In 2020, the world’s remotest community will declare new environmental protections in a vast ocean zone. With support from the UK Government, Tristan da Cunha is on track to launch the regime this year. The aim is to combine world-class ocean stewardship with the sustainable fisheries that account for around 90% of the island’s economy. Preparing for the declaration has been a joint effort by the Tristan island council, key UK agencies and environment NGOs.
The plan forms part of the Westminster government’s ‘Blue Belt’ project, which aims to bring new protection to 4 million square miles of ocean around many of the UK Overseas Territories. Support from London has brought expert analysis of the size and health of fish stocks, provision and refurbishment of two vessels, and legal advice on creating new controls on the use of Tristan waters.
In November – December 2022 the RRS Discovery travelled 9000 miles to the remote islands of Ascension and St Helena. Run as part of the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, this scientific expedition visited areas of previously uncharted ocean within the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of these south Atlantic islands. Introduced by international musician and […] Read more...