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Fishing for change: Local management of Amazon's largest fish also empowers women

Claudia Geib

August 31, 2020 |

Mongabay |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Brazil, São Raimundo

After high demands for arapaima fish led to near extinction, a co-management system in the Amazon rainforest has resulted in the recovery of the fish as well as the economic empowerment of local women. The work includes counting, catching, protecting, harvesting, and bringing fish to market. When more workers were needed, women stepped in and gained respect in the community as being essential members of the fishery. The women collecting an income from the program previously fished for subsistence and now receive payment for their work.

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Hold the Salt: The Promise of Little Fresh Fishes

Paul Tullis Htoo Tay Zar

August 24, 2020 |

Hakai Magazine |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Myanmar, Yangon

In Myanmar, aquaculture production from medium-sized freshwater farms is growing and could be an important and sustainable supplier of food for the world’s growing population. Aquaculture businesses are thriving in Southeast Asia despite the decline of wild fisheries — the acreage of cultivated fishponds in some regions has expanded by more than 250 percent. While some environmentalists argue that it damages ecosystems, research suggests that freshwater aquaculture have a much lower environmental impact than marine fish farming.

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How to Save the Sea: Lessons from an Italian Fishing Community

Agostino Petroni

August 24, 2020 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Italy, Torre Guaceto

Fishers, researchers, and managers came together to create Torre Guaceto, a marine reserve off the coast of Italy. The area was previously exploited, but because of this cooperative management project, biodiversity has recovered. Fishers enter the reserve once a week for their catch and usually make up $10,000 a day, which is more than other Mediterranean fishers. While some illegal fishing still happens at night, the dialogue between key stakeholders was crucial to developing the reserve’s sustainable fishing model.

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The Lobstermen of the Eastern Yucatán

Agostino Petroni Sandali Handagama

August 17, 2020 |

Nexus Media News |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Mexico, Maria Elena Bay

A collective of fishers have adopted sustainable fishing practices to catch spiny lobsters in Maria Elena Bay in Mexico, while also protecting the species. To keep future lobster populations healthy, fishers will measure the tails of their catch and if it’s too small, they will toss them back to sea. Because of their efforts, lobster numbers have risen over the years, though they haven’t reached the levels seen in the 1980s.

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Bright Lights and Dark Nights: The Challenge Facing Sea Turtles in the City

Annemarie Mannion

July 30, 2020 |

Hakai Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Florida

Sea turtle preservation efforts along the Florida coast seek to replace artificial bright lights, which are a deadly hazard that can lead sea turtles astray. Activists launched change.org petitions that successfully pressured two beach towns to correct public lights along the beach and require turtle-friendly lighting in new buildings. Volunteer groups patrol beach front areas to find and report those in violation of the ordinances, who can face a fine. A $10 million settlement from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion helps fund a grant that provides lights and fixtures to about 200 properties.

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Why indigenous folklore can save animals' lives

Arnel Murga

July 28, 2020 |

BBC |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Philippines, Iloilo

Conservations in the Philippines are using indigenous beliefs known as “mariit” — which is the belief that nature is inhabited by unseen dwellers and should be respected and taken care of — to protect the country’s endangered species. The Mariit Wildlife and Conservation Park serves as a refuge for at least 62 animals and the Taklong Island Marine Natural Reserve is a breeding ground for fish species caught outside its boundary. Experts caution though that mariit can have a positive impact on the environment, sometimes the beliefs can undermine science-based conservation activities.

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Teachable Moments on the Dock

Larry Pynn

May 14, 2020 |

Hakai Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Galiano Island, British Columbia

A British Columbia project that includes education with regulations is a winning formula for rockfish conservation. Six cameras were placed strategically around the shoreline next to Galiano Island RCAs, and 46 information signs were posted at marinas and docks. The signs provide photos to help identify rockfish, show the boundaries of the RCAs, and offer specifics on the fishing rules. Team members also appear at community events to distribute information on RCAs, explaining how they work and what they are intended to achieve.

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No tourism income, but this Philippine community still guards its environment

Keith Anthony S. Fabro

April 30, 2020 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Philippines, Coron, Palawan

A COVID-19-spurred shutdown has halted ecotourism to Siete Pecados, a marine protected area in the Philippines. As a result, many residents have turned to fishing as a way to supplement their income. To make sure this is done with the environment in mind, local residents are stepping up to help tourism workers, ensure the area stays protected, and prevent overfishing of endangered species.

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Bringing freshwater turtles out of their shells and into the spotlight

Aditi Tandon

March 06, 2020 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India, Assam

Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of India (FTTI) is a research and conservation group protecting the 29 species of turtles and tortoises in the country. For founders Anuja Mital and Sneha Dharwadkar, the project is extra important as many of these species are endangered, and they play a crucial role in maintaining balance in river and lake ecosystems. The project has also allowed them to serve as role models for the importance of female researchers feeling comfortable doing important fieldwork.

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Illegal Fishing You Can See from Space

Will Doig

February 21, 2020 |

Reasons to be Cheerful |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Indonesia

A space-based initiative called Global Fishing Watch is using satellite imagery and data to hold companies accountable to their promise of providing sustainable sourced seafood. While the volume of data and cost of obtaining it can be a challenge, the organization has partnered with key collaborators to help with the effort. Countries like Indonesia and Panama are working with them to stop illegal fishing.

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