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.

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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

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Feature Destination

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.

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NEWSROOM

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SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

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.

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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. 

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