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The Patagonian Sea, a vast region of rugged beauty and unparalleled marine wildlife spectacles in the southwest Atlantic, was one of eleven high-priority large marine ecosystems highlighted by DOE experts for immediate urgent action. From enormous aggregations of elephant seals and Magellanic penguins in coastal Argentina, to the pelagic feeding grounds of Argentine squid and black-browed albatross off southern Brazil, this is a region of spectacular productivity. However, existing ocean governance in this region is inadequate and lacks effective management measures to protect its unique marine biodiversity. The DOE Office has recently published a special, Spanish-language edition case study featuring the Patagonian Sea as an example of applying a conservation-based ocean-use planning strategy on a specific region. This strategy includes background information on the challenges and threats affecting this region, and provides both costs and timeframes for implementing a detailed plan of action. The document is based on an updated version of an original Patagonian case study from the Defying Ocean’s End book by Island Press and is the first in a new regional case study publication series. Published only in Spanish, the document is intended primarily for use by decision makers, resource managers, educators, and conservationists within the Patagonian Sea region. Of particular relevance in carrying such a strategy forward in this region is the recently formed Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and Areas of Influence, a union of 20 NGOs representing Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, along with international organizations. The Forum seeks to unite efforts, establishing collaborative mechanisms between member organizations that are working for the conservation of the Patagonian Sea and leading to the integrated management of this large marine ecosystem. Recently, in July 2006, the Forum held its fourth plenary meeting, as well as its first communications strategy workshop, in Mar del Plata, Argentina. The Forum has developed an inspiring vision of “an ecologically healthy and diverse Patagonian Sea, meeting the needs, wishes and aspirations of people, whilst maintaining one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles and most productive marine ecosystems, through a genuine partnership amongst all interested sectors.” The new publication was edited by Fundación Ecocentro in Argentina, along with Conservation International, and is authored by scientists from the University of Washington, the Florida Institute of Oceanography, the University of Cape Town, CSIRO, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Fundación Patagonia Natural, and the Pew Institute for Ocean Sciences. To download a PDF, click here. To download a PDF, click here, or to obtain a hard copy, please contact Tim Noviello at t.noviello@defyingoceansend.org . Written by: Arlo Hemphill , Conservation International |
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