MPAs, aquatic conservation and connecting people to nature

Abstract

The human affinity for aquatic species and environments is exemplified through the ubiquity of aquatic themed popular culture including a significant portion of global tourism providing access to places linked to aquatic environments. Yet this affinity does not appear to translate to the widespread support required for the achievement of ambitious aquatic biodiversity conservation goals. Achieving conservation goals is contingent upon broad awareness of the values of biodiversity and what can be done to conserve and use it sustainably as embodied by Aichi Biodiversity Target 1. This paper identifies seven lessons to support marine protected area (MPA) managers and ocean conservation professionals to implement programmes that “Inspire a New Generation” (ING) to learn about, value and conserve aquatic environments: (1) Prioritize Experience; (2) Embrace Technology; (3) Integrate; (4) Focus on Youth; (5) Make it Relevant; (6) Make it Positive; and (7) Engage Other Sectors. These lessons are discussed alongside examples of ING programmes from MPA management authorities and aquatic conservation organizations. The effective application of these lessons requires appropriate levels of institutional commitment and investment in order to achieve success in ING as a precursor to the achievement of aquatic conservation goals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Generation Nemo’: motivations, satisfaction and career goals of marine biology students

“…The growing interest in marine biology among young people is also likely linked to society becoming more exposed to problems of marine conservation, resulting in greater awareness regarding the importance of protecting marine environments, ecosystems and species (Baumgartner and Zabin 2008;Colleton et al 2016;Gill and Golding 2001;Guest, Lotze, and Wallace 2015;Hamilton and Safford 2015;Jefferson et al 2015;Lambert 2006), with particular attention towards the charismatic and flagship species (Brito and Vieira 2016;Hawkins et al 2016;Jefferson et al 2014;Shapiro et al 2016). In addition, practical ways to deal with issues of coastal and marine conservation, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, may have played a significant role in stimulating interest among youth in the field of marine biology (Bianco, Koss, and Zischka 2016;Nicoll et al 2016;Pearse et al 2013).…”

Encouraging youth engagement in marine protected areas: A survey of best practices in Canada

“…Ten common strategies were developed using the recommendations proposed in the IMPAC3 report (Sévin et al, ), the 2011 Canadian Parks Council, Engaging Youth in Canada's Parks report (Church, Burger, LeClair, & Dougherty, ), and the approaches used by organizations such as the Ocean Projects and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society–British Columbia. The list of strategies was also inspired by the recommendations of Nicoll et al (). Although these case studies are mostly based on Canadian organizations, the aim is to draw general recommendations that can inform youth engagement strategies in other parts of the world.…”

“…Across all of these areas, youth are increasingly adding their distinct and valuable voice. Focusing on youth has been identified as key to supporting MPA managers and professionals (Nicoll et al, ). Not only can engaging youth in conservation practices lead to a lifelong affinity and care for marine environments, youth are also uniquely positioned to integrate new technologies into digital and experiential conservation efforts (ibid).…”

Message framing strategies for effective marine conservation communication

“…The necessity of effective communication for successful marine conservation initiatives, including the significance of scientists’ communication (Rudd, 2015), and the importance of using different communication approaches for different stakeholders (e.g. regulators, extractors, users) has been repeatedly emphasized (Day, 2003; Elliott, Snoeijs‐Leijonmalm, & Barnard, 2017; Nicoll et al, 2016; Reuver et al, 2016; Salomon et al, 2011; Seeyave et al, 2017; Van Densen & McCay, 2007). The present integrative review contributes to this identified need by providing a thematically presented new understanding (Torraco, 2005) of message framing strategies for effectual marine conservation communication (MCC).…”