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Protection of Marine Environments and Marine Life

Multi-disciplinary marine conservation organizations and groups involved in the protection of marine environments and marine life

 Marine protected areas - Marine animal conservation and rehabilitation - Protection of endangered species - Conservation of marine and coastal diversity - Protection of coastline -

Protection of marine life - Lionfish eradication

For specific species, such as Turtles, Cetaceans, or Corals, and for specialised areas, such as Marine Pollution or Marine Research, go to the specific categories on the Conservation base page.  

Associacao MarBrasil

Brazil

MarBrasil focuses on the conservation and preservation of the marine environment and the sustainable development of the Brazilian coastal area. They run several projects and programmes including in conservation of endangered species, research for the creation and management of marine and coastal Conservation Units, conservation of marine biodiversity and fisheries resources, education for marine and coastal conservation, and research and technological Innovation for conservation. For example, destructive fishing practices since the 70s have depleted fish stocks in Parana, causing difficulties to communities dependent on the ocean. One of their programmes – The Marine Biodiversity Recovery Program (REBIMAR) - works on the recovery and conservation of marine environments, as well as the preservation of endangered marine species, in addition to environmental education actions for the community.

Association for Protection of Aquatic Wildlife of Albania (APAWA)

Albania

Note@ require confirmation whether this organization still exists. Based in Albania, APAWA's main goals are: public awareness for the protection and preservation of aquatic wildlife; sustainable development in coastal and wetland areas; influence for solution of the problems linked to the aquatic communities; monitoring of eventual amelioration of aquatic and coastal ecosystems. (Website not functioning July 2021)

Association of Reef Keepers (ARK)

British Virgin Islands

ARK is dedicated to ensuring the preservation and sustainability of the BVI marine environment for the benefit of all future generations. In addition to their many projects, they collect information used to determine short and long-term changes of the marine environment which will ultimately aid effective marine resource management strategies. Community involvement and education are key strategies. The projects include: BVI Sea Turtle Programme, Coral Restoration and Rescue, Sustainable Cruising and Yachting, and Reef to Ridge (to reduce flooding, island erosion and sedimentation in coastal waters)

Australian Conservation Foundation

Australia

ACF is Australia's national environment organization which advocates on issues which pose a threat to the natural world, including mining projects which threaten the reefs and marine life.

Australian Marine Conservation Society

Australia

Australian Marine Conservation Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the health and vitality of Australia's coasts and seas. AMCS provides leadership on a wide range of marine issues throughout Australia including marine parks, fisheries, threatened species and land-based pollution.

Azul

USA

Azul is a grassroots organization with the aim of involving people of Latino background to ocean conservation, specifically with the aim to engage the community in protecting coastal resources and marine life. Amongst their successes is a ban on shark fins and also a ban on single use plastic bags in California.

BEST

Europe

BEST is an initiative for funding projects aimed at preserving the biodiversity and ecosystems in the EU Overseas regions. Hosting 70% of the EU's species, 20% of the world's coral reefs and made up of 34 political entities, the EU Overseas regions constitute the world's largest marine area- 5% of the global ocean. The EU ORs (Outermost Regions) and OCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories) form five global diversity hotspots increasingly affected by climate change, invasive species and habitat loss. The BEST consortium is led by IUCN

Bahamas National Trust

Bahamas

The Bahamas National Trust is a science-based organization dedicated to effectively managing national parks to conserve and protect Bahamian natural resources. The country's 32 national parks make up a comprehensive network of parks and protected areas that is recognized as a powerful force for global biodiversity conservation which is supported and enjoyed by the public. It is a member of WIDECAST.

Baileo

Indonesia

Baileo is helping to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) off the coast of Haruku, Nusalaut, and Saparua Islands, all small islands in Maluku Province of Indonesia. Baileo is leading communities in data collection, site delineation, and creation of MPA management committees. A key element of the work is the recognition and use of traditional law and practice to establish the MPA. In 2020 they were involved in a biophysical survey on the coast of Nusalaut Island conducted with the support of Blue Ventures (BV) and Full Circle Foundation (FCF). Part of their strategy is for the local indigenous community to develop local practices in sustainable natural resource management.

Balyena.org

Philippines

Balyena describe themselves as ‘a group of scientists, professionals, artists & more’, who use their ‘skills & experiences for marine mammal conservation in the Philippines’. They promote scientific research and conservation of cetaceans in the area. Recognising the value of local knowledge, and local community involvement, they adapt their conservation methods accordingly. Research, education and conservation are the cornerstones of their activities, which includes studies on known cetacean populations in different regions of the Philippines and investigation of new sites where sightings have been reported.

BandaSea

Indonesia and Germany

BandaSEA eV is a non-profit association based in Bonn. Their goal is to protect the underwater world of the Banda Sea in Indonesia by working with the local population of the Banda Islands to find solutions to problems such as plastic waste and overfishing. The area has extremely rich marine life, including superb coral reefs. Since 2012, the main focus of BandSea has been on preventing plastic waste from threatening these sensitive ecosystems. At the same time, they work with local organizations in support of the establishment of marine protected areas in the area.

Bay Islands Conservation Association

Honduras

BICA was founded to initiate and coordinate efforts for the protection of the fragile natural resources of the islands. To operate the organization has been divided into three chapters strategically located in each of the Islands, Utila, Roatan and Guanaja. The focus of their work is on environmental education, community development, protection and research & monitoring, and works with local authorities on the management of marine and terrestrial protected areas in the Bay Islands of Honduras. Amongst their many activities are included coral restoration, park patrols, marine water quality monitoring, monitoring of reef fish larvae, and protection of mangroves and seagrass.

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