We also collaborate with ...
Monte Hermoso, Argentina
Monte Hermoso, a nice fishing and tourist place in Argentina, head town of the homonymous part in the Province of Buenos Aires, has agreed with Mundus maris to serve as representative of the Argentine marine coastal communities for celebrating World Oceans Day. The reasons are simple: the ongoing effort of the inhabitants of Monte Hermoso to defend the same values of sustainability which drive our organisation; an attitude that translates into concrete action such as achieving a ban on trawling in the first five miles in one of the most vulnerable areas, El Rincón, by ministerial resolution in 2002.
Another goal achieved by artisanal fishermen is this: extending the ban in this area by extending it to six months by order of the Federal Fisheries Council; creating likewise a very large effort-restricted area (up to the 50 meters isobath) where vessels over 25 meters in length are banned, except only the Buenos Aires anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) fishery which is certified to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council. Currently also, work is underway on a bill about artisanal fisheries with a view to largely protect the interests of this activity. "We fish today and also tomorrow" is the motto that tourists profess to hear constantly from the locals. And tourism is also exercised in a responsible manner by being “soft” on the beaches in order to facilitate their conservation, among other relevant measures taken to protect the coast.
Sergio Bambaren
Sergio Bambaren, best-selling author of world fame for his many books about the ocean, his great passion, has captured the imagination of people all over the place. His first book "The Dolphin. Story of a Dreamer" was translated into more than 20 languages.
Sergio is also Vice-President of "Mundo Azul" an NGO in his native Peru committed to protect the ocean.
When we launched the Mundus maris Award 2015 he said: "Submit your story about the Ocean of your dreams to gain a Mundus maris Award 2015. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate World Oceans Day 2015 together. The deadline is 20 April (extended to 10 May) - don't miss it!"
Ananya Ashok
Ananya Ashok, Junior Research Fellow - Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, India, shared this endorsement statement:
"The right to fish carries with it the responsibility to do so in a correct manner, states the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. In a country like India, which houses a fisherfolk population of nearly 3.5 million, responsible fisheries gains even more relevance. As a young researcher working on understanding the influence of human activity on the immediate coastal environment through pollution pathways, I believe, it is necessary to sensitize the need for responsible fisheries to a greater extent.
The World Oceans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take from the people and return to them messages on saving the seas around us. I invite the youth from India and from across the globe to come forward with ideas, dreams and future visions for our ocean. Let us share our thoughts with the global human family by contributing written or visual stories to the Mundus maris World Ocean Day Contest 2015 on the theme of "The ocean and the human family".
It is my pleasure and privilege to volunteer with Mundus maris and to work towards bringing in greater participation from India. I look forward to enthusiastic and fresh participation from young minds across the world!"