Marine Life & Conservation
Phase out of destructive fishing practices rejected by European Parliament
The Marine Conservation Society are reporting that in a very close vote in the European Parliament today (10th December 2013), MEPs have rejected the phase-out of destructive deep sea trawling by just 16 votes – a move that would have protected the deep sea long into the future.
Trawling is probably the most destructive practice in the deep sea – which unlike shallow waters is characterised by a pace of life so slow it is almost static. As a result, unlike its shallow counterpart, it can take a great deal of time to recover from damaging impacts; in some cases up to thousands of years.
A few weeks ago the committee on Fisheries, PECH, voted to improve management, increase protection for vulnerable marine ecosystems and to improve data collection in the deep sea – all admirable steps for conservation.
MCS Fisheries Policy Officer, Debbie Crockard says: “Today’s ammendement, to phase out of destructive fishing practices below 600m, was supported by several parties and individual MEPs. The vote was extremely close – narrowly defeated by 16 votes, despite passionate support from several MEPs. However, Parliament voted in favour of all other conservation compromises proposed by the PECH committee, which will be incredibly important for the future protection of the deep sea. Now the ball is in the Council of Ministers court before the three bodies of the EU (the Parliament, the Council and the Commission) come together to discuss the final legislation.”
Marine Life & Conservation
Double Bubble for Basking Sharks
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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