Strategic Action Programme Theme (SAP)
Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity
Rationale
Coastal habitats comprise some of the most productive and valued ecosystems of the world. They are also some of the most heavily degraded, with human pressure on coastlines ever increasing. Associated with human population growth in coastal areas are increases in several human activities both at land and sea that can negatively impact or threaten coastal marine environments. In the Benguela Current Region, coastal marine ecologists, policymakers, managers, and users are concerned about how humans are negatively affecting coastal ecosystems and how these habitats can be protected. This project supports the countries by enhancing understanding of how best to manage coastal ecosystems in light of human threats at the national and regional level.
Objective
To develop and implement National Plans of Actions (NPOAs) and regulations for by-catch and ghost fishing for vulnerable marine species, notably seabirds and sea turtles in line with the provisions of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as well as the concept of ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Additionally the project was aimed at developing mitigation policies and regulations to reduce alteration / destruction of mangroves (mainly in Angola) and other vulnerable coastal areas.
Scope of Work
1. Review human threats and impacts to the coastal environment of the BCLME and relevant research findings of relevance to managing and mitigating these threats and impacts
2. Develop mitigation policies and regulations to reduce impacts, specifically on mangroves (mainly in Angola) but also on other vulnerable coastal areas
3. Develop and facilitate the implementation of National Plans and regulations for by-catch and ghost fishing for vulnerable marine species
Outputs and Reports
| Document | Language |
| 1. Human-induced threats to turtles, sea birds and other vulnerable species; overview, needs analysis and stakeholder identification – Angola Review Report | English Portuguese |
| 2. Human-induced threats to marine turtles, sea birds and other vulnerable species; overview, needs analysis and stakeholder identification – Namibia Review Report | EnglishPortuguese |
| 3. Human-induced threats to turtles, sea birds and other vulnerable species; overview, needs analysis and stakeholder identification – South Africa Reveiw Report | English Portuguese |
| 4. Draft National Plan of Action Seabirds – Angola | English Portuguese |
| 5. Draft National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Namibian Fisheries | English Portuguese |
| 6. Draft National Plan of Action Seabirds – South Africa | English Portuguese |
| 7. Stakeholder Consultation Report – Namibia | English |
| 8. Stakeholder Consultation Report – South Africa | English |
