Responsible Fishing in Datca-Bozburun SEPA
18.03.2013
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Underwater Research Society Ecological Research Group initiated the “Responsible Fishing” Project aiming to mitigate the negative impact of illegal and over fishing on marine ecosystem in Datça-Bozburun SEPA
Located around Datça Peninsula which has got a protected area status (Special Environmental Protection Area), four No Fishing Zones (NFZs) were established in 2012. NFZ is one of the tools of Ecosystem Based Fishery Management (EBFM) and function as `money box` for sustainable use. Illegal and over fishing causing biodiversity loss, damage to marine ecosystem and local economies are the main threats against Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Underwater Research Society Ecological Research Group intends to call the official stakeholders for duty and responsible act and motive them through awarding mechanisms.
The project is sponsored by GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), Satoyama Initiative and Strengthening the System of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas of Turkey Project. It aims to protect marine and coastal ecosystem, contribute to local fishery and relevant economies through creating `attitude shift` to mitigate illegal and over fishing. The main idea which the project is built on is that marine supervision is tough due to geographic and physical conditions while it is more efficient and practical to set a control mechanism on land.
Responsible fishing certificate
Project activities include `Responsible fishery training sets` seminars, prototype design and applications, introductory material development about endangered species, education platforms, and informatory signing application. Stakeholders who are participating in the project will be awarded with the Responsible fishing certificates and will be promoted at regional, national and international platforms. Besides, it is planned to empower responsible sportive fishers, responsible coastal fishers, responsible fish restaurants and responsible consumers.
The project aims to inform the public about the significance of the concept of marine protected area and how to protect marine resources primarily at local scale as well as regional and national context through intensive media campaigns.
For further information: http://1balikcokbalik.org/