Report on Marine Wildlife Tracking Initiative and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A research project led by Jersey Marine Resources (JMR) is underway to gather critical data on marine species, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The project involves tagging sharks and rays to understand their movement patterns, with a public appeal issued for the retrieval of data tags. This initiative represents a collaborative effort to enhance scientific knowledge and promote sustainable marine management.

Project Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 14: Life Below Water

The project’s core mission is to conserve and sustainably use marine resources. The data gathered is fundamental to achieving several targets within SDG 14.

• Target 14.4 (Sustainable Fishing): By tracking species like the tope shark, the research provides essential data to support sustainable fisheries management, helping to regulate harvesting and protect vulnerable populations.
• Target 14.a (Scientific Knowledge): The initiative directly increases scientific knowledge and research capacity concerning marine ecosystems. Understanding the spatial ecology of these species is key to improving ocean health and resilience.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

This research exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership, crucial for achieving the SDGs. The collaboration includes:

• Jersey Marine Resources (JMR)
• Local fishers
• The Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies
• The University of Exeter

This partnership combines local knowledge, academic research, and conservation efforts to work towards a common goal, reflecting the spirit of SDG 17.

Project Methodology and Implementation

Data Collection Process

The research methodology is designed for maximum data acquisition with minimal impact on the animals.

1. Tag Deployment: Researchers have attached 20 tracking devices to tope sharks. The process involves the careful capture, tagging, and safe release of each animal.
2. Tag Detachment: The tags are engineered to automatically detach from the animal after a four-week period.
3. Data Retrieval: Once detached, the tags float to the surface, where they can be collected.

Public Engagement for Data Recovery

To ensure the successful retrieval of the valuable data, JMR has launched a public appeal.

• Call to Action: The public is urged to find and return the small, brightly coloured tags that may wash ashore.
• Incentive Program: A reward of £50 is offered for each tag returned to the research team, encouraging community participation in this vital conservation science project.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The article is centered on marine conservation efforts. It describes a research project by Jersey Marine Resources (JMR) to track marine wildlife, specifically sharks and rays, to understand their movement patterns. This data is explicitly stated to be “key to supporting sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation,” which is the core objective of SDG 14.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article highlights a collaborative effort to achieve the research goals. It states that “JMR is working with local fishers, the Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies and the University of Exeter on the PhD research project.” This multi-stakeholder partnership, involving a research body, the public (fishers), and academic institutions, is a practical application of SDG 17, which promotes collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Targets under SDG 14

• Target 14.4: “By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing… and implement science-based management plans…” The article directly supports this target by stating that the data gathered from the tags will be “key to supporting sustainable fisheries management.” The research project is designed to provide the scientific basis needed for such management plans.
• Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology… in order to improve ocean health…” The project is a “PhD research project” aimed at gathering “data… to understand their [sharks and rays] movement patterns.” This is a direct action to increase scientific knowledge and research capacity concerning marine ecosystems. The use of “small tracking devices” is an application of marine technology for research.

Targets under SDG 17

• Target 17.16: “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources…” The project exemplifies this target through the collaboration between JMR, local fishers, the Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies, and the University of Exeter. These groups are pooling their knowledge and expertise to achieve a common conservation goal.
• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The project involves a research organization (JMR), academic institutions, and engages the public through the participation of “local fishers” and the appeal for citizens to find and return the tags. This demonstrates a civil society partnership in action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 14 Targets

• Data on marine wildlife movement patterns: The primary output of the project is the data gathered from the tracking devices. This data serves as a direct indicator of increased scientific knowledge (Target 14.a) and is a foundational element for creating science-based management plans (Target 14.4).
• Number of animals tagged: The article mentions that “JMR attached 20 tags to tope sharks.” This quantifiable number is an indicator of the scale and progress of the research effort to increase scientific knowledge.

Indicators for SDG 17 Targets

• Establishment of a multi-stakeholder partnership: The existence of the formal collaboration between JMR, fishers, and two academic institutions is a qualitative indicator that a partnership has been formed to address a sustainable development issue (Targets 17.16 and 17.17).
• Public engagement in the project: The appeal for the public to find and return tags, incentivized by a £50 reward, is a measure of public and civil society engagement. The number of tags returned by the public would be a quantifiable indicator of the partnership’s effectiveness in mobilizing the community.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: au.news.yahoo.com