”Hot from the press” with Jacques Villemot, Marine Policy Officer, who talks about the new protected area and its implication for UK seabirds.
Today, a major hotspot for seabirds covering an area the size of France in the high seas of the North East Atlantic was designated as a Marine Protected Area.
On this 1st of October, Ministers from 15 governments (UK included) as well as the EU met to discuss various environmental concerns relating to the North East Atlantic Ocean. Together, they agreed to take a step towards halting and reversing biodiversity decline by 2030 by designating the North Atlantic Current and Evlanov Sea basin Marine Protected Area (NACES MPA).
What makes NACES so special?
This is fantastic news for seabirds around the UK and globally. The site is of particular importance during their migrations as identified by Birdlife International (of which the RSPB is a member). Indeed, by tracking seabirds in the area, it was found that it was used by up to 5 million seabirds from 21 different species.
Hundreds of thousands of seabirds from some of the most important colonies in Mainland UK rely on the area. Puffins from Skomer Island and the Isle of May were recorded there, alongside kittiwakes from the colonies on Rathlin Island and the Fair Isle, Manx shearwater from the islands of Lundy, Rum and Copeland or Northern fulmar from Orkney Islands.
Protecting the NACES area is a critical step to ensure current and future uses do not compromise the seabirds and other marine biodiversity supported by the site. If enforced properly, it can now be protected from damaging human activities at sea.
Beyond NACES
Seabirds are in great need of protection, with their global population declining by 70% since 1950. Seeing the UK government partaking in this decision is encouraging, as our shores are very important for seabirds, with around 8 million individuals breeding here each year.
These are highly mobile species and measures to protect them must be extended beyond our immediate coastlines. As such, this new MPA is also a great step for the Blue Belt Programme. This programme supports UK Overseas Territories with the protection and sustainable management of their marine environments. With over a million seabirds from colonies in Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension recorded in the NACES MPA, the benefits extend far beyond UK Mainlands.
Is NACES designation enough?
However, the designation of a protected area is only the first step of the process, it must then be effectively enforced, managed and monitored. The UK must here lead by example domestically and ensure its commitment to protect 30% of its seas by 2030 is respected and implemented, with MPAs counting towards this target only if they benefit from strong protections, effective management measures and monitoring. Certain areas will also need to be fully protected to allow for biodiversity recovery. The recent decision to pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in England is encouraging in this sense, but the areas concerned by such designation must extend far beyond what is currently being considered. The RSPB alongside many partners is calling for at least 10% of the UK seas to benefit from such protection by 2030.
The designation of the NACES MPA is fantastic news for seabirds globally and a great opportunity to reflect on our domestic achievements thus far. This is a much needed step towards reversing biodiversity decline by 2030 as per the leaders pledge for nature. However, this designation must be followed by effective enforcement, management and monitoring of the site if it is to have a positive impact. It must be accompanied by domestic improvement and true commitments to achieve the effective protection of 30% of our seas.
Help the RSPB hold the government to its commitment and ensure our network of domestic MPA is effectively enforced, managed and monitored. Comment below if you agree 10% of the UK seas should be protected for future generations.
NACES, or the North American Council on Adoptable Children, stands out for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of adoptive children and their families. What makes NACES special is its comprehensive approach to adoption support. They provide valuable resources, training, and advocacy to ensure children find Yes Download safe and loving homes. NACES actively promotes adoption as a viable option, emphasizing the importance of permanency and post-adoption services. Their commitment to inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and addressing the unique needs of adoptive families makes them exceptional. By facilitating connections, offering guidance, and championing adoption, NACES plays a vital role in creating brighter futures for adopted children.