Marine Conservation

North Pacific/Arctic Programme

The Challenge

The North Pacific and the Arctic are places renowned for their unique endemic biological diversity, productive fisheries and rich maritime-adapted cultures. Over the past decade, there has been growing concern in the global community about the rapid transformation occurring in these regions, particularly in the Arctic, due to impacts from climate change.  Temperatures in the region are increasing at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the world resulting in a significant loss of sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost, as well as weather and ecological changes that are affecting every aspect of life for the four million people who call the region home. Compounding these effects, many arctic communities are coping with pressures to develop their off shore resources and the rapid social and economic changes that continue to impact health and well being of its residents.  Setting a new standard for natural resource management, sustainable societies, and conservation in the Arctic during this time of rapid transformation is imperative.  More>>

What we fund

By tapping into the wealth of knowledge, innovation and stewardship practices that have defined the long standing culture traditions in the region, we seek to invest in local and regional conservation efforts that promote healthy and resilient marine ecosystems for the benefit of future generations of Arctic residents. In the North Pacific/Arctic Programme, our main goal is to use precautionary principles and ecosystem-based management tools to:

1. improve ocean governance and the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources;
2. mitigate impacts of large scale industrialization on local communities; and
3. reduce overfishing and foster community-based stewardship of ocean resources.

Mesoamerican Programme

The Challenge

Belize’s barrier reef and associated marine ecosystem are not being managed sustainably, in part due to funding constraints and emerging climate impacts. Several indicators attest to these emerging threats: a) reduction in fisheries annual catch; b) reduction of coral cover; c) reduction in the area of coastal mangroves; d) encroachment in coastal beach area and coastal lagoons of detrimental value to the services of the reef; and e) severe coral mortality induced by warmer sea surface temperatures and increasing ocean acidification. More>>

What we fund

In the Mesoamerican Programme, our main goal is to develop an ecologically representative network of marine reserves that maintain the health of the barrier reef ecosystem and its wildlife, and that support the food security and sustainable economic development of local coastal communities.

We support capacity building, research, communications, policy, advocacy and market-based activities that:

1. improve marine reserve management effectiveness;
2. promote sustainable coastal and marine resource management, including sustainable financing; and
3. promote long-term, non-extractive, diverse economic development opportunities for coastal communities.

Europe Programme

The Challenge

The European Union is one of the biggest importers and exporters of fish. With its large fishing fleet, strong domestic markets, and the political and commercial influence, the EU exerts enormous influence in fisheries policies worldwide, many of which encourage overfishing. At the same time, the EU is lagging when it comes to sustainable fisheries policy. The majority of assessed EU fish stocks are overfished; the EU fleet is characterised by overcapacity often supported with public aid; and decision making is often non-transparent and on the behalf of short-term interests of segments of the EU fishing industry.

What we fund

In the Europe Programme, our main goal is to restore (and maintain) European marine ecosystems. We aim to fund organisations that ensure the European fleet operates sustainable practices whether in European waters or elsewhere.

Our main initiatives are to:

1. recover fish stocks and ecosystem health through the reform of the overarching European Common Fisheries Policy and ensure its implementation;
2. promote growth of sustainable seafood in Europe through supply and demand side initiatives; and
3. increase stakeholder engagement, improve fisheries management decision making and provide the pressure parliamentarians require to support progressive fisheries policy.