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<p>Under the Blue Belt initiative in 2016/17, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries
and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) provided advice on marine resources and their current
management; undertook baseline assessment and gap analysis of each of the Overseas
Territories (OT) to determine their marine management status and future needs. Cefas
also procured a deep-water camera system to provide data for baselining and monitoring
of Marine Protected Areas, including evaluating the impacts of fishing gear on habitats.</p><p>In
2017/18, Cefas assisted the Tristan da Cunha Government with the planning and implementation
of a marine protection strategy including an extensive programme of work to help the
OT sustainably manage existing and developing fisheries, supporting the local economy.
In collaboration with British Antarctic Survey and the OT Governments, Cefas planned
and implemented scientific surveys in Tristan and St Helena maritime areas. Cefas
also instigated tagging programmes for commercially exploited tuna and grouper species
in the St Helena waters, which are providing valuable data on the ecology of these
species. Cefas has recently undertaken a camera survey of the South Georgia MPA to
investigate the impact of longline fishing gear on the marine ecosystem. Cefas assisted
the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration in developing a detailed marine
management plan for the existing MPA. Cefas has also providing training to staff from
Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena and procured safety equipment for
staff and vessels working in the Tristan and St Helena maritime zones.</p>
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