Project Ocean
Project Ocean is the result of a collaboration with Selfridges to engage people in marine conservation.
There are two key messages: vote with your fork - eat more sustainably; and support marine protected areas. ZSL are the lead partners along with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and Fish2Fork , with many other NGOs providing advice and participating in events.
Go to the Project Ocean website for more information.
Vote with your Fork
'Vote with your fork' is the campaign to encourage people to eat more sustainably. ZSL and MCS have been technical advisors regarding sustainable seafood and have helped develop the Selfridges Fish Guide
. You can use this when you go to restaurants and supermarkets to make sure you’re buying and eating sustainable fish too. You can also download the free ‘Fish Forever’ smartphone app.
ZSL’s Marine Projects Include
Thames Conservation
Monitoring and managing endangered marine species that live on our London doorstep.
EDGE Coral Reefs
- Active conservation for the world’s most threatened and evolutionary distinct corals through our EDGE of Existence programme.
Project Seahorse
- Saving some of the most charismatic fishes in our oceans.
Chagos
- We are now developing a research programme to help conserve the world's largest MPA in the Indian Ocean.
Mangroves
- Rehabilitating coastal zones that provide nursery grounds for many fish species and coastal protection.
Threats to Fish and the Ocean
Threats to the ocean include overfishing, destructive fishing, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change. It is only in the last 15 years that scientists have begun to assess the conservation status of fish in the same way as terrestrial vertebrates. To read more on these threats to the ocean and what damage has already been done click here
Project Ocean Update
7th September 2011 - to date Project Ocean has raised an incredible £120,247 towards marine protected areas.
The event is now over but you can still contribute to the Project Ocean fund to raise money for future marine reserves. To donate click here
No more fish in the sea?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Selfridges is also making a major long-term commitment to the ocean by establishing a community-managed marine protected area on Danajon Bank in the Philippines through Project Seahorse
. MPAs are conservation sites in the ocean, set aside as safe havens for fish and their ecosystem. ZSL co-founded Project Seahorse in 1996 and has helped establish 34 MPAs in the Philippines to date. MPAs provide a safe haven where fish and other marine life can thrive.
Earth Security Initiative
ZSL is also a leading scientific partner of the Earth Security Initiative
(ESI). ESI has a goal of supporting the long-term security of the Earth system by establishing the amount and location of critical ecosystems from a human security perspective. ESI unites scientists, politicians and businesses to create a response to the growing challenges of climate security. The initiative will then begin to articulate and champion innovations that can secure the long-term stability of critical habitats.
Coral Threats
Ocean acidification, rising sea temperatures, overfishing, destructive fishing, coastal development, pollution and the trade in coral all contribute to the destruction of coral reefs. Around 25% of coral reefs have already been damaged beyond repair, and another 75% are at risk today. This figure is set to rise to over 99% by 2050. More on coral threats and conservation
