Coastal Communities helping Fighting Against Illegal Wildlife Trade of Spotted Seals in China

In Feburary 2019, the world was shocked by the tragic poaching incident involving spotted seals in Dalian, China. Driven by the demand for marine parks and animal exhibitions, poachers unlawfully captured 100 spotted seal pups. By the time they were discovered, more than half of these seal pups had already perished. This overexploitation of a migratory marine mammal species has led to a significant loss in coastal biodiversity. 

In fact, spotted seals are facing multiple threats including illegal wildlife trade (IWT), climate change, and the degradation of nearshore ecosystems. In response to such crisis imposed on the marine species, the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has launched several critical initiatives. Firstly, CBCGDF established five community conservation areas (CCAs) for spotted seals in Beidaihe, Lushun, Dalian, Yingkou, and Panjin. These areas involve local communities and volunteers in patrols to combat poaching activities effectively. Secondly, CBCGDF drafted the National Group Standards for the Welfare of Spotted Seals, providing comprehensive guidelines for wildlife protection and rescue efforts. 

Moreover, from 2019 to 2020, as part of the Yellow Sea Grant Program (YSGP), CBCGDF supported the creation of a network of marine protected areas for spotted seals in the Yellow and Bohai Seas. They conducted outreach and educational activities in over 22 conservation areas across more than 20 provinces and cities in China. These efforts included engaging coastal communities, schools, and fishing villages in spotted seal conservation awareness campaigns. The publication "Spotted Seals on the Ice" was also released, and ongoing scientific education activities continue in four key conservation sites in the Liaodong Bay and Yellow Sea.

According to Linda Wong, director of the CBCGDF OceanWetlands Taskforce, "Raising public awareness and engaging local communities, especially fishermen, is crucial in our conservation efforts. That’s why we made it a priority to reach out to fishing villages, communities, and schools to explain the importance of protecting spotted seals. During our involvement in the GEF project, we mobilized over a thousand volunteers, and the results have been very encouraging."

The GEF Yellow Sea Spotted Seal Project, implemented by CBCGDF, has been officially included in the Global Environment Facility (GEF) final project report, underscoring the significant impact of these Community-based conservation efforts. Through these actions, CBCGDF is making strides in protecting the spotted seals and preserving,  sustainably managing and restoring marine biodiversity for future generations.

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Reference:

61 seal cubs rescued from poachers

http://www.ecns.cn/news/society/2019-02-27/detail-ifzevinw9629975.shtml

2020 Spotted Seal Scientific Synchronous Observation Outcomes

http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/NewsShow/5002/12045.html

100 baby seals stolen from breeding ground in NE China, 1/3 die in poor treatment - Global Times http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1139122.shtml

China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation 

“Construction of the Yellow-Bohai Sea Spotted Seals Protected Area Network” Project Executive Report （2019.12）

http://www.yslmep.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CBCGDF%E2%80%94%E2%80%9CConstruction-of-the-Yellow-Boh...pdf

Reported by Wendy

Editor: Sara    

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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