Marine Conservation Tools (NQF Level 6)

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts, management tools, and terminology related to marine conservation, ICZM, and open ocean protection based on the NQF Level 6 lecture notes.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

A holistic planning and management framework designed to manage coastal areas sustainably by integrating terrestrial and marine components across sectors, ecosystems, and institutions.

Land–sea integration

A core principle of ICZM that recognizes the ecological and socio-economic connections between terrestrial and marine systems.

Adaptive management

A principle involving the use of monitoring and feedback to improve management decisions over time.

Pelagic environment

Another term for the open ocean environment, which covers the largest portion of the Earth’s surface and is characterized by highly dynamic and mobile systems.

Bycatch

The accidental capture of non-target species, such as seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals, during fishing operations.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing

Fishing activities that occur when vessels operate without authorization, fail to report catches, or ignore conservation regulations.

Ocean acidification

The process where increased atmospheric $CO_2$ levels lead to a reduction in seawater $pH$, negatively affecting organisms that build shells or skeletons from calcium carbonate.

Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)

Regions of the open ocean that lie beyond the national laws of coastal states, where conservation depends largely on international agreements.

Precautionary Principle

A management concept promoting preventive action to avoid environmental harm even when scientific evidence is not yet complete or certain.

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

A legally designated marine area managed to conserve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and cultural values, which may allow different levels of human use.

Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area (EBSA)

An area recognized for its ecological importance (e.g., high productivity or vulnerability) based on scientific designation, but not necessarily legally protected.

Area of Particular Environmental Interest (APEI)

A management designation typically used in deep-sea environments to identify areas requiring special attention due to ecological sensitivity.

RAMSAR Site

Wetlands of international importance designated for conservation and sustainable use under the RAMSAR Convention.

Sanctuary

A protected area where extractive activities are highly restricted or prohibited to protect specific species or ecosystems.

Reserve

A protected area with defined management objectives that often allows for limited, regulated human use.

Endemic species

Rare species found only in a specific geographic location, such as those found only in Namibia.

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

A strategic planning tool that organizes human activities in marine space to reduce conflicts and balance conservation with economic development.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A preventive tool used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of projects (such as offshore mining or port construction) before they are approved.

Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS)

Systems used to track vessels, enforce marine regulations, and combat activities like IUU fishing.

Paper parks

A term describing protected areas that are protected in law but not effectively managed or enforced in practice.

Benguela Current Commission

A regional organization that supports the sustainable management of shared marine resources along the Benguela ecosystem.