With an initial duration of five years, the coalition includes initiatives and activities to combat illegal fishing and the effects of climate change, while supporting species protection, scientific research for data-driven conservation, and environmental education programs. Specific objectives include the development and organization of research, conservation, and communication projects, improving knowledge of marine migratory species in protected areas, establishing a working relationship to advance their goals, broadening their knowledge base, and committing to share the cause of conservation.
“It is important that we all work together to make a difference to protect our planet. This coalition is just the beginning, and we hope that more members will join us,” Alex Antoniou, Fins Attached CEO, said in a statement sent to WAN.
Each organization brings specific strengths to the group that, when combined, will have a profound impact on ocean conservation with the aim of creating international policy changes for great protection. Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, conducts research to promote conservation, provide education, and protect endangered marine life. Canadian-based Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation is committed to protecting sharks and ocean ecosystems. For The Oceans Foundation, located in Costa Rica, helps combat Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as promotes protection of marine wildlife. United Conservationists based in Venice, California, provides communication and planning tools needed to protect local and global ecosystems.
“This coalition will raise awareness and create pathways that spark local solutions to scale global impact in support of healthy oceans and the communities that depend on them. This is exactly what Rob Stewart was working towards,” stated Brian and Sandy Stewart, parents of Rob Stewart.
Coalition members will coordinate initiatives and activities to help local authorities control illegal fishing; recover ghost nets dangerous to migratory wildlife; support research and scientific knowledge of the Eastern Pacific region, which includes marine waters, coastal areas, and islands from the Central Pacific to the coasts of the American continent, including California, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
Working hand in hand with governments is an important component to the success of the coalition. Establishing collaboration with government agencies is essential for lasting changes. Everyone and everything can benefit, including local communities.
“The combining of our strengths and experiences, and our passion for conservation, constitutes a promising sum of skills to achieve significant progress in the alarming situation of the ocean, which is the lifeline for the planet,” noted Jorge Serendero, CEO of For the Oceans Foundation.
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