially over the past few years (currently there are approximately 6,500), the numbers of success stories are variable. However, the numerous success stories from NZ illustrate how important it is to have the right approach and to invest in important areas like tourism if one is to realise the significant gains that are available from the establishment of MPAs. Finding solutions to the current potential catastrophic collapse of global fisheries is imperative and MPAs offer a viable option. It is relatively well recognised that successful conservation usually results in increases in species diversity, abundance and fitness. In support of this premise, a report on the snapper populations found at the Poor Knights Islands in October 1998 showed significant increases in numbers and biomass (large snapper (>270mm), numbers increased by 7.4 times and total snapper biomass increased by 818% compared to control sites). Importantly, the benefits to the environment translate into economic benefits to the local and national economies and this encourages these communities to actively participate in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the MPA.

 Why do you consider LT&C an important initiative and why are you interested in membership?

Tourism can help support and sustain conservation, particularly in areas where local authorities are under resourced and financed. Well managed and maintained tourist ventures can support local and national conservation and economic needs. When the local community is benefiting from the establishment of a conservation area, they are more likely to help maintain its presence. LT&C initiates and facilitates the establishment of sustainable and well-managed protected areas by linking tourism to conservation.

Why is your case a good example of linking tourism and conservation?

Diving-in-New-Zealand

Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner to the NZ economy and where Seafood exports are worth $1.38 billion a year to New Zealand economy International tourism contributes NZ$11.8 billion (59 kr billion). My LT&C example is the Poor Knights Islands MPA, which was first established in 1981, and epitomizes the significant benefits that tourism plays in supporting the local economy, and as a consequence the local community ensures conservation sustainability. In the case of the Poor knights Islands MPA, the benefits from tourism are being realised by a number of small towns that are adjacent to the MPA. With a population of 26 people, Tutukaka is one such community. Dive Tutukaka is a dive charter/eco-tourism company that employs over 60 people during the main part of the season and has directly contributed approximately NZ$50 million (250 kr million) to the local Tutukaka economy from the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve over the past 20 years. This of course doesn’t include the economic benefits that impact on air travel, rental cars, dive courses, accommodation, food, clothing, trinkets and so on. The benefits to conservation and fisheries are well documented and studied with the principal benefits coming from Larval seeding and spillover. However, the impacts from these processes can often be underestimated when assessing the potential benefits of establishing MPAs. Both of these processes have significant positive impacts for both the local and national fisheries.

Are there plans to further improve your example of tourism supporting conservation in the future?

After an initial investment by the local authorities and the national government and tourist venture capital investments, tourism through boat charters, dive tours and snorkel tours, glass bottomed boats and so on should generate a significant tourist industry. The educational benefits should not underestimated for both secondary and tertiary student researchers. The opportunity to carry not only marine studies related to conservation and environmental studies, but also for marketing, small business management, economics, tourism and so on. Monitoring and evaluation of the sites and associated industries has continued since the formal establishment of these reserves. The Poor Knights Islands MPA had an extensive biological survey (unpublished at the moment) as recently as February 2016.

The educational benefits should not be underestimated for both secondary and tertiary students and researchers. The opportunity to carry out not only marine studies related to conservation and environmental studies, but for marketing, small business management, economics, tourism and so on. Continued monitoring and evaluation of the sites and associated industries.

Diving tourism is benefitting from no-fishing MPA, and therefore supporting it. Photo: Dive Tutukaka

Diving tourism is benefitting from no-fishing MPA, and therefore supporting it. Photo: Dive Tutukaka

How could your example be transferred to another protected area and how could your experience be shared with others?

I am not suggesting that the transition from a pre-MPA situation to one where the significant benefits being realized by the Poor Knights Islands example is going to be easy, but there are examples of successful transitions taking place that can be used as templates and the Poor Knights Islands MPA is one such example. There are many ways of smoothing the transition and quickly establishing an industry to service tourism.The government could support those involved in the local commercial fishing industry to convert their vessels to tourist charter vessels. They could support training and education programmes to inform and to gain qualifications in the hospitality industry, dive master courses could be held so that the operators are qualified to diving groups, education programmes regarding the marine environment could be held so that operators can participate in eco-tourism, assistance with local, national and global marketing and so on. Universities could be invited to carry out research in the area and use the reserve for practical marine and ecology courses, local schools and community groups could be involved in studying and utilizing the marine reserve etc.The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is an example of a long term success story. This reserve was established 37 years ago and continues to be ever more successful. There are towns that exist because it exists. People who were once fishing for a living are doing considerably better off by taking their place in the conservation of these environments through their tourist activities. There is no reason why MPAs that are modelled similarly to the Poor knights Islands MPA should not be as successful if they are established and managed appropriately.

This LT&C Example is authorised by Russell Taylor (his website). For more information contact him and see website from the Department of Conservation New Zealand.

 

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Issue 28 - August 2017

Issue 28: August 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Letter from the Editor. …we are going to take a deeper look into what we need to do to inspire and train the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders…

 

 2. California Marine Science Educators Visit Cuba. A group of marine science educators from California visited Cuba early May to begin information exchange and collaboration with Cuban marine scientists and educators.

 

 

3. Green Coconut Run explores the Pacific. …we began in the lagoon-enclosed Gambier Islands, a remote corner of French Polynesia; next…

 

4. 1 Topic, 5 Facts: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This regular feature will help acquaint you with our blue planet. 

 

 

 

5. If you value SEVENSEAS Media as a resource and as the free PR arm for everyone in marine conservation and sustainable tourism, we need your support! Learn more about how to get involved and ensure we remain a valuable resource…

 

6. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Long Tail of the People. Witness wild animals in their magnificent display and be amazed by the beautiful life the underwater world has to offer…

 

7. FEATURE DESTINATION: Swimming with Oslob Whale Sharks. There is a lot of controversy about swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob. Many divers refuse…

 

8.  FEATURE DESTINATION: Moalboal Community and Beach Clean Up. Volunteers were made up of ninety-five students from grade five, along with twelve teachers and fifteen members of Savedra staff…

 

9. FEATURE DESTINATION: The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE). …the largest independent non-stock non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines….

 

10. FEATURE DESTINATION: Scientists from the California Academy of Sciences  advancing hope for reefs in the Philippines. Researchers return from the Philippines with new species discoveries and deeper insights into threatened coral reef ecosystems.

 

 

11. Shark Tagging Expedition to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Hailed a Success. Researchers from TMO and LAMAVE have successfully tagged nine grey reef sharks and one tiger shark with acoustic…

 

12. Katie Pumphrey Paints Her Path On The Open Water. …Pumphrey taps into her experiences in the water to paint and says that all her work is movement related. She paints hoping that a viewer will stand there a little longer to experience…

 

 

13. New Zealand from Top to Bottom. An epic 4-month road trip through one of the most diverse countries on earth…

 

14. Under the Waves with Karim Iliya: August 2017. A massive iceberg floats in a fjord off the coast of Eastern Greenland.

 

15. A true collaboration of art and science. Hello Ocean conducts first expedition exploring pressing ocean conservation topics of the Mesoamerican Reef. 

 

16. Wildscreen Exchange: August Edition. Wildscreen Exchange is a unique global hub for conservation communications. It provides… 

 

17. Fishing Nets, Bridal Veils, and Seedling Covers : The Un-Intended, but Intended Use of Mosquito Nets Aiding Ugandan Households. Imagine yourself standing in front of a beautiful lake; let’s envision Lake Victoria within Sub-Saharan Africa to simply name one… 

 

 

18. Protect your business with Green Fins. …your business directly depends on a healthy and diverse marine environment, which means that if you want to keep your business running…

  

19. OceanGate and the Cape Eleuthera Institute to Launch a Year-Long Manned Submersible Expedition in the Bahamas to Assess Sharks and Sea Life Hidden Deep in the Ocean. …the deep sea survey in October will be conducted as a series of one-day and three-day missions.

 

20. Study on sea turtle health. A scientific study on how contaminants such as mercury and natural toxins from red tide algal blooms affect sea turtles’ health. 

 

21. Shells as Religions and Spiritual Objects in Hinduism and Buddhism. Sea shells evolved more than 500 million years ago and have amazed humans since the beginning of our time…

 

 

22. New fish species in New Caledonia. The new fish, Polyipnus laruei, is named after yachters Pierre and William…

 

 

 

23. Dominique Robertson Underwater Photography. Dolores a 3 year old female pacific octopus happily chilling in her tank with a mason jar full of goodies tucked tightly under 2 of her tentacles…

 

24. What in the world is this sea creature?! A friend in Papua New Guinea was posting these photos with the hopes…

 

25. Connect with the Global Marine Community. In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events and opportunities in ocean conservation.

 

26. New Zealand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as LT&C Exemples – Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.  …tourism can help support and sustain conservation, particularly in areas where local authorities are under resourced and financed.

 

27. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Vang Vieng, Laos. The town has grown substantially due to the influx of travelers attracted by the opportunities for adventure tourism in a limestone karst landscape.

 

28. Northwest Straits Initiative Shares New Animated Short Film. Puget Sound is a living jewel that encompasses thousands of shoreline miles in Washington state and…

 

 

29. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor? 28 Issues, readership in 174 countries, nearly 15,000 subscribers, 20,000 monthly visitors…and growing.

 

 

ECO-TRAVEL DEALS

Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry. 

1. Oceanic Society Expeditions. See this “Senegal: African Manatee and Turtle Conservation” trip plus many others in the new 2017-2018 Expeditions Catalogue. 

 

2. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can. If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides people in small trips in Tonga…

 

3. Introducing Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico. A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

 

 

4. Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition. Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

 

 

 

5. Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

 

 

 

6. SEE Turtles. …protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.

 

 

7. Bodhi Surf & Yoga Camp. …a surf and yoga camp located in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.

 

 

 

 

Cover photo by Didier Baertschiger. Philippines – Bohol – Chocolate Hills.
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Issue 28 - August 2017

Letter from the Editor – August 2017

Last week a colleague and I were discussing the growing need for workforce development surrounding ocean conservation. There have been a string of polls over the last few years indicating Millennials are the most environmentally conscious generation yet and as they are excelling through the workforce, they are flexing their purchasing power accordingly. Now is the time to engage and inspire an even younger generation of environmental stewards and to prepare them for a future with even narrower margins and greater threats than we see today.

While visiting Italy, one of my oldest and best friends, Pete Muller, snapped this portrait above of me during our stay in Polignano a Mare. Pete and his wife Jehan, another dear friend of mine, currently live in Kenya where they have dedicated their lives to international development, journalism, and to unearthing the the root causes of conflict in much of the world. Even though during our college years at American University, I was the “scientist” in our group, giving lessons on ecosystems or evolutionary process, we all had one common yet loosely defined goal – to better the current state of affairs in whichever corner of the planet we could have influence.

Now, I often find myself asking why did we grow up to become adults motivated more by contributing to the greater good and less by the bottom-line ? What helped us develop a worldly view at a young age? Was it walking across a polluted beach or logged forrest as a teenager and realizing the permanence of human destruction? Was it that one inspirational teacher [Hi Wendy Amo] from middle school? Was it watching David Attenborough as a child and learning the delicate balance between all living beings? Perhaps it was not any one incident but a combination of all of these experiences.

Unfortunately, since graduating college and starting my first job at Conservation International in 2004, I witnessed the rapid decline of our ocean’s health and the degradation of coastal ecosystems, and though there are countless success stories, similar can be said for many other conservation efforts. I have returned to coral reefs and within a decade and seen them transform from loud and colorful, to silent and covered in sediment and algae. So what does this portend for our human and natural future? The future is now. Every day we pass thresholds of no return all while those of us who have dedicated our lives to conservation are banging our heads against the wall as we face roadblock after roadblock on protections, access to resources, or even the basic acknowledgment that a problem exists.

In the coming months SEVENSEAS Media is going to take a deeper look into what we need to do to inspire and train the next generation of ocean and environmental leaders. If you have any input or would like to contribute thoughts or solutions towards creating an effective workforce surrounding ocean conservation and stewardship, please reach out to me. I am 35 years old and my generation was handed a bruised and battered planet from our parents. What are we going to hand to the generation of tomorrow? At a minimum let it be the tools, education, and hope they need in order to repair the mistakes of the past.

More photos by Pete Muller from our quick trip to Polignano a Mare, Italy:

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This month on SEVENSEAS Media we have some great stories coming out of the Philippines, we learn about the Green Coconut Run sailing voyage in French Polynesia, California marine science educators visit to Cuba, Hello Ocean’s expedition exploring the Mesoamerican Reef, we visit New Zealand, New Caledonia, Puget Sound, Laos, plus lots of science talk, unique eco-vacation deals, and much much more. Be sure to check out the full Table of Contents for August. If you would like to publish a story on your work, research, or organization, please see our very simple guidelines here.

At SEVENSEAS Media we work tirelessly to inspire and educate the next generation while fostering collaboration and building a close knit community between all our partners in marine conservation. We directly act as a free PR arm and fundraising tool for hundreds of organizations doing invaluable work.  At the same time, we need your support. On a shoestring budget with thousands of volunteer hours logged-in, every donation goes a long way and helps ensure we keep telling the stories of all those who need their voices to be heard. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to keep SEVENSEAS Media running through 2017 and beyond.

Encourage friends, colleagues, and classmates to like and subscribe to free products and organizations like SEVENSEAS Media. The larger our network, the stronger our conservation message, and more significant our impact.

SEVENSEAS Media is the leading free resource that promotes marine conservation through community engagement, online media, and eco-tourism, to our readers all across the globe. We ask that YOU be that inspiration for others to follow in your footsteps.

Safe travels & happy swimming,

Giacomo Abrusci, Executive Director, Editor-in-Chief

“The scope of emerging national and international ocean-related issues facing society demands that we develop broad perspectives on graduate education and training in the ocean sciences. A multifaceted ocean workforce and new kinds of intellectual partnerships are needed to address ocean science research priorities, strengthen our understanding of coupled human-natural ocean systems, engage and inform public policy and management decision making, and increase ocean literacy. Alumni from graduate programs in ocean sciences are following diverse career paths in academia, government, nongovernmental organizations, and industry, and thus can inform us about the diverse skills needed to succeed. The ocean science academic community should build on its current strengths (e.g., multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research and education, international partnerships), and capitalize on what some might view as limitations (e.g., remote, yet inviting, coastal campuses, diversity of ocean science programs), to become an incubator of innovation that will advance the field and strengthen graduate education and training. Partnerships within and among institutions with ocean-related programs, and with professional societies, employers, and others, can help us provide cutting-edge, relevant academic options, facilitate professional development, and proactively position graduates for career paths that reflect and address important societal needs.” [Schaffner, Linda C., et al. “Moving Forward: 21St Century Pathways to Strengthen the Ocean Science Workforce Through Graduate Education and Professional Development.” Oceanography, vol. 29, no. 1, 2016, pp. 36–43. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/24861946.]

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Issue 28 - August 2017

The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE)

LAMAVE LOGO

The Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) is the largest independent non-stock non-government organization dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna and the marine environment in the Philippines. We strive for conservation through scientific research, policy and education.

THE LAMAVE MISSION 

Conservation through Research and Education

Our primary objective is the conservation of marine biodiversity in the Philippines. Using proven and novel scientific data collection methods, we research the abundance and habitats of cetaceans, whale sharks, turtles, shark and rays in the Philippines.  We strive to identify imminent threats facing these species. Our local and international researchers and volunteers work closely with local governments, communities, businesses, and tourists to ensure the conservation of large marine animals through science, education, and advocacy.  The scientific data we gather is used to advise local governments on conservation policy and legislation, to counsel local and regional authorities on sustainable tourism, and to empower local stakeholders to better protect the unique biodiversity in Philippine waters.

WHY THE PHILIPPINES?

The Philippines is located in the center of the Coral Triangle, the ‘global center of marine biodiversity’, an area which is home to 1000’s of marine species especially large marine megafauna. Over 200 species of sharks and rays, 26 species of whales and dolphins, 5 species of turtles and the dugong are all found within Philippine waters. However, many of these species are now listed as threatened or endangered due to a degradation of their natural environment, unregulated fishing practices, incidental capture and pollution. 

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THE LAMAVE STORY

Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (“LAMAVE Research Institute”) was founded in 2014 by the Filipino members of the research team to develop social responsibility and build local capacity.  Before 2014, LAMAVE was a project of Physalus, a non-stock non-profit organization registered in Rome, Italy (TIN 97507360580). Today both organisations contribute to marine conservation in the Philippines. LAMAVE Research Institute collaborates with local and national authorities and works in cooperation with communities to ensure our continued conservation work in the Philippines, while through Physalus we work to raise awareness for marine conservation in Italy and empower early career researchers to build capacity and advance professionally. 

mantaray-manta-philippines-lamave

OUR TEAM

LAMAVE would be nothing without its dedicated and passionate team.  United by their drive for conservation many of our team are experts in their field, with a focus on science and communication. While LAMAVE specialises in research, all media, (including this website), was produced in house thanks to our communications team. Interested in joining the team? Click here for open vacancies.

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SEVENSEAS Media logo for marine conservation articlesCheck out more of the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here. You can take a break from your day and check out some art on the SEVENSEAS Media Gallery here. Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

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