Mongabay launches dedicated Oceans Desk to expand global reporting on marine ecosystems – Mongabay

Report on the Establishment of Mongabay’s Oceans Desk and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In response to escalating threats to marine ecosystems, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change, Mongabay has launched a dedicated Oceans Desk. This initiative represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s environmental reporting, aimed at providing in-depth journalism on marine conservation. The work of this desk is fundamentally aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and contributes to several other interconnected goals.

Strategic Objectives and Alignment with the 2030 Agenda

Mandate of the Oceans Desk

The Oceans Desk is comprised of a global team of specialized journalists, editors, and program directors. Its primary mandate is to deepen coverage of marine ecosystems and highlight humanity’s connection to the sea. The desk’s reporting focuses on underreported topics to inspire effective action for marine conservation, directly supporting the targets of SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Contribution to Multiple Sustainable Development Goals

The initiative’s impact extends beyond a single goal, addressing a range of interconnected global challenges. The reporting activities are designed to contribute to:

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): By investigating threats to marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By exposing unsustainable and illegal supply chains in the fishing industry.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By uncovering labor abuses and inhumane working conditions in the maritime sector.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): By exposing corruption in the management of marine protected areas and promoting institutional accountability.

Impact Analysis: Case Studies in Sustainable Development

Mongabay’s prior reporting on ocean issues provides a foundation for the new desk, with several investigations having already generated significant real-world impacts that advance specific SDG targets.

Case Study 1: Advancing SDG 12 and SDG 14 in Brazil’s Shark Trade

Investigations into Brazil’s shark meat trade revealed systemic issues related to sustainability and public health. The reporting catalyzed a national debate on marine biodiversity protection and responsible consumption patterns.

1. Exposure: Reports uncovered that endangered shark species were being purchased by government institutions and served in public schools and hospitals.
2. Impact on SDG 12 & 14: The investigation prompted calls for parliamentary hearings, reviews of public procurement policies, and consideration of new guidelines for the shark trade, thereby promoting sustainable consumption and the conservation of marine species.

Case Study 2: Upholding SDG 8 and SDG 14 on the High Seas

A collaborative investigation into a major Chinese tuna fishing company exposed severe violations of human rights and environmental laws, demonstrating the critical link between labor rights and marine conservation.

1. Exposure: The reporting detailed allegations of forced labor, inhumane working conditions (Target 8.7), and industrial-scale illegal shark finning.
2. Impact on SDG 8 & 14: The findings were cited by the U.S. government in its decision to issue sanctions against the company. Furthermore, data from the investigation supported a ban by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) on specific fishing devices known to cause high levels of shark bycatch.

Case Study 3: Strengthening SDG 16 and SDG 14 in Latin America

Mongabay’s Spanish-language bureau, Mongabay Latam, has produced impactful reporting that strengthens governance and protects marine ecosystems across the region.

• Promoting SDG 16 (Justice and Strong Institutions): An investigation exposed corruption in the management of Rapa Nui National Park in Chile, leading to the removal of an official and the filing of legal charges. This work directly supports Target 16.5 (reduce corruption) and 16.6 (develop effective, accountable institutions).
• Informing Policy for SDG 14: A data-driven series on shark bycatch in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile raised regional awareness and influenced policy. The findings were presented to the Chilean Congress, leading to a review of fisheries regulations and a mandate for the release of accidentally caught sharks and rays.
• Ensuring Accountability for SDG 12 and 14: Following a major oil spill in Peru, extensive coverage held the responsible corporation accountable (Target 12.6) and documented the severe impact on marine ecosystems, informing the public and policymakers.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Mongabay Oceans Desk marks a significant enhancement of the organization’s capacity to report on critical marine issues. By focusing on the intersection of environmental health, human rights, and governance, the desk is strategically positioned to produce high-impact journalism that informs public discourse and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, most notably SDG 14: Life Below Water.

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: This is the most central SDG, as the article’s main focus is the creation of an “Oceans Desk” to report on marine conservation. It directly addresses threats like overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, illegal shark finning, and bycatch, all of which are core components of SDG 14.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article connects to this SDG through its investigation into a Chinese fishing company. The reporting uncovered “labor abuses,” “forced labor,” “inhumane working conditions,” and “unexplained deaths of migrant workers,” which directly relate to the goal of ensuring decent work and eradicating forced labor.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This SDG is relevant due to the article’s emphasis on exposing corruption and promoting accountability. The investigation that uncovered corruption in the management of Chile’s Rapa Nui National Park is a clear example of addressing the need for strong, accountable institutions and fighting corruption.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The investigation into Brazil’s shark meat trade connects to this goal. By revealing that endangered sharks were being served in public institutions like schools and hospitals, the reporting highlighted unsustainable consumption patterns and opaque supply chains, prompting a national debate on the sustainability of this trade.

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

• Target 14.1: Reduce marine pollution. The article mentions Mongabay’s coverage of “the largest oil spill in the country” in Peru, where over 10,000 barrels of oil affected marine ecosystems. This reporting directly addresses the need to prevent and reduce marine pollution from industrial sources.
• Target 14.4: End overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This target is addressed through multiple examples. The reporting on a Chinese company’s “illegal shark finning on an industrial scale” and the investigation into “skyrocketing bycatch volumes” of threatened shark species in Latin America are direct efforts to expose and combat IUU and destructive fishing practices.
• Target 14.5: Conserve coastal and marine areas. The article highlights an investigation that “exposed corruption within Rapa Nui National Park’s management.” By holding the management of a marine protected area accountable, the reporting contributes to the effective conservation of these critical areas.
• Target 8.7: Eradicate forced labour and modern slavery. The investigation into the Chinese tuna fishing company, which uncovered “allegations of forced labor” and “inhumane working conditions” for migrant deckhands, directly aligns with this target’s goal of eliminating forced labor.
• Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery. This is directly addressed by the report that “exposed corruption within Rapa Nui National Park’s management,” revealing that funds had been “diverted to companies and the family of the chair of the park’s board of directors.” The subsequent removal of the official demonstrates a tangible impact on reducing corruption.

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

• Policy and Regulatory Changes: The article implies that a key indicator of progress is the implementation of new laws and regulations. Examples include the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) banning “wire leaders and shark lines” and Chile’s fisheries department ordering the “mandatory return to the sea of ​​rays and sharks accidentally caught.”
• Institutional Accountability and Sanctions: Progress can be measured by actions taken against responsible parties. The article cites the U.S. government announcing “sanctions against the Chinese company” for labor abuses and illegal fishing, and the removal of the board chair of Rapa Nui National Park following the corruption exposé.
• Reduction in Harmful Practices: While not quantified with specific numbers, the article implies that a reduction in harmful activities is a key indicator. The goal of the reporting is to reduce “industrial-scale shark finning,” lower “skyrocketing bycatch volumes,” and prevent future large-scale oil spills.
• Legal and Political Actions: The initiation of official proceedings serves as an indicator of impact. The article notes that reporting led to “a call for a parliamentary hearing” in Brazil, investigations by “Chile’s public prosecutor’s office,” and the filing of charges against the corrupt park administrator.

Summary of Findings

Source: news.mongabay.com