Biodiversity of species (Secondary) - Lesson Five

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 7th,8th Grade

Introduction

Lesson Five – How can we protect biodiversity? This lesson explores how to take a stand against pollution, address climate change and which measures to take against overfishing. Learning activities:  Discuss the violations and crimes taking place on fishing vessels.  Research and discuss the roles of marine reserves and CITES.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 5 - How can we protect biodiversity?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. 

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How do we protect species
and diversity?

Ask students “What do you think are some of the ways we can protect species and diversity?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How do we tackle pollution?

Pollution is a huge problem. What actions do you think we can take to reduce pollution, especially from chemicals and plastics?

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How do we tackle climate change?

Climate change is an increasing issue that will have long term implications for the ocean.
How do we help to tackle this issue?  Discuss how governments and students can help.
(eg help reduce carbon pollution, introduce offset measures like planting trees, help with programs to restore reef systems)

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

How do we manage invasive species?

What can we do to protect against new predators or invasive species?  What laws/regulations might work?
Eg. this might be customs laws requiring ships to be checked for stowaway species or programs to remove invasive species. Banning the farming of fish responsible for the introduction of diseases.

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

PROTECTION MEASURES

• Declaring areas as marine protected areas / reserves.
• Fishing regulations.
• Trading embargos on import or export of certain species.

Governments can implement protective measures such as:
    Declaring areas as marine protected areas / reserves. Where fishing is banned or limited, to protect sensitive areas, such as mangroves that serve as nurseries for young fish.
    Fishing regulations that set out the amount of fish that can be taken, the size of the fish allowed to be taken and what net types can be used.  These can be for recreational fishing or for commercial fishing operations.
    Trading embargos which prohibit the import or export of certain species, especially endangered species.  CITES is one organisation that brings countries together to create agreements on the prohibition of the trade of certain species.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Enforcing laws

Creating laws and regulations to guide fishing activities only work if they are enforced. To ensure that the commercial fishing industry is complying with their license provisions law enforcement agencies conduct patrols of their territorial waters and inspect fishing vessels.
Ask students: “What do you think law enforcement will be checking to see if the vessel is adhering to their license conditions?”

This video (3.28 min) from Sea Shepherd’s Operation Gambian Coastal Defense campaign shows the implications of illegal fishing and how patrolling can stop illegal activity and protect the ecosystem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCmG5WS4DPo

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Lesson Guide for activity suggestions.