Ensure the survival of 8,500+ species of marine life
Dear John,
Today we celebrate the ocean -- the largest and most important ecosystem on Earth.
It contributes to the air we breathe and the food we need. The ocean sustains billions of people worldwide and is critical to our planet's climate control.
Join WildAid in celebrating this magical habitat and those around the world committed to preserving it.
For Keith Carrol, a lobster fisherman in The Bahamas, this work is personal,
“Everybody is working at the same goal. To protect what is ours for the future generations. If you take care of the ocean, the ocean will take care of you.”
The ocean and its wildlife need our protection. A staggering 1 in 5 fish is caught illegally worldwide. Illegal fishing is a serious problem that threatens marine life and robs local, sustainable fishermen of their livelihoods.
This is definitely true in The Bahamas where its vibrant waters are home to spiny lobster, conch, reef fish, and 40+ shark species. Overfishing is rampant, and many marine species are being fished to the point of extinction.
This is where WildAid and our local partners come in. With 20 years of experience on the sea – and made possible by philanthropic support -- WildAid has pioneered a unique and wildly successful approach to safeguarding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and deter illegal fishing.
In The Bahamas we collaborate with local fishermen like Keith and partner with conservation organizations and 5 different government agencies. This powerful partnership ensures there are more eyes and ears on the water around the clock.
To improve enforcement of their Marine Protected Areas (MPA), WildAid has provided our Bahamian partners with –
Better patrol, surveillance, and investigation techniques,
Training for law enforcement officers,
High-tech surveillance tools, and
Creation of an anonymous reporting line for citizens and fishermen who want to be part of the solution.
Worldwide, our efforts have increased the likelihood of survival for 8,500+ species of marine wildlife. Bahamian fishermen have already reported a revitalization of fish stocks due to increased patrols.
WildAid focuses on the 60% of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) that do not have adequate -- or any -- enforcement. Without help, they are nothing more than lines on a map.
We are currently working in 75 sites in 14 countries, and with your help we aim to expand to 250 Marine Protected Areas by 2025.
Are you inspired by this audacious goal to protect marine wildlife and vital habitat?
We can’t do it without you, and we are grateful for your commitment to conservation on land and at sea.
With our gratitude, Your WildAid Team
P.S. Be inspired by this 5-minute video on “The Marine Action Partnership for Sustainable Fisheries in The Bahamas” and hear directly from our partners like Keith.
