Overfishing Acidification Estonian case KarlErik Tillmann Miina Hrma

Overfishing & Acidification Estonian case Karl-Erik Tillmann Miina Härma Gümnaasium, Tartu, Estonia

Background Acidification � The human enduced CO 2 affect both the atmosphere and sea. � Cold water more readily absorbs CO 2. � Seas become more acid. � Effect on phytoplanktons. ◦ Foundation of the aquatic food web

Background Overfishing � Overfishing occurs when fishing activities reduce fish stocks below an acceptable level. � About 80% of all fish stocks are already overfished today. � Only 1, 2 % of the oceans are protected today. � Over 500 million people depending on the fishing industry.

Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) • Convention of Biological Diversity was established in 1993 and signed by 193 states with aims: ØTo protect biodiversity. ØSustainable use of its components. ØFair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources • 2010 - "International Year of Biodiversity" • Nagoya Biodiversity Summit in 18 -19 October 2010.

Nagoya Biodiversity Summit � Took place in 18 -19 Oct 2010. � Aims: ◦ To restore at least 15 % of degraded areas. ◦ To stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity. ◦ To protect 17 % of inland water areas and 10 % of marine-coastal areas.

Outcome in 2020 in Estonia Aim 1: To restore at least 15 % of degraded areas. � The percentage of land covered by forests has risen from 50. 6 % in 2011 to 53. 9 % in 2020. � 400 ha more trees have been planted. � Organic farming has risen 12 % since 2011. � The number of birds ◦ Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has increased from 40 -50 pairs in 2011 to 100 pairs in 2020. ◦ Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) has increased from 150 pairs in 2011 to 250 pairs in 2020.

Outcome in 2020 in Estonia Aim 2: To stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity. The amount of mosses in Lahemaa, a national park of Estonia has increased by 12 %. Three new species of mosses have been discovered. These are good indicators of the purity of our air. The gut microflora of Estonian infants consists of more different species of microbes. This protects against allergy – an increasing problem in Western societies.

Outcome in 2020 in Estonia Aim 3 a: To protect 17 % of inland water areas. stock of Vendace (Coregonus albula), a very special fish living only in Lake Peipsi, has risen three times since 2011. � The stock of Perch (Perca fluviatilis) in Lake Peipsi and Lake Võrtsjärve has risen two times. � The

Outcome in 2020 in Estonia Aim 3 b: To protect 10% of marine and coastal areas. � The stock of Cod increased until 2018 but then. . . �DISASTER in 21 May, 2018 ◦ Nord Stream gas pipeline near Saaremaa exploded and 2. 3 billion cubic metres of natural gas leaked in the Baltic Sea. ◦ The sea has still not recovered from this �The Cod percentage drops 50 %. �Huge amounts of seaweed died. �Thousands of seabirds died.

Conclusion � Each country should implement its own national plan to follow the recommendation of the Nagoya convention. � However we are not protected against catastrophies and therefore international collaboration is necessary to prevent and overcome them.