James Smith
Vast oceans cover 70% of our planet’s surface, playing a crucial role in human survival, providing food and oxygen and acting as a buffer against climate change. Despite their importance, the oceans are increasingly threatened by global warming and human activity, with rising temperatures impacting fragile marine ecosystems.
More than 100 nations, including the United States, have agreed to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, through an initiative known as “30 by 30”. This objective involves the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs, where human activities are limited or prohibited to preserve marine life.
In the Bahamas, all waters are considered shark sanctuaries. Additionally, the island nation has also designated many Marine Protected Areas, all designed to aid in the recovery of shark populationswhich are essential for the health of coral reefs.
Many of these areas are part of an ongoing global shark census called FinPrint. In 2018, this study revealed a 63% decline in the five main species of reef sharkswith overfishing and the shark meat industry partly to blame.
Candace Fields works with FinPrint and is using innovative technology to collect new data to see if these protected areas help reef shark populations recover.
“These MPAs could be the way to help these sharks recover a little from the abyss,” she said.
There are more than 18,000 MPAs covering about 8% of the ocean surface, according to United Nations data. However, conservation groups say most are just lines on a map because about two-thirds of them have little or no application.
The Bahamas has strictly enforced no-fishing zones and actively patrols its waters with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. During patrols, authorities ensure compliance with local laws, deterring illegal fishing activities, especially by foreign vessels. Its rigorous approach is supported by advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and ship tracking.
“We’re there 24/7 and if you come, we’ll get you,” said Senior Commander William Sturrup, who oversees many of the operations.
“We are on the front line as soldiers. This is how important it is for our government to protect our marine resources,” he said.
Technology plays a significant role in these efforts, according to Gregg Casad of WildAid, who illustrated the advanced tools used to monitor and protect the ocean.
“This is a big chunk of ocean, right? So we are using this technology to help focus patrol efforts,” Casad said.
As the world faces a warming climate, the oceans play a critical role in regulating Earth’s temperature, absorbing 90% of the excess heat generated by climate change. Their protection is not only essential for marine biodiversity, but also for mitigating wider environmental impacts.
“There are countless reasons why we should work to keep the oceans as healthy as possible,” said Fields.
Ben Tracy
