"We celebrate this declaration, as marine reserves directly
benefit fishing, local communities and the country" says Alejandro
Olivera, of Greenpeace Mexico. "The future of the region depends
upon the health of the sea. The Gulf of California is one of the
world's richest marine ecosystems but the threats which we have
witnessed around the world converge here"
Recent studies (1) have shown that marine reserves may help to
increase the number and diversity of species living in them, as
well as the size of the animals.
The Greenpeace ship MY Esperanza, currently in the Gulf of
California, visited the area of Espiritu Santo last Monday,
November 20th. The organization demanded the protection of the area
with a marine reserve. While in Mexico, the Esperanza has also
celebrated one year campaigning for the establishment of marine
reserves with a global expedition "Defending Our Oceans" (2).
"Only through establishing and enforcing a global network of
marine reserves can we avoid the collapse of the world's fisheries
and the crisis facing our oceans." said Karli Thomas of Greenpeace
International
The Gulf of California in Mexico was named the "World's
Aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau because of the wealth of marine life.
However it is also an example of many of the major threats to our
oceans. It is one of the world's most productive and biologically
diverse marine ecosystems (3), but pressure from destructive
fishing, pollution and uncontrolled tourism development are
threatening life in the Aquarium.
Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation, which
uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global
environmental problems, and to force solutions essential to a green
and peaceful future.
Other contacts: Karli Thomas, Greenpeace InternationalAlejandro Olivera, Greenpeace MexicoIsabel Leal, Greenpeace International CommunicationsAll on board the MY Esperanza, on +47 514 07987Please note the MY Esperanza is GMT-7.
VVPR info: Pictures available from John Novis, Picture Editor, Greenpeace International, + 31 653 819 121Video available from Greenpeace International Video Desk, +31 653 504 721
Notes: (1) Gell, F.R. and C.M. Roberts, 2003. Benefits beyond boundaries: The Fishery Effects of Marine Reserves. TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution. 19(9): 488-455(2) The Defending Our Oceans campaign is a 16-month expedition to highlight the threats to and beauty of the oceans and demand a global network of marine reserves, covering 40% of the world’s oceans. The tour began in Cape Town, South Africa, from where the Esperanza left to defend the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary from the whaling fleets.(3) The Gulf of California is a biological treasure; home to more than thirty species of marine mammals including the world’s most endangered porpoise – the vaquita. The region has huge economic benefit for the whole of Mexico, bringing nearly five million tourists and providing half the country’s fish supply.
Exp. contact date: 2006-12-10 00:00:00