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Marine Life & Conservation

A Simplified Report About Marine Conservation Biology

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Marine Conservation Biology

IN HIS DEBUT ARTICLE FOR SCUBAVERSE.COM, THE DIRECTOR OF BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION FOR THE CMAS SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, DR. STAVROS KANIKLIDES PHD, TELLS US WHY MARINE CONSERVATION BIOLOGY COULD PREVENT – AND QUITE POSSIBLY EVEN SAVE – THE PLANET FROM TOTAL MARINE SYSTEM BREAKDOWN.

WHY MARINE BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION IS NEEDED

Pollution of marine systems is a common subject of discussion among conservationists today. The adverse effects of the deterioration of marine systems around the world cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, many communities around the world are now cognizant of the importance of conserving marine environments. CMAS (World Underwater Federation) Scientists continue to make their contribution by educating their members and to evoke public awareness and understanding.

Marine Conservation Biology is a new and fast growing discipline in universities and marine research institutions. The science aims at reducing the fast pace of the collapse of marine systems. In fact, the ultimate long term objective is to stop it altogether.

THE SPECIES THREATENED OR IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION

Conservation of biodiversity within marine environments was a major factor in the formation of Marine Conservation Biology. It is a major area of research and scientific studies. Information and scientific data relating to the loss or deterioration of marine life is essential in the efforts to reverse the trend. It is possible to curb the menace to marine life, if there is ready and reliable data concerning the impending threats and areas of urgency.

MODERATE FISH EXPLOITATION FOR FOOD SECURITY

Many societies rely on seafood as a major component of their nutritional needs. It must be realized that there is a need to maintain a balance in the marine systems if the seafood and fish is to be sustained. It is an established fact that the marine systems supply humanity with the highest quality natural food. Some sea creatures such as the anemone and some species of fish are of medicinal value. For example, Pediatricians have over the years advised mothers and other care givers in charge of children to constantly use cod liver oil. This nutritional supplement contains a critical form of protein referred to as omega3. It has been hailed as being invaluable for the brain development of children in their post lactating ages up to their teenage years.

ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES

Unfortunately, the knowledge of the facts above has led to excesses in the harvesting of fish and seafood. Fishing companies have employed destructive methods of harvesting. Trawling has been cited as a major threat to marine biodiversity. In fact, it has led to extinction of some species due to the way it sweeps habitats indiscriminately. It does not allow for gradual growth of species. Many governments have consequently banned trawling as a method of fishing, thanks to sensitization from Marine Biology researchers.

POLLUTION 

The commonest and most obvious tragedy to befall marine life is oil spillage. Oil tankers have, on several occasions, leaked on the high seas. The almost immediate effects of such accidents are witnessed on the shores around the world. Thousands of dead fish have been deposited on the beaches for all humanity to see. It is all too obvious that what we witness directly is only a sample of the larger damage that lies in the depths of the water systems. It takes colossal amounts of money, human resource and time to clear the mess left behind by oil spillage. It takes many years, if ever, to rebuild such marine environments and reverse the long term effects of such water pollution.

MARINE CONSERVATION BIOLOGY IS THE SOLUTION

In order to make significant progress in the efforts of marine conservation, scientific understanding of the problem is a prerequisite. The role of marine biology conservation must be considered. This is a discipline that has emerged out of the need to dedicate more effort in the area of marine life conservation. Marine Conservation Biology borrows a lot from marine biology. Indeed, it is an offshoot of the latter. The world needs a source of reliable data concerning the status of marine environments. Governments and policy makers within organizations, with a stake in marine systems, need data in order to form appropriate policies. There is a need for scientific data.

SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING AND DATA NEEDED

For the efforts of conservation to bear fruit, there must be a basis for an action plan. Such a plan will be helped if there is knowledge of data on the threats to marine life, and the nature and magnitude of such threats. Such data signals the concerned parties of the urgency to act. Marine Conservation Biology may be viewed as a hybrid field of study, derived from a wide spectrum of related disciplines: marine science, oceanography, marine ecology, and marine biology. The need for a more elaborate approach to solving marine conservation challenges emanates from the fact that the problems are complex. The approach towards solving them must be of a multi-facet design. One major challenge is that marine ecosystems have totally collapsed in some regions. It is, thus, a crisis.

CAUSES OF DETERIORATION OF MARINE ENVIRONMENTS

Marine Conservation BiologyWhile there are many causes of declining marine systems – some beyond human control – the main ones are conspicuous and directly linked to human error. The number of marine species threatened with extinction or already extinct is alarming. Failure to recognize that there is need to strike a balance between the immediate economic urge and future security is a major undoing in the effort towards conservation of marine systems. Extravagant methods such as trawling continue to wreck havoc in the sea. The need for biodiversity cannot be overemphasized. Overfishing is a phenomenon that continues to trouble marine conservationists. Yet, this is a cause that could easily be curbed if world governments gave conservation the attention it deserves. Dwindling stocks of fish have a direct effect on the health of populations that over-rely on fish for nutrition. Lack of scientific data has led to continued overexploitation of marine resources. There is a glaring need to mobilize world authorities to curb fishing activities.

INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT

Fishing could, sometimes, pass as an act of survival. Yet, water bodies continue to be polluted by poisonous non degradable chemical elements flowing from farms and industrial plants. High mercury levels in the sea lead to the death of fish. Governments have been brought to the realization that industries have to devise safer methods of disposing industrial waste. Some governments have effectively formed special agencies to monitor and regulate the activities of industrial plants within their jurisdictions.

POISONOUS EFFUSIONS AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS

Marine Conservation BiologyFactories contribute to the deterioration of marine life directly and indirectly. Apart from discharging effluent directly into rivers, lakes and oceans, some factories release poisonous and non-degradable gases into the atmosphere. These combine with rain water and subsequently drain into marine systems. When the acidity and alkalinity levels are altered, marine systems suffer. It must be understood that marine systems thrive at certain specific optimal levels of acidity and temperature. Agrochemical companies continue to develop chemical formulas and fertilizers for use in the agricultural sector. Rains fall and wash these chemicals downstream into water bodies that act as home to marine life. Indeed, there is evidence that the high mercury levels witnessed in some water bodies is directly linked to certain agricultural chemicals. Although the use of mercury is widely monitored and controlled by international control bodies, there is an indication that some countries do not heed such warnings.

MARINE CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES

Marine Conservation Biology has developed conservation technologies that could help resolve the perennial problem of marine life degradation. These are mechanisms and strategies used to conserve and protect marine life. Some of the mechanisms employed by marine biology conservationists include the protection of designated marine areas. This approach, commonly referred to as MPA, enables the growth and expansion of volumes of marine life within these protected areas. Regulation means that the areas are opened up to exploitation at specified times when the conservationists are satisfied that the volumes have exceeded the carrying capacities of those areas.

TRACKING DEVICES

Monitoring the numbers of sea creatures is pertinent in the use of data to conserve marine systems. Some species of fish and sizable animals are monitored by use of RFIs. The sea creatures are captured; radio frequency devices are then attached on their bodies. They are then released to roam freely. Their movement is monitored by special devices in the hands of the Marine Conservation Biology scientists. This way, their numbers are closely tracked and the rate of increase or decrease is recorded. Some organizations have joined hands with the conservationists to ensure that there is responsible exploitation of marine resources. The Turtle Excluder Device (TED) is a special device designed to ensure that turtles are excluded from the trawlers meant to catch shrimps. This device also keeps larger animals out of the trawling nets, consequently avoiding wastage.

DEVICES

Another method devised by marine biology conservationists is biologging. In this method, small tags are attached to animals and used to collect data. The data varies from movement, behavioral patterns and the environmental changes. This technology has enabled researchers to access information about deep sea animals. This was, previously, a challenge to research work in conservation.

SCUBA DIVERS’ OBSERVATIONS

Scuba diving is employed in the monitoring of the shark and dolphin populations. Data on their abundance and distribution can be used to devise strategies to conserve them in their habitats. Recreational scuba divers can be engaged to provide useful data on such deep sea marine life. Marine conservationists can access useful information by using recreational scuba divers’ observations in regular diving locations.

SCUBA DIVERS CAN HELP MARINE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION

Observation is a major advantage that scuba diving has over other marine conservation data collection methods. Divers can move closer to the marine habitats of the creatures under study, and capture images that reveal more information than could be possible by other methods. Yet, scuba diving is also widely acclaimed as a recreational activity. It is an aspect of ecotourism that should be encouraged. CMAS Marine biology scientists via the specialty certification courses are providing to scuba divers, academics, and the non-diving community substantial professional educational lecturing and underwater field training techniques, focusing on the understanding of the concepts of marine biology and conservation. The certifications in underwater marine biology are recognized by UNESCO and 120 National Federations and other academic scientific centers globally.

UNDERSTANDING THE UNDERWATER ENVIRONMENT

Marine Conservation BiologyMarine Conservation Biology can be defined as a scientific study concerned with protecting life in water bodies. In an effort to conserve marine life, a marine biology conservationist also seeks to secure the habitats that support marine life. The habitats are held in place by various physical and environmental factors. It turns out that a marine biology conservationist will delve and deal with issues that are indirectly related to marine life, yet, such factors serve as the bedrock of the survival and sustainability of marine ecosystems. It is a study that inevitably combines knowledge from other related disciplines. Marine Conservation Biology borrows heavily from marine science, marine biology, oceanography and fishing science. Marine Conservation Biology has an advantage over the mentioned disciplines because it tends to be a more specialized field of study. It zeroes in on the specific elements of marine systems and marine life conservation. It seeks to develop more practical approaches in marine life conservation by involving communities and governments in the conservation efforts.

THE UNDERWATER WORLD

The world below the surface of small and large water bodies is a complex ecosystem. It works in ways similar to the way the dry land ecosystems work. The main difference is that little is known about the interrelationships of life in the sea. Marine biologists have made efforts to uncover the mysterious world under the sea, yet we continue to encounter new discoveries in the world’s oceans nearly every year. Indeed, marine scientists admit that there is a lot more data to collect and phenomena to uncover. The main reason for this mystery is obviously the fact that it takes more resources to carry out research in the deep sea, risks notwithstanding. But the bottom-line of conservation, whether on dry land or in the sea, is ensuring that biodiversity is maintained. It is the only sure way to keep a balance that supports life. A threat to biodiversity is a threat to the survival of all organisms and human life. It should be remembered that every organism occupies a special place in the ecosystem. If a certain species is allowed to become extinct, there will be a crisis in the ecosystem. This can easily lead to devastating effects on the ecosystem in the long run. In fact, the extinction of any species is usually a precedent to a dangerous spiral that leads to the loss of other species and subsequent change in adaptation behavior and trends in other species. These adjustments are always critical if an organism is to survive in the new order.

OBSERVATION

In the sea, for example, coral reefs are core habitats for a wide variety of fish and other marine organisms. In fact, the coral reef is regarded as the nerve centre for the survival of stable marine ecosystems. The coral reefs act as the shelter for fish. They protect them from harsh sea environments and the effects of turbulent water currents. Many species of fish lay their eggs in the coral reefs. They also recede to the reefs for mating and rest. Humans have taken special interest in coral reefs across the world. They are a major attraction in ecotourism. They subsequently serve an economic purpose, thus indirectly supporting life away from the sea. Yet, it is their attraction that is also the main obstacle to conservationists. Humans have also discovered that coral reefs house large numbers of fish. The reefs are consequently a target of commercial fishing companies. These fishing expeditions in the deep sea often result in the destruction of coral reefs. Some desperate methods to get the fish out of the reefs have been used. The use of dynamite has been cited in some areas as a major cause of the dwindling fish populations. The result is the destruction of fish habitats and eventual reduction in fish populations.

OTHER DESTRUCTIVE HUMAN EFFECTS ON MARINE SYSTEMS

The reckless discharge of effluent and usage of chemicals in agriculture and insecticides has a negative impact on marine life. Acidification of marine habitats disturbs the systems. The excessive carbonation is also said to reduce the formation of coral reefs. Some of these chemicals have an eroding effect on the coral reefs. Some of the organisms suffer directly and die. Others are handicapped and subsequently fail to compete with others favorably for survival and food.

METHODOLOGIES AND TECHNIQUES OF PROTECTING MARINE LIFE

Although conservationists have constantly made efforts to ensure that marine systems are saved from destruction, it is important that all human beings make their contribution to reduce the destruction of marine ecosystems. A simple practical step is by ensuring that the level of carbon emissions as a result of human activity is significantly reduced. Communities are encouraged to make use of biodegradable fuels. Increased use of energy sources such as solar can significantly reduce the rate of CO2 emissions. Marine conservationists have employed such technologies as a way of protecting certain marine areas from human interference. Marine populations have even been transferred from one location to another in order to bolster the numbers and encouraging responsible fishing through the sensitization of communities to adapt sustainable fishing methods.

HOBBIES FOR CONSERVATION

Scuba divers and tourist agencies dealing in scuba diving activities are encouraged to educate the public about the benefits of responsible diving. Leading World organizations such as the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) have actively encouraged these conservation strategies.

INTERNATIONAL LAWS AND TREATIES

Apart from technology and local initiatives, efforts have been made on the international arena to ensure that countries accede to the need for marine conservation and build a legal back up for the other techniques of protecting marine life.

To find out more about the CMAS Scientific Committee and the work that they do, visit www.cmas.org/science/about-sci.

Dr. Stavros Kaniklides PhD is a researcher For Bircham international University and an educator in the fields of marine sciences. He is actively involved in the World Underwater Federation, and is the Director of Biology and Conservation for the CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) Scientific Committee. Stavros started diving in 1980 and quickly developed a love for the ocean sciences and in particular marine life. Having logged more than 20,000 diving hours, he has conducted many underwater scientific research expeditions and is a founding member of CMAS Cyprus.

Marine Life & Conservation

New report shows simple measures needed to cut beach plastic pollution

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The Marine Conservation Society has launched its annual State of our Beaches 2023 report, highlighting the need for less single-use plastic items and more refillable options.

The charity’s beach cleaning programme, now in its 30th year, asks volunteers to record all litter that they find within a 100-metre stretch of beach. By gathering vital data from across the UK and Channel Islands, the charity creates change for cleaner seas and a healthier planet through policy and industry change. Last year, over 148 kilometres of beach were surveyed by volunteers, who removed 17,208kgs of litter from our coast.

Using data collected by over 14,000 volunteers, the State of our Beaches 2023 report shows that half of all litter collected came from public sources – either dumped, blown or washed onto our beaches.

Drinks-related litter, such as plastic bottles, caps and cans were one of the most found items, with an average of 16 found per 100 metres of beach surveyed. This figure is up 14% compared to the charity’s 2022 report.

Plastics caps and lids were recorded on 89% of surveys, with over 30,000 found in total. Plastic bottles were also commonly collected, with 73% of surveys finding this single-use item – a 4% increase compared to 2022. The charity’s inland litter pick survey, Source to Sea, also reported finding plastic bottles on 92% of cleans.

However, the charity’s State of Our Beaches 2023 report also indicates that some types of litter are on a downward trend. Although still in the top 10 litter items, disposable plastic cutlery, trays and straws were found on 5% fewer beaches across the UK, showing that bans on these plastic items between 2022 – 2023 could be working. The presence of plastic cotton bud sticks also dropped by 14%.

Lizzie Price, Beachwatch Manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “Half of the litter found on our beaches originates from public sources, underscoring the pressing issue of single-use plastic. Evidence shows that refillable alternatives and litter return schemes effectively reduce rubbish, as demonstrated by the decline our data has shown in items like plastic bags and disposable cutlery.

“Urgent and decisive action from UK governments is needed to accelerate our shift towards a circular economy, where we reuse, repair and recycle. The public needs greater access to refillable products and systems need to be implemented in which manufacturers are responsible for their waste.”

Governments across the UK have committed to delivering deposit return schemes from October 2025. However, the proposed scheme in England does not include glass items, despite glass being found on 52% of beaches in 2023. The charity is calling for governments across the UK to introduce compatible all inclusive deposit return schemes as soon as possible. This would see aluminium cans, and plastic and glass bottles have a 20p deposit which would be returned when recycled which would reduce drinks-related pollution.

Businesses are, however, starting to take refillable and reusable options into their own hands. Supermarket chain, Aldi, the largest corporate funder of the charity’s 2024 Beachwatch programme, is already leading the charge in refillable items by trialling refillable options for cereals and porridge oats in their stores over the past 5 months.

Plastics and Packaging Director, Luke Emery, from Aldi, who are running 4 beach cleans for staff and volunteers in 2024, said, We are continually working to reduce single-use plastics and packaging, and making unpackaged product options more commonplace for our customers is a key part of this. We are really pleased with the uptake of our refillable range so far by customers. Not only are we making sustainable shopping more accessible, but we also offer refill products for a better price than the packaged alternative, helping our customers save money.”

Marine litter is one of the biggest threats to our seas, with plastic breaking down over time into microplastics and threatening marine life which can ingest or become entangled in them. The Marine Conservation Society is urging the UK Government to move faster on its policies to cut down plastic waste and prevent items from reaching our seas.

To find out more about the charity’s beach cleans and how to get involved, please visit mcsuk.org/beach-cleans

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Guarding Against Coral Invaders

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Protecting (Dutch) Caribbean Reefs from Unomia stolonifera

Recent reports highlight the concerning spread of the invasive soft coral, Unomia stolonifera, currently devastating Venezuela’s marine ecosystems and detected in Cuba. With the potential threat of its expansion to the (Dutch) Caribbean islands, urgent action and awareness are essential to safeguard marine biodiversity and local economies from possible catastrophic consequences.

Invasive species are animals or plants from another region of the world that don’t belong in their new environment. These species can have major ecological effects by decimating native flora or fauna. They can also cause large economic losses and impact human health. Invasive species also pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems worldwide, including the Dutch Caribbean. Among these invaders is the octocoral species Unomia stolonifera or “Pulsing Xenia”, originally from the Indo-Pacific. With its rapid growth and lack of natural predators, this species can outcompete native species and disrupt fragile marine habitats such as seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Background

The invasive soft coral U. stolonifera was first identified in 2014, off the coast of Venezuela. It is believed to have been introduced via the illegal aquarium trade.  Since this species can reproduce sexually and asexually (or fragment), even small pieces can regenerate to spread.  Once introduced it quickly took over shallow reefs and hard substrate at depths of 0-50 meters, outcompeting local corals and seagrass for space.  Follow on surveys found that this coral species exhibited average percentage cover as high as 80%, vastly outcompeting native corals. In highly colonized areas, fish are disappearing due to loss of habitats.

In 2022, during a survey conducted in Cuba by the University of Havana, an unknown octocoral was discovered which was later identified as the invasive Unomia stolonifera. It is suspected that the coral larvae arrived in ballast water from fossil fuel ships originating from Venezuela, as nearby sites adjacent to Venezuelan ports have been heavily affected by the invasion.

How to help

Prevention through continuous monitoring, particularly in high-risk areas such as marine harbors and oil facilities, is paramount. Early detection plays a pivotal role in mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera.

The public’s involvement and awareness are also vital. Local communities, recreational divers, tourists, and all stakeholders are urged to participate in early detection efforts by reporting sightings (photo, location and date) of this invasive coral to their respective Protected Area Management Organization (PMO’s)- the Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA)STINAPA BonaireCARMABI Curaçao Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF)Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM) and St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA). If an invaded area is confirmed, follow the recommendations by the local PMO’s.

Keys to Success

Despite the challenges, early detection is key to mitigating the threat posed by Unomia stolonifera. With continued vigilance, research, and community engagement, there is hope for containing this potential issue before it becomes a major threat.

About the DCNA

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature related (scientific) information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and through the press. This article contains the results from several scientific studies but the studies themselves are not DCNA studies. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.

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