Articles tagged with Ocean Policy
Regulation of localized sea turtle bycatch in the Hawaii longline swordfish fishery led to increased total sea turtle bycatch in the surrounding area. The study found that without such regulation, sea turtle bycatch would be 11% lower than actual counts.
Researchers at the University of Delaware used satellite measurements to predict Atlantic sturgeon locations. They identified six seascapes that sturgeon prefer and combined them with ocean color and temperature data to create a map that can help fishermen avoid catching the vulnerable species.
Despite recent advancements, only 3.5% of the ocean has protection, compared to 15% of terrestrial areas, highlighting a need for accelerated action. Seven key findings from researchers suggest that full protection, networks, and smart planning can enhance biodiversity and economic benefits.
A new study examines predator-prey interactions between tiger sharks and sea turtles using satellite tagging data. The research found that while sharks exhibit modified surfacing behavior to enhance predation opportunity, turtles do not alter their behaviors to reduce shark attacks when home ranges overlap.
The International Seabed Authority is poised to set the groundwork for future deep-sea environmental protection and mining regulations. Researchers recommend establishing networks of Marine Protected Areas to balance economic interests with conservation benefits, potentially benefiting both mining and biodiversity interests.
A recent PNAS study reports that the stress-tolerant alga Symbiodinium trenchii is not native to the Caribbean but was introduced from the Pacific Ocean. This finding raises concerns about the long-term damage it could cause on coral reefs, which cover only a small percentage of the world's oceans.
A panel of experts from Duke University and Scripps Institution urges policy and stewardship measures for deep sea ecosystems. The extraction of deep-sea minerals and precious metals creates economic incentives but poses unknown ecological risks.
Two projects investigating the use of robot submarines to map and monitor the UK seas have received £720,000 in funding. The projects aim to inform future government policy on protecting the marine environment by generating data that will guide the use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and sea gliders.
A recent study led by a US scientist estimates that human impacts on the ocean could cost the global economy over $1 trillion per year by 2100. The research highlights the urgent need to reduce pollution, overfishing, and other threats to ocean health.
A new report by the University of Victoria finds that most eco-labels for farmed marine fish offer less than a 10% improvement in environmental performance compared to conventional practices. The study evaluates 20 eco-labels, ranking them based on numerical scores derived from a well-established quantitative methodology.
A team of Brown University researchers recommends involving stakeholders, setting objectives early, and creating institutional structures to manage US oceans effectively. They found success stories in California's Morro Bay and Washington state's Northwest Straits.
More than 100 marine scientists advocate for an integrated European network of long-term marine observatories to provide reliable data for sustainable use of seas. The network aims to reduce uncertainty about sea-level rise and its impact on coastal defences, saving millions annually.
Six University of Miami students were selected as 2010 NOAA/Ernest F. Hollings Scholars, achieving this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. The recipients are recognized for their academic excellence and potential to pursue careers in oceanic and atmospheric science.
The old balkanized approach to ocean management has failed to protect ocean ecosystems; marine spatial planning provides a comprehensive map of human uses and natural resources. Effective ocean management requires considering all ecosystem elements, and the AAAS symposium will showcase innovative techniques for mapping spatial impacts.
The University of Guam received a $370K Sea Grant Extension Program grant to focus on youth outreach and environmental stewardship. The program aims to improve K-12 science curricula, promote environmental awareness, and support sustainable practices in coastal resource management.
Establishing a public trust doctrine for federal waters could provide a practical legal framework for regulating ocean-based commerce while protecting marine species and habitats. The doctrine would obliges governments to manage natural resources in the best interests of citizens, without sacrificing future generations' needs.
Researchers highlight successes in managing fish stocks and protecting Pacific coral reefs from climate change impacts. These efforts may offer a temporary reprieve, but prioritizing biodiversity protection is crucial.
A recent study reveals that 16 out of 21 oceanic shark and ray species are at risk of extinction due to unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices. Governments can take key steps to safeguard populations, including establishing science-based catch limits and ending shark finning.
Noted UNH oceans expert Andrew A. Rosenberg will address the issue of how to protect and manage ocean resources at this year's American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting. He emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes and adopt new approaches such as ecosystem-based management.
The Center for Ocean Solutions will bring together international experts in marine science and policy to find innovative ways to protect and restore the world's oceans. Recent studies warn that climate change and overfishing will collapse most of the world's commercial fisheries within 50 years.
Researchers will gather to share scientific observations and discuss issues involved in altering the ocean's chemistry. The conference aims to inform policymakers, industrial interests, and environmentalists about the potential efficacy and consequences of iron fertilization.
Coral cover in Indo-Pacific reefs has declined significantly since the 1960s, with nearly 600 square miles of reef disappearing per year. The rate of decline is twice that of rainforest loss, with coral cover hovering around 2% today.
Researchers found that public opposition to offshore wind projects is driven by concerns about the ocean's aesthetic value and emotional connection. The study suggests that a better understanding of these values can inform a more effective policy framework for offshore wind development.
The US Commission on Ocean Policy released a preliminary report outlining bold and broad-reaching recommendations to reform the nation's ocean policy. The report emphasizes ecosystem-based management, strengthening science and education to inform decision-making, and enhancing regional goals and priorities.
The US government is expected to issue a draft report with recommendations for ocean policy, addressing issues like resource stewardship and pollution prevention. The commission's report emphasizes the need for ecosystem-based management to sustain long-term exploitation.
The Defying Ocean's End conference aims to reverse the ocean's decline through a science-based international effort. The plan includes promoting a World Ocean Public Trust, expanding global marine parks, assessing conservation priorities, creating an ocean ethic, and implementing bold action steps.
A team of researchers, government agencies, and private companies test a sustainable, environmentally friendly open ocean aquaculture industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The project utilizes innovative technologies, such as a single-point mooring system and automated innovations like a remote camera and satellite tracking system.
Ocean fertilization could remove carbon from the atmosphere but poses risks to global oceans. MIT prof Sallie Chisholm argues that large-scale implementation is not a solution to climate change.
A team of top experts from the University of California will participate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-6) in The Hague, Netherlands. The scientists will present a special event on global climate change issues, providing objective scientific discussions and updates.
A 300-year record of oceanic nitrogen in Alaskan lake bottoms suggests a need for flexible management policies that account for climate and lake nutrient levels. The study found population swings related to known climate changes, with the biggest decline occurring in the 20th century.
Two conferences will be held to present scientific findings on ocean issues, including fisheries, pollution, health, and gas hydrates. The events aim to develop a policy agenda for the US and internationally, with keynote speakers like Robert Ballard and Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Ship emissions of nitrogen oxides can increase ozone concentrations by twofold and hydroxyl radical levels fivefold, resulting in a cooling effect on the atmosphere. This has significant implications for future international policy decisions regarding atmospheric change.
The American Geophysical Union will host two major scientific meetings in 1999 and 2000, covering a range of earth and space sciences topics. The 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco will feature newsworthy presentations on hydrological issues and special sessions on biogeosciences and education.
The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans: A Long-Term Ecological Consortium will study coastal ecosystems, interactions between fish and invertebrates, and effects of global warming. Researchers will use new biological monitoring devices to track near-shore ecological patterns along the coast.
A previously unknown contaminant similar to PCBs and dioxins has been found in the eggs of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean seabirds, with concentrations significantly higher in Pacific Ocean eggs. The study suggests that the contaminant exists primarily in the surface layer of the ocean.
Salmon returns have fallen short of expectations in Alaska, with declines attributed to natural ocean cycles and potential regime shifts. Scientists attribute the changes to shifts in phytoplankton species composition and plankton abundance.