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How can we be part of healthy marine ecosystems?
The biggest dangers for marine life - overfishing, pollution, climate change, and tourism - are all human-caused. But this means that humans can take productive action to mitigate and even reverse those threats, if we address our behaviours and systems. Sustainable fishing methods, conservation and education programs, ethical tourism efforts, sealife rescue, and marine protection areas are a few examples of how environmental activists in Cornwall are working to redress anthropogenic harms to aquatic ecosystems.
Sustainable Fishing
Overfishing is a serious problem - but with a bit of good management, fishstocks can provide one of the world’s most sustainable food supplies. Certification schemes help let consumers know which fish are ethically caught, while holistic approaches to fishing can improve biodiversity rather than harming it and creative solutions can tackle the problem of ghost gear.
The National Lobster Hatchery
Engaging fisherfolk in marine conservation is a key strategy for effective ocean protection. The National Lobster Hatchery, based in Padstow, is a research and education charity that helps look after Cornwall’s lobster populations. Learn more in this brief introduction to their work, and get a glimpse of a lobster release...aided by our friends from Padstow Sealife Safari!
Ethical Tourism
As we’ve seen, tourism can have negative effects on ecosystems. The same is true of Padstow Sealife Safaris’ boat trips, which burn fossil fuels and create sonic disruption underwater. But this particular business seeks to be an ethical and sustainable part of Cornwall’s tourism industry - find out how via the link below.
Sealife Rescue
Many of the wildlife guides who work at Padstow Sealife Safaris volunteer with marine conservation and rescue groups. Detangling sharks from ghost gear, rehabilitating dolphins hit by boat propellers, and supporting seals scared by overeager tourists are just a few of the types of rescue that can be required. See some moments from a day in the life of a marine rescuer with the video below featuring grey seals.
Marine Protected Areas
Marine protected areas are areas formally managed and regulated by governmental authorities, in order to support conservation. Some focus on particular species; others consider ecosystems as a whole. Learn more about the MPA framework in this video, and then read a bit about MPAs in Cornwall - which include the Padstow Bay area. To learn more about
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