The Biden administration recently revealed new details of its conservation effort, causing concern among scientists who specialize in marine protected areas. The plan includes certain commercial fishing zones in the count of conserved areas, which has raised alarms.
This decision could have global ripple effects as nations aim to fulfill a commitment to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land, inland waters, and seas. However, the definition of what constitutes conservation is still being determined.
Some researchers are troubled by the administration’s stance, as high-impact commercial fishing contradicts the conservation goals.
Scientists like Kirsten Grorud-Colvert from Oregon State University are concerned about the cognitive dissonance of using areas designated for biodiversity conservation for fishing, especially when it involves highly impactful methods.
The debate unfolds against the backdrop of a global biodiversity crisis that is causing extinctions and damaging ecosystems. Overfishing is identified as the primary driver of biodiversity declines in the ocean, while climate change poses an additional threat.
Fish are crucial for nutrition worldwide, and protecting key areas is essential for maintaining healthy fish stocks and preserving other marine life.
The United States’ approach to conservation is significant, as it falls under the UN biodiversity treaty through a 2021 executive order by President Biden.
The U.S. and international efforts, known as 30×30, aim to protect 30 percent of the planet. The U.S. government recently launched a website to update the public on its conservation efforts.
The Biden administration’s decision to include certain commercial fishing areas in the conserved marine area calculation has raised concerns among scientists.
While marine national monuments and specific protected areas are widely accepted as conserved, other areas on the list may need stricter protections to be considered truly conserved.
Experts like Lance Morgan emphasize the importance of enhancing the National Marine Sanctuary program and implementing stricter conservation measures.
The administration plans to continue expanding conserved marine areas near the continental United States to achieve a more geographically representative effort.
Officials defend the decision to include areas allowing commercial fishing, citing the longstanding protection status of national marine sanctuaries. The administration considers various approaches to defining conservation.
While the U.S. has not ratified the biodiversity treaty, it will contribute to the global 30×30 commitment by submitting a conservation total. The debate continues on which areas should be included.
Commercial fishing areas managed sustainably are praised by Fishery Management Councils, but critics argue that allowing fishing in conserved areas under 30×30 could dilute conservation efforts.
