Community Review of the Tristan Marine Protection Zone
Report and graphics from Marine Protection Zone Officer Janine Lavarello
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As part of the ongoing management of the Tristan da Cunha Marine Protection Zone (MPZ), a Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME) survey was completed in 2025 with members of the Tristan community. The survey provided an opportunity for the community to share their views on how they feel the MPZ is being managed and how well its main goals and objectives are understood. The results were positive, with the majority of participants showing a good understanding of the purpose and objectives of the MPZ. The survey also forms an important part of the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-4) assessment, helping to provide a picture of how effectively the MPZ is currently being managed. With the current Marine Management Plan due to come to the end of its five year period at the end of 2026, the findings from the PAME survey will help inform the evaluation and development of the next Marine Management Plan. |
Community involvement is an important part of managing Tristan's marine environment, ensuring that local knowledge and views continue to contribute to the future management of the MPZ.
In 2025, the Tristan da Cunha Government carried out a review of how effectively the Marine Protection Zone is being managed, involving government departments, community members and other stakeholders.
The MPZ scored 70% overall, with key strengths including its legal protection, dedicated management, youth training, research and monitoring, and continued benefits for the local community.
The findings will help guide the review of the Marine Management Plan ahead of its renewal in 2027.
Tristan conservation achievements celebrated
Report from Bethan Lang
RSPB UK Overseas Territories Programme Project Manager
Now that Atlantic Guardians has drawn to a close, we're reflecting on its remarkable impact on Tristan da Cunha, and what it means for the future of our Marine Protection Zone (MPZ), marine life and community.
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In this special video, Blue Nature Alliance Executive Director, Laure Katz, shares her reflections on Atlantic Guardians, describing the initiative as extraordinary. She highlights the dedication of Tristan's MPZ Officer, Janine, alongside the Young Oceans Champions and Women's Champions, whose passion and commitment were key to the project's success. Thank you, Blue Nature Alliance from the bottom of our hearts for your generous funding, unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. It has been a privilege to work in partnership with such a wonderful organisation, and we look forward to sharing future achievements, as we build on the legacy of Atlantic Guardians. Video Link:
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Blue Belt celebrates ten years |
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| Tristan's Marine Protection Zone central at London event on World Oceans Day 2026. 11-Jun-2026 |
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News from the Atlantic Guardians Project and Tristan's MPZ |
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| The Atlantic Guardians Newsletter has published its August 2025 issue, and the BBC has published a major article on Tristan's key lobster fishing industry. 19-Sep-2025 |
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Young Ocean Champions in the UK |
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| Young Tristanians are undertaking intense conservation-related training across England during summer 2024. 10-Jun-2024 |
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Tristan da Cunha achieves Blue Park Award |
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| Another accolade for the island's outstanding conservation work 18-Apr-2024 |
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2023-2024 Flax Removal from Inaccessible Island |
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| Work to eliminate invasive plant from World Heritage Site 5-Apr-2024 |
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Tristan Starchy Survey uncovers mountain Sagina spread |
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| Population and distribution of Tristan Thrush investigated. 13-Mar-2024 |
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- Visit of the Yacht SV Urchin (8-Dec-2023) >>
- BEM presented to Andy Schofield (2-Oct-2023) >>
- DEFRA meeting highlights Tristan's conservation matters (20-Sep-2023) >>
- St Mary's School Celebrates World Ocean Day 2023 (18-Jun-2023) >>
- Tristan flag flies at Red Ensign Group gathering (1-Jun-2023) >>
- Tristan Conservation in focus during JMC week (14-May-2023) >>
- Two pilot whales beached on Tristan (25-Oct-2022) >>
- Tristan's Atlantic Guardians Project Report (11-Aug-2022) >>
- Tristan represented at UN Ocean Conference (5-Aug-2022) >>
- Atlantic Guardians Talk to Islanders (17-Jun-2022) >>
- World Ocean Day 2022 at St Mary's School (11-Jun-2022) >>
- James Glass gives key presentation at oceans event in London (10-Jun-2022) >>