With oceans and biodiversity high on the agenda at COP30 in Belém this week, the vital role that marine ecosystems play in both tackling and adapting to climate change — especially for smaller islands and territories — is gaining increasing attention. A key part of the Blue Belt Programme's work is partnering with the UK …
In January 2026, the Blue Belt Programme will set sail from the Dominican Republic to the Territories of Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and the Cayman Islands. This is the first expedition to the Caribbean in the 10-year history of the …
Since its initiation in 2016, the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme has been at the forefront of global marine protection, working closely with the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) to establish and manage one of the largest networks of marine protected …
Co-authored by Alex McGoran and Laura Shearer. What is the typical diet of most seabirds? You’d expect a smorgasbord of marine life such as fish, squid and krill. Unfortunately, plastic debris is becoming an increasingly common component of seabird diets …
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the world provide sanctuaries for a fantastic array of marine life and protect some of the world’s most fragile habitats. However, they also provide essential resources that sustain the communities that call these environments home. …
Authors: Corrine Aldred The Blue Belt Programme is unique in facilitating learning exchanges between UK Overseas Territories. In October 2024, marine enforcement officers from St Helena had the opportunity to shadow the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (DFMRM) …
Despite having an on-island population of approximately 40 people, the Pitcairn Islands manage the third largest continuous and highly protected marine area in the world. Recently awarded a platinum-level Blue Park Award, the marine protected area (MPA) preserves a rare, …
By Emily Hardman, Blue Belt Programme Anguilla Lead, Marine Management Organisation and Melissa Meade, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, Government of Anguilla. In February 2023, Anguilla joined the Blue Belt Programme as the second UK …
Recently a Blue Belt Programme team travelled to the Turks & Caicos Islands to support the facilitation of a workshop on Sargassum influxes. What is a Sargassum influx? Sargassum is a brown seaweed of the order of Fucales. Sargassum is …
In February 2024, the Blue Belt brought together representatives from each of the UK Overseas Territories for a landmark symposium in London. Over three busy days, presentations, workshops and exhibitions reflected on the Blue Belt Programme and work of the …
On the 26 November 2022, the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery arrived in James Bay, St Helena. The vessel had journeyed over 4000 miles from the UK, bringing an excellent team of scientists and technical crew specialised in deep-sea and …