Marine Life & Conservation
UK Government makes international commitments but fails to follow through with ocean promises at home

Hosting an event in Montreal to highlight the value of properly managed Marine Protected Areas at COP15 Ocean Action Day, the Marine Conservation Society, Blue Marine Foundation and Whale and Dolphin Conservation issued a joint call for the UK to pick up the pace on delivery of ocean protection at home.
On the final day of COP15, promising steps were made, with agreement that 30% of sea, in addition to 30% of land, must be fully protected by 2030. This is touted as being the biodiversity equivalent of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The UK Government claims that 38% of our seas around the UK are in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The reality is very different, as most of these sites are little more than lines on a map – with even the most damaging activities, like bottom-trawling, allowed. So far, bans have been implemented for just 4 out of the 40 offshore English MPAs. The UK Government has a long way to go in delivering on a ban on bottom-towed gear in England’s offshore MPAs by the end of 2024.
Anna Gelderd, Head of Strategic Advocacy at the Marine Conservation Society said: “This week, nearly 200 countries committed to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030. This is an important moment. A rallying cry for global ambition. Now, the global community has eight years to deliver. Focus must turn from quantity to quality – and to delivery at home. Meaningfully managed Marine Protected Areas are one of the most effective tools we have to fix the current nature crisis and reverse biodiversity loss.”
Last week, the Marine Conservation Society released research showing there has been a 98% decrease in bottom-towed fishing in the English Dogger Bank MPA since June this year, when a byelaw to ban this fishing practice was introduced demonstrating the effectiveness of byelaws.
Charles Clover, co-founder and executive director of Blue Marine Foundation said:“The world did not have an agreement to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 before, but it does now. That is very much to be welcomed. On a global stage there are countries who will be under serious pressure now as the 30% of their waters for some is a standing start. In the UK, it will make sure that 30% protection, which actually conserves species and habitats, is achieved.
“However, this is not a legally binding document. Delivery will rely on countries at the forefront of ocean protection to bring others along with them, highlighting the social and economic benefits of protection – which are considerable – to ultimately carry the day.”
However, it’s not just fishing activity that is hampering the recovery of Marine Protected Areas. Pollution of our seas is playing an increasing role in biodiversity loss. From plastics, to microplastics, raw sewage and ‘forever chemicals’, all building up over time an creating a toxic soup. In 2018, Defra set out to publish a Chemicals Strategy to curb pollution but nearly 5 years on, no strategy has been published.
Ed Goodall, Green Whale manager at Whale and Dolphin Conservation said: “Chemical pollution is devastating marine life in UK waters including the west coast population of orca in Scotland, which is now down to around just eight individuals. At the same time, we know that whales bring climate and biodiversity benefits, so restoring their populations by eliminating threats takes on additional urgency.”
The Marine Conservation Society, Blue Marine Foundation and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation are hoping that momentum from COP15 will encourage the UK Government to act urgently on their promises at home in order to achieve what was signed in Montreal.
Only time will tell if the Government follow through with their promises on MPAs, but with the climate and nature crisis intensifying, it is of paramount importance that the biodiversity of our seas is truly protected.
Marine Life & Conservation
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast Leads the Way in Marine Conservation
Marine Life & Conservation
Aqaba’s Dive Operators Reduce Environmental Impact on Reefs

Green Fins initiative in Jordan achieves 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba Marine Reserve
Green Fins, the internationally recognised standard for sustainable diving and snorkelling, is delivering measurable environmental benefits to Jordan’s precious coral ecosystems. In just its second year of implementation, the programme has achieved a remarkable 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba’s coral reefs from marine tourism activities.
Led by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and supported by Green Fins’ international coordinator, The Reef-World Foundation, Green Fins Jordan is demonstrating how government commitment combined with industry action can rapidly transform a dive destination.
Measurable Environmental Improvements
The programme’s success is evident through several key metrics tracked during annual Green Fins assessments:
Elimination of anchoring damage from Green Fins Members
69% reduction in diver contact with fragile coral reefs
100% halt to the display and sale of marine life
46% improvement in waste management practices
28% reduction in chemical discharge into marine environments
27% increase in positive role model behaviour among dive guides
“This achievement not only attracts more divers to Aqaba but also honours ASEZA’s dedication to prioritising resources for this vital program,” said Nayef AL Fayez, ASEZA Chief.
Commissioner. “These remarkable improvements demonstrate that with proper guidance and commitment, the diving industry can reduce its environmental impact significantly. We’re proud to see the progress made by Green Fins Members, and this reinforces the importance of this initiative for our sustainability agenda. By choosing Green Fins operators, divers are directly contributing to the protection of our marine treasures for future generations while enjoying world-class underwater experiences.”
A Prime Destination for Eco-Conscious Divers
Aqaba has emerged as a leading destination for environmentally conscious divers, offering the rare combination of vibrant marine biodiversity with verifiable sustainability credentials. Divers now have a compelling reason to choose Aqaba: its commitment to sustainability directly translates to healthier, more vibrant reefs and an enhanced diving experience. The Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR), which covers 30% of Jordan’s coastline, was recently recognised in the prestigious IUCN Green List of Protected Areas, confirming its status as an effectively managed protected area.
The designation of the Aqaba Marine Reserve in 2020 was made possible through the commitment and support of King Abdullah II, who considers marine conservation a national priority. This high-level backing has enabled ASEZA to implement effective management strategies, including Green Fins, ensuring that diving operations maintain the ecological integrity of this unique ecosystem.
“Divers are increasingly making sustainable choices,” noted JJ Jarvey, Operations Director at The Reef-World Foundation. “Aqaba now offers the compelling proposition of experiencing some of the world’s most resilient coral reefs while knowing their visit contributes to reef protection rather than degradation.”
Local Businesses Driving Global Impact
Eleven dive operators have achieved Green Fins certification in Aqaba, demonstrating their commitment to environmental best practices:
Red Sea Dive Center
Arab Divers
Deep Blue Dive Center
Coral Garden Diving Center
Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers
Royal Diving Club
Bait al-Aqaba Dive Resort
Hammerhead Diving Center
Rio Dive Center Aqaba
Red Coral Dive Centre
Sea Wonders Diving Center
These operators are pioneering a new standard for sustainable diving in the region, proving that environmental protection and business success can go hand-in-hand.
Recognising the Efforts of the Green Fins Assessor Team
Behind this successful partnership between dive operators and environmental standards stands a dedicated team of professionals. The recent success and continuity of the Green Fins programme would not have been possible without the commitment of the Green Fins Assessor team. Dom Wyszogrodzki and Tareq Al Salman played pivotal roles in ensuring the programme’s continued success. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining high standards, evaluating progress and supporting local dive operators in implementing best practices for sustainable marine tourism. Their contributions have been vital in strengthening the relationship between ASEZA and local dive operators and ensuring the long-term impact of the Green Fins initiative.
Future Plans for Expanding Green Fins in Aqaba
With this strong foundation established by the assessor team, Green Fins Jordan is now setting its sights on future growth. Building on the success of the current programme, ASEZA, in collaboration with The Reef-World Foundation, is working to expand the Green Fins programme to include the remaining Aqaba-based dive centres, ensuring that all operators in the region can contribute to the protection of Aqaba’s marine ecosystems.
In addition to expanding the programme, future initiatives will focus on conducting meaningful awareness sessions for both the local community and visitors. This will include citizen science-driven reef monitoring, where divers and local residents can actively contribute to the health and monitoring of coral reefs, as well as clean-up dives aimed at reducing marine litter and improving water quality.
“Divers are now looking for more than just an experience; they want to know that their activities are contributing to the preservation of our marine ecosystems. By expanding the Green Fins programme, we’re empowering more businesses and individuals to play an active role in protecting Aqaba’s reefs for generations to come,” added Dom Wyszogrodzki, Green Fins Local Management Team Leader.
Dive operators interested in joining the Green Fins programme can learn more at www.greenfins.net. For divers planning their next trip in Aqaba, choosing Green Fins-certified operators means experiencing extraordinary underwater environments while being part of the solution.
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