Join global treaty to root out the scourge of illegal fishing, urges UN food security agency

6 October 2017 (United Nations) – Calling for strengthening the fight against illegal fishing, the United Nations food security agency has urged all countries to join a landmark global treaty that aims to rid the world of the multibillion-dollar scourge.The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) – approved by the Conference of the Food and Agricultural […]

As oceans warm, whales face new dangers – “We haven’t seen this level of mortality in right whales since we stopped whaling them”

By Karen Weintraub 2 October 2017MOUNT DESERT ROCK, Maine (The New York Times) – From the top of the six-story lighthouse, water stretches beyond the horizon in every direction. A foghorn bleats twice at 22-second intervals, interrupting the endless chatter of herring gulls. At least twice a day, beginning shortly after dawn, researchers climb steps […]

Justin Hofman’s viral sea horse photo shows the heartbreaking state of our polluted oceans

By Kelly Kasulis 15 September 2017 (Mic) – The world’s oceans are going to have more plastic in them than fish by 2050, according to World Economic Forum projections. But we don’t need to wait for the future to witness grim scenes of polluted waters.Just look at the photo below. Photographer Justin Hofman caught a […]

Global shift in Marine Protected Area analysis and reporting

7 September 2017 (IUCN) – The UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and IUCN have launched the Marine Protected Planet Interactive – the world’s most authoritative and ambitious platform for information about ocean protection. As of September 2017, Marine Protected Areas cover 6.35% of the ocean.Several large-scale Marine Protected Areas have been announced in […]

Hasten efforts to achieve sustainable global goals, urges deputy UN chief – “Our assessment clearly shows that the pace of progress is insufficient”

8 September 2017 (United Nations) – Noting the efforts being undertaken around the globe to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for picking up the pace to ensure that the 2030 deadline is met.“The SDGs have jumped from the General Assembly Hall to communities across the world [and] […]

Fishing mortality of mako sharks ten times higher than fisheries’ estimates

By Neha Jain 5 September 2017 (Mongabay) – It’s no secret that widespread overfishing is driving many shark species to extinction. Many of these apex predators are ensnared incidentally as bycatch in longline fisheries targeting tuna or swordfish. Shortfin mako sharks — the fastest sharks in the ocean — are among the shark species that […]

Making the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals consistent with sustainability

1 September 2017  (Global Footprint Network) – This month, the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) will convene in New York City for its 72nd Regular Session. The summit’s theme is “Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet.” The phrase closely echoes Global Footprint Network’s vision “that […]

Japan passes whaling bill with view to resume commercial whaling

By Rachel Mealey 7 July 2017 TOKYO (ABC News) – Japan has passed a law enshrining the practice of whaling and is considering upgrading its fleet of vessels in a step toward returning to the controversial commercial practice. The new whaling bill sets out Japan’s plan to one day resume commercial whaling, with one MP […]

Marine expert warns of climate emergency as fish abandon tropical waters – “Now nothing protects the fish”

By Helen Davidson 14 June 2017 DARWIN (The Guardian) – As climate change pushes marine species towards cooler waters, and the fishing industry expands around the globe, the tropics are emptying out, a leading fisheries expert has warned.The federal government is expected to release its new management plan for marine reserves in coming weeks, after […]

Experts identify 12 major epicenters of climate risks to international security

Oxford, UK, 9 June 2017 (The Center for Climate and Security) – Security experts have identified 12 key climatic risks to international security that may shape the geostrategic landscape of the 21st century. These 12 risks are explored in a multi-author volume by the Center for Climate and Security and partners titled Epicenters of Climate […]

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial