Five reasons to protect the community seas
Rare is a global leader in managing and protecting our community seas to revitalize our oceans and support the coastal communities that depend on them. Here are five urgent reasons to protect the community seas:
1. They support the livelihoods of 500 million people
Nearly 500 million people at least partially depend on small-scale fisheries for livelihood, and most cast their nets in the community seas. But alarmingly, only 8% of the ocean is protected, and the vast majority of that protection excludes the waters that sustain coastal communities, particularly in the Global South. Investing in community-led fisheries management — like Managed Access with Reserves and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) — ensures both people and marine ecosystems can thrive together.
2. They are vital for global food security
Small-scale artisanal fishers produce 40% of the world’s total fish catch and help feed 429 million people worldwide. But here’s the not-so-great news: over 35% of the world’s fisheries face overfishing or overexploitation, putting food security at risk. By protecting the community seas and promoting sustainable fisheries practices, we can ensure millions of people continue to have access to nutritious seafood while keeping ocean ecosystems healthy for future generations.
3. They safeguard biodiversity and blue carbon ecosystems
Don’t let the community seas’ small size fool you. From microalgae and crustaceans to sea turtles and whales, coastal waters house nearly 90% of all marine life and 83% of coral reefs. This vital beltline also contains all the world’s mangroves, seagrass beds, and tidal salt marshes — “blue carbon ecosystems“ that filter pollutants, serve as nursing grounds for vibrant ocean life, and sequester and store carbon dioxide. Protecting these ecosystems is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change and protect biodiversity at the same time.
4. They are key to advancing gender equity
Women are the unsung heroes of small-scale fishing. They harvest crustaceans, process fish, and sell seafood at the market, fueling food security and income for their families and communities. But here’s the catch: women’s contributions to the fishing sector have been historically undervalued and overlooked, leaving them with little decision-making power. Protecting and investing in the community seas unlocks a vital opportunity to advance gender equity. Strengthening women’s voices and enhancing their decision-making power in fisheries management can help the community seas flourish for generations.
5. They strengthen climate resilience
Coastal communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels and growing natural disasters endanger coastal communities like never before, while ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and rising sea temperatures threaten fisheries and food security. Sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems strengthen climate resilience and help coastal communities adapt to a changing environment. When we protect the community seas, we safeguard mangroves that buffer storm surges, coral reefs that house biodiversity, and blue carbon ecosystems that sequester carbon dioxide.
Take action today
The community seas sustain life above and below the surface — but they need our help. Join Rare in protecting these vital waters and those who depend on them.