Marine mammal risk strategies for ocean races and events – Sail-World.com

Report on Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation Strategies in Ocean Racing

Introduction: Aligning Ocean Racing with Sustainable Development Goal 14

In response to the increasing frequency and scale of global ocean racing, the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) is implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks of marine mammal strikes. These efforts are in direct support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. This report outlines MMAG’s initiatives, which focus on conservation, risk mitigation, and fostering a culture of ocean stewardship within the international sailing community.

Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Marine Conservation (SDG 17)

On-Site Support and Proactive Risk Assessment

MMAG’s operational framework emphasizes direct engagement with event stakeholders, a key component of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The group has provided on-site support at events such as the Transat Café l’Or, delivering skipper briefings and risk mitigation strategies. A notable collaboration with The Ocean Race Europe involved a data and risk density assessment conducted with local marine scientists. This partnership successfully identified high-risk “hot spots” and critical migratory corridors, allowing for the implementation of protective measures that directly contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems as mandated by SDG 14.

Development of Industry-Standard Resources

To further its mission, MMAG has launched the MMAG Communications Strategy. This resource is designed to equip event organizers, teams, and communications professionals with the tools to manage marine life interactions responsibly. The toolkit promotes a consistent and sensitive approach to a critical conservation issue, thereby strengthening the industry’s commitment to SDG 14.

• Clear response flowcharts for marine mammal sighting or strike events.
• Proactive and reactive communications strategies.
• An FAQ appendix with recommended statements.
• Supporting data and references on relevant conservation topics.

Data-Driven Strategies for the Protection of Life Below Water (SDG 14)

Leveraging Citizen Science and Technology

A cornerstone of MMAG’s strategy is the promotion of citizen science to gather critical data. Sailors are actively encouraged to report marine mammal sightings through integrated systems like the Marine Strike Log in ADRENA navigation software and the publicly available Whale Alert App. This data collection is vital for monitoring marine biodiversity and informs conservation efforts, directly supporting the targets of SDG 14.

Strategic Pillars for Conservation

MMAG’s work is guided by six strategic pillars that create a holistic framework for achieving its conservation objectives. This structured approach ensures that all activities are aligned with the overarching goal of protecting marine life.

• Source & Share Information
• Risk Assessment
• Technical Solutions
• Live Reporting & Citizen Science
• Education & Outreach
• Matching Solutions with Resources

Impact on Race Protocols

Data collected through the Marine Strike Log Survey, which indicates that over half of reported collisions result in harm to both the vessel and the animal, has been instrumental in driving policy change. This evidence-based advocacy has led to the adoption of marine mammal exclusion zones in race protocols. This development marks a significant shift towards prioritizing marine biodiversity and represents a tangible achievement in the practical application of SDG 14 principles within the sport.

Recommendations for Stakeholder Action

To advance the collective mission of reducing marine mammal strikes and supporting SDG 14, MMAG recommends the following actions for all stakeholders in the marine industry:

1. Engage in Live Reporting: Utilize the Whale Alert App to contribute real-time data, enhancing the collective ability to protect marine habitats and species.
2. Contribute to Data Collection: Promote and participate in the Marine Strike Log Survey to build a comprehensive database that informs long-term risk mitigation and conservation planning.
3. Develop Event Biodiversity Plans: Implement formal biodiversity plans for all marine events, utilizing MMAG’s free resources to integrate sustainable practices and uphold the principles of SDG 14.
4. Champion Proactive Communication: Disseminate information regarding local species, risk areas, and reporting procedures to foster a universal culture of ocean stewardship and shared responsibility among all participants.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed in the article. The entire focus of the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) is on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The article details efforts to protect marine mammals from strikes by racing yachts, which directly supports the goal of conserving marine life. It discusses specific actions like identifying “hot spots” and migratory areas, creating biodiversity plans, and collecting data to protect marine ecosystems and species.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights the importance of collaboration to achieve conservation goals. MMAG is described as a “global cohort of stakeholders in the marine industry,” demonstrating a multi-stakeholder partnership. The text provides examples of collaborations with race organizers (Transat Café l’Or, The Ocean Race Europe), marine scientists, sailing teams, and even the insurance industry (Pantaenius Insurance). This collaborative approach is central to SDG 17, which emphasizes the need for partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

   The article directly addresses this target through MMAG’s work. By conducting “data and risk density assessment with local marine scientists to identify ‘hot spots’ and migratory areas of concern,” MMAG helps manage sailing activities to avoid adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. The article also mentions that it has “become part of the protocol to consider where the areas of risk are and to identify if it’s possible to avoid them” by creating exclusion zones, which is a direct measure to protect these ecosystems.

2. Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries.

   This target is supported by MMAG’s focus on data collection and citizen science. The article encourages sailors to use tools like the “Marine Strike Log embedded in the onboard ADRENA navigation system” and the “Whale Alert App” to contribute to marine life monitoring. The collection of “critical data on vessel interactions with marine life” through the Marine Strike Log Survey is a clear effort to increase scientific knowledge to inform mitigation planning and improve ocean health.

3. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

   The work of MMAG as described in the article is a model for this target. It represents a civil society partnership that engages with private entities (race organizers, teams, Pantaenius Insurance) and the public (sailors participating in citizen science). The article states MMAG is “supporting all stakeholders in conservation efforts” and works “alongside race organizers, classes, and teams,” which exemplifies the promotion of effective multi-stakeholder partnerships to address a shared challenge.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Number of sighting and strike reports submitted:

   The article implies this indicator by promoting the use of the “Marine Strike Log” and the “Whale Alert App.” The number of reports submitted through these platforms serves as a direct measure of data collection efforts and citizen science engagement, which are crucial for understanding and mitigating risks.

2. Development and implementation of biodiversity and risk mitigation plans:

   The article mentions that MMAG provides a “free template resource to develop a detailed biodiversity plan” for events. The number of events that create and implement such plans, as well as the establishment of “exclusion zones” in races, can be used as an indicator of proactive conservation management.

3. Number of active partnerships and collaborations:

   The article highlights MMAG’s collaborations with specific events like “The Ocean Race Europe” and the “Transat Café l’Or.” The number of sailing events, scientific bodies, and corporate partners actively working with MMAG can serve as an indicator of the strength and reach of the partnership for achieving conservation goals.

Summary of Findings

Source: sail-world.com