Every aspect of life has seen some impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Marine conservation charities are currently struggling to stay visible in a world turned virus obsessed.Â
Protecting our oceans requires public will, grassroots support, and careful data collection. Charities walk a narrow path, balancing funding with essential work. They rely heavily on passionate volunteers to shift the tide against threats, like plastic pollution, and overfishing. With our oceans more vulnerable than ever, and the threat of climate change looming, the global pandemic has squashed funding and limited access to important marine habitats. I reached out to staff, and volunteers, from four marine charities. I asked about their experience during the crisis, and what they think the future of marine conservation will look like.
Conservation relies on a constant stream of data. Monitoring of endangered species populations, and environmental dynamics, let charities know where to focus their attention. Publications and reports give weight to recommendations they bring to governments and communities. For many charities, 2020 will represent a blank spot in records. The impact this will have on future conservation efforts and research is unclear.
