Indonesia
In August of 2017, Ivy Yin traveled to Indonesia to document the conservation efforts of Dr. Andrea Marshall and the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Indonesia's Komodo National Park is thriving with biodiversity and has some the most pristine reefs in the world.
"Realizing the non-consumptive and perpetual economic value of Manta Rays, Indonesia declared that Manta Rays will be protected in their waters. Not only has this country committed to a ban on the fishing of Mantas throughout its entire exclusive economic zone, but at the same time they make history by creating the world's largest sanctuary for the iconic rays, encompassing 6 million square kilometers. This move is being heralded by marine conservationists worldwide as a huge step forward for this fishing nation. I myself had tears in my eyes reading statements from Indonesia's minister of marine affairs and fisheries who boldly proclaimed that, "As the worlds largest archipelagic nation, it's important for Indonesia to maximize economic returns from our marine resources". A conservation win such as this one demonstrates that education initiatives are hitting their mark, that media campaigns designed to showcase the value of these iconic marine animals are having an impact, and that governments are responding to our often creatively designed justification for conservation." - Dr. Andrea Marshall
To learn more visit www.marinemegafaunafoundation.org
"Realizing the non-consumptive and perpetual economic value of Manta Rays, Indonesia declared that Manta Rays will be protected in their waters. Not only has this country committed to a ban on the fishing of Mantas throughout its entire exclusive economic zone, but at the same time they make history by creating the world's largest sanctuary for the iconic rays, encompassing 6 million square kilometers. This move is being heralded by marine conservationists worldwide as a huge step forward for this fishing nation. I myself had tears in my eyes reading statements from Indonesia's minister of marine affairs and fisheries who boldly proclaimed that, "As the worlds largest archipelagic nation, it's important for Indonesia to maximize economic returns from our marine resources". A conservation win such as this one demonstrates that education initiatives are hitting their mark, that media campaigns designed to showcase the value of these iconic marine animals are having an impact, and that governments are responding to our often creatively designed justification for conservation." - Dr. Andrea Marshall
To learn more visit www.marinemegafaunafoundation.org
