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2020/21 Blue Belt Programme Annual Update for Financial Year 2020/21
Contents
4 Introduction
6 Ascension Island
8 St Helena
10 Tristan da Cunha
12 Summary of all Activity 2020/21
14 British Indian Ocean Territory
16 Pitcairn Islands
18 South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
20 British Antarctic Territory
21 Cross-territory
23 Future Ambition
The Blue Belt Programme is
Image credit for front cover and page 2: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue.
Ascension
Pitcairn Island
an ambitious UK Government Islands
commitment to enhance
protection and management St Helena
across more than 4 million square Tristan da Cunha
kilometres of ocean around British Indian
Ocean Territory
South Georgia & the
the UK Overseas Territories. British Antarctic
Territory South Sandwich Islands
2 Blue Belt Programme – Annual Update for Financial Year 2020/21 Contents 3
Introduction “The flagship Blue Belt initiative
has exceeded its target of
establishing over 4 million
square kilometres of protected
and managed oceans across
The Blue Belt Programme supports protection of the marine environments the UK Overseas Territories.
We are excited to build on this
around the UK Overseas Territories of Ascension Island, St Helena and
landmark year, working to
Tristan da Cunha (classed as one territory but each ecologically unique), strengthen the protection of
British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Pitcairn Islands these marine environments
and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. for future generations.
This year the Overseas
These territories are home to been approved for Ascension Island’s Territories, supported by
some of the most biologically Marine Protected Area (MPA) and
the Blue Belt Programme,
valuable and unique life on innovative drone technology has been
Earth, from the butterfly fish of developed to tackle illegal, unreported and have established new marine
St Helena to the vast penguin unregulated fishing activity. management plans, harnessed
colonies of South Georgia & the the latest technology to
South Sandwich Islands. The Blue Belt Programme continues tackle illegal, unreported
to support UK Overseas Territory
and unregulated fishing,
The Blue Belt Programme is the largest Governments and local communities
marine conservation programme of its kind across the territories who are at the heart and put in place legislation
in the world. It is driven by United Nations of the ongoing work and future ambition. to strengthen governance.
(UN) Sustainable Development Goals and
the Convention on Biological Diversity, and In 2020, the Blue Belt Programme was The Overseas Territories
underpins the 25 Year Environment Plan funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth are acutely aware of, and
and Development Office (FCDO) and the
and global ambition for 30% of the world’s impacted by, the ocean
oceans to be protected by 2030. It is Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The programme
challenges we face on a
central to the UK Government’s ambition of
is supported by delivery partners – the global scale – from climate
leading global action against illegal fishing,
climate change and biodiversity loss. Centre for Environment, Fisheries and change to overfishing.
Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the Programmes such as the
Since 2016, the Blue Belt Programme Marine Management Organisation (MMO) Blue Belt show what can be
has supported the UK Overseas on behalf of the UK Government. achieved through coordinated
Territories to enhance the protection
These organisations provide knowledge action, and I am calling on
and management of their marine
environments and resources. and expertise in the fields of applied the international community
marine science, management, technology, to work with the UK Government
During 2020–2021, significant and enforcement; and work with to protect 30% of the world’s
developments across the programme other UK Government bodies and oceans by 2030.”
have continued despite the COVID-19 non-governmental organisations to
pandemic. Tristan da Cunha made global ensure the Overseas Territories receive
Lord Goldsmith,
news by designating the largest Marine the best support available.
Minister for Pacific
Protection Zone (MPZ) in the Atlantic, and the Environment
a new marine management plan has
4 Introduction Introduction 5
Ascension Island
Ascension Island sits within the South Atlantic and is home to globally Work has been ongoing to support
important marine life, including green turtles and large predators. sustainable fisheries management
around Ascension Island.
In 2019, the Ascension Island Council designated one of the largest MPAs The programme has continued to assist
in the world which covers their entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) T he Blue Belt Programme provided
with the compliance and enforcement
of over 440,000 square kilometres. advice on the development of data of Ascension Island’s MPA.
collection programmes needed to
undertake stock assessments of T rials of NovaSAR satellite data are
exploited fish and shellfish species, ongoing. If successful, this will help
Building on the designation of their MPA,
which include the rock hind, squirrel fish to monitor possible illegal fishing
the Ascension Island Government, the
and the spiny lobster. The information activity and improve surveillance
Island Council and the Fisheries and
collected will ensure these species are coverage of Ascension’s MPA and
Conservation Department have led the
fished sustainably. the vulnerable marine ecosystems
development and implementation of new
management and monitoring strategies. surrounding its seamounts.
T he impact of climate change on the
These plans are designed to conserve distribution of commercially important The Blue Belt Programme also helped
precious marine life and sustainably tuna in the waters of Ascension Island support the introduction of the latest
manage ongoing human activities like was modelled, (this work was also technology and techniques to better
fishing and ecotourism. conducted for Tristan da Cunha and understand and protect the rich
St Helena) helping to build knowledge biodiversity within the MPA.
T he work resulted in the production
Green turtle hatchling, Ascension Island of local fish stocks.
and publishing of the Ascension Island
T he Ascension Island Fisheries and
MPA management plan and associated
Conservation Department intends
documents, which were approved in
to establish a network of 12 inshore
February 2021.
monitoring stations. This monitoring
T he Blue Belt Programme supported
“We Ascension Islanders believe network will include the deployment of a
the Ascension Island Government with strongly in sustainable fishing. suite of seawater loggers to record water
advice and acted as a robust ‘sounding- temperature, salinity and conductivity.
Our hope is to set standards to
board’ on the MPA management plan, others to prove that marine life T he data collected will inform the
research and monitoring plan and can live in harmony with their creation of ecosystem-based models
financial plan. human neighbours and be fished that can assess the condition of key
responsibly to ensure that our marine habitats and species, as well as
T he programme funded a number of
fish stocks are around for future environmental variables associated with
key roles and staff within the Ascension
generations to come and enjoy.” the effects of climate change. The Blue
Island Fisheries and Conservation
Department, to support with the Squirrel fish, Ascension Island Belt Programme funded equipment for
Ascension Island Council
management and implementation the stations and will provide ongoing
of the MPA. support with the project’s delivery.
6 Ascension Island Ascension Island 7
St Helena
Understanding and protecting the
P lans have been developed for a
biodiversity around St Helena has
Remote Electronic Monitoring trial also been central to the Blue Belt
for the offshore pole and line fishery. Programme’s work.
This complimentary tool will use
St Helena is an oceanic island located in the tropical South Atlantic. cameras and GPS technology to collect T he island’s first inshore habitat maps
The island’s sustainable use MPA, established in 2016, encompasses data on a fishing vessel’s activity. The were developed using various data types.
plan has been designed to improve These describe the nature of the seabed
its entire EEZ – over 440,000 square kilometres. St Helena’s waters substrate and can be used to identify
management effectiveness.
support a range of marine life including endemic and migratory areas important for key marine species.
species such as butterfly fish and whale sharks. T he programme continued to fund a
number of roles for St Helena to help T o better understand ocean currents
implement new policies and build local around St Helena, the programme and
This year the Blue Belt Programme capability. These include a Marine British Antarctic Survey developed
continued its supportive role working Enforcement Officer, Marine Data oceanographic models to determine
with the St Helena Government. Apprentice, Blue Belt Coordinator regional ocean circulation. These will
and Fisheries Officer. help inform future wastewater and
T he programme assisted in the
fisheries management strategies.
development of new policies for marine
tourism and marine development A new laboratory was funded to enable
activities within St Helena’s MPA. These safe and effective marine science
policies will support the sustainable studies and monitoring on St Helena.
and responsible use of the MPA. Opening in 2021, the lab will include
A tuna tagged by Blue Belt scientists an interactive interpretation board to
T he programme helped produce a
provide information on St Helena’s
waterproof booklet for all marine marine environment.
The programme has worked closely with
tourism operators, detailing the rules Glasseye fish, St Helena (Credit: Martin Collins)
St Helena Government to ensure the local M arine Awareness Week was celebrated
about interacting with marine wildlife
fisheries are managed sustainably. on the island in March 2021, with
in a responsible way.
D ata was collected with St Helena
the theme “Blue Belt – Tomorrow’s
G uidance has been developed to
“This year the Blue Belt Programme Ocean Today”. The Blue Belt
Government and the local fishing fleet to
support implementation of the new has helped us deliver more key Programme produced
assess stock status and provide fisheries
policies and licensing process. scientific and policy successes activity booklets for
management advice for key fish species.
aimed at ensuring the effective St Helenian school
S t Helena Government introduced
management of our marine children, aligned
logbooks within the fishery, providing environment. The funding Blue with the national
a means of monitoring the fishing Belt has provided to build our new curriculum.
effort and catch across different laboratory will help to increase
areas and times. the capacity and capability of on
island staff as well as ensuring St
T una-tagging data was analysed
Helena and its research institute is
(includes tags deployed by the Blue a centre of excellence for marine
Belt Programme) to form the basis of
science for years to come.”
a peer-reviewed publication on the
fidelity of yellowfin tuna to the St Helena Government
Tuna tagging off St Helena seamounts and island of St Helena.
8 St Helena St Helena 9
Tristan da Cunha
To underpin the new marine protection
Tristan da Cunha is an isolated archipelago in the South Atlantic, home strategy, the programme also supported
Tristan da Cunha Government to produce
to the world’s most remote human settlement. Comprised of four
a suite of draft management documents,
main islands, its Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) covers around 700,000 including marine management, seamount
square kilometres and was designated in 2020. Many species in Tristan’s management and operational plans.
productive waters are endemic and depend on its environment. These will ensure effective management,
monitoring and evaluation of the new MPZ
and remaining fishing zones.
In November 2020, Tristan made global Managing and understanding the impact
news with the announcement of its of human activities has been a key part of
marine protection strategy, ensuring work around Tristan this year.
the long-term protection of its marine
environment. This included: O ctober 2020 brought news of the
sinking of MFV Geo Searcher (lobster
A no-take Marine Protection Zone
fishing vessel) off Gough Island.
encompassing over 90% of its waters, Rockhopper penguins, Tristan da Cunha
Fortunately, all crew escaped unharmed.
in which fishing and other extractive Given the vulnerable species nearby
activities like deep-sea mining are and the importance of the lobster
banned. fishery to the local economy, a rapid The Blue Belt Programme supported
risk assessment was conducted by Tristan to designate two Areas to be
I mproved conservation and
the Blue Belt Programme into threats Avoided (ATBA) within its EEZ to
sustainability measures in the remaining posed by the wreck.
Tristan da Cunha’s MPZ covers around reduce the risk of shipping accidents
fishing zones for the seamount fishery,
700,000 sq km and pollution events.
including a ban on bottom trawling A n oil spill detection system has been
designed to protect vulnerable marine sent to Tristan, which will act as an early W ith assistance from the Blue Belt
ecosystems such as deep-sea coral reefs. warning system for the community in Programme, Tristan da Cunha
“This year we on Tristan da Cunha tracking and responding more effectively Government has now developed a
This designation made Tristan responsible were delighted to designate one to oil spill events and to adjust fishing comprehensive monitoring and reporting
for the largest no-take area in the Atlantic. of the world’s largest Marine effort as needed. system to track activity within the ATBAs.
The Blue Belt Programme worked with Protection Zones, supported by the
the RSPB, the British Antarctic Survey and Blue Belt Programme. If we as an W ork has also been undertaken to
the University of Plymouth in assisting develop Virtual Aids to Navigation.
island of 250 people can do this,
Tristan on their journey towards this This technology acts as an early
then I hope politicians around the
landmark decision, which will protect a warning system that will help alert
world will sit up and take note.”
wealth of wildlife, including sevengill transiting vessels to hazards and ATBAs,
sharks, rockhopper penguins and the James Glass, Chief Islander improving compliance.
endemic Tristan albatross. Tristan da Cunha
MFV Geo Searcher
10 Tristan da Cunha Tristan da Cunha 11
Summary of all Activity 2020/21 Ascension Island Cross-territory
A scension Island’s new MPA C ompliance and enforcement
management plan was approved, strategies implemented across
designed to conserve key marine all Overseas Territories, including
life, and sustainably manage assistance from the Blue Belt
Enhancing marine protection across 4 million square kilometres ongoing activities.
St Helena Intelligence and Surveillance hub.
T rialled new satellite technology to Fully autonomous drone being
of marine environment in the UK Overseas Territories by: help monitor possible illegal fishing developed with Virginia Tech
A ssisted in development of new
activity and improve surveillance University. Self-reliant and able
policies for marine tourism and
coverage of Ascension’s MPA. to persistently monitor large
marine development within St
areas of remote marine
I mpacts of climate change on Helena’s MPA, ensuring human
environment for unlawful activity.
the distribution of commercially activities are managed effectively.
important tuna in waters of A ssisted Atlantic Overseas
Continued to fund a number
Ascension Island were modelled. Territories with ICCAT obligations,
of roles for St Helena to help
including scientific and compliance
F unded key roles within the implement new policies and
and enforcement data reporting.
Ascension Island Fisheries and build local capability.
Understanding Strengthening Managing Sustainable Supporting Conservation Department, to D eployment of extensive
and protecting governance human fisheries compliance and Island’s first inshore habitat
support with the management underwater camera network across
biodiversity impacts management enforcement maps generated to identify key
and implementation of the MPA. ten Overseas Territories to monitor
areas for valuable and vulnerable
marine environments, leading to
marine species.
more informed management.
More on Page 6
C elebrated Marine Awareness
F unded legal support in the
Week and Blue Belt-themed activity
Pitcairn Islands booklets were provided for school
Attorney General’s Chambers to
draft new marine-management
children on the island.
legislation within St Helena,
N ew MPA Officer role funded to ensure L ogbooks introduced by Ascension Island and Tristan
effective management of the MPA. Blue St Helena Government within da Cunha.
Belt Programme is providing training and fishery to better monitor the
support to the officer. fishing effort and catch.
More on Page 21
S eabed habitat maps created around the
Pitcairn Islands to inform management of Tristan da Cunha More on Page 8
how boats anchor, ensuring sensitive corals
are not damaged.
T ristan’s new marine protection
N ew visitor interpretation board was strategy was announced, closing
developed, detailing the different marine over 90% of its waters to fishing South Georgia & the
species visitors might see, such as and other extractive activities.
humpback whales. South Sandwich Islands
A ssessment conducted on wreck
D etailed how climate change might impact
the coral reefs of the Pitcairn Island, and
of MFV Geo Searcher, which sank
off Gough Island, to identify risk C ompliance and Enforcement
British Indian
strategies for mitigation. of oil pollution and impact on Framework for SGSSI further Ocean Territory
rare species. developed to strengthen the
territory’s role in managing
More on Page 16 C omprehensive monitoring and and monitoring their marine A ctive surveillance for IUU
reporting system developed to environment. fishing, including remote analysis
track shipping and human activity of compliance data to inform
within the newly designated Areas P assive acoustic device trialled future operations and improve
to be Avoided. within SGSSI waters, to potentially enforcement.
track mechanical vessel sounds
First stock assessment of bluenose to tackle IUU fishing. I nitial training on new SMART
warehou in the Atlantic carried out. technology rolled out. This new
Findings will inform conservation R RS Discovery Expedition data used tool will help to better monitor,
measures for vulnerable species to develop models that predict evaluate and adaptively manage
around Tristan. and map areas around the islands enforcement activities.
British Antarctic Territory containing vulnerable species,
informing management measures. C oastal erosion assessed around
More on Page 10 Diego Garcia using satellite imagery
S upported work to underpin international negotiations F unded underwater cameras and the latest remote technology,
relating to the management of the krill fishery. The that have been deployed on highlighting areas which need
Blue Belt Programme used its expertise in fisheries over 500 fishing longline sets to further monitoring.
management analysis, simulation and advice. monitor fishing operations and
deep-water biodiversity. D etailed how climate change might
C ontinued to support the monitoring of waters impact the coral reefs of BIOT,
around BAT for unlawful activity, using both aerial P otential impacts of the megaberg and strategies for mitigation.
and satellite surveillance techniques. A-68 on local ecosystems assessed
through funded oceanographic
More on Page 20
gliders and underwater More on Page 14
temperature and depth sensors.
More on Page 18
12 Summary of all Activity 2020/21 Summary of all Activity 2020/21 13
British Indian
Ocean Territory
The Blue Belt Programme has
continued to work closely with
the BIOT Administration to
enhance marine protection
across the territory’s 640,000 This work has been supported by the
square kilometre MPA. introduction and trialling of cutting-edge
technologies for use within BIOT and
Human activities that take place within the other Overseas Territories (see page 21
BIOT’s MPA – such as a busy shipping for more information):
lane – can impact its marine environment.
Clown fish on coral reefs, BIOT B IOT staff have been given initial
The programme has assisted in identifying
and minimising both local and global training on a new Spatial Monitoring
human impacts. and Reporting Tool (SMART), a field-
T he programme undertook an
The patrol ship, BIOT based data collection area management
C hanges in water quality have significant
assessment of coastal erosion around system. This technology has begun to
impacts on marine environments, Diego Garcia. Using satellite imagery be rolled out in BIOT and is designed to
particularly coral reefs. The programme and the latest remote technology, better monitor, evaluate and adaptively
assisted the BIOT Administration in the areas that need further monitoring Only low-level recreational fishing is manage enforcement activities.
development of their monitoring strategy were highlighted. permitted within BIOT’s MPA, and the
and provided new monitoring equipment, Blue Belt Programme has continued to
assisting them to identify potential W orking with the BIOT Administration
assist on best management practices and
problems quickly and ultimately to inform and UK Hydrographic Office, the
wider compliance.
management decisions. programme is currently investigating
the potential need for a voluntary Area
T he programme advised on how to
A new report card was produced on
to be Avoided (ATBA). If created, this
the impacts of climate change on the would mean nearby vessels are aware of monitor recreational fishing – which is
coral reefs of BIOT. Potential impacts the important coral reefs around BIOT, popular around Diego Garcia – to improve
on these reefs were assessed, as well as reducing collision and pollution risks understanding of its overall impact.
how the BIOT Administration can work and supporting conservation activities.
to manage and mitigate them. T he programme continues to assist
with surveillance for Illegal, Unregulated
and Unreported (IUU) fishing. Remote
The BIOT patrol team at work within the MPA
monitoring and data analysis assists
“The Blue Belt continues to effectively support the BIOT Administration’s ability to
the Senior Fishery Protection Officer
protect its waters from the threat of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing.
to brief the patrol vessel to carry out
Training on new monitoring technology and continued threat analysis has improved enforcement and detention of vessels
our capability to identify vessels acting unlawfully.” operating illegally.
BIOT Administration
14 British Indian Ocean Territory British Indian Ocean Territory 15
Image credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue.
Pitcairn Islands
A new report card was produced on the
The Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific Ocean have one of the largest impacts of climate change on the coral
reefs of Pitcairn. Potential impacts on
EEZs in the world. Made up of four islands, the no-take MPA established these reefs were assessed, as well as
in 2016 covers over 840,000 square kilometres and is home to a huge how Pitcairn can work to manage and
range of marine species and exceptionally preserved coral reefs. mitigate them.
A new visitor interpretation board was
developed in collaboration with the
The Blue Belt Programme has supported
RSPB. The board will provide information
the Government of the Pitcairn Islands
on the different marine species visitors
to strengthen the governance
might see, including humpback whales
underpinning the MPA.
and rare seabirds.
T he programme supported the
development of the new Pitcairn
Survey vessel off Pitcairn Islands
Islands MPA Management Plan, setting
(Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue)
out clear guidance on the day-to-day
management of the MPA. The plan is
with the Island Council for approval
In January 2021, the Blue Belt Programme
during 2021. Coral reefs, Pitcairn Islands also started to assist with the surveillance
(Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue) of Pitcairn’s MPA.
T he Blue Belt Programme funded a new
MPA Officer for the islands to implement Green turtle, Pitcairn Islands T his included the analysis and use of
the new management plan. The post will (Credit: Luke Hosty, Protect Blue)
The programme has worked alongside the satellite imagery provided by OceanMind.
ensure effective management of the MPA
Government of Pitcairn Islands to better Compliance in the MPA has been very
and the programme is providing training
understand and protect its valuable marine high, with no confirmed instances of
and ongoing support to the officer.
life and coral reefs, as well as to manage “The Blue Belt Programme illegal activity over the last year.
the impacts of human activity. continues to be an extremely
important piece of work for the
T o better understand the unique shallow
Pitcairn Islands. This year we’re
waters around Pitcairn Island, the Blue
excited to put in place our new MPA
Belt Programme and the Joint Nature
Management Plan, which will bring
Conservation Committee used unique
cameras to create new seabed habitat
clear guidance on how to manage
maps for around the island. These maps and effectively protect our valuable
are used to manage how boats anchor marine environment.”
around the island, ensuring sensitive Michele Christian, Government of
corals are not damaged. Pitcairn Islands
White tipped reef shark, Pitcairn Islands
A diver surveying the coral reefs, Pitcairn Islands
16 Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn Islands 17
South Georgia
& the South
Sandwich Islands
T he Blue Belt Programme funded
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a sub-Antarctic underwater cameras that have been
archipelago in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. The MPA, deployed on over 500 fishing longline
sets to monitor fishing operations and B lue Belt Programme funded
established in 2012 and enhanced in 2019, covers over 1.2 million temperature and depth sensors,
their impact. They also provide key
square kilometres and is home to exceptional wildlife including vast information on deep-water biodiversity which have been deployed on fishing
penguin colonies, elephant seals and migrating whales. within SGSSI waters. lines since 2016, are contributing
data to inform the assessment of the
A risk framework that can be used
impact of the megaberg on BAT’s
The Blue Belt Programme has continued for fisheries management is being marine ecosystem.
its work with the SGSSI Government to developed. This will bring together
effectively assist them in protecting their research and fishery data to assess risks T he programme also funded
marine environment from unlawful activity. from fishing activities, supporting and the deployment of underwater
informing management decisions. oceanographic gliders as part of a
T he Compliance and Enforcement
British Antarctic Survey led scientific
Framework for SGSSI continues to In late 2020 the mega iceberg A-68 investigation into the impacts of
be developed. When implemented, it drifted close to South Georgia, with the megaberg.
will provide clarity and transparency concerns over the impact this may have
for vessels operating in the EEZ as to on local ecosystems:
how inspections and enforcement
The passive acoustic device being collected off
action is carried out, helping SGSSI
SGSSI (Credit: British Antarctic Survey)
to manage, monitor and protect their
marine environment. “The Blue Belt Programme is an
projects to develop a better understanding
T he programme trialled a new passive
of the deep-sea environment in SGSSI and integral part of the Government
acoustic device within SGSSI’s waters any potential risks from human activities. of South Georgia & the South
in partnership with the Commonwealth Sandwich Island’s evidence-based
Scientific and Industrial Research D ata collected during the 2019 RRS
approach to environmental
Organisation. The device’s ability to track Discovery Expedition to SGSSI has been stewardship. The programme helps Oceanographic glider (Credit: British Antarctic Survey)
mechanical vessel sounds was tested, used to develop models that predict and us gather key scientific evidence to
as this could help tackle unlawful fishing map areas around the islands that are inform our decision making, as well
by detecting vessels operating illegally suitable for vulnerable species, ultimately as contributing to our compliance
and without their positional systems informing management measures. and enforcement activity. We look
turned on. Results from the trial will be forward to ongoing engagement
assessed during 2021. Deepwater with the programme to support
camera the protection of SGSSI’s
The biodiversity around SGSSI is rich and units incredible biodiversity.”
hugely varied. The Blue Belt Programme
continued to support several long-term Nigel Phillips CBE,
HM Commissioner for SGSSI
Elephant seal photographed by deep-water
cameras on fishing longline sets
18 South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands 19British Antarctic Cross-territory
Territory
The waters around the British
Antarctic Territory (BAT) are
amongst the most productive in
the Southern Ocean, supporting
large populations of krill, which
Antarctic krill
feed larger predators, like baleen
whales, penguins and seals. A vessel suspected of IUU fishing
Image
credi
t : Bri
tish A
ntar
ct ic Su
was investigated using both satellite r ve y
A fishery for Antarctic krill is active during and aerial surveillance to ensure it Many projects within the Blue
the austral summer in BAT. There is also was complying with CCAMLR Belt Programme are relevant to
T he Blue Belt Programme is supporting
a small research fishery for the valuable management measures.
Antarctic toothfish. Both fisheries are
a number or all of the Overseas Overseas Territories colleagues to review
Protected Area Management Effectiveness
managed by the Commission for the T he Royal Air Force (RAF) carried out a
Territories, and so provide (PAME) tools. These tools allow MPA
Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living surveillance flight to identify the suspect cross-territory outcomes. The managers to understand the strengths
Resources (CCAMLR). vessel, providing near real time data on
any human activities. Combined with programme, in partnership with and weaknesses in their management
measures, and ultimately adapt them to
Critical CCAMLR regulations, in place satellite surveillance data, these methods the territories, collaborates make sure they are effective.
for the krill fishery, are due to expire significantly enhance monitoring and
in 2021. In partnership with the British with a number of agencies,
enforcement capabilities.
A roundtable event was held with
Antarctic Survey, the programme is non-government organisations international experts, Overseas Territories
providing additional scientific support for and academics to develop and staff and partner organisations to discuss
the renegotiation of these regulations, management effectiveness, suitability of
particularly through the application of data implement its work. different tools for each of the territories,
limited methods for fisheries management “The Blue Belt programme and share experiences.
analysis, simulation and advice. continues to support our scientific Understanding the biodiversity across
understanding of the region, the territories is key to being able to
W ithin Ascension Island, St Helena and
To ensure compliance and enforcement, effectively protect it: Tristan da Cunha, funding has been
the programme has continued monitoring which will be vital in developing
provided for legal support from the
the waters around BAT to prevent unlawful climate-smart management
T he Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network Attorney General’s Chambers to support
activity, including within the South Orkney regimes under the Convention
was launched. Underwater cameras will be with the drafting of new legislation, to
Islands Southern Shelf MPA. for the Conservation of Antarctic help enable effective management of
deployed across ten Overseas Territories
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). during 2021 to collect data on marine their marine areas.
Through the development of biodiversity. This data will actively inform
sophisticated surveillance future management measures.
S ustainable finance is key to ensuring
methods, we are now better able to effective MPA management. Funded by
assess, and deter, the threat of IUU Strengthening governance is a core objective the Blue Belt Programme, a scoping exercise
fishing across the Southern Ocean”. of this programme. After a territory designates for sustainable finance opportunities,
an MPA, it is then vital they implement exploring future possible funding
Jane Rumble OBE UK Commissioner to mechanisms and developing a potential fund
CCAMLR and Deputy Commissioner for
regularly reviewed management plans to
ensure they are effective. and governance structure, was undertaken.
British Antarctic Territory. Further exploration of financial opportunities
and support strategies for UKOTs will be
Image of BAT taken during RAF surveillance flight
explored in 2021.
(Credit: RAF)
20 British Antarctic Territory Cross-territory 21Future Ambition
During 2020–2021, the Blue Belt Yellownosed Albatross, Tristan da Cunha
Programme met its milestone
target of protecting and
Drone trials, BIOT A silky shark, photographed by camera types used
by the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network
enhancing over 4 million
square kilometres of marine Over the next year, the Blue Belt Programme,
Compliance and enforcement is critical Across the territories the programme environment across the UK funded by the FCDO, will continue to work in
partnership with UK Overseas Territories and
in tackling issues such as IUU fishing and has continued using cutting edge technology Overseas Territories.
external stakeholders to:
ultimately in ensuring effective marine and innovation. This includes use of the new
management. This year: NovaSAR satellite data and passive acoustic The programme is central to the UK
devices to monitor possible unlawful activity, as Government’s ambition of tackling some of upport implementation and review
S
C ompliance and enforcement strategies well as the development of drone technology: the serious global threats to our seas – from of management plans, as well as
have been adopted across all the illegal fishing to climate change – and is ongoing monitoring, compliance and
UK Overseas Territories within the
F ollowing previous drone trials in driven by a recognition that a step change is enforcement to ensure that these
programme. The strategies include BIOT in 2018-2020, the programme needed if we are to preserve unique species unique marine environments will be
assistance provided by the Blue Belt (with Loughborough University) is and habitats for future generations. conserved and sustainably managed
Intelligence and Surveillance Hub and redeveloping the drone to expand the into the future.
address the individual needs of territories range of patrol vessels monitoring the One year into the UN Decade of Ocean
to ensure surveillance and any further MPA. Work is ongoing to enhance Science (UNDOS), 2021 marks a ‘super uild understanding of the biodiversity
B
action is appropriate. capability (range, flight duration etc.), year’ for the world’s oceans with the G7 across the programme. A survey
and a roadmap has been produced to summit hosted in the UK, the Convention expedition is planned to voyage between
optimise operational performance. on Biological Diversity (COP15) and a year St Helena and Ascension Island in 2021,
R outine surveillance using satellite data
of climate action in the run up to the which will provide an opportunity to
(with OceanMind and the European
United Nations Framework Convention survey the offshore environments and
Maritime Safety Agency) has been
A fully autonomous drone is also in
on Climate Change (COP26). look at connectivity between two large
implemented across all territories to development with Virginia Tech University.
scale MPAs at a regional level.
ensure their waters are monitored and This innovative and self-reliant drone will
unlawful activity is detected. More detailed perform persistent monitoring on large The continuation of the Blue Belt Programme
ather evidence to demonstrate the
G
data is used for areas more vulnerable remote areas. Able to land, take off and for 2021-2022 reflects the UK Government’s
effectiveness and benefits of the
to non-compliance. charge autonomously, human operators commitment to safeguarding global
current marine protected areas and
will be able to direct the drone from biodiversity. The programme will contribute
comprehensive management regimes
T he programme has developed training thousands of miles away. Still at a significantly to the UK’s global leadership
for local communities and globally.
programmes to build long-term low-level of technological readiness, it of ocean protection, and demonstrate that
compliance and enforcement capability will be further developed and tested small, remote islands can play a major urther build capacity and skills in
F
across the territories. Training materials before use across the territories. role in achieving global change. the Overseas Territories to ensure
cover a range of subject matters and long-term programme legacy by
include videos and e-learning modules. supporting infrastructure, training,
in-country roles and education.
A ssistance continues to be provided to cross the ‘super year’ for the oceans,
A
the Atlantic Overseas Territories to fulfill demonstrate the role of the programme
their International Commission for the in combatting major threats to the
Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) oceans, such as climate change
obligations. This includes support and overfishing.
with scientific and compliance data
reporting, as well as assistance with rovide support for other UKOTs
P
the implementation of ICCAT measures wishing to join the programme
within domestic legislation. and enhance the protection and
management of activities within
Silky and Galapagos Sharks, Ascension Island their marine environments.
Preparing the drone for trials
22 Cross-territory Future Ambition 23For more information about the Blue Belt Programme: Web: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-belt-programme Email: Bluebelt@cefas.co.uk Twitter: @UKGovBlueBelt Facebook: facebook.com/ukgovBlueBelt
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