Change Management for Compliance Initiatives in British Indian Ocean Territory Presents Unique Challenges

Protecting a Pristine Coral Reef: A Challenge in the British Indian Ocean Territory

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is working to implement effective compliance and enforcement solutions in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) to protect one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. The Blue Belt programme, led by MMO’s Head of Enforcement and Compliance, Andy Deary, aims to deliver well-enforced and effective marine protected areas around the Overseas Territories.

The Challenges of Enforcing Laws and Regulations in BIOT

Enforcing laws and regulations in BIOT can be particularly difficult due to its remote location and harsh weather conditions. The MMO team faces challenges such as:

• Violent storms that make it difficult to navigate and board vessels between April and August
• Remote location, making it hard to access and monitor the area

Expertise and Resources: Supporting Compliance Initiatives in BIOT

Despite these challenges, Deary is confident that the MMO team has the expertise and resources needed to support compliance initiatives in BIOT. The team:

• Works closely with other flag states to ensure that IUU fishing activities are addressed
• Utilises surveillance and monitoring techniques to gather coordinated intelligence

Developing Sustainable Compliance Solutions

As part of the Blue Belt programme, Deary is working to develop sustainable compliance solutions that will help protect BIOT’s coral reef and marine ecosystem. Key goals include:

• Delivering well-enforced and effective marine protected areas around the OTs
• Protecting the coral reef and marine ecosystem for future generations

A Larger Initiative: Supporting Compliance and Enforcement Solutions Across Overseas Territories

The MMO team’s efforts in BIOT are part of a larger initiative to support compliance and enforcement solutions across the Overseas Territories. By working together with other flag states and stakeholders, Deary believes that they can make a significant impact on protecting these critical marine environments.

Expertise and Passion: Andy Deary’s Experience

Deary has extensive experience in fisheries enforcement and compliance roles around several OTs. His passion for protecting unique environments is evident:

• “I have developed a genuine passion for protecting these environments, and I am proud to be making an important contribution to the work around BIOT.”
• “I have worked on several marine enforcement projects around Overseas Territories, and this experience has given me a unique understanding of the importance of protecting these areas.”