Monday, February 1, 2021

New Global Platform Connects Small-scale Fishers to Improve Sustainability, Livelihoods

focused more on the fisher folks,” said Mario Gasalatan, Oceana logistics coordinator and fisher representative from Cebu City, Philippines.

The SSF Hub was designed for and with fishers, fish workers and their communities and allies through a participatory process, with the goal of empowering them to share knowledge and learn from one another. Over 100 people from 19 different countries — representing fisher organizations, conservation groups and expert advisers — have provided input throughout the Hub’s development. This valuable collaboration has led to the creation of SSF features such as forums where users can communicate on topics of interest, share stories and ask questions. Hub visitors can also access a library of resources containing case studies, management tools, free online courses and other materials from FAO, NGOs and others. The SSF Hub will be continuously updated with the latest in SSF-friendly technology, research and successes.

“Through the Hub, the SSF community is taking one more important step toward building capacity worldwide to manage fisheries sustainably so that communities can thrive despite the many challenges they face — from climate change to COVID to food and nutrition security,” said Eric Schwaab, senior vice president for EDF Oceans and Ecosystems programs. “The SSF Hub is designed to give fishers the tools they need to succeed against these and other challenges.”

The SSF Hub can support delivery of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, which include ending poverty, reducing inequality, protecting the planet and ensuring health and well-being. Small-scale fisheries are critical to achieving many of these goals, including helping to alleviate poverty, establish food security, support good health and nutrition and provide economic security to millions of people. Recognizing the role of small-scale fisheries in supporting thriving communities and in achieving the SDGs is an important pathway toward a more sustainable future for all.

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Abalobi

ABALOBI ICT4FISHERIES is an African-based, fisher-driven social enterprise with global reach. ABALOBI’s mission is to contribute towards thriving, equitable and sustainable small-scale fishing communities in South Africa and beyond, through the joint development of technology. Our approach focuses on achieving tangible milestones, driven by a suite of mobile apps, that relate to seafood traceability, fully documented fisheries, fair and transparent supply chains, and community cohesion and entrepreneurship as important precursors to launching longer-term ecological improvement actions associated with a transition towards ecological sustainability. Follow us on Twitter @abalobi_app or visit our website abalobi.org

Blue Ventures

Blue Ventures develops transformative approaches for catalysing and sustaining locally led marine conservation. Blue Ventures works across the coastal tropics, in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies, and is committed to protecting marine biodiversity in ways that benefit coastal people. Blue Ventures' models play a critical role in rebuilding small-scale fisheries, providing effective and replicable approaches for reversing biodiversity loss, improving food security and building socio-ecological resilience to climate change. Connect with us on Twitter @BlueVentures

Conservation International

Conservation International works to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to people. Through science, partnerships and fieldwork, Conservation International is driving innovation and investments in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, supporting protections for critical habitats, and fostering economic development that is grounded in the conservation of nature. Conservation International works in 30 countries around the world, empowering societies at all levels to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet. Follow Conservation International's work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

Environmental Defense Fund

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 2.5 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund

Fauna & Flora International

FFI protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. Operating in more than 40 countries worldwide, FFI saves species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest established international conservation body and a registered charity. Find out more on our website fauna-flora.org or connect with us on Twitter @faunafloraint

International Pole & Line Foundation

The International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) promotes the sustainable management ofthe world’s responsible pole-and-line, handline and troll (collectively known as ‘one-by- one’) tuna fisheries while also recognising the importance of safeguarding the livelihoods they support. IPNLF’s work to develop, support and promote one-by-one tuna fisheries is subsequently fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We believe effective and equitable global governance is essential to protect and restore the ocean, and this should be achieved by ensuring the participation of local and coastal communities in decision-making processes.

Environmental sustainability in tuna fisheries can only be fully achieved by also putting an end to the overfishing and destructive fishing practices that are driving the degradation of already threatened marine species, habitats and ecosystems. Allied with its members, IPNLF demonstrates the value of one-by-one caught tuna to consumers, policymakers and throughout the supply chain. IPNLF works across science, policy and the seafood sector, using an evidence- based, solutions-focused approach with strategic guidance from our Board of Trustees and advice from our Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) and Market Advisory Group (MAG).

Ocean Outcomes

Ocean Outcomes (O2) is an international organization working with local communities, fisheries and the seafood industry to improve the environmental, social and economic sustainability of fisheries. Ocean Outcomes’ science-based improvement initiatives include assessments, supply chain analysis, buyer engagement, traceability programs, fishery improvement projects and stakeholder convening. By restoring and protecting fisheries, Ocean Outcomes supports the long-term health of local communities, seafood supply chains and the ocean resources on which we all depend. Learn more at oceanoutcomes.org

Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.

Wildlife Conservation Society

With more than 4,000 staff, the Wildlife Conservation Society operates in nearly 60 countries, protecting the entire known range of more than 100 threatened species and 3.6 million square miles across four continents and the world’s ocean.  WCS’s global marine program designs and implements innovative ocean solutions, leading field conservation initiatives across 24 countries in all 5 oceans with a team of more than 400 marine experts. Our programs in coastal biodiversity strongholds strengthen ocean protection, improve fisheries management, and conserve vital marine species. We focus on sustainable fisheries, coral reefs, MPA creation and management, sharks & rays and marine mammals.

World Wildlife Fund

WWF is an independent conservation organization with over 30 million followers and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Visit panda.org/news for the latest news and media resources; follow us on Twitter @WWF_media

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Quote sheet: SSF Hub 

Miriam Bozzetto, Campaign Analyst, Oceana in Brazil
“Small-scale fisheries are essential for the survival of thousands of Brazilians. It is the only source of income for families that have historically lived from artisanal fishing. Although Brazil has not had fisheries statistics for over a decade, we know that 70% of the country's fish come from small-scale fishing. It is essential that governments and non-governmental entities working in the fisheries area understand the importance and diversity of small-scale fisheries in order to ensure that public policies be implemented to guarantee the rights of these workers, as well as that the sustainability of these activities can be strengthened.” 

Agatha Ogada, Fisheries Partner Support Technician, Kenya, Blue Ventures
“The challenges faced in small-scale fisheries and those who rely on them are immense. Through the SSF hub, those working in this field can connect, exchange learning and improve practice. For example, in discussion with a small-scale fisheries expert in the Pacific, I could hear about ideas that could be adapted to tackle issues we face in Kenya. The hub provides a dedicated space to discuss, celebrate success and create innovative solutions for small-scale fisheries.”

Imani Fairweather Morrison, Programme Officer, Global Small Scale Fisheries, Oak Foundation
“Small Scale Fishers are understandably interested in the sustainability of their livelihoods and coastal communities. This SSF Hub brings solutions, generated by NGO partners, to fishers around the world in multiple languages and empowers them to source and apply solutions they find most relevant for their local context. We trust that the fisher engagement in its design will result in high energy use and uptake, empowering fishers to participate in the governance of fisheries worldwide.”

John Tanzer, Ocean Practice Leader, World Wildlife Fund 
“With the mounting threats to ocean health and coastal community well-being, we must be more efficient about developing and implementing community-led solutions. The SSF Hub is a powerful tool to accelerate knowledge sharing, build capacity and increase influence for small-scale fishers.”

Dr. Philippa Cohen, Research Program Leader, Resilient Small-scale Fisheries, WorldFish
“Small-scale fisheries are characterised as being complex and dynamic. Rather than naively suggesting there is a one size fits all approach to including small-scale fishers, or sustaining benefits from SSF, this SSF hub is an incredibly valuable collection of resources and knowledge that have been developed with small-scale fishers, in different places, for different contexts and for a range of objectives.” 

Roy Bealey, Fisheries Director, International Pole & Line Foundation
“Over the next decade it is essential that we band together to improve ocean health and ensure that small scale fisheries can continue sustainably providing critical support to their reliant communities. Cooperation will be key while the SSF Hub provides a powerful and timely tool to help us succeed together.”

Sophie Benbow, Head of Marine, Fauna & Flora International
“FFI support small scale fishing communities globally to engage in biodiversity friendly fishing practises. The SSF Hub provides an excellent opportunity for fishers themselves to connect with peers around the world, to learn and share experiences, and to improve their techniques and enhance sustainability.”

Thursday, January 14, 2021

NBC, Oceana Debut Public Service Announcement Featuring “Mr. Mayor” Star Ted Danson Calling To Stop Plastic Pollution

Today, NBC and Oceana debuted a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring actor, activist, and longtime Oceana Board Member Ted Danson asking viewers to call for policy change... Read More

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Amazon’s Big Role in Ocean Plastic Pollution

The report found that Amazon’s estimated plastic packaging waste, in the form of air pillows alone, would circle the Earth more than 500 times.

The study also, by combining the e-commerce packaging data with findings from a recent study published in Science,[2] estimates that up to 22.44 million pounds of Amazon’s plastic packaging waste entered and polluted the world’s freshwater and marine ecosystems in 2019, the equivalent of dumping a delivery van payload of plastic into the oceans every 70 minutes.

“The amount of plastic waste generated by the company is staggering and growing at a frightening rate,” noted Oceana’s Senior Vice President, Matt Littlejohn. “Our study found that the plastic packaging and waste generated by Amazon’s packages is mostly destined, not for recycling, but for the landfill, the incinerator, or the environment including, unfortunately, our waterways and sea, where plastic can harm marine life. It’s time for Amazon to listen to its customers, who, according to recent surveys want plastic-free alternatives, and make real commitments to reduce its plastic footprint.”

Plastic is a major source of pollution and is devastating the world’s oceans. Recent studies estimated that 90% of all seabirds[3] and more than half of all sea turtles – 52%[4]  –  have ingested plastic. Sea turtles and other ocean animals mistake the kind of plastic used by Amazon as food, which can ultimately prove fatal. Eighty-eight percent of animals found to have swallowed or have been entangled in plastic, according to a recent Oceana study, were species listed as endangered or threatened with extinction under the Endangered Species Act.[5] Scientific reports have estimated that only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled and 91% has ended up in landfills, incinerated, or in the environment, including the oceans.[6] The rapidly growing plastic pollution crisis needs to be solved by major plastic polluters like Amazon taking steps to reduce plastics, rather than making empty claims about recycling.

The report discloses that the type of plastic often used in packaging by Amazon, referred to as plastic film, is effectively not recycled, despite the company’s claims of recyclability. Most municipal curbside recycling programs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom do not accept this kind of plastic. According to studies, only 4% of residential polyethylene plastic film in the United States was recycled as of 2014.[7]

The report also found that:

• Amazon customers overwhelmingly want the company to reduce plastic packaging. Oceana surveyed more than 5,000 Amazon customers in the U.S., Canada, and the UK in 2020 and found that 86% were concerned about plastic pollution and its impact on the oceans; 92% were upset that plastic recycling does not work; and 87% wanted Amazon and other major online retailers to offer plastic-free packaging choices at checkout. More than 660,000 customers and others have signed a petition calling on the company to offer plastic-free choices at Change.org/Plastic Free Choice.
• Unlike other companies seeking to move away from plastic, Amazon appears to be prioritizing the increased use of “flexible packaging” made of plastic. It has stated it uses flexible packaging to help protect the climate and environment,[8] but has not publicly disclosed the data underlying this claim or its plastic footprint.
• Amazon has already shown it can rapidly reduce plastic packaging on a very large scale. After India passed a law to fight plastic pollution, Amazon eliminated plastic packaging from fulfillment centers in India[9] and has introduced a paper-based lightweight mailer that it reports has been used 100 million times.[10] Amazon has failed to apply these clear steps forward on a company-wide level to solve its plastic problem.
• Amazon’s plastic waste and pollution footprint is expected to drastically increase, given analysts’ recent estimates that the company sales will increase by more than a third in 2020.[11]

The report calls on Amazon to reduce its plastic footprint and:

• Listen to its customers: As an immediate measure, Amazon should give its customers what they want and offer plastic-free packaging as an option at checkout.
• Be fully transparent and hold itself accountable for its plastic footprint and environmental impact as it already has for climate change: Amazon should report on its plastic footprint on a regular basis. This data should be independently verified.
• Eliminate plastic packaging as it has already done in India. Amazon should also increase products shipped in reusable containers and adopt policies that can be demonstrated to reduce plastic pollution rather than making empty claims about “recyclability.”

To access the full Oceana report, please visit oceana.org/PlasticFreeAmazon. To find out about Oceana’s campaign to reduce plastics, go to oceana.org/plastics.

About Oceana:

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.

Link to Media Assets

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

New intergovernmental report calls for 100% sustainable ocean management by 2025, 14 world leaders commit to increase abundance

Today, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), composed of 14 serving world leaders, committed to restore and sustainably harvest their wild ocean fish... Read More

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Oceana and Blancpain Announce Exclusive Partnership

Washington, D.C. – Oceana, the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation, has announced Blancpain as its exclusive watch partner, working together to further Oceana’s campaigns to... Read More

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Jane Fonda honored at Oceana’s star-studded New York Gala

New York,  New York – On Monday night, attendees tuned in for the first ever virtual Oceana New York Gala to honor two-time Academy Award-winning actor, author, and... Read More

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Prime Day 2020: Amazon (AMZN) generates historic flood of unwanted plastic packaging, Oceana says

. Oceana is calling on the company, given its exponentially increasing plastic footprint, to take action to reduce plastic packaging and to offer plastic-free packaging as an option at checkout for its consumers.

“Amazon’s customers are going to be left with a giant post Prime Day plastic packaging hangover of plastic waste that they don’t want, can’t easily recycle and haven’t asked for because the company won’t address its plastic problem,” said Matthew Littlejohn, Senior Vice President of Oceana. “Amazon has shown that it can offer alternatives to plastic packaging, in India and elsewhere, and needs to listen to its customers and take steps to reduce plastic use and pollution particularly given its recent record growth in the midst of a global pandemic.”

According to news reports, Amazon shipped approximately 7 billion packages in 2019, many packed in plastic, and this was prior to the company’s record sales in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[2] Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled; the rest has been landfilled, burned, or gone on to pollute the world’s oceans and natural environment.^[3] Tens of thousands of individual marine organisms have been observed suffering from entanglement or ingestion of plastics permeating the marine environment—from zooplankton and fish, to sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds.

“Amazon’s customers, especially Prime customers, are increasingly concerned about the impact of plastic pollution on the seas,” said Littlejohn. “Polls commissioned by Oceana in the U.S., UK, and Canada – with YouGov and Abacus Data – found in the aggregate that more than 87% of those surveyed who reported being Amazon Prime members said they were concerned about plastic pollution and its impact on the ocean, and 35% of those surveyed in the U.S. who reported being Prime customers noted that they would consider shopping at other online retailers that offer plastic-free shipping.”

Oceana urges Amazon customers and Prime members to join the 630,000 concerned individuals who have signed a petition asking for the company to offer plastic-free packaging and to also directly contact Amazon customer service to ask for a plastic-free packaging choice at checkout for our oceans and our future. “The company listens to its customers,” added Littlejohn, “you can make a difference for the oceans by making sure they hear your concerns and by helping Oceana to get the company to acknowledge and reduce its plastic footprint.”

To access the complete referenced survey results, please visit oceana.org/PlasticFreeAmazon. To find out about Oceana’s campaign to reduce plastics, go to oceana.org/plastics.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.oceana.org to learn more.