Darwin Funding Secured for New Conservation Initiatives

11 October 2024

Conservation, Government

The Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) has successfully secured funding for several new conservation projects. The Darwin Initiative is a UK Government grants scheme, designed to conserve biodiversity and support the communities that live alongside it through locally led projects. The Darwin Plus Local grants, supports small scale environmental projects exclusively in the UK Overseas Territories. The AIGCFD would like to thank the UK Biodiversity Challenge Funds for its ongoing support.

A brief summary of the projects is outlined below:

Weathering the storm: creating new habitat for Ascension’s seabirds

The Band-rumped Storm Petrel (Oceanodroma castro) nests on the offshore islet of Boatswain Bird, Ascension Island. The islet is inaccessible and therefore the health of the local population is unknown. The expansion of the population to nest on mainland Ascension is currently restricted by the presence of rodents which are known to predate eggs and chicks. This project will create a bespoke nesting site, protected by specialised rodent-proof fencing, to allow the nesting expansion of this species to mainland Ascension.

The Road to Recovery: removing historical pollution from Nature Reserves

A number of vehicles were placed around remote areas of Ascension Island prior to the Falklands War and used as target practice by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). These vehicles remain in-situ in an area which was later designated as a Nature Reserve to protect Sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscatus) which nest here in internationally important numbers. This project aims to remove this legacy litter which is polluting the Nature Reserve and endangering protected seabirds and plants.

Enhancing Fisheries Management through Otolith Analysis on Ascension Island

This project aims to develop local skills in the processing of fish ear bones (otoliths) used for the aging of fishes. By utilising a large existing stockpile of fish otoliths, collected over the past 10 years on Ascension Island, the project aims to advance local fisheries management and scientific research. Through the processing of otolith samples, the project will enable age determination of at least two coastal species. Subsequently, age and growth models will be developed, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of fished populations providing the basis for stock assessments.

Driving Community Conservation on Ascension Island

AIGCFD urgently needs a dedicated outreach vehicle to support community engagement and conservation projects. All current vehicles are used for essential fieldwork, leaving none for outreach. This vehicle will enable AIGCFD to conduct public talks, school visits, and community events, vital for effective conservation education on an island with limited transport options.

Robots and Photogrammetry: Monitoring the Deep in Ascension Island MPA

This project aims at using images acquired by a Remotely Operated Vehicle for generating photogrammetry 3D models of mesophotic habitats around Ascension Island Marine Protected Area. Habitat complexity indices capable of being used to compare and monitor these habitats in time will then be calculated. This will allow the assessment of habitat health, changes in sessile species cover and migration of species from shallow areas. A long-term monitoring programme of these habitats will be the main outcome of the project.

Mountain Merch

This project aims to replenish conservation merchandise in the HQ shop, produce informative literature and add signage to improve engagement with local community members and island visitors. End profits from the shop will both replenish stock and contribute to essential ongoing conservation work on Green Mountain NP, protecting endemic flora and endangered species.

Protecting Cloud Forest Expansion on Ascension

Following the successful 3ha habitat expansion of our existing cloud forest (a previous DarwinPlus grant), this project looks to ensure survival of the new facilitator trees and upkeep of established areas of cloud forest by clearing persistent, encroaching invasive and non-native flora species.