Marine Conservation Laws And Treaties
With the alarming rate of deterioration of oceanic resources in the recent years, conservationalists, environmentalists and politicians have started paying attention to its causes and the impact it can have on the rest of the biodiversity. Many organizations including Conservation International based in Washington DC, Environmental Defense, New York, Greenpeace International, the National Environmental Trust and the Society of Conservation Biology, are all working to reach one single goal; that is, to restore the oceans to their previous natural conditions. This task may seem almost impossible. True enough, some parts of the oceans have turned into permanent dead zones and sadly, no modern science can bring them back to life. However, strict measures need to be taken in order to prevent the remaining species from extinction and to protect the remains of coral reefs. Hence, international organizations, together with countries' governments have drawn up projects and plans and introduced laws and treaties to save the oceans.
Laws and treaties related to oceanic resource conservation can be subdivided as laws to protect flora and laws to protect fauna. These too are of different kinds and such laws and treaties vary from one location to another. For instance, in the coast of South Africa, if you are caught shark hunting, you would end up in prison and if you attempt capturing dolphins in the seas of Greece, the bail could be severe. Also, a special set of strict rules imply to protecting vulnerable species such as turtles, whales, dolphins and certain other varieties of fish. In 2007, corals were included, for the first time in history, into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This was indeed an eye-opener not only to the scientists but also to those who dealt with tourism and fisheries. Today many laws have been drawn up to save corals.
The penalty of breaking marine conservation laws can be as high as 0.5 million US dollars ($500,000). Also, entering and fishing in restricted areas can cost one a whole lot. There are also rules and legislations about methods of fishing. Using dynamite in fishing, releasing toxic materials into habitats and fishing in restricted locations will carry severe punishments. Indeed, Driftnet fishing is illegal, for it captures not only consumable fish but also other species that will ultimately get destroyed. There are several reported cases about dolphins getting caught in By-catch hooks and these are not the only illegal fishing gear. Also, selling or consuming certain types of marine species is against the law.
Over-fishing is another severe crime which a lot of people seem to have ignored. However, we must understand that if the natural balance of the ecosystem is interrupted the entire oceanic bio-diversity can collapse. Furthermore, releasing noxious substances into ocean water is against the rules. Dumping of garbage from ships must be done according to the required standards. In case of carrying out science researches in the oceans, special license must be obtained by either the country's government or respective international organizations.
Such rules are many; but what is important is to note if the general public follows them and if not, the punishments must be given. After all, it is not for ourselves that we are thriving to save the oceans, but for our future generations.
South Pacific Projects is a http://www.southpacificprojects.org/" target="_blank">Marine Conservation organization, providing conservation volunteers with rewarding Gap Year adventures.
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