Marine Projects 2007 and beyond

Sadly, there is strong consensus that reef fisheries and other coastal marine resources are declining in many areas of the world. There is also strong support for the establishment of marine protected areas and additional legislation (i.e. size restrictions, fishing gear and method restrictions, seasonal bans, etc.) to abate two significant threats – the over-harvesting of reef fish populations and uncontrolled development, both of which are driven by increases in human population and changes from a subsistence lifestyle to a cash economy. Resource managers and local communities are already moving toward the establishment of marine protected areas in many areas, but progress is slow and enforcement considerations are often not given sufficient priority. We have made a difference in the Western Pacific and are working to broaden our impact throughout the Marine Protected Areas of the Pacific Rim. Thus, with continued financial support, we intend to continue to support our existing projects in that Region and hope to expand this program into other marine regions of the world.