Endangered species around the globe are being identified and protected through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, established in 1973. CITES takes place every three years and includes over 150 countries.
When it comes to protecting endangered species, everyone has a part to play. Pollution from plastics, over-development of natural habitats, run-off or dumping into the ocean all affects our marine and terrestrial wildlife. Many of our animals are already at critical stages in their stocks, due to overfishing and trading. Sustainability is key to conserving the worlds’ natural resources and maintaining a healthy biodiversity balance. It really is time, as consumers, that we start to make the right choices for the future.
A number of species of grave concern failed to get the protection they need at the most recent CITES meeting, with commercial and economic interests taking much of the blame.
In such cases it is often up to consumers to make informed decision, thereby limiting the demand for these species.
Atlantic bluefin tuna
Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks have been depleted to critical levels through commercial fishing. This has come about through direct consumer demand. Sushi may be seen as a healthy fast food, but check where your tuna comes from, as Japan imports 80 per cent of the world’s Atlantic bluefin tuna. Mediterranean stocks must be avoided completely. It is up to consumers to make informed choices.
Sharks
The proposed inclusion of the four shark species, the scalloped hammerhead, oceanic white tip, porbeagle and spiny dogfish, was to protect these species from bycatch – the accidental catching of unintended species while fishing commercially.
According to National Geographic Scientists , “more than a hundred million sharks and rays may be caught and discarded every year” (National Geographic, April 2007), as a result of bycatch. The depletion of ‘big fish’ stocks creates a biodiversity imbalance. This can cause an over-abundance of rays, for example, which in turn can cause a natural depletion of shellfish stocks.
Red and Pink corals
The case of red and pink corals again highlights commercial value versus the need for sustainability. Between 2001 and 2008 the US alone imported “28 million pieces of red and pink coral” (ENS 2010). Black coral is already listed as Appendix II but its red and pink counterparts are still being depleted. Most corals are in fact animals (polyps), which live within a hard exoskeleton and take years and years to grow. The depletion of healthy corals upsets the balance of biodiversity as coral is the primary food source for many reef creatures and fish, which are needed in the thousands to support the upper echelons of the food chain. The removal of corals or shellfish for material use (such as jewellery) is rife across the world… the case of the red and pink coral highlights the extent to which the need for ‘commercialism’ is decimating our precious natural resources.
For more information on our endangered flora and fauna visit cites.org for a full species listing.
For more information on consumer choices, visit seafoodwatch.org, contact the DOE for more information on protected species in the Cayman Islands or visit caymanbecome.ky for local green initiatives.
Also see the CCMI Green Guide No.3
available in hard copy or PDF at
reefresearch.org.