Management of the Harvesting of Marine Species » Conservation Laws for Marine Species

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The importance of conservation laws for marine species
International agreements protecting marine life
National legislation and marine protected areas
Fishing quotas and sustainable harvesting practices
Case studies of successful marine conservation efforts
Challenges in enforcing marine conservation laws

Introduction to Marine Conservation Laws

Our oceans cover more than 70% of Earth's surface and are home to an incredible diversity of life. However, many marine species face serious threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Conservation laws have been developed at local, national and international levels to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

Key Definitions:

Conservation Laws: Legal frameworks designed to protect, preserve and manage natural resources and wildlife.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated zones where human activity is restricted to conserve the marine environment.
Sustainable Harvesting: Collecting marine resources at a rate that allows populations to naturally replenish.
Fishing Quotas: Limits placed on the amount of fish that can be caught during a specific period.
Bycatch: Unwanted marine creatures accidentally caught during commercial fishing for a different species.

🌊 Why We Need Marine Conservation Laws

Marine conservation laws are essential because:

71% of the Earth is covered by ocean
Over 3 billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods
About 80% of the world's fisheries are fully exploited, overexploited, or recovering
Marine biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and stability
Many marine species are keystone species that maintain the structure of ecological communities

📈 Impacts of Unregulated Harvesting

Without proper conservation laws, marine ecosystems face:

Population collapse of commercially valuable species
Disruption of marine food webs
Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services
Economic losses for fishing communities
Reduced food security for coastal populations

International Marine Conservation Agreements

International cooperation is vital for marine conservation as many species migrate across national boundaries and the high seas belong to no single nation. Several key international agreements have been established to protect marine life:

🌍 UNCLOS

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) provides the legal framework for all activities in the oceans. It establishes rules for determining maritime zones and managing marine resources.

🐟 CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species regulates international trade in threatened species. Marine species protected include whales, sea turtles, corals and certain fish species like sharks.

🐳 IWC

The International Whaling Commission was established in 1946 to regulate whaling. In 1986, it implemented a moratorium on commercial whaling that continues today with limited exceptions.

National and Regional Conservation Measures

While international agreements provide a framework, most marine conservation is implemented through national laws and regional cooperation. These measures are often more specific and tailored to local conditions.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

MPAs are one of the most effective tools for marine conservation. They range from areas that allow sustainable use to strict nature reserves where all harvesting is prohibited.

🏝 Types of MPAs

No-take zones: All harvesting of marine resources is prohibited
Multiple-use areas: Allow sustainable fishing and other activities
Seasonal closures: Protect species during critical periods like breeding
Species-specific reserves: Designed to protect particular threatened species

📃 Benefits of MPAs

Increase in size and abundance of fish within protected areas
"Spillover effect" where adjacent fisheries benefit from fish moving out of protected areas
Protection of critical habitats like coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves
Resilience against climate change impacts
Economic benefits through tourism and sustainable fisheries

Fishing Quotas and Sustainable Harvesting

Fishing quotas are a key management tool that limits how much fish can be caught to prevent overfishing. These quotas are based on scientific assessments of fish stocks and aim to maintain populations at sustainable levels.

📊 Types of Fishing Quotas

Total Allowable Catch (TAC): The total amount of a species that can be harvested in a given period
Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs): Allocate shares of the TAC to individual fishers or vessels
Vessel Quotas: Limits based on the size or type of fishing vessel
Effort Quotas: Restrict fishing time or equipment rather than catch amount

🔍 Other Harvesting Regulations

Size limits: Ensuring fish reach reproductive age before harvest
Gear restrictions: Banning destructive fishing methods like bottom trawling in sensitive areas
Bycatch reduction devices: Technology to reduce accidental capture of non-target species
Seasonal closures: Protecting species during spawning periods

Case Study Focus: North Sea Cod Recovery

North Sea cod stocks collapsed in the 1980s due to overfishing, falling to just 36,000 tonnes in 2006 (compared to 270,000 tonnes in the 1970s). In response, the European Union implemented strict quotas, reduced fishing fleet capacity and introduced technical measures like larger mesh sizes to allow young fish to escape.

Results: By 2017, North Sea cod had recovered sufficiently to be certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. However, ongoing climate change impacts have since created new challenges, showing that conservation measures must adapt to changing conditions.

Enforcement Challenges and Solutions

Even the best conservation laws are ineffective without proper enforcement. Marine environments present unique challenges for monitoring and enforcement.

⚠ Enforcement Challenges

Vast ocean areas make monitoring difficult
Limited resources for patrol vessels and personnel
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
Jurisdictional issues in international waters
Corruption and lack of political will in some regions

🔎 Modern Enforcement Solutions

Satellite monitoring systems to track vessel movements
Electronic logbooks and catch documentation
Observer programmes with independent monitors on fishing vessels
Port state measures to prevent landing of illegally caught fish
Community-based monitoring involving local fishers

Case Study Focus: Palau's Marine Sanctuary

In 2015, the small Pacific island nation of Palau created one of the world's largest marine protected areas by designating 80% of its maritime territory (an area roughly the size of Spain) as a no-take marine sanctuary.

Enforcement approach: With limited resources to patrol such a vast area, Palau partnered with conservation organisations to implement satellite monitoring. They also worked with neighbouring countries on joint enforcement efforts and imposed steep fines for violations. Local communities were engaged as stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and encouraging compliance.

This innovative approach demonstrates how even countries with limited resources can effectively protect marine ecosystems through technology and partnerships.

The Future of Marine Conservation Laws

Marine conservation is evolving to address new challenges and incorporate new scientific understanding. Several key trends are shaping the future of marine conservation laws:

Ecosystem-based management: Moving beyond single-species protection to consider entire ecosystems
Climate adaptation: Designing conservation measures that account for changing ocean conditions
High seas protection: Developing new international agreements for areas beyond national jurisdiction
Indigenous and local knowledge: Incorporating traditional management practices into conservation frameworks
Technology integration: Using AI, drones and environmental DNA to monitor marine ecosystems

As our understanding of marine ecosystems deepens and new challenges emerge, conservation laws will continue to evolve. The success of these measures depends not only on sound science and effective enforcement but also on public awareness and support for marine conservation.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!