Protecting Ocean Habitats

Today, less than 10% of the Earth’s ocean areas are protected in any kind of marine, benthic (sea bottom), other protected area. Achieving the United Nations goal of 30% protection by 2030 will require a significant increase in marine conservation and protection.

At SFP, we do not claim to be experts in marine protected areas. There are many organizations, both government and civil society, that are more qualified and better placed to lead and champion these efforts. 

But, what we can offer is our unique ability to bring our partners and other industry actors to the table and help make them champions of marine protection. We can offer industry information and guidance to understand the long-term ecological, social, and economic benefits of marine protected areas, and to recognize that thriving fisheries can and should be a key part of effective marine conservation.

Best practices for creating marine protected areas

Ensure meaningful participation: Discussions about establishing marine protected areas should involve an inclusive stakeholders consultation process, bringing the seafood industry, NGOs, local communities, fishers, governments, and scientists together. An open and constructive dialogue will not only help create buy-in from all parties but will also allow the process to benefit from the knowledge and experience of those who know the ecosystems and fisheries the best.

Strike a balance: In most cases, fishing does not need to be completely eliminated from marine protected areas. Rather, it can and should be effectively controlled through management tools such as quotas, size limits, gear restrictions and adaptation, periodic area closures, and requirements for observers and/or electronic monitoring. Targets, rules, and regulations should be agreed upon by the representative stakeholders, balancing conservation needs with sustainable fishing needs.

Look to the science: Decisions about where and how to protect marine habitats should be based on rigorous science. Where such data is not available, industry can support governments and scientific and academic institutions in collecting and analyzing the necessary information.

Commit to continuous analysis: The success of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing regulations should be regularly monitored and evaluated, and adapted when necessary.

ADD Examples: New Zealand, Alaska/Arctic

ADD Links: UNDP Ocean Promis, SDGs, Hugh Govan paper