[World Wildlife Fund Japan Public Interest Incorporated Foundation] Start of collection for donations to conserve biodiversity in Chile’s oceans and sustain a sustainable fishing industry “Gifts of ocean currents – Everyone is supported by Chile’s oceans” – Exploring the connection between Chile’s oceans and Japan’s food Learn more and participate in conservation activities
*World Wide Fund for Nature Japan*
Press release: September 18, 2024
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Start of collection for donations to conserve biodiversity in Chile’s oceans and sustain a sustainable fishing industry “Gifts of ocean currents – Everyone is supported by Chile’s oceans” – Exploring the connection between Chile’s oceans and Japan’s food Learn more and participate in conservation activities
The World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Chairman: Takejiro Sueyoshi, hereinafter referred to as “WWF Japan”) is a public interest incorporated foundation that conducts research in the oceans of the Republic of Chile (hereinafter referred to as Chile), which WWF Japan is implementing in cooperation with WWF Chile. We have launched a donation campaign called “Gifts of Ocean Currents – Everyone is Supported by Chile’s Oceans” and have begun collecting donations for activities aimed at preserving the biodiversity of Chile and improving the sustainable fishing industry. did.
https://www.wwf.or.jp/campaign/da/
■ *WWF Japan’s business in Chile*
The waters of southern Chile have a rich ecosystem and are home to a variety of wildlife, including cetaceans such as Chilean dolphins and blue whales, and seabirds such as Magellanic penguins and Humboldt penguins. What supports this great natural environment are the complex topography of fjords, the Humboldt Current that flows north from the Southern Ocean, and upwelling currents that rise from the depths. The abundance of plankton generated by this supports the lives of living creatures and the lives of local people who rely on the bounty of the sea.
However, the nature of this sea has been greatly affected by the expansion of salmon farming since the 1970s, overfishing of marine resources, and climate change. The number one export destination for Chilean farmed salmon is the United States, followed by Japan. Additionally, approximately 60% of the salmon and trout that Japan imports comes from Chile. Japan is deeply involved in the natural environment and the lives of creatures in this area.
Since 2014, WWF Japan has been working with WWF Chile to conserve the biodiversity of Chile’s oceans and aim for a sustainable fishing industry. The main activities include researching important habitats for marine life, strengthening the management of marine protected areas, transitioning to sustainable salmon farming, and strengthening fisheries management to prevent bycatch and overfishing. Over the past 10 years, we have grasped the habitat situation of the Chilean dolphin, developed a protected area management plan with the participation of local residents, and exceeded expectations. Much progress has been made, including the expansion of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification*.
* (Reference)* * Efforts of Pitipalena Aniwe Coastal Marine Reserve*
*ASC certification: Aquaculture Stewardship Council
This is an international certification system for aquaculture managed and operated by the Aquaculture Council, which aims to achieve “responsible aquaculture” that takes into consideration the local community and protects the rights of people involved in the
aquaculture industry, while reducing the impact of aquaculture on the surrounding environment. . It is recognized as a highly reliable certification system worldwide.
**We have a sufficient number of gifts available, but if we receive more applications than expected, distribution may end during the campaign period. Please check the special website above for other precautions.
■ *About WWF*
Founded in 1961, WWF is an environmental conservation organization active in more than 100 countries. Aiming for a future where people and nature can live in harmony, we are conducting activities such as restoring the richness of biodiversity that is being lost and preventing global warming.
https://www.wwf.or.jp
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