International Whaling Commission (IWC) Bycatch Mitigation initiative

As the leading global body addressing cetacean science, conservation and management, the IWC has the capacity to play a significant role in global efforts to address bycatch and in 2016, endorsed a new Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI). In collaboration with other organisations, national governments and fishing communities, this aims to develop, assess and promote effective bycatch prevention and mitigation measures world-wide.

The initiative is currently focused on addressing gillnet bycatch in small-scale fisheries, although some work continues on bycatch in other gears and fisheries.

The concepts of collaboration and co-ordination underpin the BMI. Bycatch is an issue that needs to be tackled on several different scales, from fishing communities to national governments and intergovernmental fishery bodies.

The BMI works closely with the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network (GWERN), a pioneering initiative which actively addresses welfare, conservation and human safety impacts of large whale entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris.

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UNITED FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MARINE MEGAFAUNA IN SAN JOSE, LAMBAYEQUE

This initiative was born from the vision of David Sarmiento, IMARPE field observer and renowned 2023 Leatherback Champion, who decided to go beyond his job. David realized that, in order to achieve effective marine conservation, it was important to build bridges with artisanal fishers, based on mutual trust and respect. Using everyday tools such as local radio stations, social media, and training spaces, David forged an authentic connection with the crews of fishing boats in the cove of San Jose (Lambayeque). His approach combined scientific expertise with a deep human sensitivity. By listening, valuing, and exchanging ideas with the fishers, he enabled them to take the lead in bringing about change. Today, they are the ones who share recordings of rescues, reflections, and data on marine megafauna. Experience shows that conservation is most effective when it stems from strong human relationships and committed local leadership, generating sustainable learning and trust among stakeholders.

GOOD PRACTICES FOR THE HANDLING AND RELEASE OF SENSITIVE SPECIES INTERACTING WITH THE TUNA PURSE SEINE FISHERY

In 2016, three fishing companies carried out a pre-assessment to establish a Marine Stewardship Council program. In 2017, two more joined, launching the Fishery Improvement Project toward MSC certification. Member companies, including NIRSA, Jadran Group, Servigrup, Eurofish, Tri Marine, Marbelize, Manacripex, Pacifictuna, and Tunaquick, have worked with the support of the Ecuadorian government and WWF to improve fishery management and reduce environmental impact.

TUNACONS promotes sustainable fishing in the Eastern Pacific by optimizing tuna yields through scientific research. It also trains the sector and supports the reduction of ecosystem impacts.

Since October 2017, a code of good practices for handling and releasing bycatch has been implemented, aimed at captains and crew. Key actions include:

– 59 vessels recording data on bycatch reduction and incidental catches
– Collaboration in a manta ray tagging program
– Training sessions on IATTC resolutions, sensitive species handling, and external evaluations.

Preventing Amphibian Roadkill and Stabilizing Habitats Through Public-Private Governance

The amphibian roadkill prevention and habitat stabilization project is a public-private partnership involving the Odaesan National Park, local residents, and volunteers. Its purpose is to prevent the roadkill during the breeding season and to create stable habitats for their survival. Each year, a significant number of roadkills occur on the road passing through the national park. It leads to a loss of biodiversity and negatively affects the quality of life for residents due to unpleasant odors and unsightly conditions. In 2014, a roadmap for management was developed through public-private cooperation, establishing the foundation for systematic roadkill prevention. In 2015, a park protection agreement was signed between the park and residents, leading to the creation of an environmental protection organization dedicated to annual amphibian roadkill prevention efforts. Plus, villagers donated private land totaling 12,304㎡ to creat an alternative habitat, providing a safe environment for amphibians to lay eggs and thrive.

Protecting endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and guiding fishers along Odisha Coast, India through Mobile technology

The Fisher Friend Mobile Application (FFMA) by MSSRF, in collaboration with Qualcomm and INCOIS, supports India’s coastal fishers with real-time data on sea conditions, fishing zones, navigation, and more, all in local languages. Recently, FFMA introduced a No Fishing Zone alert to protect endangered Olive Ridley Turtles along Odisha’s coast. Using geo-fencing, it marks critical turtle habitats—including the Gahirmatha Sanctuary and key river mouths—and triggers audio message and vibrating when fishers approach within 200 meters, even without internet. This offline feature helps fishers avoid fines and supports turtle conservation by preventing unintended fishing in restricted zones. Since its launch, the No Fishing Zone alert has prevented over 6,866 intrusions, aligning conservation with sustainable fishing and supporting fisher livelihoods and safety. FFMA’s technology ensures that fishers benefit from safer, eco-friendly practices while contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in India’s coastal zones

2021

Établir les bases de la Planification de l’Espace Marin aux Açores par un processus participatif

Au milieu de l’Atlantique Nord se trouvent les Açores, un archipel de neuf îles. Malgré leur petite taille, l’espace maritime des îles représente près d’un million de kilomètres carrés. En vertu des cadres juridiques de l’Union Européenne (UE) et du Portugal pour la Planification de l’Espace Maritime (PEM), la région des Açores, dirigée par la Direction Régionale des Affaires Maritimes (DRAM), est tenue d’élaborer son Plan de Situation. Il s’agit du principal instrument de la PEM au Portugal. Le projet MarSP a été mis en place pour soutenir le développement des plans spatiales maritimes dans les archipels de la Macaronésie (Açores, Canaries et Madère). Ce projet pilote a permis de renforcer les capacités et les outils nécessaires pour la mise en œuvre de la PEM dans ces régions ultrapériphériques de l’UE de 2018 à 2019. L’équipe des Açores a développé des méthodologies innovantes pour aborder les premières étapes du processus de planification, où les parties prenantes et citoyens ont joué un rôle central.

2021

Combat des feux de forêt dans la région du volcan Tacaná

La Réserve de biosphère du volcan Tacaná, située aux confins du Mexique et du Guatemala, constitue une grande richesse biologique et culturelle. La région est le berceau de la culture des Mames. S’ajoute à ce patrimoine culturel une incroyable biodiversité d’espèces endémiques menacées cependant par les activités humaines, principalement le feu de forêt. En effet, chaque année, des hectares entiers de forêt sont détruits par des incendies volontaires. Les gardiens de parc de la CONANP [Commission nationale des aires naturelles protégées du Mexique] dispensent une formation sur le combat des feux de forêt à des brigades de volontaires au sein des communautés de la région.

2021

Gobernanza para la adaptación en la cuenca compartida del Río Goascorán

La carencia de un convenio de desarrollo fronterizo y la gran diversidad de actores son parte de los retos de gobernanza de la cuenca del Río Goascorán (2.345 km2), compartida entre Honduras y El Salvador. Para adaptarse ahí al cambio climático, se necesita de una gobernanza multidimensional (multinivel y multisectorial), participativa, flexible y ecosistémica, es decir, que integre a todos los actores de la cuenca, evalúe periódicamente las estrategias y medidas de adaptación implementadas, y gestione los servicios ecosistémicos prioritarios. En esta solución se facilitó la coordinación transfronteriza, instaurando Mesas Técnicas Ambientales (El Salv.) y promoviendo su acercamiento al Consejo de Cuenca del Río Goascorán (Hond.). A nivel local, se formaron los Consejos de Microcuenca del Río Lituy (Hond.) y Río Honduritas (El Salv.), creando capacidades mediante el “aprender haciendo”. Estas experiencias permitieron escalar acciones de adaptación y reforzar la gobernanza de la cuenca.

Réglementation de la circulation des jet Ski pour la protection d’un groupe côtier de grands dauphins

The Management Board of the Iroise Marine Park has decided to ban jet skiing in sensitive areas of the Iroise that are home to a coastal group of bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncatus). This solution was proposed to the French government to protect the home range of this species, which is highly sensitive to disturbance and noise pollution caused by this type of craft.

The activity is now regulated by a decree issued by the Atlantic Maritime Prefect and prohibited in the home range of coastal bottlenose dolphins. This decision has since been challenged before the competent courts, and the scientific arguments gathered by the Marine Natural Park teams are being used to defend this measure, which is essential for the protection of cetaceans.

Transboundary cooperation for the removal of an invasive river plant

Eradication of the neophyte Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was a successful joint project of two bordering national parks Thayatal (AT) and Podyjí (CZ) that led to a significant decrease of Himalayan balsam plants in the river valley and return of native plants. The most important success factors were the common approach to river valley management, access to both river banks by Czech staff, change in management of river valley meadows, and ongoing joint monitoring in the river valley.

Strengthening Governance of Small-Scale Fisheries Management

An Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries (EAF) was adopted by municipalities in Misamis Occidental, Philippines, to improve small-scale fisheries management for poverty reduction. They belong to Iligan Bay Alliance of Misamis Occidental (IBAMO), an initiative providing governance frameworks for LGU collaboration. It aims to be a proactive, committed, dynamic alliance for sustainable coastal resource development and seeks to foster the wellbeing of the environment and the people depending on fishing.

East Atlantic Flyway partnership for the conservation of tidal flat ecosystems Banc d'Arguin – Wadden Sea

Europe’s Wadden Sea (DK, DE, NL) and Mauritania’s National Park Banc d´Arguin (PNBA) — two World Heritage properties linked through the migratory birds on the African Eurasian Flyway, for which they serve as important wintering and stop over areas — signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2014 to protect the migratory birds. Since, there have been bilateral visits of managers and scientists, a joint action plan and cooperation in bird monitoring. More, PNBA joint the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative, launched to strengthen waterbird conservation and monitoring along the East Atlantic flyway.

Promoting transboundary co-existence of large carnivores

The project used a participatory decision-making process to develop a transboundary bear management plan for a nature park in Italy (Prealpi Giulie) and an adjacent national park in Slovenia (Triglav). The project led to a joint agreement for the allocation of resources (money and staff time) toward satisfying all stakeholders concerned about brown bears in the Transboundary Julian Alps Ecoregion. Some of the actions will be implemented through jointly funded park projects from 2017-2026.