Obama Follows Bush on Salmon Recovery
NY Times
SEATTLE — In its first major effort to address the plight of endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the Obama administration on Tuesday affirmed basic elements of a recovery plan set forth last year by the Bush administration.
The announcement angered critics of federal conservation policies, who said the Bush plan did not go far enough in improving fish habitats in the Columbia River basin or water levels in rivers for migrating fish and did not take immediate action to explore whether to remove four dams on the lower Snake River.
Full Story:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/us/politics/16salmon.html?_r=1&ref=us
September 16, 2009
August 26, 2009
Proactive Initiative for Deep Sea Coral Reefs
Protection plan deep-sea coral reefs considered
By Brian Skoloff (AP)
FIFTY MILES OFF CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Deep beneath the crystalline blue surface of the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern U.S. lies a virtual rain forest of coral reefs so expansive the network is believed to be the world's largest.
A 23,000-square-mile area stretching from North Carolina to Florida is just part of that entire reef tract now being proposed for protection from potential damage by deep-sea commercial fishing and energy exploration.
So far, it's been relatively untouched by man because of its largely unreachable depths, providing scientists a unique opportunity to protect an ecosystem before it's destroyed.
Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/pgp2eh
By Brian Skoloff (AP)
FIFTY MILES OFF CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Deep beneath the crystalline blue surface of the Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern U.S. lies a virtual rain forest of coral reefs so expansive the network is believed to be the world's largest.
A 23,000-square-mile area stretching from North Carolina to Florida is just part of that entire reef tract now being proposed for protection from potential damage by deep-sea commercial fishing and energy exploration.
So far, it's been relatively untouched by man because of its largely unreachable depths, providing scientists a unique opportunity to protect an ecosystem before it's destroyed.
Full Story: http://tinyurl.com/pgp2eh
August 23, 2009
Long Line Compromise Brings Small Relief to Sea Turtles
Ruling on Longline Fishing Aids Turtles
The New York Times
When a federal panel that regulates fishing in the Gulf of Mexico voted last week to limit the use of longlines to catch grouper because the lines can snag and drown threatened loggerhead sea turtles, no one was completely satisfied with the decision.
But some people close to the issue say the dissatisfaction is a positive sign, an indicator of the growing efforts among fishermen, conservationists and regulators to seek consensus and abandon the rancor that for decades has marked their interactions.
Full Story: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=238309556410070439
The New York Times
When a federal panel that regulates fishing in the Gulf of Mexico voted last week to limit the use of longlines to catch grouper because the lines can snag and drown threatened loggerhead sea turtles, no one was completely satisfied with the decision.
But some people close to the issue say the dissatisfaction is a positive sign, an indicator of the growing efforts among fishermen, conservationists and regulators to seek consensus and abandon the rancor that for decades has marked their interactions.
Full Story: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=238309556410070439
August 20, 2009
Insight into Puget Sound
"Failing Our Sound"
In-depth reporting on a wide variety of subjects: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/flatpages/local/pugetsound.html?spotlightname=failingoursound_st&spotlightquery=failing+our+sound
"How will Puget Sound respond to competing pressures?"
Excellent short video overviews: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2009679524_webpugetsoundvideos.html
Featuring my Beam Reach professor Scott Veirs on noise pollution!
Source for both: The Seattle Times
In-depth reporting on a wide variety of subjects: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/flatpages/local/pugetsound.html?spotlightname=failingoursound_st&spotlightquery=failing+our+sound
"How will Puget Sound respond to competing pressures?"
Excellent short video overviews: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2009679524_webpugetsoundvideos.html
Featuring my Beam Reach professor Scott Veirs on noise pollution!
Source for both: The Seattle Times
August 1, 2009
Navy Gets On Board With Orca Protection
Use of Sonar That Spooked Orcas to Be Limited in Sound, Navy Says
Kitap Sun
Within the Puget Sound region, the Navy will no longer conduct training exercises with the kind of sonar that sent killer whales scampering during an exercise in 2003, according to Navy officials.
Full Story: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/jul/29/navy-declares-limits-on-sonar-use-in-puget-sound/?partner=RSS
Kitap Sun
Within the Puget Sound region, the Navy will no longer conduct training exercises with the kind of sonar that sent killer whales scampering during an exercise in 2003, according to Navy officials.
Full Story: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/jul/29/navy-declares-limits-on-sonar-use-in-puget-sound/?partner=RSS
May 31, 2009
Celebrating the Southern Residents
One of these Killer Whales is Almost 100 years Old
Seattle Post Intelligencer
A brief insight into the long life of J-2 (Granny) of the Southern Resident killer whales in the San Juan Islands, Washington.
Full Story:http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/archives/169288.asp?source=mypi
Seattle Post Intelligencer
A brief insight into the long life of J-2 (Granny) of the Southern Resident killer whales in the San Juan Islands, Washington.
Full Story:http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/archives/169288.asp?source=mypi
May 7, 2009
Feature Documentary: The Cove
The Horror of Dolphin Slaughter
The Star
Exposé seems like a spy thriller as it shows how creatures are abused for food and entertainment
At this year's Sundance Film Festival, where The Cove premiered to applause and gasps.
Full Story: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/629572
View the video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5qgVp0jng
The Star
Exposé seems like a spy thriller as it shows how creatures are abused for food and entertainment
At this year's Sundance Film Festival, where The Cove premiered to applause and gasps.
Full Story: http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/629572
View the video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5qgVp0jng
Trawl Net Fisheries Under Scrutiny
US Bans Shrimp From Costa Rica To Protect Sea Turtles
Inside Costa Rica Daily News
The US Department of State's Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science imposed a trade embargo on all Costa Rican shrimp exports to the US, effective as of May 1. The embargo is due to Costa Rica’s failure to enforce its laws that require commercial shrimp fishers to protect sea turtles from capture and death in trawl nets by using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).
Full Story: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/may/07/nac03.htm
Inside Costa Rica Daily News
The US Department of State's Bureau of Oceans, Environment, and Science imposed a trade embargo on all Costa Rican shrimp exports to the US, effective as of May 1. The embargo is due to Costa Rica’s failure to enforce its laws that require commercial shrimp fishers to protect sea turtles from capture and death in trawl nets by using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).
Full Story: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/may/07/nac03.htm
April 28, 2009
Farmed Salmon Antibiotics Go Under the Microscope
Environmentalists Challenge FDA on Salmon Farming Drugs
US Foundation for International Services (FIS)
Antibiotics protecting farmed fish from Canada, Norway, Scotland, and Ireland are not approved for use in the US, but account for more than 50% of US Salmon imports.
Full Story: http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=&monthyear=&day=&id=32149&ndb=1&df=0
US Foundation for International Services (FIS)
Antibiotics protecting farmed fish from Canada, Norway, Scotland, and Ireland are not approved for use in the US, but account for more than 50% of US Salmon imports.
Full Story: http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=&monthyear=&day=&id=32149&ndb=1&df=0
Restrictions on Chinook Salmon Migration Route Catch
DFO restricts Chinook salmon fishing on Birkenhead
Pique Newsmagazine
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has placed a "no fishing for salmon" restriction on the Birkenhead River, lower Lillooet River and Lillooet Lake until Sept. 15, citing low salmon counts last year.
The Squamish-Lillooet Sport Fish Advisory Committee first made the recommendation to the DFO that they place the restriction on the migration route of Birkenhead River Chinook.
Full Story: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/index.php?content=Birkenhead+chinook+1618
Pique Newsmagazine
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has placed a "no fishing for salmon" restriction on the Birkenhead River, lower Lillooet River and Lillooet Lake until Sept. 15, citing low salmon counts last year.
The Squamish-Lillooet Sport Fish Advisory Committee first made the recommendation to the DFO that they place the restriction on the migration route of Birkenhead River Chinook.
Full Story: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/index.php?content=Birkenhead+chinook+1618
Dam Removal Aides Salmon Passage
Savage Rapids Dam prepares for one last run
Mail Truibune, Southern Oregon
Rogue River salmon and steelhead will begin migrating over the Savage Rapids Dam fish ladder late Monday for one final run as construction crews prepare to remove the 88-year-old dam.
The two primary coffer dams essential for removing the dam will be finished by Monday, one day ahead of its three-week window for completion, said Bob Hamilton, the Bureau of Reclamation's project manager.
Removal of two additional chunks of the dam's south end were scheduled to be done by mid-December, ending the $39.3 million effort to rid the Rogue of its single biggest fish-killer.
Full Story: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090425/NEWS/904250318
Mail Truibune, Southern Oregon
Rogue River salmon and steelhead will begin migrating over the Savage Rapids Dam fish ladder late Monday for one final run as construction crews prepare to remove the 88-year-old dam.
The two primary coffer dams essential for removing the dam will be finished by Monday, one day ahead of its three-week window for completion, said Bob Hamilton, the Bureau of Reclamation's project manager.
Removal of two additional chunks of the dam's south end were scheduled to be done by mid-December, ending the $39.3 million effort to rid the Rogue of its single biggest fish-killer.
Full Story: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090425/NEWS/904250318
April 27, 2009
New Bill May Help Marine Species in New Zealand
MP [Member of Parliament] takes tough line to save birds, dolphins
New Zealand Herald
New measures that could stop threatened albatross, petrel and dolphins being snared by fishermen could be before Parliament next week.
Green MP Metiria Turei has drafted a private member's bill that would increase protection for marine animals by requiring a more cautious approach to setting fishing quotas and rules.
She said the bill could mean tougher requirements for fishing boats to stay away from areas that harbour rare Hector's and Maui's dolphins.
Full Story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10568740
New Zealand Herald
New measures that could stop threatened albatross, petrel and dolphins being snared by fishermen could be before Parliament next week.
Green MP Metiria Turei has drafted a private member's bill that would increase protection for marine animals by requiring a more cautious approach to setting fishing quotas and rules.
She said the bill could mean tougher requirements for fishing boats to stay away from areas that harbour rare Hector's and Maui's dolphins.
Full Story: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10568740
Every Calf Counts
Readers Please Note: While a previous Right Whale Story listed 38 calves this season, with numbers so low since whaling days, I have posted this similar story because we are in a situation where every new calf is a reason to celebrate.
Record of 39 calves born to right whales
Florida Today
North Atlantic right whales had a banner year for breeding and several lucky escapes from perilous entanglements.The endangered whales gave birth to 39 calves, breaking the modern record of 31 set in the 2000-01 calving season. Several of the mother-calf pairs passed by the Space Coast this past spring.
Full Story: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090427/NEWS01/904270325/1006
Record of 39 calves born to right whales
Florida Today
North Atlantic right whales had a banner year for breeding and several lucky escapes from perilous entanglements.The endangered whales gave birth to 39 calves, breaking the modern record of 31 set in the 2000-01 calving season. Several of the mother-calf pairs passed by the Space Coast this past spring.
Full Story: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090427/NEWS01/904270325/1006
Navy Sonar Impact on Cetaceans Research Continues
Navy Sponsors Whale Behavioral Response Study
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs; Imagery Distribution System News
WASHINGTON - A Navy-sponsored study on the behavioral response of toothed whales to various sounds in the ocean has provided fresh insights into these little-understood mammals. Of particular interest to the Navy is the whales' reaction to the sound of mid-frequency active sonar, an issue that has stirred some controversy and resulted in five lawsuits against Navy training practices.
Full Story: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=32917
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs; Imagery Distribution System News
WASHINGTON - A Navy-sponsored study on the behavioral response of toothed whales to various sounds in the ocean has provided fresh insights into these little-understood mammals. Of particular interest to the Navy is the whales' reaction to the sound of mid-frequency active sonar, an issue that has stirred some controversy and resulted in five lawsuits against Navy training practices.
Full Story: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=32917
April 22, 2009
Will the EU "Seal" the Deal?
Norway threatens WTO action over seal ban
Agence France-Presse (AFP)
OSLO (AFP) — Norway threatened Wednesday to submit a complaint to the World Trade Organisation if the European Union bans the import of seal-related products.
"If the EU decides to introduce a broad ban on the trade of products derived from seals, that will affect our liberty to decide how we manage our own marine resources," Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Fisheries Minister Helga Pedersen said in a statement.
Full Story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iBv25fASzoghrLmIe1KygcpbHgiw
Agence France-Presse (AFP)
OSLO (AFP) — Norway threatened Wednesday to submit a complaint to the World Trade Organisation if the European Union bans the import of seal-related products.
"If the EU decides to introduce a broad ban on the trade of products derived from seals, that will affect our liberty to decide how we manage our own marine resources," Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Fisheries Minister Helga Pedersen said in a statement.
Full Story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iBv25fASzoghrLmIe1KygcpbHgiw
A Major Cleanup Is In Order
More plastic than plankton: Our oceans are covered in patches of garbage as big as a continent
Metro World News in Paris
At the heart of the oceans, areas as big as France, maybe more, are covered in garbage. The most famous of these is the Great Garbage Patch, discovered in the late 1990s in the North Pacific Ocean between the U.S.A. and Asia. But it seems that another seven similar patches may exist, according to Seattle oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer, one of the first scientists to take interest in the strange routes of plastic trash in the sea.
Full Story: http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/live/article/217078--more-plastic-than-plankton
Metro World News in Paris
At the heart of the oceans, areas as big as France, maybe more, are covered in garbage. The most famous of these is the Great Garbage Patch, discovered in the late 1990s in the North Pacific Ocean between the U.S.A. and Asia. But it seems that another seven similar patches may exist, according to Seattle oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer, one of the first scientists to take interest in the strange routes of plastic trash in the sea.
Full Story: http://www.metronews.ca/ottawa/live/article/217078--more-plastic-than-plankton
Iron Fertilization Brings Surprising Number of Copepods
Ocean seeding fails on carbon but claims a plus for plankton
The Esperance Express
THE most determined attempt yet to make the ocean soak up more greenhouse gas has failed to achieve a significant impact, dealing a blow to the controversial science.
Despite an international outcry, the "ocean fertilisation" experiment - seeding the ocean with iron to stimulate the growth of microscopic algae and in turn absorb carbon dioxide - went ahead in the South Atlantic this month.
Full Story: http://esperance.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/general/ocean-seeding-fails-on-carbon-but-claims-a-plus-for-plankton/1471070.aspx
The Esperance Express
THE most determined attempt yet to make the ocean soak up more greenhouse gas has failed to achieve a significant impact, dealing a blow to the controversial science.
Despite an international outcry, the "ocean fertilisation" experiment - seeding the ocean with iron to stimulate the growth of microscopic algae and in turn absorb carbon dioxide - went ahead in the South Atlantic this month.
Full Story: http://esperance.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/general/ocean-seeding-fails-on-carbon-but-claims-a-plus-for-plankton/1471070.aspx
EU Cuts Back on Fishery Fleet
EU wants smaller fishing fleet to help stocks
The Associated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) — With almost all stocks overfished, the European Commission on Wednesday called for drastic cuts in the EU's 90,000-strong fishing fleet and subsidies to safeguard a sustainable and economically viable fishing industry.
"Fleets have the power to fish much more than can safely be removed without jeopardizing the future productivity of stocks," the EU executive said in a report on Europe's fishing future.
"This imbalance is at the root of all problems," the paper said.
Full Story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jm9oNd1qwbUCkoNJQ9KKwX1M6vYAD97NELVG0
The Associated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) — With almost all stocks overfished, the European Commission on Wednesday called for drastic cuts in the EU's 90,000-strong fishing fleet and subsidies to safeguard a sustainable and economically viable fishing industry.
"Fleets have the power to fish much more than can safely be removed without jeopardizing the future productivity of stocks," the EU executive said in a report on Europe's fishing future.
"This imbalance is at the root of all problems," the paper said.
Full Story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jm9oNd1qwbUCkoNJQ9KKwX1M6vYAD97NELVG0
Consequences of Feeding Wild Dolphins in Florida
Dolphin feeding a serious problem
Florida Freedom Newspaper
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - The issue of illegal dolphin feeding is once again rearing its head as summer boating season approaches. Advocates of the marine mammal say the problem is growing worse and the Panama City area has grown notorious for not enforcing the federal law.
Full Story: http://www.destin.com/articles/city_754___article.html/problem_dolphin.html
Florida Freedom Newspaper
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - The issue of illegal dolphin feeding is once again rearing its head as summer boating season approaches. Advocates of the marine mammal say the problem is growing worse and the Panama City area has grown notorious for not enforcing the federal law.
Full Story: http://www.destin.com/articles/city_754___article.html/problem_dolphin.html
Salmon in Even Worse Jeopardy
Three Common Pesticides Toxic to Salmon
Environment News Service
SEATTLE, Washington, April 21, 2009 (ENS) - Three pesticides - carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl - jeopardize the existence of protected salmon and steelhead, the National Marine Fisheries Service said in a formal biological opinion released Monday.
Full Story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2009/2009-04-21-095.asp
Environment News Service
SEATTLE, Washington, April 21, 2009 (ENS) - Three pesticides - carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl - jeopardize the existence of protected salmon and steelhead, the National Marine Fisheries Service said in a formal biological opinion released Monday.
Full Story: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2009/2009-04-21-095.asp
Important Programming
Tonight: 'Call of the Killer Whale'
Online video preview: http://www.pbs.org/kqed/oceanadventures/episodes/killerwhale/
The most complex marine species on the planet, our counterparts in the sea, is the orca, the ruler of the ocean.
Aired Tuesday 4/21/09, 'PBS Frontline Poisoned Waters'
Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound
Full Program available to watch online at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/
Online video preview: http://www.pbs.org/kqed/oceanadventures/episodes/killerwhale/
The most complex marine species on the planet, our counterparts in the sea, is the orca, the ruler of the ocean.
Aired Tuesday 4/21/09, 'PBS Frontline Poisoned Waters'
Pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound
Full Program available to watch online at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/
April 20, 2009
Oyster S.O.S ? Banned Chemicals In Oyster Tissue Brings Mixed Concern Levels
Area oysters contain fire retardant: Two banned chemicals found in oysters from a St. Johns waterway are raising many questions.
Jacksonville News
A chemical compound that's banned in some countries has turned up in surprising levels in oysters in a nearly untouched St. Johns County waterway.
The discovery of the fire-retardant chemical in the Matanzas River near Crescent Beach is puzzling, but whether it's really meaningful remains to be seen, said a scientist who works in the area.
Full Story: http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-04-20/story/area_oysters_contain_fire_retardant
Jacksonville News
A chemical compound that's banned in some countries has turned up in surprising levels in oysters in a nearly untouched St. Johns County waterway.
The discovery of the fire-retardant chemical in the Matanzas River near Crescent Beach is puzzling, but whether it's really meaningful remains to be seen, said a scientist who works in the area.
Full Story: http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-04-20/story/area_oysters_contain_fire_retardant
Salmon Disaster Relief Only Dispenses 60% of Aid Promised to Fishermen
DeFazio, Thompson Tell Bush: Hands Off Salmon Disaster Money
U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio Website News
Washington, DC—Today Representatives Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Mike Thompson (CA-01), along with 10 other members of Congress wrote to President Bush urging him to distribute the full $170 million in disaster aid to fisherman suffering from the closure of the salmon fishing season on the West Coast. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced this week that it would be releasing only $100 million of the $170 million in funds appropriated by Congress this summer.
Full Story : http://www.defazio.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=432
U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio Website News
Washington, DC—Today Representatives Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Mike Thompson (CA-01), along with 10 other members of Congress wrote to President Bush urging him to distribute the full $170 million in disaster aid to fisherman suffering from the closure of the salmon fishing season on the West Coast. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced this week that it would be releasing only $100 million of the $170 million in funds appropriated by Congress this summer.
Full Story : http://www.defazio.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=432
Is Mankind Finally Getting it Right?
Herring make slow recovery
South Coast Today
While it's still too early in the season to tell, [ fisheries biologist] John Sheppard was studying the first of what state and New Bedford officials hope will be many more herring using the river to reach their spawning grounds in the New Bedford Reservoir.
In 2007, New Bedford celebrated the completion of a $1.4 million project officials hoped would shepherd more than 100,000 river herring past three dams on the Acushnet River to the reservoir.
Full Story: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090420/NEWS/904200327/-1/NEWS06
South Coast Today
While it's still too early in the season to tell, [ fisheries biologist] John Sheppard was studying the first of what state and New Bedford officials hope will be many more herring using the river to reach their spawning grounds in the New Bedford Reservoir.
In 2007, New Bedford celebrated the completion of a $1.4 million project officials hoped would shepherd more than 100,000 river herring past three dams on the Acushnet River to the reservoir.
Full Story: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090420/NEWS/904200327/-1/NEWS06
EU Fisheries Reform
EU policy is an 'aberration', says fisheries group
Irish Times
THE EU’s Common Fisheries Policy is a “Napoleonic aberration” based on “command and control”, according to the founder of the West Cork Sustainable Fisheries Group.
Full Story: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0420/1224245022460.html
Irish Times
THE EU’s Common Fisheries Policy is a “Napoleonic aberration” based on “command and control”, according to the founder of the West Cork Sustainable Fisheries Group.
Full Story: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0420/1224245022460.html
A Small Step in The Right Direction to Help Sea Turtles
Compromise Agreement to Save Endangered Sea Turtles
Foster Folly News
New Orleans, LA – The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted in favor of a compromise agreement this morning put together in recent days by Ocean Conservancy, Oceana, and the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Bottom Longline Fishing fleet aimed at reducing the often times fatal interactions between threatened loggerhead sea turtles and commercial fishing gear. With this agreement, the fishermen will be able to continue fishing, but areas of the Gulf where the majority of the interactions have taken place will now be off-limits to the fleet.
Full Story: http://www.fosterfollynews.com/news/2009April17SeaTurtles.php
Foster Folly News
New Orleans, LA – The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted in favor of a compromise agreement this morning put together in recent days by Ocean Conservancy, Oceana, and the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Bottom Longline Fishing fleet aimed at reducing the often times fatal interactions between threatened loggerhead sea turtles and commercial fishing gear. With this agreement, the fishermen will be able to continue fishing, but areas of the Gulf where the majority of the interactions have taken place will now be off-limits to the fleet.
Full Story: http://www.fosterfollynews.com/news/2009April17SeaTurtles.php
April 19, 2009
A Slight Deviation from Marine Science to Highlight an Important Matter
Company seeks to sell Laurel Hill Creek’s water
Daily American
The Department of Environmental Protection is considering an application to drill a well in Jefferson Township to supply water to bottling plants in other locations.Department spokeswoman Helen Humphreys said an application was filed on behalf of Cooper Springs, a company, to dig a well in the Laurel Hill Creek watershed. The department is waiting for the applicant to provide additional information on the amount of water to be drawn from the well before making a determination on the application.
Full Story: http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/03/31/news/local/news228.txt
Daily American
The Department of Environmental Protection is considering an application to drill a well in Jefferson Township to supply water to bottling plants in other locations.Department spokeswoman Helen Humphreys said an application was filed on behalf of Cooper Springs, a company, to dig a well in the Laurel Hill Creek watershed. The department is waiting for the applicant to provide additional information on the amount of water to be drawn from the well before making a determination on the application.
Full Story: http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/03/31/news/local/news228.txt
Co-Author of the Magnuson-Stevens Act Shows a Different Side
Will feds pursue Stevens on fisheries?
Anchorage Daily News
However, the government should feel more ashamed of bringing those pussycat charges in the first place. The feds had a chance to dig much deeper into Alaska corruption, particularly as it involved the senator's twisting of this nation's fishery policies and earmarking taxpayer dollars to benefit private interests.
Full Story: http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/strohmeyer/story/764313.html
Anchorage Daily News
However, the government should feel more ashamed of bringing those pussycat charges in the first place. The feds had a chance to dig much deeper into Alaska corruption, particularly as it involved the senator's twisting of this nation's fishery policies and earmarking taxpayer dollars to benefit private interests.
Full Story: http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/strohmeyer/story/764313.html
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Continued Navy Sonar Use
Supreme Court Weighs in on Whales and Sonar
Insciences Organisation
Arguments about the impact of Navy sonar on marine mammals rose to the highest court in the land last fall. But not every issue is best settled in court. One source of knowledge related to the case—marine mammal scientists—was essentially left out of the debate.
Full Story: http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=4005
Insciences Organisation
Arguments about the impact of Navy sonar on marine mammals rose to the highest court in the land last fall. But not every issue is best settled in court. One source of knowledge related to the case—marine mammal scientists—was essentially left out of the debate.
Full Story: http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=4005
Navy Sonar and Marine Mammals Don't Mix
Military sonar blamed for mass dolphin strandings
The Times Online
Mass strandings of dolphins and whales could be caused because the animals are rendered temporarily deaf by military sonar, experiments have shown.
Tests on a captive dolphin have demonstrated that hearing can be lost for up to 40 minutes on exposure to sonar. Hearing is the most important sense for dolphins and other cetaeceans, and losing it is likely to cause them to become disorientated and alarmed.
Full Story: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6054843.ece
The Times Online
Mass strandings of dolphins and whales could be caused because the animals are rendered temporarily deaf by military sonar, experiments have shown.
Tests on a captive dolphin have demonstrated that hearing can be lost for up to 40 minutes on exposure to sonar. Hearing is the most important sense for dolphins and other cetaeceans, and losing it is likely to cause them to become disorientated and alarmed.
Full Story: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6054843.ece
Right Whales' Future Brightens
News on right whales encouraging
The Owen Sound Sun Times - Canadian Press
Although their species still teeters on the brink of extinction, a record number of right whale calves have been found in winter nursery waters off the coast of the southeastern United States.
Full Story: http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1529918
The Owen Sound Sun Times - Canadian Press
Although their species still teeters on the brink of extinction, a record number of right whale calves have been found in winter nursery waters off the coast of the southeastern United States.
Full Story: http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1529918
April 17, 2009
Phew! Out of Hot Water, But Not Yet in the Clear: Blue Crabs
Blue Crab Population Increasing in Chesapeake Bay
Washington Post
The number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay increased about 43 percent last year, according to survey data released this morning, and scientists said it was likely a sign that measures taken to protect the beleaguered bay icon are working.
Full Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041701707.html?hpid=artslot
Washington Post
The number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay increased about 43 percent last year, according to survey data released this morning, and scientists said it was likely a sign that measures taken to protect the beleaguered bay icon are working.
Full Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041701707.html?hpid=artslot
Fish Farming Trends
Depths of bounty: More people eating more fish means more farming
The Economist
EVERY few years, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) produces a report on the state of the world’s fisheries and aquaculture. Its most recent effort is published today and two things are evident. One is that the weight of fish pulled from the depths has peaked. The other is that fish farming will soon account for half of all fish consumed by people, but that its rate of growth is slowing.
Full Story: http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13213331
Note: To know which fish farmed fish are good to eat in your region, keep this printable and portable guide handy: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
or
as an iphone application: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_iPhone.aspx
The Economist
EVERY few years, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) produces a report on the state of the world’s fisheries and aquaculture. Its most recent effort is published today and two things are evident. One is that the weight of fish pulled from the depths has peaked. The other is that fish farming will soon account for half of all fish consumed by people, but that its rate of growth is slowing.
Full Story: http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13213331
Note: To know which fish farmed fish are good to eat in your region, keep this printable and portable guide handy: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
or
as an iphone application: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_iPhone.aspx
Keep Fighting the Good Fight
Japanese whalers fall short of quota, to delight of marine mammal lovers
Los Angeles Times
Japan's goal had been to kill up to 935 minke whales and 50 fin whales. Shigeki Takaya, a fisheries agency spokesman, told the Associated Press: "This season's catch was reduced as a result of the interference by protesters."
Three vessels from the whaling fleet returned home this week and reported a final tally of 679 minke whales and one fin whale for a five-month effort, much of which was spent in clashes with the crew of the Steve Irwin, of the Sea Shepherd fleet.
Full Story: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/04/whale-watchers-and-marine-mammal-enthusiasts-around-the-world-will-be-pleased-to-learn-that-japan-fell-substantially-short-o.html
Los Angeles Times
Japan's goal had been to kill up to 935 minke whales and 50 fin whales. Shigeki Takaya, a fisheries agency spokesman, told the Associated Press: "This season's catch was reduced as a result of the interference by protesters."
Three vessels from the whaling fleet returned home this week and reported a final tally of 679 minke whales and one fin whale for a five-month effort, much of which was spent in clashes with the crew of the Steve Irwin, of the Sea Shepherd fleet.
Full Story: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/outposts/2009/04/whale-watchers-and-marine-mammal-enthusiasts-around-the-world-will-be-pleased-to-learn-that-japan-fell-substantially-short-o.html
A Little Help for Salmon
Stimulus funds will aid irrigation, fish passage
Yakima Herald
Farmers, fish and workers in the Yakima Valley will benefit from nearly $44 million in federal stimulus spending. The money is earmarked for three projects to make efficient use of irrigation water in the Sunnyside Division and improve fish passage at Roza Dam, a key spot in the basin for fish migration.
The funding from the stimulus package announced this week will speed the start of the three projects. All had been close to construction, a requirement for stimulus consideration.
Full Story: http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/04/16/stimulus-funds-will-aid-irrigation-fish-passage
Yakima Herald
Farmers, fish and workers in the Yakima Valley will benefit from nearly $44 million in federal stimulus spending. The money is earmarked for three projects to make efficient use of irrigation water in the Sunnyside Division and improve fish passage at Roza Dam, a key spot in the basin for fish migration.
The funding from the stimulus package announced this week will speed the start of the three projects. All had been close to construction, a requirement for stimulus consideration.
Full Story: http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/04/16/stimulus-funds-will-aid-irrigation-fish-passage
Dolphin Bioacoustics
Dolphin "Talk" Made Visible?
National Geographic News
An acoustics engineer in the U.K. claims he's got a key tool in decoding the language of dolphins. He's invented a device that visualizes dolphin sounds, but skeptics have their doubts.
Video Story: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090408-dolphin-speak-video-ap.html
National Geographic News
An acoustics engineer in the U.K. claims he's got a key tool in decoding the language of dolphins. He's invented a device that visualizes dolphin sounds, but skeptics have their doubts.
Video Story: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090408-dolphin-speak-video-ap.html
April 16, 2009
Orca Whales and the San Diego Water Supply: A Reminder of Life's Interconnectedness
Water Woes' Next Player: Killer Whales
Voices of San Diego
A National Marine Fisheries Service analysis has determined that massive pumps that annually send billions of gallons of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the rest of the state are contributing to a decline in salmon populations. Chinook salmon, commonly called king salmon, spawn in the delta and spend much of their adult lives in the Pacific Ocean, where killer whales prey on them
Full Story: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/02/23/environment/856whales022209.txt
Voices of San Diego
A National Marine Fisheries Service analysis has determined that massive pumps that annually send billions of gallons of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to the rest of the state are contributing to a decline in salmon populations. Chinook salmon, commonly called king salmon, spawn in the delta and spend much of their adult lives in the Pacific Ocean, where killer whales prey on them
Full Story: http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2009/02/23/environment/856whales022209.txt
Sea Turtle Awareness
11 Turtles Begin Race To Warmer Waters
Washington Post
Eleven leatherback sea turtles will begin a 3,700-mile "virtual race" today from cold Canadian waters to the warmth of the Caribbean. For daily updates of the turtles' two-week journey, go to http://www.greatturtlerace.org.
Full Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041503258.html
Washington Post
Eleven leatherback sea turtles will begin a 3,700-mile "virtual race" today from cold Canadian waters to the warmth of the Caribbean. For daily updates of the turtles' two-week journey, go to http://www.greatturtlerace.org.
Full Story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/15/AR2009041503258.html
The Perfect Way to Start Off
United Nations Makes it Official: World Oceans Day is June 8
TransWorldNews
Sixteen years after it was first proposed, the United Nations (U.N.) has notified Oceana of its official resolution to designate June 8 as World Oceans Day. Both the U.N. and Oceana are preparing events to honor the inaugural celebration of the planet’s oceans.
Full Story: http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=83850&cat=15
TransWorldNews
Sixteen years after it was first proposed, the United Nations (U.N.) has notified Oceana of its official resolution to designate June 8 as World Oceans Day. Both the U.N. and Oceana are preparing events to honor the inaugural celebration of the planet’s oceans.
Full Story: http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=83850&cat=15
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