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The MAP News, 212th Ed., 13 April 2009
Dear Friends,
This is the 212th Edition of the Mangrove Action Project News, 13 April 2009. Happy Khmer New Year! in Cambodia, and Happy Sangkran in Thailand! May we all be restored by the work we do!
For the Mangroves,
Alfredo Quarto
Mangrove Action Project
Sign up to receive the MAP News by sending an e-mail to: mapnews@mangroveactionproject.org.
MAP's Mission
Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.
All news items and notices published in the MAP News can also be accessed directly from our home page www.mangroveactionproject.org, with links to the full story and the original source. New items are posted daily and are available as an RSS feed!
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MAP NEWS, 212th Edition, 13 April 2009
FEATURE STORIES
Mangroves can save lives in cyclones
MAP WORKS
MAP welcomes new communications/development staff
Earth Day 5k to benefit MAP
Submit artwork now for 9th MAP Children's Mangrove Art Calendar
Earth Day and Mangrove Art Contest in Colombia
Shrimpless Blog
Mangrove Forest Ecology, Management and Restoration training workshop, 3-5 March 2010
AFRICA
Nigeria
New York Trial Delayed For Nigerians Suing Shell
South Africa
The Chiel - Talking of mangroves
ASIA
S.E. ASIA
Malaysia
Fireflies lose sparkle as mangroves come down
The Philippines
Calendar heightens awareness on mangroves
Thailand
Outcomes of State- vs. Community-Based Mangrove Management in Southern Thailand
Vietnam
Call for help from Save the Mekong Coalition
Rising Tide Threat Looms Over Mekong Farmers
Nine new species discovered in Can Gio mangrove forest
S. ASIA
Bangladesh
Study finds 6,000 rare dolphins off Bangladesh
India
Form trust to preserve Godrej mangroves: panel
After duty cut, US withdraws customs bond on shrimps
LATIN AMERICA
Brazil
"Populations and Mangroves" project presented at congress
Mexico
Unprecedented demand for water protection in Mexico
NORTH AMERICA
USA
Bill to ease wetlands development advances in Florida House
Everglades close to Keys expansion
Marco Island and Goodland's dying mangrove forests
STORIES / ISSUES
Big fish, little fish: The case for small-scale fishing communities
Advice to eat fish hurts environment, say Canadian scientists
UN Climate meeting puts huge emissions from peatland loss on agenda
Press release: Poor countries demand US$2 billion from rich
CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS / PUBLICATIONS
New paper on REDD and wetlands
AQUACULTURE CORNER
We won one for the wild salmon!
Contamination claims behind Marine Harvest plant closure
13 April 2009
Mangroves can save lives in cyclones
DURHAM, N.C., April 13 (UPI) -- A study of the 1999 super cyclone that hit eastern India suggests villages shielded from the storm surge by mangrove forests fared better than other areas.
The study by researchers at India's University of Delhi and Duke University in the United States analyzed deaths in 409 villages in the poor, mostly rural Kendrapada District of the Indian state of Orissa, just north of the cyclone's landfall. It showed areas protected by mangrove forests experienced significantly fewer deaths than did less-protected villages.
Mangroves are dense forests of trees and shrubs that grow in brackish, low-lying coastal swamps in the tropics and subtropics.
"Our analysis shows a clear inverse relationship between the number of deaths per village and the width of the mangroves located between those villages and the coast," said Duke University Professor Jeffrey Vincent. "Taking other environmental and socioeconomic factors into account, villages with wider mangroves suffered significantly fewer deaths than ones with narrower or no mangroves.
"We believe this is the first robust evidence that mangroves can protect coastal villages against certain types of natural disasters," he added.
Vincent conducted the analysis with Saudamini Das of the University of Delhi. Their findings appear in the early online early edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Source: UPI
MAP welcomes new communications/development staff
MAP recently hired Austen Moore as its new Communications & Development Coordinator. Austen will manage MAP's marketing, community outreach, and fundraising strategies designed to increase MAP's base of supporters and call attention to mangrove issues locally and beyond. Prior to coming to MAP, he spent several years in the non-profit sector with the United Nations Development Programme, the Aquaculture Certification Council, and Agros International among others. He brings to MAP seven years of experience in communications, resource development, and administration.
After spending several years in East Timor as a Peace Corps Volunteer and refugee advocate, Austen is fluent in Tetum and conversant in Indonesian. He is also conversant in Spanish. Austen lives in near Seattle in Kirkland, Wash.
Look forward to news from Austen as he updates our membership database and looks for ways to improve how MAP communicates with its supporters and subscribers.
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Earth Day 5k to benefit MAP
The Shoreline (Washington State) Earth Day 5k welcomes all runners, walkers, and kids to participate in our 5k and kids third of a mile fun run. At the end of the race each participant will receive a tree that they can bring home and plant. There will also be great prizes and lots of food for everyone at the end.
Supporting the environment
Here at the Earth Day 5k we use the saying, "think globally, act locally." By participating in the event you will do just that by receiving your free tree, and having proceeds go toward the Mangrove Action Project which is an organization that conserves coastal ecosystems throughout the globe. More information can be found at: www.mangroveactionproject.org
MAP will have a booth at this event staffed by Exec. Dir. Alfredo Quarto and MAP's new Communications & Development Coordinator Austen Moore. Come by and say hi! As always, various MAP items will be available for purchase (calendars, t-shirts, etc.)
Event Day Schedule (April 19)
Day of race registration: 8:30AM-9:30AM
Pick up bib numbers: 8:30 am - 9:45 am
Kid's race 1/3 mile: 9:45am
Start of 5K: 10:00am
Post-race food, tree giveaway and prizes: 10:45am
"Registering early helps up out"
For more information:
www.earthday5k.org or contact earthday5k@live.com
Submitted by: tahoma007@aol.com
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Submit artwork now for 9th MAP Children's Mangrove Art Calendar
A fun and exciting Art Contest for children 6 to 14 years old
We invite all primary school children from tropical and sub-tropical nations, and whose schools are located near mangroves, to create art telling us "why mangroves are important to me and my community".
Selected winners will be published in a 2010 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology. This creative contest aims to promote appreciation and awareness of mangrove forests, and to encourage and listen to creative voices of children living in mangrove areas.
Help us launch this program in your school by contacting science and art teachers in your area and encourage them to work together on this fun and innovative project.
**********************************
What kind of art can be submitted?
Technique: Paint, color pencil, ink, collage, pastel, crayons, etc
Dimensions: Canvas, or paper, 45 cms x 30 cms. (18 in. x 12 in)
The Art Work should be in a format horizontal (long length across, the shorter length vertical), in order to fit on the calendar page. (We had received wonderful art work in a vertical format, but sadly were unable to use it. )
Artist Identification: On the back of each art work please write in English: the full name and age of the artist, the school name, address, city or town, country, and title of art work.
Age Limit: 6-13 years old
Mailing instructions: The art work has to be mailed in a small tube, such as the ones for mailing posters. Make sure the art is sent in certified or registered mail to MAP, PO Box 1854, Port Angeles, WA 98362-0279, USA.
How will entries be judged?
Each school will hold its own exhibition and select 3 or more winners in art. Winning entries will be collected in each country by a participating NGO and then mailed to MAP's office to be judged by a team of artists.
What are the prizes?
-1st Prize will receive a certificate + calendar and the recognition of being published in an International calendar with global distribution.
-2 nd Prize '' ''
-3 rd Prize '' ''
School will receive 2 Calendars
NGOs will receive10 Calendars.
When is the deadline?
Please, we must receive the artwork in MAP's office by the end of 31 July, 2009.
Mailed to: PO Box 1854,.Port Angeles, WA 98362-0279, USA
Please mail in a tube or flat in a box, but not folded!
Who do I contact?.
Please let us know if your school plans to participate by contacting:
Monica Gutierrez-Quarto,
Calendar Project Coordinator
c/o Mangrove Action Project
PO Box 1854
Port Angeles, WA 98362-0279, USA
tel./ fax (360) 452-5866
e-mail: monicagquarto@olympus.net and
mangroveap@olympus.net
All entries selected at the national level should be submitted to the same address.
Your local NGO contact is: (Please fill this in.)
======================
Some suggested Field Trip and Classroom Lessons
It is suggested that this contest could coincide with an Associated Mangrove Ecology Educational Project with the children. This lesson will highlight the importance of mangrove forests for the environment, for their community, for fishermen and/or for the associated mangrove forest fauna. The intent of this educational project is to help the participating children better comprehend the important role mangroves play in their lives and for their communities.
1- Information and guidance in the classroom, aided by text books, mangrove curriculum, slides and videos.
2.- Eco-Study Field trips for firsthand observation with the teacher and/ or a local resource person, where they can observe the myriad forms of life that inhabit the mangroves, such as the many colored birds, fish, crabs, mollusks, reptiles, mammals, and insects, while also learning about the unique characteristics of the associated mangrove plants and trees.
3.- During, or after, the field trips, the children can hold interviews with their parents or local fishermen about the mangroves in their region, learning more about the history of the area's mangrove forest, as well as why they are important and what the problems are when the mangroves are lost.
4 - As a result of this research, the children may wish to create artwork for the 2010 calendar art competition.
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1 April 2009
Earth Day and Mangrove Art Contest in Colombia
I am very excited of how things are coming together for Earth Day around the mangroves theme and the art competition. I have made 20 copies of the material you sent me to give to each primary school teacher in the 3 public schools we are working with. The 3 or 4 private ones are making their own copies!
Each school is using the material before earth day to work with all the students. Then they will select 40 kids to come to earth day celebration in a recreational farm within the neighborhood of the schools. Each school must do a 10 min presentation on the importance of mangroves. Local communities' public school students will talk about how the mangrove lagoon is important for their community, encouraging them to interview parents, grandparents, etc. Private schools (which are also in the neighborhood, but the kids do not live in the neighborhood), will focus their presentation on importance of the mangroves for biodiversity.
Then they will be given the materials to work on the art. We found donations for the public schools.
There are other activities being planned for that day, including maybe a video, a keynote speaker, and I have a psychologist working on a dynamic to encourage interaction between these 2 very distinctive populations: public and private schools.
I will send you a summary after Earth Day of the activities and what each school did.
Submitted by: Viviana Moura
viviana.mourra@gmail.com
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Shrimpless Blog
As part of its new campaign, "Shrimp Less, Think More," MAP recently launched a new blog: www.shrimpless.wordpress.com. The blog is a source of information about the destruction caused by imported shrimp, and includes frequent news updates, facts, consumer tips, reports, and other resources. It also is intended to build a network and community of people concerned about the issues--so we invite the comments and input from readers!
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ANNOUNCEMENT: "Mangrove Forest Ecology, Management and Restoration" training workshop, March 3-5, 2010, Hollywood, Florida, USA.
The eighth annual "Mangrove Forest Ecology, Management and Restoration" training workshop will be held at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, in Hollywood, Florida, USA, March 3-5, 2010. The training site is within a 500 ha mangrove restoration project at West Lake Park operated by Broward County. The award-winning project was designed by Roy R. "Robin" Lewis III, who will be teaching the course. Mr. Lewis has taught this very successful course in Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka.
More details at mangroverestoration.com or contact me at lesrrl3@aol.com.
Robin Lewis
Nigeria
Editor's Note: While on a fact-finding mission in Nigeria around 8 years ago, I personally visited the home of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, hearing the stories of his death by hanging from both his father and his son, who are still active in the Ogoni movement against Shell. Nigeria contains the fourth largest area of mangroves in the world, yet these are threatened by the oil industry's ongoing, voracious exploitation and ruin of the Niger Delta. Many of those same issues perpetrated by Shell and its petroleum industry cohorts that prompted Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni community to organize in the first place sadly still prevail there. The mentioned lawsuit and trial could set an important precedent with global implications.
New York Trial Delayed For Nigerians Suing Shell
7 April 2009
by Christine Kearney
NEW YORK - A closely watched lawsuit brought on behalf of executed Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and others against oil company Royal Dutch Shell is now due to go to trial on May 26, a lawyer for the plaintiffs said on Monday.
The trial, which was scheduled to begin on April 27, was postponed last week by US District Judge Kimba Wood in Manhattan federal court, said Jennifer Green, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.
The oil company faces charges that include human rights violations in Nigeria in connection with the torture and death of Saro-Wiwa and eight other protesters after they were executed by the Nigerian government in 1995.
Shell has long denied allegations that it played any role in their deaths.
Shell could be forced to pay millions of dollars in damages if found responsible in the case that was first filed in 1996 by the family of Saro-Wiwa, an environmentalist and author.
Saro-Wiwa, who was leader of rights group Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, led campaigns against multinational companies working in the Niger Delta. He argued that they did not pass along any benefits from the industry and that they damaged the environment.
The activists were hanged on Nov. 10, 1995, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, after what the lawsuit called a sham trial based on fabricated charges.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are arguing that the executions by the Nigerian military junta were carried out with the "knowledge, consent and/or support" of Shell.
No US jury has found a multinational company liable in the United States of human rights abuses, although a few cases have been settled out of court. If Shell is found accountable, the case could affect how multinational companies conduct business overseas.
A federal jury in San Francisco cleared Chevron in December of liability sought by Nigerians for a violent clash on an oil platform off their country's coast more than a decade ago.
Source: Reuters
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South Africa
25 March 2009
The Chiel - Talking of mangroves
by Robin Ross-Thompson
robinrt@dispatch.co.za
It has to be a very special member of the plant species to survive with roots firmly placed in saltwater-saturated mud. Yet this is how mangroves live and thrive.
Professor Trevor Steinke, retired professor of botany at Natal University and now living in Gonubie, has made a lifelong study of these amazing trees.
He gave a talk at the Enviro Centre in the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve two Sundays ago, organised by Friends of the Museum and attended also by Nahooners who assist and advise Buffalo City Municipality on the reserve.
The Nahoon estuary is considered the southernmost range of the white mangrove although small pockets do exist in some rivers further south.
Biggest mangrove colony in South Africa is in Richard's Bay and other large ones are in the St Lucia estuary and Mngazana on the Transkei Wild Coast.
Dr Steinke introduced mangroves to the Nahoon River when he planted three in 1969. They survived the biggest flood in East London's living memory in 1970 and have multiplied considerably since.
Because they live with their "feet" in saturated mud where there is no oxygen, they need to extend roots above the mud where they can absorb oxygen when the tide goes out. These roots attract an algae on which marine animals, fish (including mudskippers which were seen in the Nahoon River recently) and invertebrates feed, as well as small crustaceans like fiddler crabs, so- called because they have a dominant elongated nipper that is swung back and forth while feeding, and the action looks like a musician playing a fiddle.
Other crabs eat fallen leaves and recycle the leaf litter into the mud.
Mangroves also contribute to the health of estuaries by stabilising river banks and collecting silt and flotsam and jetsam .
Bees fertilise mangrove flowers and produce a distinctive honey that is popular in the United States. One wonders if it has a salty taste!
Seed pods drop from the trees and either take root nearby or float elsewhere with tide and current to establish other colonies.
And how do mangroves get rid of the salt they absorb? The white mangrove does it through the underside of its leaves where small salt crystals can sometimes be found. Black and red mangroves, more rare in these parts, are able to filter salt out during absorption.
It's all fascinating stuff and Trevor's talk, with slides and then a walk through the reserve for a first-hand look at what we had learned, made for a highly interesting morning out.
Source: Dispatch
Malaysia
10 March 2009
Fireflies lose sparkle as mangroves come down
Story and photos by Elan Perumal
INDISCRIMINATE land clearing along the banks of Sungai Selangor are threatening the fireflies in Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor.
The acts of some irresponsible land owners who have rented out their plots to outsiders have been identified as the main culprits.
The riverbanks have been cleared of the mangrove treess such as nibong and rumbia, and replaced with those that will generate higher income including oil palm.
The original trees were not only conducive to the existence of the millions of the fireflies that live on berembang trees but have also been a source of income for the villagers who weaved attap roofs from the rumbia and nibong leaves.
A check also revealed that the facilities at the sanctuary were not fully used due to a lack of visitors.
The gazebos are left empty while the playground equipment has also been left unattended.
The tourist development centre which is located just behind the jetty also appeared to be in a deplorable state.
Sahar Lahajar, who is a coordinator at the Kampung Kuantan firefly sanctuary, said the land clearing work started in 2007.
He said Kampung Lubok was one of the areas where major clearing had been done.
"The nibong and rumbia trees had been replaced with oil palm trees, while some areas have not been planted with any crops yet.
"The indiscrimate land-clearing is not good for the fireflies as the insects live on the mangrove trees," he said, adding that the land clearing had also been done along the riverbanks at the sanctuary.
Besides felling trees, Sahar said the irresponsible parties had also conducted open burning and built drains in the area.
He said there were 31 boatmen at the sanctuary, which was one of the state's unique tourist attractions.
Sahar said the number of visitors to the village had not been encouraging in recent years and he felt that the mangrove trees must be protected.
"The government has done its bit to save the fireflies by barring boats with engines since 2004.
"They have also improved the facilities around the jetty and I think they should also do something to stop the clearing of the trees so that we will not lose this natural heritage," he said
Boatman Fuad Arif, 62, said Kampung Kuantan had earned its name among tourists from all over the world since 1978.
He said he was one of many who had been earning a living ferrying visitors to view the fireflies.
"It is important that the environment is maintained as naturally as possible so that the fireflies will continue to live here," he said.
Kuala Selangor District Council secretary Azahari Sairin said the council had identified those who were responsible for the clearing of the mangroves and it was taking action against the culprits.
He said it was an offence to clear land within a 5km radius of the Sungai Selangor riverbanks under the Local Plan.
"We are also in discussions with the Forest Research Institute of Malayisa (FRIM) on the possibility of planting mangroves at the affected areas," he said.
Source: The Star on-line
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The Philippines
30 March 2009
Calendar heightens awareness on mangroves
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
They're not the typical pin-up calendar photographs but they are no less breath-taking.
With vivid and colorful images, an internationally recognized mangrove conservation advocate has brought her cause to offices and homes.
Retired Iloilo-based scientist Jurgenne Primavera has come up with a Mangrove Tidal Calendar to help scientists, especially researchers on fisheries and aquaculture, determine accurately tidal patterns at anytime of the day.
While many calendars indicate the time of the low and high tides, the Mangrove Tidal Calendar gives detailed levels corresponding to a particular time.
"This is very useful to determine when to conduct field researches and samplings," said Primavera.
But more than a technical aid, the calendar is a visual delight with full-page photographs of mangroves mostly taken on Panay Island by Primavera and colleague Armi Torrechila.
A project of the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, the calendar is part of efforts to raise public awareness on mangroves and the importance of conservation efforts.
Primavera, a Pew Fellow, was last year cited by Time magazine as among the "Heroes of the Environment" along with activists, scientists, celebrities, innovators and financiers all over the world for their contribution to environmental protection.
The calendar opens with an imposing picture of a century-old pagatpat tree (Sonneratia alba) in Pedada Bay in Ajuy town in Iloilo.
The month of February is highlighted with a collage of photographs depicting the many uses and products derived from mangroves.
While depicting scenic images, notes accompanying photographs provide information on the cause of mangrove decline like overexploitation, conversion to settlements, croplands and salt beds.
One of the most powerful photographs in the calendar is on the page for the month of May which shows an abundant growth of bungalon or apiapi (Avicennia marina) in Tangalan town in Aklan that covers the whole page with a sea of green.
Other photographs show children learning or frolicking near mangrove growths.
Primavera said the calendar project is part of their efforts to heighten awareness on mangroves.
"It (awareness) is still low despite advances," she said.
The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation has also designed a pilot module on basic mangrove appreciation and conservation for elementary and high school students.
The distribution of calendars has so far been limited to 500 (complimentary) copies but Primavera said they will print additional copies if it will catch interest.
Primavera said they also want to develop the aesthetic appreciation of mangroves.
"Most people would still associate mangroves with mud and mosquitoes and we are working hard to correct that perception," she said.
(Inquiries on the calendar can be relayed to jurgenne.primavera@zsl.org or at 033-3384430).
Source: The News Today
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Thailand
Note: If you would like a PDF File sent to you of this complete manuscript, please let us know, and we will send this your way as an attachment.
Research
Outcomes of State- vs. Community-Based Mangrove Management in Southern Thailand
By Chanyut Sudtongkong 1,2 and Edward L. Webb 1,3
A recent scientific study, whose title is mentioned above, suggests that the conservation and use of our planet's coastal resources can be best handled if the local communities that utilize these same resources are integrally involved in their everyday conservation, management and usage. This involvement necessitates awareness raising, training and strengthening of needed conservation and management skills, but in the process of empowering local communities to take a leading role in this effort, there is a much better chance to save the planet. The study linked below is quite relevant to all of our conservation efforts, and counters the misunderstanding that local communities cannot do a good job of managing their natural resource base. They have the most to gain from a healthy ocean and coastal zone, and so are likely to be more motivated to ensure the biodiversity and health of the marine environment for themselves and future generations.
Though this study concerns coastal mangrove forest wetlands, the lessons learned can be applied more widely. The central idea that this study promulgates is that in order to best conserve our planet's biodiversity, local communities need to be given the responsibility to be more fully involved in the process. The following excerpt from this study is of interest:
Community forests were in a significantly better condition than state forests when considering forest height and basal area.... In fact, the basal area of the Tong Tasae CF was greater than that found in the UNESCO World Heritage Siteof Ranong Biosphere Reserve (Macintosh et al. 2002), highlighting the positive influence of local management and protection on mangrove forest structure....
Our interpretation of these results-particularly structural differences-is that community management was the principle factor in protecting, managing, and conserving the mangrove ecosystem in a manner superior to conventional state management outside of protected areas. This is an important conclusion, because most terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are outside of the protected area system, and strategies for conservation of "unprotected" ecosystems must be developed. Community-based mangrove management and protection, therefore, provides one possible mechanism to achieve the goal of mangrove ecosystem conservation.
Yet, as the researchers state:
Community-based management is not a panacea for all common-pool resource dilemmas; that is to say, in some cases, community management fails. Promotion of conservation in community-accessed ecosystems requires an understanding of what makes community-based management successful or not.
We need to work with local communities to better ensure interest in and long-term success of community-based conservation and management efforts. It is not an easy path to take, but I believe an essential one.
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Vietnam
20 March 2009
Call for help from Save the Mekong Coalition
The mighty Mekong River presently provides food, life and inspiration to millions of people in mainland Southeast Asia. But threats to the Mekong River are mounting and your help is needed.
The governments of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand are planning to build 11 big dams on the river's mainstream. If built, these dams would destroy the river's rich fisheries, placing at risk the livelihoods and food security of millions of people.
An online petition, organized by Save the Mekong coalition, is urging the region's leaders to keep the Mekong flowing freely. To sign the online petition, please visit http://tinyurl.com/Save-the-Mekong.
The Save the Mekong coalition is a new network formed of local and international groups and ordinary people who all share a concern about the future of the Mekong River. The Save the Mekong coalition is working to protect the river, its resources and people's livelihoods, and is calling for better ways to meet energy and water needs.
For further information:
http://www.savethemekong.org
mekong@savethemekong.org
To spread the word, you can also add us to your Facebook page
Thank you for helping to protect the Mekong River.
[If you have difficulties accessing the online petition website, visit THIS LINK to see the petition message. If you would like to add your name, then email your details (Name, City/ Province, Country, an optional personal message) to mekong@savethemekong.org.]
Submitted by: Bruce Shoemaker
seamcknight@bitstream.net
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24 March 2009
Rising Tide Threat Looms Over Mekong Farmers
MEKONG DELTA, VIET NAM - Fish farmers of the Mekong Delta are taking the threats of climate change very seriously as research illustrates just how devastating the effects of a rising tide could be.
Work to help the Mekong Delta cope with the impacts of rising sea levels will be carried out this year through an irrigation development project, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Construction Management Department. The project will include work on controlling salinity levels and ensuring fresh water supplies for local residents and agricultural production.
Global warming forecasts indicate that about 20,000sq/km of coastal land in the delta will be submerged in 10 years due to climate change. Water flow in the Mekong River is forecast to reduce by 2 to 24 per cent during the dry season and increase by 7 to 15 per cent during the flood season.
A scenario on rising sea levels carried out by the Can Tho University's Climate Change Research Institute showed that if the sea level increased by one metre by 2030, a large area of Cuu Long Delta would be submerged. Ben Tre Province would be the hardest hit, with 51 per cent of land flooded, while 49.4 per cent of land will be submerged in Long An Province and 43 per cent in HCM City.
The region's farms and aquaculture are also under threat from increased salinity, which may occur during droughts as sea water reaches fields further inland.
The project was launched in 2004 and so far almost 150 sewage works have been upgraded and 2,000km of channels have been dredged, while as many as 240,000 local households have been provided with access to fresh water.
Source: TheFishSite News Desk
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31 March 2009
Nine new species discovered in Can Gio mangrove forest
Scientists from the Tropical Biology Institute have discovered nine new species of amphibians-reptiles in the Can Gio mangrove forest in HCM City.
The nine new species include: water toad, green racophorus, black gecko, grey salamander, and five new species of snakes.
However, they announced that they didn't see lilac crocodile and two species of snakes, which lived in the forest in the past.
The discovery is the result of a scientific research project conducted from September 2006 to March 2008 by Nguyen Ngoc Sang and his co-workers from the Tropical Biology Institute.
Scientists conducted five surveys, each survey lasting seven days, in Can Gio. The surveys show that three species of snakes, which were present in the forest in the past, are not there anymore.
Before the Vietnam War, Can Gio belonged to the southern province of Dong Nai and it was a mangrove forest which had abundant floral and fauna species. The war turned this area into a dead land.
In 1979, HCM City launched a campaign to re-grow Can Gio forest. On January 21, 2001, this forest was recognised by UNESCO's Human and Biosphere Program as the first biosphere reserve of Vietnam.
Source: Vinh Giang
Bangladesh
1 April 2009
Study finds 6,000 rare dolphins off Bangladesh
By Farid Hossain
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Thousands of rare Irrawaddy dolphins have been found in Bangladeshi waters, a wildlife advocacy group said Wednesday, a hopeful sign for a vulnerable species found only in small numbers elsewhere.
However, the newly discovered population is already threatened by climate change and fishing nets, the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society said.
Nearly 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins, which are related to orcas or killer whales, were found living in freshwater regions of Bangladesh's Sundarbans mangrove forest and the adjacent waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced.
Prior to this study the largest known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins numbered in the low hundreds or less, a news release from the group said.
"This discovery gives us great hope that there is a future for Irrawaddy dolphins," said Brian D. Smith, the study's lead author. "Bangladesh clearly serves as an important sanctuary for Irrawaddy dolphins, and conservation in this region should be a top priority."
The Irrawaddy dolphin grows to up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) in length and frequents large rivers, estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in south and southeast Asia.
Scientists do not know exactly how many Irrawaddy dolphins remain. In 2008, they were listed as vulnerable in the International Union of Conservation of Nature's Red List based on population declines in known populations, according to the news release.
The results of the study were made public Wednesday at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, Hawaii. The news release did not say when the study was conducted but Bangladeshi researchers in the team said it was launched in 2004.
Ainun Nishat, the Bangladesh head of International Union for Conservation of Nature, said the finding was an indication that "ecology in the area is not dead yet."
"There is plenty of food, mainly fish, in the area for the dolphins to eat," said Nishat, who was not involved in the study. "What is now needed is to restrict fishing in the area to protect the dolphins."
During the study, researchers encountered two dolphins that had become entangled and subsequently drowned in fishing nets - a common occurrence, according to local fishermen.
Rising sea levels caused by climate change also threaten the freshwater dolphins, the researchers said.
Wildlife Conservation Society has asked Bangladeshi authorities to establish a sanctuary for the dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
"The sanctuary may take time," said Mohammad Jalilur Rahman, an official at the state-run Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. "But we are already motivating the fishermen not to harm the dolphins which get entangled in their nets."
Source: Associated Press
==============================
9 April 2009
'No' to saline-water based shrimp farming
by Quazi Amanullah, Khulna
Farmers in Khulna and Bagerhat districts are now firm to resist saline water-based shrimp cultivation while women workers in shrimp processing plants in the districts have vowed to stop exploitation by the owners by depriving them of due wages and facility.
Several thousands farmers of Khulna and Bagerhat districts recently staged protests against saline water based shrimp cultivation.
Saline water causes extensive damage to fertility of cropland especially of paddy. It also harms vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.
Paddy is more important than shrimp for survival of the people in general, leaders of agitating farmers told newsmen.
The agitations in most of the upazilas of Khulna and Bagerhat are getting intensified as people have joined hands with farmers to resist the harmful method of shrimp cultivation.
Three cases were recorded recently under section 15 (1) of Special Powers act, 1974 with Dakop Police Station of Khulna district accusing a few owners of damaging fertility of paddy fields by using saline water.
According to police, the situation is taking an alarming turn in many places of Khulna as pro-agitation groups and the workers of shrimp firms clashed over the issue of shrimp cultivation.
"This shrimp cultivation method has adverse impact not only on crop land, fruit-bearing trees and green vegetables but also on overall environment, said convenor of Khulna Nagorik Parishad Mahanada Sarker.
He demanded urgent government steps to ensure environment-friendly shrimp cultivation to stop further damage to the farmlands.
Meanwhile, women workers in 33 shrimp processing plants in the two districts have demanded minimum wages and urged the government to take measures to stop repression on them by the owners.
Over 30,000 women, now working in these shrimp processing plants, alleged that they do not get proper pay although they work for over 12 hours a day.
"We are not issued any appointment letters and even identity cards," alleged Rina Begum who works at Gemini Sea Foods Ltd in Khulna.
She further said that women workers at shrimp processing plants also do not get due medicare services.
The member-secretary of Khulna Citizens' Group Feroze Ahmed demanded declaration of minimum wages for women workers and threatened tougher agitation if this demand is not met without further delay.
Director of Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters' Association Md Humayun Kabir said a minimum wage board for women workers at shrimp plants would be declared very soon.
He said a high level committee is already working to fix their minimum wages.
Source: Daily Star
==============================
India
26 March 2009
Form trust to preserve Godrej mangroves: panel
by Nitya Kaushik
Mumbai A large belt of mangrove forest on the western bank of the Thane Creek has received a new lease of life after the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee suggested steps to preserve and develop it on Wednesday. The committee, in a hearing on the private forest issue, has recommended that about 1,750 acres of Godrej-owned mangrove lands stretching across Vikhroli and Thane should be managed by the state Forest Department and that a trust should be formed to protect it.
This trust would comprise five members - two nominated members from Godrej and Boyce, two eminent citizens and will be headed by the chief secretary of the state, said Rajendra Manglurkar, joint secretary of the state Revenue and Forest department.
Manglurkar said, "this trust will be involved in watching over the forest and saving them for any impending destruction. They will also be responsible to develop this mangrove tracts and maintain them."
The committee also said that fund collected from 'illegal' residents for regularising their homes should be partially used in protection and development of the mangroves in the region. The remaining funds will be used to afforest other regions of the state, Manglurkar said.
These mangroves on the western banks of Thane are the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai, a substantial tract of which is adjoining the Godrej & Boyce Township. Since 1985, the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation has been maintaining these tracts.
However, land reclamation and development have of late been causing largescale destruction of these forests.
Source: Express India
=============================
2 April 2009
After duty cut, US withdraws customs bond on shrimps
Kochi: Indian shrimp exporters to US seem to have hit the jackpot twice in 2009 with the US customs and border protection department withdrawing the customs bond weeks after lowering the anti-dumping duty. The US agency has completely withdrawn the bond pursuant to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Appellate Body reported that the application of this requirement to shrimps from Thailand and India was inconsistent with WTO obligations.
In addition to the anti-dumping duty, the US had also imposed a customs bond, which is a cash guarantee collected by US customs against any further rise in the anti-dumping duty. The bond is calculated at 100% of the duty payable on total exports in the previous year and has one-year validity, forcing exporters to take fresh bonds every year. The duty and the bond have been chiefly responsible for the decline in India's shrimp exports to the US.
In March 2009, the anti-dumping duty for Indian shrimp exports to the US was lowered to less than 0.79% from 1.69% by the US department of commerce in the preliminary report of the third annual review. Indian exporters are likely to get cash refund on the customs bond for the period of February 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007, to which this ruling is effective. In effect, India has the lowest anti-dumping duty among shrimp exporting countries targeted by the US shrimp farmers. US accounts for 7% of the volume share and 16% of the value share of total exports (according to figures provided by MPEDA for 2006-07).
US based Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) is the original petitioners against India and several other nations in the shrimp import issue. They alleged that that lower-priced, pond-raised shrimps from Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Thailand, and Vietnam were hurting the US industry. The US mostly harvests shrimp from the sea. In response to their efforts, the US International Trade Commission imposed anti-dumping duties on shrimp imports from Asia and Latin America from 2004.
The effect of the anti-dumping duty was dramatic on Indian exports. Shrimp exporters to US fell to less than 75 from 228 at the time of imposition of the punitive duties. Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) expects shrimp exports to US to bounce in the coming days. "With the lowering of duty and withdrawal of bond, Indian shrimp can compete better in the global market," Anwar Hashim, national president of SEAI..
Source: The Financial Express
Brazil
Editor's Note: MAP has been collaborating with the Brazilian NGO Instituto BiomaBrasil since 2006 to adapt and implement the "Marvelous Mangroves" teacher's guide for use in Brazil.
7 April 2009
"Populations and Mangroves" project presented at congress
The "Populations and Mangroves" project, developed by the Secretary of Environment of Cariacica (Espirito Santo state) - SEMMAM - was selected for the 1st Public Management Congress (CONGEP). The presentation takes place on Tuesday (7 April) at 3pm in the Vitoria Convention Center.
The project was one of 24 selected, among the first 100 registered. The objective of CONGEP is to discuss the management of public policies as instruments of intervention, seeking social results with transparency, social control, efficiency, efficacy, economy, and effectiveness.
The principal projects executed by the administration will be presented to the participants of the congress at a stand set up by the mayor's office in the event area.
"Populations and Mangroves"
The "Populations and Mangroves" project is an integral institutional initiative of the Secretary of Environment and Secretary of Education of the Municipality of Cariacica, with the support of the NGO Instituto BiomaBrasil. The object of the project is the on-going training and development of 100 educators and community strengthening of the fisherfolk associations resident in the city. The actions directly contribute to the development of the management process for the mangroves of Cariacia. The Ministry of Environment has taken notice of this experience, and intends to replicate parts of the actions in other regions of the country.
In order to confront the chronic impacts registered in the mangroves and balance future port and industrial activities predicted for the region, SEMMAM made use of an important strategic instrument of management defined by the National Environmental Policy, resulting in the creation, in 2007, of two protected areas: the Cariacica Mangroves Municipal Sustainable Development Reserve and the Itangua Mangroves Municipal Natural Park.
One of the most relevant aspects of the project is the adoption of the Teacher's Guide "Marvelous Mangroves of Brazil" an educational support tool already adopted for use in seven countries, it has been translated and adapted to the Brazilian reality. Cariacica is the first Brazilian municipality to test the teacher's guide, actively contributing to its refinement, together with educators.
Additional Information:
Ariance Franco
Submitted by: Aparecida Demoner
aparecidademoner@hotmail.com
==================================
Mexico
23 March 2009
CONTACT INFO:
Nancy DeRosa, Director
Society of Akumal's Vital Ecology, A.C. (SAVE)
Lot 35 C Aventuras Akumal
77760 Mexico
www.saverivieramaya.org
cenotes@prodigy.net.mx
TOLL FREE in Mexico 01-800-509-4376
Unprecedented demand for water protection in Mexico
Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico: Set against the backdrop of UNESCO's World Water Forum held in Istanbul Turkey, the public launching of Aguas Con Los Cenotes, or Watch Out for the Water of the Cenotes, occurred this past week during the Foro Estatal de Cenotes in Chetumal. This project, initiated by the Society of Akumal's Vital Ecology, A.C., or SAVE, is a bold demand made to Mexican President Felipe Calderon to protect the underground river systems and cenotes in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
The central Caribbean coastline region of the Yucatan Peninsula contains large stretches of mangrove forests and also the largest underground freshwater river system anywhere in the world, which helps keep the mangroves and related coastal ecology healthy and vibrant. To date over 750 kilometers of the rivers have been charted by dive explorers, roughly 15%. It is a vast resource of as yet unknown amounts of pure, fresh water, although contamination is happening beneath municipalities and mega-resorts with inadequate sewage treatment. Official maps of the Mexican geographic ministry, INEGI, reflect zero underground water.
Thanks to the effect of the water level changes in the past, these now flooded caverns are richly decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and columns with a variety of archeological, biological, anthropological and paleontological treasures. At least 41 endemic species exists here. The cave river system is located under porous limestone karst and is subject to collapse and to contamination due mostly to tourism related development. River flows and counter flows lead into the Caribbean's Mesoamerican Reef System. Mexico City is in drought rationing conditions.
The Foro Estatal de Cenotes was presented and attend by federal and state water and environmental agencies as well as international and regional NGO's.
Presented ahead of the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul (Turkey) the United Nations World Water Development Report 3 states "With increasing shortages, good governance is more than ever essential for water management, says the Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura." "Demand is increasing, and some countries are already reaching the limits of their water resourcesŠ. Competition for water is intensifying - whether between countries, urban and rural areas, or different sectors of activity. This may make water an increasingly politicized issue." Once Mexican federal protection is achieved UNESCO designation of World Heritage Site will be pursued by SAVE. Currently no subterranean fluvial systems are listed.
# # #
Society of Akumal's Vital Ecology, A.C. (SAVE) is a grassroots environmental activist group with Mexican non-profit status. The mission is to keep our unique and fragile ecology safe from the dangers of non-sustainable development, for the future of our children and for upcoming generations. The interconnected ecosystem includes the spectacular water filled caves and caverns (cenotes), the thriving mangroves, the beach bluff, and the Mesoamerican Reef System.
Submitted by: Nancy Derosa
cenotes@prodigy.net.mx
USA
Note: One of the most serious attempts, ever, to weaken Florida's Wetlands Permit Process is underway. This will result in any consultant, hired by a developer to attest that the wetlands can be destroyed. If a third party or the state want to fight the burden is on them. This could lead to the wholesale loss of more of Florida Wetlands. The state of Florida has already sacrificed more wetlands than any other state in the South Easter United States.
If you go to the Audubon site below you may send an email or you may go directly to the state representative and send an email.http://audubonaction.org/florida/home.html. The Action is titled: Legislative Committee Approves Environmental Ponzi Scheme
Or you can go to the Florida State Web Site and look up your legislator. (MyFlorida.gov)
The loss of Wetlands means more subdivisions, less wild life, more flooding and poor quality drinking water.
Please read the news article below for more information:
22 March 2009
Bill to ease wetlands development advances in Florida House
BY Craig Pittman and Matthew Waite
A bill that would drastically limit the state's ability to protect wetlands from destruction has passed a legislative committee. The bill says that anyone who wants to destroy a wetland simply needs to turn in an application that has been ``prepared and signed by . . . scientists, engineers, geologists, architects or other licensed professionals.''
As long as the application is filled out properly and signed by a licensed professional, who certifies the wetland destruction won't lead to water pollution problems, it ''shall be presumed to comply'' with the law and must be approved.
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved the bill Thursday.
BURDEN OF PROOF
If state regulators decide to deny the permit anyway, the bill says, the developer can challenge it in court -- and the burden of proof will be on regulators to show why the wetland was worth saving.
If someone who lives next door to the proposed development wants to challenge the permit, the bill says, the burden of proof is on the challenger, not on the developer who wants to pave over the wetland.
''It's a license to kill,'' said Roy ''Robin'' Lewis of Tampa, an environmental consultant for more than 30 years. ``This bill has nothing to do with proper management of wetlands in Florida.''
He added that engineers, geologists and architects are not wetlands experts.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, said he is ''a big believer in preservation of the environment.'' He said his bill won't lessen protections for the state's wetlands, but instead ''we're creating some respect . . . that's been missing'' from state regulators when they deal with developers.
He acknowledged his measure was intended to be ''an agitator'' to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
But Patronis, who owns a seafood restaurant, compared the move with defrosting a refrigerator and tossing out all of the food, something he said should be done from time to time.
''Sometimes you need to unplug these state buildings and clean them out and start over,'' he said. ``Everything deserves a good cleaning out.''
Patronis, whose wife runs a real-estate business, said he felt a little uneasy about his bill when it reached the committee hearing because it ''sucked all the air out of the room,'' he said.
But when he offered to hold it for later consideration, 'the committee members said `no, don't, we want to vote this out,' '' he said. The bill passed 13-4, with bipartisan support.
''There were Democrats and Republicans who thought my was a good idea,'' he said. ``The committee found sympathy with my argument.''
But environmental advocates termed it ``outrageous.''
''This is not streamlining,'' said Julie Wraithmell of Audubon of Florida. ``This is a reduction in environmental protection.''
SCIENTISTS' FINDINGS
Current state and federal laws say protecting wetlands is presumed to be in the public interest. Scientists have found that wetlands stem flooding, recharge the underground drinking water supply, filter pollution and provide vital habitat to wildlife.
Yet, despite policies that say there should be no net loss of wetlands, a St. Petersburg Times analysis of satellite imagery found that between 1990 and 2003 Florida lost 84,000 acres of wetlands that were converted to homes, stores, roads, parking lots and other urban uses. Add in mining and agriculture, and the total amount is likely closer to 100,000 acres.
Current state law requires regulators to make a decision on wetlands destruction permits within 90 days, and if they miss the deadline the permit is automatically approved. A Times analysis of DEP permits found that they were being approved in an average of 44 days.
Submitted by: Reef Rescue
etichscuba@aol.com
==================================
25 March 2009
Everglades close to Keys expansion
A proposed expansion of Everglades National Park into the mangroves off Key Largo is almost a reality after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the acquisition today.
Under the terms of the legislation, Everglades National Park would acquire 590 acres of mangroves and 10 acres of land in Tarpon Basin.
The acquisition would be free, as The Nature Conservancy, which acquired the site in 2003, plans to give it to the National Park Service.
Keys News
==================================
26 March 2009
Marco Island and Goodland's dying mangrove forests
By Eileen Ward / Owner of Greensward Lawn and Garden Care and Eagle i
Marco's dying mangroves are becoming a serious environmental concern as they are often considered as vital to the area's ecological health as kidneys are to human health.
Marco Island's fringe and the surrounding Ten Thousand Islands are mostly made up of mangrove trees. Mangroves are a Florida native plant that thrives in salty water. They are able to separate the salt from the water and use the fresh water to survive.
These mangrove forest ecosystems trap and cycle organic matter, chemicals and nutrients. They are the nurseries for area fishes, crustaceans and shellfish. They also provide food for species such as snook, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, oyster and shrimp. Our recreational and commercial fisheries would drastically decline without healthy mangrove forests.
Mangroves are also important nesting areas for coastal birds such as the brown pelican and roseate spoonbills.
After spending several months cleaning the woods of Key Marco of the non-native Brazilian pepper and vines, which create false canopies and kill trees and shrubs beneath them, an extremely large area of dying mangroves between Marco Island south to Goodland was discovered.
Tina Ottman, the Research Coordinator for Rookery Bay reported a culvert that runs under State Road 92, known as San Marco Road, meant to allow tidal flow to continue into this area. This culvert has collapsed and become clogged with debris.
The Department of Environmental Protection has never had the money to study and repair this problem. There are people working on grants to fund the needed studies to determine if this is the only problem or one of many. It is possible that one or all of the developments in the area could have also disturbed the tidal flows into the dying areas. Key Marco, Vintage Bay, Stevens Landing could all have contributed to the problem.
The federal government is giving DEP millions of dollars in stimulus monies for "shovel ready" environmental projects. Because of the need for further engineering studies, this problem would not be considered, "shovel ready." However, Collier County Commissioners have been allocated $575,000, for hiring consultants who will create a complete model to write plans for watershed management. This plan would study the way water flows across land, into canals and into the Gulf of Mexico.
While this study is probably more about urban flooding than tidal flows into area mangroves, perhaps the engineers could look into the tidal flow problem as part of this project. Donna Fiala, our representative on the commission board, is aware of the issue and is looking into whether this could be considered to help make the problem a shovel ready project.
The City of Marco Island is planning to spend money on drainage and culvert issues in the near future. The culvert under San Marco Road provides a very important flow for the mangroves in the area and could hopefully also receive some much needed money and attention from The City of Marco Island in addition to the county and DEP.
The beauty and abundance from our local environment are major draws for tourism and for the people who call this area home. This area of dying mangroves is very large and startling to see and it continues to grow larger.
We need to allocate funds to begin to resolve and reverse this problem as soon as possible so that we can continue to enjoy the bounty our local mangrove forests nurture.
Source: Marco News
18 February 2009
Big fish, little fish: The case for small-scale fishing communities
Posted by Tom Philpott
Over on the Foreign Policy website, Daniel Pauly of The Sea Around Us Project has an excellent set of info graphics on the dismal state of the globe's fisheries.
The whole thing should be studied and gaped at by anyone who values the oceans as living ecosystems. You should know, for example, if you don't already, that the world's appetite for sushi has driven three species of bluefin tuna to "near extinction," and that it will take decades to revive them -- if and only if we "stop eating them now."
But what really reeled me in (sorry, everyone) was the comparison between small-scale and large-scale fishing operations. Turns out that small operations are actually much more efficient. Key fact:
Large-scale fisheries burn through 14-19 million metric tons of fuel each year to produce 29 million metric tons of fish. So in the best case, it takes about a ton of fuel to produce two tons of fish. Their small-scale counterparts use one to three metric tons of fuel to produce 24 million metric tons of fish. So in the worst case, a ton of fuel yields eight tons of fish. What happened to economies of scale?
It gets worse. For large-scale operations, more than two-thirds of the catch (22 of 29 metric tons) goes to industrial purposes, i.e., producing fish meal and fish oil to feed fish farms. (Land-based factory animal farms also suck in a large amount of sea-based feed). So the great bulk of the catch isn't eaten directly, but highly processed and fed to other organisms that are then consumed by humans.
For small-scale operations, "almost none" of the catch goes to industrial purposes. These fisher people are harvesting food for people to eat. Their large-scale rivals, like corn and soy farmers, are creating industrial inputs.
Then there's the "bycatch" problem. In small-scale fishing communities, the concept of waste barely exists. All along, say, the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, there are traditional seafood soups that turn low-value fish into something nourishing and delicious. These dishes -- brodetti, paellas, bouillabaisse, etc. -- rank among the glories of world cuisine.
Every year, large fisheries throw back 10-20 million metric tons of dead sea creatures. Small fisheries throw back "few" such critters, by contrast.
Finally, there's employment. As global unemployment rises, large fisheries employ just 1 million people. Small operations provide livelihoods (and access to top-quality fresh food) to more than 12 million.
In the murky waters of ocean health, one solution seems clear: Crack down on resource-sucking large fishing operations, and figure out how to make small-scale fishing communities viable.
Source: Grist
=====================================
16 March 2009
Advice to eat fish hurts environment, say Canadian scientists
A team of Canadian scientists is calling dietary guidelines to eat more fish unwise and shortsighted. The report's lead author told CBC News he expects the analysis to be controversial because it's an argument against health advice based, in part, on environmental concerns. "You know, this could definitely stir the pot, generally," said Dr. David Jenkins of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.
He and report co-author Ussif Rashid Sumaila, acting director of the Fisheries Centre at UBC, analyzed the science behind guidelines throughout the world suggesting people in developed countries eat at least two servings of fish per week.
The study found there is some evidence to support the theory that fish and fish oils, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, prevent coronary artery disease. However, evidence also suggests fish eaters have generally healthier lifestyles than the rest of the population, so the benefit to eating fish is unclear.
Jenkins said that evidence has been ignored in the past. "There have been areas where fish have been explored, in relation to heart disease, that haven't turned out the way we would have expected … and these are not being discussed," Jenkins said.
While the benefit is uncertain, the researchers write, the cost of this fish-eating advice is very clear. "It means more demand for fish, which are simply not available. [They're] becoming less and less available in the ocean," Sumaila said. "Scientists around the world have shown that declines in fish stocks are really serious … so the evidence there is very strong."
The public has the impression, Sumaila said, that there are plenty of fish in the sea - but that's not the case. "When you go into the supermarket, you find fish all over and you say, 'C'mon, there's fish all over.' But actually, they're coming from sources we didn't tap into before and there are consequences for that," he said.
If the high demand for fish in developed countries continues, Sumaila said, future generations may not have wild fish to eat. "If this high demand for fish continues, given the limited supplies, we are pushing the envelope and that can lead to problems in the near future for us and also for our children and grandchildren," he said.
In the publication, the researchers write, "it would seem responsible to refrain from advocating to people in developed countries that they increase their intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids through fish consumption."
The responsible course, they argue, would be to forego guidelines to eat fish and focus on acts with certain health benefits, like eating fruits and vegetables and getting exercise. "There are many other things that you should be doing and paying attention to, if you're that enthusiastic about your health," Jenkins said. "What I'm saying is, in that we have many ways of looking after our heart, we should be using those, instead of using the environment."
The peer-reviewed analysis, called "Are dietary recommendations for the use of fish oils sustainable?" will be published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on Tuesday. The report's other co-authors are John L. Sievenpiper, Dr. Daniel Pauly, Cyril W.C. Kendall and Farley Mowat.
Source: CBC News
=====================================
7 Apr 2009 13:14:45 +0200
UN Climate meeting puts huge emissions from peatland loss on agenda
Bonn, Germany. The enormous carbon dioxide emissions from degraded peatlands have finally become an integral part of the UNFCCC agenda. An impressive list of countries have pleaded for inclusion of these so far ignored emissions in national emission accounting in developed countries.
This major breakthrough is an outcome of the UNFCCC meeting in Bonn (till April 8). So far, emissions from the degradation of the organic soils in peatlands due to drainage have been excluded from accounting of emissions as it was not on anyone’s radar before. These enormous emissions amount in Annex 1 countries to about 900 Mton carbon dioxide and globally in the range between 2 to 3 Gt/CO2 annually.
Although they only cover 3% of the global land surface, their degradation contributes to 7-11% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions reflect the alarming loss of one of the worlds biggest terrestrial carbon stores.
Increased recognition
Now, more and more countries see the importance of addressing these emissions and are also aware of the huge and cost-effective potential of restoring drained peatlands in order to save the organic carbon stores. Inclusion of peatland emissions in accounting rules will create a huge momentum for restoring and protecting these wetlands.
Country submissions
A clear indication of the increasing attention for addressing peat-emissions is provided by the recent submissions of Australia, Belarus, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland demanding wetland restoration and emissions from wetland loss as an additional activity for accounting under a new Kyoto Protocol and by Tuvalu proposing a new system to account for all biomass carbon loss including from peat. These explicit proposals are backed by several other countries.
Road to Copenhagen
These proposals are discussed at the UN Bonn Climate Change Talks that currently take place. This meeting prepares a new climate treaty for Copenhagen in December of this year. For the future of the world’s wetlands, the attention for emissions caused by wetland loss is very hopeful.
Source: Wetlands International
=====================================
8 April 2009
Press release: Poor countries demand US$2 billion from rich
The world's 49 least developed countries have called on rich nations to meet an eight-year old promise and pay US$2 billion to help them adapt to climate change.
The demand was made at the UN climate change negotiations which close today (8 April) in Bonn, Germany.
Rich countries promised the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) support for "immediate and urgent" actions on adaptation to climate change eight years ago at the seventh conference of parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Marrakech, Morocco in 2001.
The UNFCCC then created the LDC Fund with voluntary contributions from the rich countries and gave each LDC US$200,000 to carry out a National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to identify the most urgent adaptation actions needed.
So far 39 of the NAPAs have been completed. The costs of implementing all the urgent and immediate adaptation actions identified in them would exceed US$1.6 billion, but the LDC Fund has less than US$200 million and only a handful of the identified projects have been funded.
"The LDCs are demanding that the rich countries pledge up to US$2 billion over the next five years in order to fulfil the promise they made eight years ago," says Saleemul Huq, senior fellow in the Climate Change Group at the International Institute for Environment and Development.
"The poorest and most vulnerable countries have contributed least to climate change and will suffer most from its impacts," says Huq. "The rich countries can and must live up to their words and massively increase their funding to compensate the least developed countries."
Last month IIED published a four-page briefing paper on funding for adaptation to climate change. Download the PDF.
Mike Shanahan
Press officer
International Institute for Environment and Development
3 Endsleigh Street
London WC1H 0DD
Tel: 44 (0) 207 388 2117
Fax: 44 (0) 207 388 2826
Email: mike.shanahan@iied.org
www.iied.org
CONFERENCES / WORKSHOPS / PUBLICATIONS
31 March 2009
New paper on REDD and wetlands
A new background paper entitled 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries (REDD) - the link with wetlands' prepared for FIELD by consultant Dave Pritchard is available at www.field.org.uk .
The paper summarises the importance of wetlands in relation to climate change and examines their potential role in relation to REDD and various international conventions.
FIELD would welcome comments at field@field.org.uk. The author can be contacted directly at dep@dendros.org.uk
Source: Foundation for International Environmental Law & Development (FIELD)
www.field.org.uk
Editor' Note: The wild salmon vs. farmed salmon issue, though not involving mangroves, does involve MAP in that very similar problems that shrimp farming produces are manifested in the salmon farm industries in Chile, Canada, Scotland, Ireland and the USA. Pollution, wetland loss, coastal degradation, mass escapes, disease and parasite infestations, volatile markets and dependence on wild fisheries to feed the farmed varieties are all part of the salmon and the shrimp production malaise that affects both industries around the world. The victory described below is a big one for BC, Canada, and a big one for all of us working for healthier coastal ecosystems as well. Because this editor lives in the Pacific Northwest region, this victory is particularly important for our region!
===
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE FOR THE WILD SALMON!
Vancouver, B.C. February 9 - BC Supreme Court ruled that the BC government does not have the right to regulate salmon farms - the BC regulation of fish farms has become unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid. The fish inside the farm are now considered a fishery, not agriculture and thus the federal government has exclusive right to regulation. The court suspended the ruling for a period of 12 months to allow the federal government to bring in proper legislation.
On September 29 - October 3, 2008, the case Alexandra Morton et al vs the A.G. of British Columbia and Marine Harvest Canada, Vancouver Registry, No. S083198 was argued in BC Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Hinkson. Filed under the Judicial Review Procedure Act, RSBC, c. 241 the Petitioners sought a declaration that the statutory provisions of British Columbia's Aquaculture Regulatory Regime - sections 13(5) and 26(2)(a) of the Fisheries Act (B.C.) - be declared unconstitutional and of no force or effect by virtue of section 52 of the Constitution, which states that the regulation of Canada's fisheries is under the sole jurisdiction of the Federal Crown and cannot be delegated to the provinces.
When salmon farming arrived on this coast very little was know about it, today know much, much more. Just last week the provincially funded Pacific Salmon Forum called for restructuring of the fish farm regulatory regime now we have the opportunity to do something that makes sense.
I am relieved and overjoyed. "Finally, the government agency in charge of fish farms is mandated to put wild salmon first. This has come none too soon as provincial management of fish farms is devastating many coastal communities."
"Because the province is not responsible for the oceans, the impact of fish farms on the oceans became nobody's business and this is how we got into this mess," explains Morton.
"The B.C. salmon farming industry is largely foreign and facing severe global economic and disease problems," says Morton. "What makes countries wealthy is their resources and wild salmon are an extremely valuable fishery to the benefit of the BC economy."
"I would like to thank my lawyer, Greg McDade, the hundreds of people on this website that have donated the funds that made this possible", says Morton, "West Coast Environmental Law and many others for their help. There is an enormous amount of work ahead, but this court has illuminated a path though the chaos. The war in the water should be over. Our wild salmon are down but they are not out!"
Submitted by: Alexandra Morton
wildorca@island.net
=====================================
1 April 2009
Contamination claims behind Marine Harvest plant closure
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
The directors of Norwegian firm Marine Harvest will be closing a company plant located in the south of Chile this Monday in response to protests made by the local indigenous peoples over the alleged contamination of community waters.
The largest salmon farming company in the world will shut down its facilities in Ancud, Chiloe Island, which is located about 1,100 kilometres south of Santiago, due to the accusations and complaints of usupation of historical territory made by the huilliche Conimo Lamecura community.
According to the Labour and Environmental Observatory of Chiloe (OLACH), a letter sent by Marine Harvest Chile Executive Director Alvaro Jimenez pledges the withdrawal of two raft cages and other facilities from the surrounding beach areas in the bay of Conimo, in Ancud, within five months at most.
The Huilliche community - one of about 250 inhabitants - has accused the company "of usurping a historical territory of the indigenous community that has long provided its population with abundant fish, algae and shellfish."
According to Huilliche community spokesman Alex Caicheo: "We have observed serious contamination in waters as a byproduct of raft cage sediments in the bay, which in turn have affected the algae and shellfish harvests of the union of Huilliche fishermen."
Community leader Orlando Allarcan insists laws protecting indigenous rights are not respected.
However, he believes "it is possible to repair the damage caused to the population and the environment" with how the industry has been handling the matter, he declared in AFP.
Marine Harvest also owns another four operations in the south of the country.
In Chile, some 2,000 salmon farming companies generate about 50,000 jobs.
Source: FIS
