Envsci 122 Final Group Project Spring 2019 Purpose Of The Pr

Envsci 122 Final Group Project Spring 2019purpose Of The Project Thi

Envsci 122 Final Group Project Spring 2019purpose Of The Project Thi

ENVSCI 122 Final Group Project Spring 2019 Purpose of the project: This project is intended to encourage you to think about environmental issues and develop potential solutions to those issues. As part of this, you will explore who is impacted by the situation, what laws or regulations are relevant, and what types of strategies might provide appropriate solutions. You will describe your findings in (1) a group paper, and (2) a group in-class presentation. The specifics for each deliverable are listed below. Instructions for the Paper Papers should be approximately 8-12 pages in length, 12 pt font, 1 inch margins, double-spaced.

With your group, select one of four scenarios (see below) and address the following for the scenario you chose:

  • Identify and describe two potential environmental issues in the scenario.
  • Identify and describe two relevant laws/regulations related to EACH issue (total of 4 laws/regulations). For each law/regulation:
    • What does it do?
    • Is it municipal, state, regional, federal, international?
    • How is it implemented and who (e.g., what agency, etc.) implements it?
  • Describe one management strategy you would recommend to address each environmental issue. For each strategy:
    • How does it address the environmental issue?
    • How would you implement it? (e.g., create a new department or law)
    • What resources would you need (funds, staff)?
    • What challenges might exist in implementation?
    • How would you evaluate success?
  • Identify and describe two potential stakeholders or stakeholder groups for each management strategy. Explain why they are stakeholders.

Include at least four references in your paper, following APA citation format (Wikipedia does not count).

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper explores the development of a turtle protection program initiated by an international organization to safeguard endangered turtle species and their habitats. This comprehensive analysis identifies key environmental issues threatening turtle populations, reviews relevant laws and regulations, proposes strategic management solutions, and assesses stakeholder roles. It aims to provide a detailed, actionable framework to ensure the survival of these vital marine creatures amid escalating human activities and environmental challenges.

Introduction

Marine turtles are critical components of ocean ecosystems, contributing to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting fisheries. However, their populations face numerous threats stemming from human activities, environmental degradation, and illegal trade. The international effort to develop a protective program requires a nuanced understanding of these threats and the policy tools available to mitigate them. This paper delineates two primary issues—habitat loss and pollution—that endanger turtle survival, alongside suitable legal frameworks, management strategies, and stakeholder involvement.

Environmental Issues

1. Habitat Loss

One of the most significant threats to turtles is habitat destruction, particularly on nesting beaches. Human interference, such as coastal development, tourism, and beach lighting, disrupts nesting activities and prevents hatchlings from reaching the sea. Additionally, erosion caused by climate change and storm activity further diminishes suitable nesting sites.

2. Pollution and Trash in the Ocean

Marine pollution, especially plastic debris, profoundly impacts turtles. Plastic bags are often mistaken for jellyfish, their primary food source, leading to ingestion that can cause choking, internal injuries, or death. Chemical pollutants also degrade water quality, affecting turtle health and reproductive success.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Issue 1: Habitat Loss

  1. Endangered Species Act (ESA) - U.S.: This law provides protection for endangered species and their habitats, prohibiting activities that harm listed species or their nesting sites. It is enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries.
  2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): International treaty regulating trade to prevent overharvesting and illegal poaching of turtles and eggs. It is implemented through national legislation by member countries.

Issue 2: Pollution and Trash

  1. MARPOL Convention: International treaty aimed at preventing marine pollution by ships, including dumping waste and cargo residues. It is enforced by port state control and maritime authorities.
  2. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA): U.S. federal law regulating the dumping of material into ocean waters, including waste disposal activities that could lead to plastic pollution.

Management Strategies

For Habitat Loss

The implementation of protected nesting beaches through legislative designation and the creation of buffer zones can substantially reduce human interference. Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with restrictions on coastal development, artificial lighting, and tourism activities can mitigate habitat destruction. This would require collaboration between local governments, environmental agencies, and community stakeholders.

Resources needed include funding for signage, patrols, and enforcement personnel, along with educational outreach programs. One challenge is balancing economic development with conservation interests, especially in areas dependent on tourism. Success can be measured by increased nesting success rates and hatchling survival.

For Pollution and Trash

Developing and enforcing stricter regulations on waste disposal both on land and at sea will reduce plastic debris in habitats frequented by turtles. Initiatives such as beach clean-up campaigns, public awareness, and community engagement are essential. Additionally, coupling these policies with incentives for proper waste management can be effective.

The resources required include funding for cleanup operations and public campaigns, as well as monitoring tools to assess pollution levels. Challenges include enforcement in remote areas and ensuring compliance among maritime sectors. Success indicators involve reductions in plastic debris in nesting and foraging areas and healthier turtle populations.

Stakeholder Analysis

Habitat Loss Strategy Stakeholders

  • Local Communities: They directly impact beaches through tourism and development activities. Engaging them as conservation partners is crucial for sustainable management.
  • Tourism Industry: Responsible tourism practices can support conservation efforts while maintaining economic benefits.

Pollution Mitigation Strategy Stakeholders

  • Maritime Authorities: Responsible for enforcing pollution control laws and maritime safety regulations.
  • Environmental NGOs: Play a vital role in advocacy, education, and organizing cleanup initiatives.

Conclusion

Protecting endangered turtles requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal protections, strategic management, and active stakeholder participation. Addressing habitat loss through marine protected areas and regulating pollution sources can significantly enhance turtle survival prospects. Continued collaboration among governments, communities, and organizations is essential for sustainable conservation and the preservation of marine biodiversity for future generations.

References

  • Bjorndal, K. A., & Bolten, A. B. (2010). Conservation and management of marine turtle populations. Marine Turtle Newsletter, 128, 1-10.
  • Congressional Research Service. (2019). Marine Turtle Conservation and International Laws. CRS Reports.
  • Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Marine debris and plastic pollution. EPA.gov.
  • Fa, J. E., et al. (2014). Illegal trade in marine turtles: The impact of international regulation. Biological Conservation, 179, 180–188.
  • Lutcavage, M. E., et al. (2016). Marine debris and sea turtle health. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 104(2), 377-383.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2020). Marine Turtle Conservation. NOAA Fisheries.
  • UNEP. (2018). Marine litter: sea of obstacles. United Nations Environment Programme.
  • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). (1982). United Nations.
  • Wright, C., et al. (2018). Impact of human activities on turtle nesting sites. Journal of Marine Environmental Research, 66, 28-36.
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2019). Protecting sea turtles: Policy and action. WWF Reports.

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