IB ESS SL 3.3.8 Conservation Measures Questions
Interpret measures used to monitor population and habitat conservation outcomes.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Interpret measures used to monitor population and habitat conservation outcomes.
Figure:Drop in demand for shark fins in Hong Kong and mainland China
Figure 8(a): Conservation within the Coral Triangle
• The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) is an agreement between all six nations in the area with the objectives of:
• ensuring food security and a sustainable livelihood of residents of the Coral Triangle
• protecting the unique ecosystem and marine species within the Coral Triangle.
• Conservation projects in the Coral Triangle involve collaboration between national governments, regional organisations, non-governmental organisations, private companies and local communities.
• Popular approaches to encourage sustainable use of the sea and its resources include creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and networks of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs).
• MPAs are usually managed by national and local government whereas LMMAs are more likely to be managed by the local community.
• These designated areas are often classified according to their use or the restrictions placed on them, such as “no-take zones” where no fishing is allowed or “tourism zones” that can be used for recreation but where other activities such as fishing are banned.
• Some zones allow restricted activity, such as use by local fishermen using only traditional fishing methods or during certain times of the year.
• Research has shown that over time in a well-managed MPA there is an increase in fish size, fish numbers and overall biodiversity.
• There are currently over 1000 MPAs within the Coral Triangle.
• The Coral Triangle Initiative aims to designate 20 % of each of the main habitats within the Coral Triangle as MPAs by 2020.
Identify one way in which conservation efforts may have given rise to the decline in shark fin imports shown in Figure 8(d).
use of education/media/raising awareness to influence consumers' values/tastes (to reduce demand);
ban on trade in wildlife parts (increasing their protection/making them less available);
establishment of reserves where shark fishing is banned (increasing their protection/reducing their availability);
greater/more efficient policing of poaching in reserve areas;
growing demand in shark tourism means sharks are worth more alive to local communities;
Marking guidance:
Do not accept only "efforts to reduce trade in shark fins" without how this is being achieved (eg education/legislation/bans).
Do not accept "less sharks are captured" without explaining why (eg reserves that ban shark fishing).
Do not accept "tariffs on shark fin imports".
Do not accept only "fishing is limited/restricted / CTI-CFF agreement".