Water covers 71% of the Earth. Motivated by our Christian faith, A Rocha is working for the flourishing of the ocean through science-based research, conservation action and education around the world.
One ocean, four themes
There are five named oceans in the world, which form one vast body of salt water. Made up of a multitude of marine ecosystems – from estuaries to the deep sea – it is shaped by varying winds, tides and currents. What happens in one part of the ocean affects other parts.Â
A Rocha’s marine conservation efforts have four areas of focus. Click on each theme below to learn more.
Species and habitats
Plastic
pollution
Health, wellbeing and livelihoods
Climate
change
Species and habitats
From Guitarfish to Horseshoe crabs, from pipefish to sharks; from coral reefs, mangrove forest and sea grass meadows to the sandy sea floor, the hidden beauty of the ocean has been declared good by God and declares his glory by its very existence. Â
A Rocha’s marine biodiversity conservation of species and habitats around the world is at its heart worship. All our data collection and analysis, restoration, protection and education is an expression of our love and obedience to the great creator and sustainer of all things.Â
Below are examples of our marine species and habitats projects:Â
- Our team in Kenya monitors sharks, rays, and guitarfish and coral reefs to understand their ecology and inform policy and protection along the Kenyan coast.Â
- In Aotearoa New Zealand, A Rocha is re-establishing the Karioi mountain for seabirds.Â
- The Portugal team is working in and around the River di Alvor conducting bird, moth and water quality surveys.Â
- A Rocha Canada conserves British Columbia’s Tatalu watershed by removing invasive species, restoring habitat, conducting biodiversity surveys and monitoring water quality. The Tatalu River is critical habitat for spawning salmon. The team also studies and protects Olympia Oysters in nearshore waters.Â
- In the USA, the Florida team is researching Mole Crabs, pipefish and seahorses, and Horseshoe Crabs in the Indian River Lagoon, as well as working with local partners in the restoration of seagrass beds and oyster reefs.Â
- A Rocha India is studying and protecting sponges and soft corals at the mainland’s southernmost tip where the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea converge. Â
- Our teams in France and Ghana are collaborating to produce an inventory of bird species in Keta Lagoon’s mangrove forests.Â
- A Rocha UK Partners in Action coastal projects (2 in England, 2 in Northern Ireland, 2 in Scotland, 1 in Wales and 1 on St. Helena) include sand dune management, kelp and seagrass monitoring.Â
Plastic pollution
According to the Ocean Conservancy, ‘Up to 23 million metric tons of plastic waste are estimated to enter global aquatic ecosystems annually.’ The challenge of plastic pollution is monumental, but cleanups have a lasting impact, especially when they are accompanied by actions to reduce the use of plastics in the first place.
A Rocha partners with others from global outfits to local communities and concerned individuals to remove and study plastic debris from coasts and waters around the world.
Below are examples of our work to address marine plastic pollution:
- A Rocha organizations participate in the International Coastal Cleanup and World Cleanup Day each year.Â
- In Portugal, Peru and Florida, USA A Rocha partners with local civic groups to clean beaches and conducting microplastic research.Â
- We work with FIDRA on nurdle research by promoting its annual nurdle hunt and carrying out our own hunts.Â
- Our Plastics toolbox includes a beach cleanup guide, a Bible study, talks reflections and more to equip others to tackle plastic pollution.Â
Health, Wellbeing and Livelihoods
- Our teams in Kenya and Ghana work with fishermen and coastal communities, helping to explore nature-friendly marine livelihoods, trade knowledge on the marine ecosystem and work together towards a sustainable, nature-positive future.
- Wellbeing shapes many of our activities in Florida, USA, as we expose people to the beauty of the ocean through guided times of silence, scripture reading, and listening.
- We develop theological resources to connect people to God, each other, the ocean, and themselves.
Climate Change
- Through the A Rocha organization Climate Stewards, we encourage people to offset emissions and support the flourishing of the ocean.
- We monitor coral reefs for bleaching impacts in Kenya.
- The Ghana Team is working to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal marine landscapes at the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site while also focusing on the preservation of mangrove ecosystems within the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site.
- Seagrass beds may reduce the impacts of ocean acidification associated with climate change. A Rocha Canada is studying these impacts in coastal waters near their field study centre and continuing to work towards increasing the health of these ecosystems.
Ridge to reef
Our marine conservation aims to encompass entire watersheds because ecosystems are connected by the movement of water. Deforestation or pollution upstream impacts everything downstream. Healthy forests, wetlands and soils prevent floods and drought, and species such as fish, amphibians and migratory birds rely on continuous networks of water to travel, feed and breed. Also, because watersheds span across land governed by a variety of political entities, landowners and industries, conserving them necessitates collaboration which can create effective solutions.
Find out more about marine conservation
- Download and use our Marine Devotional.
- Dr Robert Sluka’s Grove booklets, ‘Hope for the Ocean’ and ‘Marine Plastics’ and his book ‘Connected by Water‘ are available to buy and download.
- Read an article on how we are tackling nutrification and pollution of wetlands.Â
- Enjoy a video and storymap by the A Rocha USA interns on the amazing Atlantic Horseshoe crab.
- Explore our resources page for church leaders to use on overfishing and plastic pollution.
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