Targeted Harvest
In contrast to accidental
or incidental capture, targeted harvest signifies the intentional taking of a particular
species.
The Ocean Health Index uses the term ‘targeted harvest’ to signify the deliberate capture of iconic species, i.e. those that are relevant to local cultural identity through ethnic or religious practices and existence value. While many iconic species are protected from harvest through local policy or international treaty, some continue to be harvested for commercial purposes, subsistence needs, or spiritual reasons.
The Ocean Health Index uses the term ‘targeted harvest’ to signify the deliberate capture of iconic species, i.e. those that are relevant to local cultural identity through ethnic or religious practices and existence value. While many iconic species are protected from harvest through local policy or international treaty, some continue to be harvested for commercial purposes, subsistence needs, or spiritual reasons.
Which Goals Does This Affect?
How Was It Measured?
The Ocean Health Index compiled data from the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) regarding the targeted
catch of cetaceans and marine turtles. Reported catch for 2009 was used for
most countries, but 2008 data were used if information from 2009 was not
available.
For both cetaceans and marine turtles the summed catch was rescaled from 0-1, with 1 = 110% of the maximum value across all countries. The scores for cetaceans and marine turtles were averaged to create a single ‘targeted harvest’ score, which was used as a pressure score for calculating the Iconic Species sub-goal of Sense of Place.
For both cetaceans and marine turtles the summed catch was rescaled from 0-1, with 1 = 110% of the maximum value across all countries. The scores for cetaceans and marine turtles were averaged to create a single ‘targeted harvest’ score, which was used as a pressure score for calculating the Iconic Species sub-goal of Sense of Place.
What Has Been Done?
Regulating Whale Harvests Safeguards Natural Resources
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established
in the 1940s, under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling,
to ensure the conservation and management of whale stocks. Worldwide
regulations provide for the protection of certain species, designate whale
sanctuaries, set limits on harvest and capture size, define whaling seasons and
zones, and prohibit the capture of juvenile whales. In 1982, the IWC enacted a
ban on the harvest of all whales, with the exception of limited catch for
aboriginal groups and scientific research; the ban went into effect in 1987.
Existing regulations in many countries also prohibit whale hunting, including the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and New Zealand’s Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1978.
Existing regulations in many countries also prohibit whale hunting, including the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and New Zealand’s Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1978.
Marine Turtles Protected by Organizations and Regulations Worldwide
Threatened or endangered marine turtle species are
protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and by regulations in a number of countries. Non-governmental organizations such as the
Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation International, Oceana, Sea Turtle
Conservancy, Sea Turtle Foundation and World Wildlife have programs dedicated
to conserving sea turtles and their habitats.
References
PHOTO(S): © Keith A. Ellenbogen