The Latest - Environmental Initiatives - The Pew Charitable Trusts

International Community Stands Behind Votes to Protect Sharks and Manta Rays

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:55:00 GMT

A critical deadline has passed for countries to exempt themselves from new international trade regulations adopted this year to protect five species of sharks and two of manta rays.

Pew Applauds Major Ruling on Illegal Fishing

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:45:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts today expresses strong support for a U.S. court order that a trio of men pay $29 million in restitution to the South African Government for illegal fishing in the waters of South Africa for almost 15 years.

Ocean's Little Fish Are a Big Deal

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:45:00 GMT

It’s time for regional managers on the Pacific coast and elsewhere in the country to acknowledge what those of us on the water already know: Little fish are a big deal. It’s time to protect them.

Pew to Testify at House Hearing on Clean Energy Manufacturing and Competitiveness

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:35:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ clean energy program, will testify before a joint hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Energy and Power and Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.

Dispatch from Southern New Mexico

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:25:00 GMT

Matt Skroch joins Angel Peña on a hike through Valles Canyon in the Sierra de las Uvas to see the perfectly preserved ancient rock carvings in southern New Mexico.

The Science of a Marine Reserve

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The most isolated, inhabited archipelago in the world, the islands lie 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) from the nearest human settlement in the middle of the southern Atlantic Ocean between South Africa and South America, and the only way to get there is by ship.

Fishing Forges Connections Across Generations

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:05:00 GMT

Father’s Day prompted many recreational anglers up and down the Eastern seaboard to reflect on their experiences fishing with their dads, sons or daughters, and their desire to pass on healthy and sustainable fisheries to their children and grandchildren to provide opportunities for their own memories.

Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Managers Protect River Herring and Shad

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:55:00 GMT

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has set a first-of-its-kind limit on the amount of river herring and shad that can be taken at sea by industrial trawlers fishing for other species. This represents a major step toward protecting these historically important but imperiled fish.

Eight Wilderness Bills Ready for Senate Vote

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Wilderness legislation is on the move in the 113th Congress. Sixteen bills have been introduced so far in the Senate, slightly more than at the same point two years ago. The early action taken by Senate committees in this session increases the chances that some of these bills will find their way to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.

Meeting in Montreal Could Determine Fate of Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:55:00 GMT

This week, fisheries managers and scientists from around the world will meet in Canada and shape the fate of the western Atlantic bluefin tuna.

The Best Available Science on Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:50:00 GMT

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, or ICCAT, is preparing to overhaul and improve its Atlantic bluefin tuna stock assessment in 2015. For this process, it is critical that only the best available science be used to produce an accurate picture of the health of the bluefin population.

Managing Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in the Midst of Uncertainty

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:50:00 GMT

This paper tracks the history of the debate regarding which of two stock-recruitment relationships is more applicable to western Atlantic bluefin.

Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: The Highs and Lows of Recruitment

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:50:00 GMT

The severely depleted population of western Atlantic bluefin tuna is targeted by recreational and commercial fisherman in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere.

Reception: Little Fish - Big Deal

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:50:00 GMT

Join Pew for food, refreshments, and casual conversation about the importance of forage fish to the Pacific Ocean.

Penguins: Sentinels of Ocean Health

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:45:00 GMT

The natural charisma of penguins have captured the hearts of people around the world. These flightless Southern Hemisphere seabirds spend their time primarily in the water, but they come ashore to breed and nest. That makes them ideal environmental sentinels, signaling changing conditions in the ocean and along the coasts that can harm them and other marine life.

Penguins: Trends and Threats

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:45:00 GMT

The threats facing penguins vary in intensity and frequency among the species. Our interactive graphic shows population sizes and trends as well as moderate and major threats for 18 penguin species.

Testimony to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Regarding Red Snapper Catch Limits and Regional Management

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:35:00 GMT

Chad Hanson, a senior associate with Pew's U.S. Oceans, Southeast work, delivered the following comments to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regarding the review of a new stock assessment and proposed amendments to the council's Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan.

Micronesian States Vote to Declare Shark Sanctuaries

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Pohnpei and Yap, two of the Federated States of Micronesia, are moving to declare their waters shark sanctuaries.

Pew Opposes Threats to Public Lands at the Border

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:10:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts is working to eliminate or at a minimum limit provisions in the pending immigration reform bill that would adversely impact public health and safety, the environment, and public lands along our nation’s borders. Today, Mike Matz, Director, U.S. Public Lands, sent a letter (link) to each Senate office outlining Pew’s concerns.

Advanced Biofuels Help Military Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:10:00 GMT

For the past six years, a provision of the 2007 Energy Security and Independence Act known as Section 526 has provided the framework for the Pentagon’s pioneering development of advanced biofuels and clean transportation alternatives.

Testimony to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Regarding Snapper Grouper Amendment 30

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:00:00 GMT

In testimony to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Leda Dunmire spoke regarding Snapper Grouper Amendment 30 and the importance of vessel monitoring systems to improving data collection, fishery monitoring, and law enforcement.

Protect Arctic Marine Mammals From Oil and Gas Activities!

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:50:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service, or NMFS, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, recently revised the region’s environmental impact statement to assess the potential effects of commercial activities on marine mammals and Arctic communities. Help protect the Arctic Ocean and its dependent communities by telling NMFS and BOEM to take a more precautionary approach in this vulnerable ecosystem.

The Bottom Line: For New England's Fishing Fleet It's Déjà Vu All Over Again

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:45:00 GMT

As an editorial in the Boston Globe observed, things did not look good for the coming fishing season. Fishermen were “returning from three or four days’ hauling on Georges Bank with near-empty holds.” And while other regions of the country were successfully managing their fisheries “New England’s council has been unable to do so.” The year was 1993.

Proliferating Use of Fish Aggregating Devices

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:10:00 GMT

It's time to rein in the widespread use of this indiscriminate tuna fishing gear.

Australia Clears Another Hurdle in Creating World's Largest Marine Park System

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT

In the long campaign to ensure a sustainable future for Australia’s oceans, the final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place—with the potential to change forever how Australians view the sea that surrounds their land.

Your Wilderness -- June 2013

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:30:00 GMT

In this monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including common ground in Idaho, an active month in Congress, and a profile of Montana's Snowcrest Range.

Talking it Over, Finding Agreement

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

It’s remarkable what can happen when people talk to each other. In a part of the Idaho panhandle, a great plan to provide jobs and leave a natural legacy for future generations has been approved because people sat at a table, spent time with each other, listened, and learned.

Crisscrossing Montana's Snowcrest Range

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Southeast of Dillon, MT, lies the Snowcrest Range, one of the wildest mountain areas in the state, which makes it one of the wildest in the West.

The Antiquities Act

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

On the 107th anniversary of the signing of the Antiquities Act this month, Americans can count over 100 cultural sites, historic places, and wild landscapes as permanently protected, thanks to this important conservation measure.

Continued Focus on Public Lands and Wilderness in May - For Good, and Ill

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:00:00 GMT

May was an active month in Congress for public lands issues. Both the House and Senate held several hearings and markups on land protection legislation. Unfortunately, committees also considered measures to weaken protections for our public lands.

European Union Closes Loopholes in Shark Finning Ban

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:25:03 GMT

Following years of debate around the need to close loopholes in the 2003 European Union ban on shark finning—the wasteful practice of slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea—the EU finally adopted a regulation Thursday requiring that all sharks be brought to port with their fins naturally attached.

Science Short: Arctic Noise

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Because sound travels well underwater, hearing is the most important sense for marine mammals, including those found in the Arctic. Bowhead whales, walrus, and ringed, ribbon, and bearded seals rely on both making and hearing sounds to navigate, contact each other, court mates, find food, and avoid predators.

The Impact of Man-Made Noise on Arctic Marine Mammals

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Arctic marine mammals depend more on their hearing than other senses because sound travels well underwater. As the Arctic Ocean undergoes many changes, it's becoming noisier—and that could have profound impacts on animals that rely on sound to survive.

Celebrating World Oceans Day

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Our oceans, which cover about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, serve humanity by supplying food, oxygen, life, a means of transportation, adventure, beauty, and spiritual balm. Yet they are under significant stress from human activity.

Bills Introduced to Protect Nevada's Piece of the Grand Canyon

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Nevada Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Steven Horsford introduced legislation today to protect an area between the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in Arizona and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just south of Mesquite, Nevada.

Pew Disappointed in EPA Plan to Study Impact of Industrial Livestock Operations on Chesapeake Bay

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:10:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it will assess the effectiveness of state efforts to keep livestock waste out of the Chesapeake Bay. In response, The Pew Charitable Trusts is urging President Barack Obama to fulfill his 2008 commitment to “strictly regulate pollution from large factory livestock farms.”

Why Fishing Vessels Need Mandatory, Unique Identification Numbers

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Unlike merchant ships, cars, and even cellphones, industrial fishing vessels are not required to have unique, permanent identifying numbers. Fishing vessels do have names, call signs, and other identifiers, but those can be changed by the owner quickly and easily. This makes it easy for owners to hide their vessels’ true identities if they want to—for example, if the vessels are being used in illicit activities.

Stopping Illegally Caught Fish at the Dock: How the Port State Measures Agreement Will Curb Illegal Fishing

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Can one international treaty help reverse years of rampant and widespread disregard for fisheries laws and policies? We believe the answer is yes, but a treaty is only as good as the parties that ratify and enforce it.

Visiting the Land of the Dodo

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:10:00 GMT

KerriLynn Miller of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ shark conservation team attended the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission meeting May 6-10 in Mauritius to call for new shark protections.

Japan Bows Out of International Trade Agreement to Protect Threatened Sharks

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

The Japanese government has declared its intent to exempt itself from new international regulations to restrict cross-border trade in oceanic whitetip, porbeagle, and three types of hammerhead sharks.

Fishing with Pew: Oregon Coast Rockfish and Lingcod

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:25:00 GMT

In this episode of "Angler West," Pew's Paul Shively, who has been working to establish guidelines to ensure the health of the west coast's forage fish, goes fishing for rockfish and lingcod off the Oregon Coast.

Historic Agreement Reached on EU Fisheries Reform

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:10:00 GMT

Fueled by a groundswell of public support, European legislators late last week took a huge step toward ending overfishing by agreeing that most European Union fish stocks will be fished sustainably by 2015 and all stocks by 2020.

Future of America’s Oceans: Better or Worse?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:05:00 GMT

Ten years ago this month, the Pew Oceans Commission released a landmark assessment of the state of the U.S. marine environment, with recommendations for action to protect our seas. Pew had assembled a blue-ribbon panel of experts who developed the nation’s first broad look at the state of our oceans in more than 30 years.

Sharks Worth More for Tourism Than in Soup: Study

Fri, 31 May 2013 13:09:32 GMT

(Reuters) Sharks swimming free in the oceans may soon become more valuable as tourist attractions than when caught, sliced up and served in soup, a global study showed on Friday.

Sharks Ecotourism Could Double in Next Two Decades, Study Says

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:55:00 GMT

According to a new global analysis, shark watching is a major economic driver for dozens of countries, generating $314 million annually.

Global Shark Ecotourism: Economic Value and Growth

Thu, 30 May 2013 22:55:00 GMT

The shark ecotourism industry is a growing source of employment and tourism expenditures for many locations worldwide. The protection of live sharks, especially through dedicated protected areas, can directly benefit this industry.

Promise of the Arctic Conference Points to Opportunities and Risks

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:20:00 GMT

(KPLU) The Arctic is getting hotter faster than any part of the globe. Experts predict the region will be free of sea ice during the summer within about 20 years.

Dispatch from Brussels

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:40:00 GMT

Members of Pew’s marine conservation team had a chance to connect with representatives of Antarctic Treaty countries from around the world at meetings May 20 to 29 in Brussels.

Pew Calls for Protecting Pacific Saury as Critical Food for Ocean Wildlife

Tue, 28 May 2013 14:25:00 GMT

Steve Marx, senior associate for The Pew Charitable Trusts, provided written testimony encouraging the Pacific Fishery Management Council to prevent unregulated fishing on Pacific saury, an important food source for whales, seabirds and bigger fish such as tuna and marlin.

An Upstream Journey, Dispatch #4: Steelhead and Pacific Forage Fish

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:50:00 GMT

(Orvis News) On a dreary and overcast April afternoon in Portland, I met Paul Shively and Tara Gallagher at a bar on the north side of town for a few local beers and a conversation about the Pacific Fish Conservation Campaign.

Indigenous Leaders Gathering in Australia to Share Conservation Ideas

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:05:00 GMT

Indigenous community leaders from around the globe are meeting in Darwin, Australia, for the first World Indigenous Network Conference, or WIN, to share their knowledge and experiences about conservation efforts.

Top 10 Takeaways from the National Fish Summit

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:50:00 GMT

The May 2013 Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries Conference in Washington, D.C. mostly addressed critical issues that affect every person who eats seafood, drops a line in the water on a weekend getaway or makes money from fish. Fish policy is serious business, and here are key conference takeaways from The Pew Charitable Trusts for the record.

New Kimberley Protected Areas Form One of the Largest Indigenous Conservation Zones in Australia

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Four large new Indigenous Protected Areas have been established in the rugged and remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, creating a conservation corridor equivalent in size to the state of Indiana.

Improving Our Management of Forage Fish

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Peter Baker, director of U.S. oceans, Northeast, spoke recently to fisheries experts from around the country about ways to improve the way we manage populations of forage fish—the small prey species with an important role in the ocean food web.

Precautionary Management of Forage Fish

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:05:00 GMT

Most fisheries in the United States are regulated one species at a time. But regional councils and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are moving toward a strategy that takes into account the marine ecosystem as a whole—one called ecosystem-based fishery management. Managing the nation’s forage fish—small, schooling prey species—in a more precautionary way can be a useful tool in this transition.

Oregonians Say They Want More Land and Water Protections

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Oregonians understand the importance of and want to protect the clean drinking water, ancient forests, wilderness, and wild salmon of the O&C lands. Voters believe that protecting old growth forests, bodies of water, and the wildlife that live there is the top priority.

EPA Delays Action on Regulations for Animal Agriculture

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Pollution from animal agriculture is threatening our nation’s waterways. Each year, livestock operations in the United States generate up to a billion tons of manure, much of it from concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.

Federal Fish Law is On the Hook for Black Sea Bass Recovery

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

(Hilton Head Island Packet) In the South Atlantic, it's time to go fish for black sea bass. Fishery managers just raised the amount that can be caught this year after news that the species has recovered from decades of overfishing.

Policy Statement: Recommendations to the 85th Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:35:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts calls on the Members and Cooperating Non-Members at the 85th Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, to take critical action on tuna management, shark protection, and compliance.

Protecting Our Coral Sea

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Progress continues towards officially creating the world's second largest fully protected marine reserve in Australia’s Coral Sea. Queenslanders join together to thank Australia’s Environment Minister Tony Burke for establishing the Coral Sea Marine Reserve.

Quiz: Find Out Your Penguin Personality

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

As world leaders consider whether to protect some of the best penguin habitat on Earth, take this short quiz, and discover what you have in common with your feathered friends of the Antarctic. Please remember to take action to protect their homes.

Warming Oceans Are Reshaping Fisheries

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:45:00 GMT

For the first time, scientists have shown that ocean warming has had a global impact on the mix of species caught by fishermen.

Dispatch from Cedar City, Utah

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:35:00 GMT

The Bureau of Land Management oversees millions of acres of other public lands that sprawl across the region. These areas may not enjoy a park or monument designation, but they do provide an exceptional, off-the-beaten-path opportunity for a visitor to experience and enjoy canyon country.

World’s Fish Have Been Moving to Cooler Waters for Decades, Study Finds

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:05:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Fish and other sea life have been moving toward Earth’s poles in search of cooler waters, part of a worldwide, decades-long migration documented for the first time by a study released Wednesday.

Making Great Lives

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Already in this 113th Congress, fifteen bills to add public lands to the National Wilderness Preservation System that Pew is working on have been introduced in either the House, Senate, or both bodies. Five of these bills have had hearings, and three have been approved by the committee with jurisdiction, which makes them ripe for floor action.

Your Wilderness -- May 2013

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

In this monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including a look at the Sonoran Desert, protecting Montana's HiLand region, and New Wilderness Legislation.

Sonoran Wild Lands Have Their Day in the Sun

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:50:00 GMT

The proposed Gila Bend Mountains Wilderness and National Conservation Area, part of the Arizona Sonoran Desert Heritage Act of 2013, is approximately 546,600 acres and comprises seven existing and nine new wilderness areas, including Saddle Mountain and Red Rock Canyon.

The 50th Anniversary Wilderness Photography Contest

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:50:00 GMT

With the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act approaching, Nature’s Best Photography has a special project is underway: a wilderness photography contest.

April Showers Wilderness Action

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Five wilderness bills were the subject of congressional testimony and four others were introduced in April, proving that when it rains, it really does pour.

White House Arctic Strategy: What's Next for Oil, Gas Drilling?

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

(The Christian Science Monitor) For all the energy prospects bandied about concerning the Arctic – including a new White House strategy paper for the region – oil drilling in US Arctic waters has come to a temporary pause.

The World's Most Protected Shark

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:45:00 GMT

One species of shark made history today at the close of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s annual meeting of governments that share a practical and financial interest in fish stocks in the region. The oceanic whitetip, an open-ocean species with a distinctive white tip on its dorsal fin, became the most comprehensively protected shark on the planet.

Industrial Energy Efficiency

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Combined heat and power, or CHP, provides the U.S. industrial sector with an economical, timely solution to the problem of energy use and cost, while promoting economic growth and addressing future energy needs.

Arctic Scientists Take On ‘Emerging Research Questions’

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:40:00 GMT

(Alaska Public Media) Environmental changes from climate warming are hitting the Arctic harder and faster than anyone predicted. This week, top Arctic scientists have been meeting in Anchorage looking for better ways to investigate and even track the changes and what they could mean.

Fishermen Want Looser Limits as Red Snapper Makes Comeback

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:05:00 GMT

(Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel) Over 18 years of running Old Dixie Seafood in Boca Raton, Larry Siemsen has seen supplies of locally caught red snapper dwindle and prices double, thanks to decades of over-fishing and recent federal restrictions to help the popular fish recover.

Time to Serve Up Antarctic Marine Reserves, Not Chilean Sea Bass

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT

“Chilean sea bass” is on the menu and in grocery stores, but before you pick up a knife and fork, consider that your dinner may have been fished from one of the last pristine environments on Earth.

New Indigenous Protected Area Declared in Australia

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:05:00 GMT

Australia’s world-leading indigenous protected areas program continues to set new standards for conservation. At a ceremony in the desert of Western Australia on April 23, the 54th such area was created, extending the total amount of Australia now protected by its Traditional Owners to an area larger than California.

The Bottom Line: The Next Step: Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Although we’ve made remarkable progress toward ending overfishing and restoring depleted populations, we have been missing the bigger picture by focusing on individual species—the marine version of missing the forest for the trees.

Methods to Consider Predators in Fishery Management

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Predator-prey relationships can have profound effects on fish populations, but they are generally not considered explicitly in fisheries management. Several methods are available today to incorporate predators, a practical step toward ecosystem-based management.

A New Approach to Protect Our Oceans

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:45:00 GMT

The provisions of the law that brought us to the verge of ending overfishing are just the first step toward sustainable fisheries management. Congress therefore has a unique opportunity to build on past marine policy success and move toward a more thorough ecosystem approach that will prove vital in addressing current and rapidly evolving challenges in the decades to come.

The Law That's Saving American Fisheries: The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:20:00 GMT

A generation of determined, farsighted commercial and recreational fishermen, marine scientists, and legislators have shaped the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the law that governs American fisheries.

Ocean Conservation: Move Beyond Species Protection

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Here in the Gulf, ongoing work to rebuild red snapper to healthy levels is vitally important.

Despite Gains, More Challenges Ahead for U.S. Fisheries

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:50:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Fish stocks off the U.S. coasts, restored to health over the past four decades by cooperation among competing interests and careful management, are threatened anew by warming and increasingly acidic waters, according to a new report and experts who are gathering in Washington this week for a conference on the future of fisheries.

Federal Group Issues 'Call to Action' on Integrated Arctic Management

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A federal working group recommended in April that the Obama administration adopt a strategy called integrated Arctic management for making decisions about stewardship and development in America’s Arctic region. The science-based, stakeholder-involved approach seeks to foster thriving ecosystems, cultures, and economies.

Winning the Tuna Game

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT

A new study of tuna fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean finds that restricting the use of fish aggregating devices (FADs) could increase earnings in the fishing industry.

Fishing for Spring Chinook Salmon with Pew and Angler West

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Salmon fishing is not only part of the culture of the Northwest, it’s a way of life. Salmon rely on a healthy population of forage fish like smelt for survival, so we need ensure we leave enough of these kinds of forage fish in the water.

Protecting Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Based on intensive field work, a broad coalition of Arizonans has developed a proposal to more fully protect the stark-yet-fragile landscapes of the Sonoran Desert south and west of Phoenix.

Dispatches from Thailand: New Era for Global Shark Conservation Begins

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Members of Pew's global shark conservation team traveled to Bangkok, Thailand in March for the 2013 meeting of delegates to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. In these dispatches, Elizabeth Wilson writes about the importance of the meeting and what success means for sharks around the world.

Leading Scientists Back U.S. Efforts to Protect World's Largest Salmon Fishery

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:20:00 GMT

More than 300 leading scientists sent a letter to the White House today expressing “deep concerns” about the prospect of large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed of Southwest Alaska, home to the world’s largest wild salmon runs.

Scientists Call on White House to Protect Bristol Bay Watershed from Mining

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:20:00 GMT

More than 300 leading scientists sent a letter to the White House on April 26, 2013 expressing “deep concerns” about the prospect of large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay watershed of Southwest Alaska, home to the world’s largest wild salmon runs.

Earth Day Momentum Brings New Wilderness Bills in Congress

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:10:00 GMT

As Americans across the nation celebrated Earth Day 2013, members of Congress got into the spirit by introducing more legislation to safeguard additional public land.

Join the Fishermen's Conservation Corps

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:10:00 GMT

Are you an angler who cares about fish conservation? Do you enjoy fishing and want to ensure that healthy fisheries are available for generations to come? If you are a commercial guide or an individual angler, your voice is important to how our country’s fisheries are managed!

Wilderness Bills Get Hearing in the Senate

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:35:00 GMT

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests will hear testimony today on a number of public lands bills, including five wilderness bills that together would protect over 200,000 acres of wilderness and 166 miles of wild and scenic rivers.

Penguin Protection Critical on World Penguin Day

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:05:00 GMT

Penguins from across the globe represent maine sentinels indicating dangerous conditions in our oceans and on land. Marine biologists Dee Boersma and Pablo Borboroglu of the Global Penguin Society describe their work in studying and protecting these species and how others can help.

Pew Responds to Op-Ed in the the Rapid City Journal

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:30:00 GMT

Josh Reichert responds to an op-ed published April 8, 2013 in the Rapid City Journal which was critical of Pew's animal agriculture work.

New Caledonia Bans Shark Fishing

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:10:00 GMT

(Agence France-Presse) The government of the Pacific paradise of New Caledonia said Wednesday it had decided to ban fishing of sharks, which are being decimated to feed growing demand for luxury goods.

Master Limited Partnership Parity Act to Expand Investment Opportunities for Clean Energy Projects

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:15:00 GMT

In the race to capture the economic benefits of the growing clean energy sector, the Master Limited Partnership Parity Act would provide an opportunity for U.S. businesses to mobilize private capital and better compete.

Policy Statement: Pacific Bluefin Tuna Management

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) have been fished irresponsibly for decades, and the species has declined to dangerously low levels.

The Story of Pacific Bluefin Tuna

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 GMT

The story of Pacific bluefin tuna is a tale of extremes. They are pursued by fishermen at every turn but largely ignored by fisheries authorities. They migrate across the world’s largest ocean, but spawn in only three distinct areas. In parts of the world, they are caught one at a time by local artisanal fishermen; but in others, entire schools are scooped up by industrial purse seine nets. The Pacific bluefin is pursued at every stage of its life.

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Need Protection Now

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Pacific bluefin tuna have been overfished for decades, with little or no management, and the species has declined to dangerously low levels.Scientists estimate that the number of Pacific bluefin has dropped by 96.4 percent since fishing started.

Dispatches from the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:15:00 GMT

From April 22-24, Pew's clean energy program is attending the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit in New York City. This week, we will provide updates and share information about trends that impact the future of renewable energy and efficiency.

Dispatches from the Boreal Forests of Canada

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:20:00 GMT

Pew expert Mat Jacobson and his son set off across Canada to attend a meeting about protecting the caribou on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec province.

New Caledonia Creates Shark Sanctuary

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:35:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, executive vice president of The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement today in response to New Caledonia’s announcement of comprehensive and permanent shark protections in its waters.

A Smart Idea: Protect an Ecosystem's Food Source and It Will Thrive

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:10:00 GMT

(SustainableBusiness.com) On the west coast, the first-ever Fishery Ecosystem Plan has been unanimously approved, which will protect not only individual fish species, but the forage species they depend on for food off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:15:00 GMT

The investment and finance data presented in the Pew Clean Energy Program's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition, show that countries are jockeying for a leadership position in this growing and increasingly competitive sector. View our interactive map to learn more.

Earth Day: Celebrating Our Common Ground

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 GMT

This Earth Day we honor the dozen wilderness bills currently pending in Congress that The Pew Charitable Trusts is working to protect, and the citizens across our country who are advocating for preserving more of our original earth.

Major Tuna Vessel Is Denied Port Landing Because of Evidence of Illegal Fishing

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:30:00 GMT

For the second time in 25 days, a major tuna fishing vessel that is suspected of fishing illegally was denied permission to land its catch in a port in southeastern Africa.

Pew Responds to 'Quick Bites' in Sport Fishing Magazine

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:50:00 GMT

Amanda Nickson responds to an article published in Sport Fishing Magazine that misrepresents a scientific finding on Pacific bluefin tuna.

Testimony to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:15:00 GMT

On Thursday, April. 18, 2013, Pew's Sharon McBreen spoke before the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in support of investigating new ways to manage recreational fisheries that allow for more fishing opportunities while keeping the catch within science-based limits.

Celebrate World Penguin Day with Pew

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:10:00 GMT

On World Penguin Day, held annually on April 25, penguin lovers, conservationists, and scientists all unite for one common purpose—to celebrate these amazing birds and to draw attention to the need to protect them.

Audio: Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition Webinar

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Listen to audio explaining the findings from Pew's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition.

Sustainable Seafood: The Good News

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:30:00 GMT

(Food and Wine) For anyone concerned about the ethics of eating seafood from our overfished oceans, writer Paul Greenberg offers this piece of advice: Buy American.

Global Clean Energy Investment Declined, Capacity Grew in 2012

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:55:00 GMT

The global clean energy sector is undergoing geographic and technological shifts as new markets emerge and renewable capacity grows, according to research released by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:55:00 GMT

Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race: 2012 Edition documents how the old order is changing technologically and geographically. Clean energy is gaining ground in the global energy mix. Even as several pioneering countries have stumbled, new markets have opened, and the center of gravity for clean energy investment has shifted from West to East.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:55:00 GMT

Clean energy is a significant, growing sector of the global economy. While investment levels declined 11 percent to $269 billion, in part to due to curtailed incentive programs, the market demonstrated resilience with a record 88 gigawatts of new generating capacity additions in 2012.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2012 Edition

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:50:00 GMT

In less than a decade, clean energy transitioned from novelty products to the mainstream of world energy markets. The sector emerged not so much in a linear fashion as episodic—in fits and starts associated with the worldwide economic downturn, continent-wide debt crises, national policy uncertainty, and intense industry competition.

Obama Administration Announces Implementation Plan for the National Ocean Policy

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:00 GMT

Christopher Mann, director with The Pew Charitable Trusts’ environmental program, issued the following statement today in response to the federal government’s release of the implementation plan for the National Ocean Policy.

Talking About Fish on the Oregon Coast

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

What do commercial fishermen, conservationists, and urban food connoisseurs have in common? They benefit from fresh seafood sustainably caught in the ocean.

International Policy: Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission is a regional fisheries management organization responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas.

Scientists Call for Larger Ocean Reserves

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:35:00 GMT

(Science Alert) Leading international marine scientists have called for the protection of more, large marine wilderness areas in a bid to shield the world’s dwindling stocks of fish from destruction.

Florida's Looming Decision on Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:40:00 GMT

Florida will decide next week whether to open its coastal waters to a longer red snapper fishing season and break ranks with regulators who have set the shortest season in federal waters.

State of Alaska Denies Herring Forage Fish Status

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

(Sit News) Currently Pacific herring are acknowledged as a keystone forage fish species that is responsible for maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem in the waters of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia (BC). As you cross the maritime boundary between BC and Alaska herring lose their forage fish status and become just another commercially harvested finfish.

New Zealand Dialogue on Marine Protection Inspirational for Others in Pacific

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:58:47 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) A director for the environmental organisation Pew says other Pacific Island countries are drawing inspiration from the New Zealand model of dialogue over marine conservation.

West Coast Fishery Managers Approve Fisheries Sea Change

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:30:00 GMT

In a landmark development for ensuring a healthy Pacific Ocean, fishery managers this week unanimously approved their first Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the West Coast.

The Global Ocean Legacy Navigator: April 2013

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Read the April edition of Global Ocean Legacy's newsletter, which features a Global Ocean Legacy hero, an expedition to Tristan da Cunha, and a Pacific connection.

Protecting Fisheries in the International Waters of the Central Arctic Ocean

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:50:00 GMT

The Arctic Ocean is one of the planet’s pristine marine regions. But permanent ice is diminishing due to climate change, opening the international waters of the Central Arctic Ocean to commercial fishing for the first time in human history.

The Legacy Navigator: Global Ocean Legacy's Newsletter

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Read previous editions of Global Ocean Legacy's newsletter.

New Boreal Protection Plan to Protect 2.3 Million Acres

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:40:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts today released the following statement Mathew Jacobson on plans by the Grand Council of the Cree Nation to protect from development more than 2.3 million acres of intact Boreal forests.

217 Civil Society Groups Call on European Union Fisheries Ministers to End Overfishing

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:00:00 GMT

As negotiations on the reform of the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy, or CFP, enter the final and decisive stage, more than 217 civil society groups are calling on EU fisheries ministers to support an end to overfishing and the speedy restoration of fish stocks.

ConocoPhillips Announces it will not Drill Exploratory Wells in US Arctic Waters in 2014

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:25:00 GMT

(Washington Post) ConocoPhillips Alaska announced Wednesday it will not drill in Arctic waters off Alaska’s northwest shore in 2014.

A New Mexico Gem Will Shine Forever

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

With the stroke of his pen, President Obama protected the Taos Plateau, San Antonio and Ute Mountains, and the famed Rio Grande Gorge a new national monument under authority of the 1906 Antiquities Act. Eight presidents since Teddy Roosevelt have used this law to protect land -- four each, Republican and Democrat.

Golden Opportunities in the Golden State

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

In the lower 48, no state is blessed with as much pristine wild lands and potential wilderness as is California. Home to some of the country’s most recognized and popular public lands—including nearly 150 areas already designated as wilderness, the Golden State is the one key place in the continental U.S. where we believe there are golden opportunities in the 113th Congress for this highest level of land protection.

Both Congress and Obama Move on Lands Protections

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Last week, President Obama took action to safeguard public lands when he announced a slate of new National Monuments on March 25th. Pew’s U.S. Public Lands Program looks forward to working with Congressional champions and a reinvigorated Obama Administration to preserve additional wild places in the coming months.

Ginny Wood, Pioneering Conservationist in Alaska, Dies at 95

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Ginny Wood was an effervescent presence, always busy, eager to talk, and an inspiring influence on many budding conservationists. After serving her country during World War II in the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), Ginny began a destinguished career as a conservation by co-founded the Alaska Conservation Society.

Your Wilderness -- April 2013

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

In this monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including five new National Monuments, a profile of a conservation trail-blazer, and an opportunity in California.

West Coast Fisheries to See Ecosystem Approach

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:20:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) Federal fisheries managers for the West Coast are poised for a major change in the way they make sure that plenty of fish remain in the sea.

Pacific Fishery Management Council Announces Adoption of New Fishery Ecosystem Plan

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:05:00 GMT

After over two years of work, the Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted new fishery ecosystem plan.

Testimony to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council egarding Charter 'Days at Sea' Pilot

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:45:00 GMT

On April 8, 2013, Chad Hanson, senior science and policy analyst on Gulf of Mexico fish conservation for The Pew Charitable Trusts, testified before the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regarding Charter "Days at Sea" pilot, headboat electronic recording, regional management and private recreational data collection.

For Healthy Salmon, Protect Forage Fish

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:30:00 GMT

(The Oregonian) West Coast fishery leaders are convening in Portland now for their annual meeting to establish ocean fishing limits for salmon. This time, however, the Pacific Fishery Management Council will also consider its very first fishery ecosystem plan that will account for the impact of fishing not just on one species, but the entire marine food web.

What's for Dinner? Protecting the Atlantic Ocean Marine Food Web

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:15:00 GMT

From whales to striped bass, important marine animals eat smaller fish and organisms to survive. These prey, or “forage fish,” in the food web are critical to a healthy ocean ecosystem. But people are not doing enough to ensure the abundance of prey species to feed valuable fish populations and marine life.

Integrated Management in the Arctic: Using All the Information

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 GMT

An integrated management plan for the Arctic offers a promising way to achieve a balance among the differing needs of industry, local communities, and ecosystems in a region undergoing profound and rapid changes.

Timeline: Oil and Gas Leasing in Bristol Bay

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Oil and gas leasing in Bristol Bay began in 1986, but inevitable risks are associated with offshore development, including catastrophic oil spills. With climate change already placing stress on marine ecosystems, we cannot afford to further jeopardize the jobs, food, and cultural heritage of Bristol Bay.

Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper: Time to Spawn

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:25:00 GMT

Gulf of Mexico red snapper need to reach their best spawning years to maintain the momentum of population growth. Pew's graphic illustrates the change in productivity as these popular fish age.

China's Foreign Fishing is Largely Unreported

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Chinese fishing vessels catch about US$11.5 billion (8.93 billion euros) worth of fish a year outside the waters of China, most of which is unreported, according to a new study by the Sea Around Us project at the University of British Columbia.

Dispatches from Tristan da Cunha: Protecting a Marine Wilderness

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:40:00 GMT

Follow Steve Cole as he travels to the most remote inhabited island in the world: Tristan da Cunha. Take a virtual journey to this unique place located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) from the nearest human settlement.

A Successful Illegal Fishing Crackdown

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:40:00 GMT

A recently launched Southeast African partnership to crack down on illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean continues to produce early victories. On March 26, the government of the Seychelles Islands denied port entry to the South Korean tuna fishing vessel, Premier, due to suspected illegal fishing.

Pew Urges Maryland Lawmakers to Reject Chesapeake Bay Pollution Exemption Bill

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:50:00 GMT

The Maryland House of Delegates’ Environmental Matters Committee today will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 1029, establishing the Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program. In anticipation of the hearing, Pew has released the following statement.

Do Your Part to Protect Antarctica's Southern Ocean

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:40:00 GMT

In July, two dozen countries and the European Union will decide the fate of some of Antarctica’s most pristine marine ecosystems, including many of the world’s most important penguin habitats.

Defense Starts at Home

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:45:00 GMT

The Department of Defense and its service branches have been national leaders in the building, retrofitting, and implementation of energy-efficient procedures and renewable technologies. This event—moderated by Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate—examined efforts by the U.S. military to deploy on bases clean energy technologies that enhance energy security and improve operational effectiveness.

Protecting Bristol Bay

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Rich, remote, wild, and incredibly productive, Alaska’s Bristol Bay and southeast Bering Sea are America’s seafood stronghold.

Assessing U.S. Preparedness and Response in the Arctic: The Opportunities and Challenges of Increased Marine Activity

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT

On March 27, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, held a hearing in Alaska on lessons learned from the 2012 offshore drilling season as well as Arctic shipping safety.

Expanding Investment Opportunities for Clean Energy: Master Limited Partnerships and Real Estate Investment Trusts

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:05:00 GMT

Policies such as the production tax credit and investment tax credit for wind and solar energy have steered billions of dollars into clean technologies. Yet new proposals could open the door to large pools of low-cost financing warrant serious consideration. Two such tools are master limited partnerships and real estate investment trusts.

The Wild Salmon Capital of the World

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Salmon is the foundation for both livelihoods and a way of life in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. Each year, some of the largest wild salmon runs—including the largest sockeye run in the world—swim through the bay and upstream. Tens of millions of wild sockeye, chinook, coho, pink, and chum salmon depart the watershed for their adult life stage in the Pacific Ocean and return through the North Aleutian Basin and Bristol Bay to spawn.

Dispatch from the Big Draft Wilderness

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:55:00 GMT

The 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act included a measure to designate 37,000 acres on the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia as wilderness. Recently, Pew employees Linsday Schlageter and Anders Reynolds hiked through one of these newly protected areas, the Big Draft Wilderness.

Letter: Congratulations to the Department of Energy

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 20:00:00 GMT

On March 25, 2013, Phyllis Cuttino, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts' clean energy program, wrote to David Danielson, assistant secretary, energy efficiency and renewable energy, at the Department of Energy, to congratulate the department on the announcement of a new Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative.

New Mexico's Rio Grande Gorge Named a National Monument

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT

On Monday March 25, President Obama designated five new national monuments, including one in northern New Mexico that encompasses more than 200,000 acres of spectacular wild lands.

Pew Responds to Article in the Tampa Bay Times

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:35:00 GMT

Holly Binns responds to an article from the Tampa Bay Times about Florida's use of Gulf oil spill restoration funds.

Letter Regarding Transition from Species-Based to Island-Based Fishery Management Plans in the U.S. Caribbean

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:45:00 GMT

On March 22, 2013, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments to the Caribbean Fishery Management Council regarding a transition from species-based to island-based fishery management plans in the U.S. Caribbean.

Pew Letter Regarding Ecosystem Considerations in Gulf of Mexico Stock Assessments

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:35:00 GMT

On March 22, 2013, senior science and policy analyst Chad Hanson delivered a letter to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council describing the need to consider impacts to the overall marine ecosystem when analyzing the health of fish populations and setting fishing regulations.

Chile Latest to Strengthen Port Measures to Stop Illegal Fishing

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Chile has become a party to the Port State Measures Agreement, a major international treaty to combat illegal fishing.

Science Short: Evaluation of Alaska Annual Studies Plan

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:55:00 GMT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) fiscal year 2012 Alaska Annual Studies plan is evaluated and a number of overarching issues are discussed, including monitoring, integration of science, documenting cumulative effects and building development scenarios.

US Gets Tough on Arctic Oil Drilling

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:05:00 GMT

(The New Scientist) Drilling for oil in the Arctic could get a lot tougher. The US is considering strict rules to protect the fragile polar environment, after a report found Shell tried to drill there while underprepared.

The Bottom Line: Coming Together for Bluefin Tuna

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMT

It’s not every day that fishermen and environmentalists agree. But in a significant move, the American Bluefin Tuna Association and the International Game Fish Association are partnering with The Pew Charitable Trusts to protect bluefin tuna, one of the most amazing fish in the sea. By working together, we might be able to help ensure a brighter future for this depleted fish.

Event Audio: Defense Starts at Home

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Introducing the 2013 Pew Marine Fellows

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 01:35:00 GMT

Five distinguished scientists and conservationists based in Canada, India, Indonesia, Palau, and Rwanda, are this year’s recipients of the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.

Pew Testimony in Opposition to SB 1029

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Velma Smith of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ campaign to reform animal agriculture testified before the Maryland State Senate on the Maryland Agriculture Certainty Program.

Videos: Kerry Urges Protection for Antarctic Waters

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:20:00 GMT

View video clips from John F. Kerry's first public comments about the world's oceans since becoming Secretary of State.

Kerry Urges Protection for Antarctic Waters

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:25:00 GMT

In his first comments about protecting the world’s oceans since becoming Secretary of State, John Kerry spoke to a Washington reception hosted by The Pew Charitable Trusts and urged creation of what would be the globe’s largest marine reserve in Antarctica’s Ross Sea.

John Kerry to Discuss Conservation of Antarctica's Southern Ocean

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:10:00 GMT

With less than four months until a long-awaited decision on new protections for portions of the Antarctic Southern Ocean, The Pew Charitable Trusts today will welcome U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and ambassadors from around the world to discuss proposed marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean, including the U.S.-New Zealand effort to create the largest marine protected area on Earth in the Ross Sea.

Rebuilding Fish Stocks: A $66 Billion Value

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

The world’s catch of marine fish exceeds the level that would maximize its economic value. Restoring populations to such optimal levels, known as rebuilding, would increase the annual value derived from fisheries (known as “economic rent”) by $66 billion, according to a June 2012 paper by Rashid Sumaila and colleagues in the journal PLOS ONE.

Countdown to Consensus for Creating Marine Reserves in Antarctica's Southern Ocean

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:50:00 GMT

Scientists, conservationists, and many countries seek swift action to safeguard large Southern Ocean marine areas. The first two under consideration at a key meeting in Germany in July are the Ross Sea and the East Antarctic. If these areas are designated as protected, they will be the largest marine reserves in the world.

The Case for a Marine Reserve Off East Antarctica

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:50:00 GMT

The East Antarctic Ice Sheet flows off the Antarctic continent into the Southern Ocean that surrouns it. It is an expanse of ice abruptly surrending to sapphire seas. Coastal currents, among them the Prydz Bay Gyre, mingle with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, supporting marine life throughout the circumference of the continent. Penguins, seals, krill, and toothfish rely on this vast expanse of frigid habitat.

Arctic Oil Drilling Needs Better Regulation

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:30:00 GMT

(Christian Science Monitor) Last year's problem-plagued attempt to drill for oil in the Arctic makes clear that much remains to be done to ensure that decisions are made to protect America's irreplaceable Arctic Ocean.

The Case for a Marine Reserve in the Ross Sea

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:35:00 GMT

The Ross Sea is among the most hauntingly beautiful and species-rich marine environments in the world. Covering 3.6 million square kilometres (1.9 million square miles) in a horseshoe-shaped embayment clinging to the Antarctica coast south of New Zealand, the region supports species that have thrived essentially as they have for millenia.

Interior Dept. Warns Shell on Arctic Drilling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:40:00 GMT

(The New York Times) The Shell Oil Company must provide a detailed plan addressing numerous safety and operational issues that plagued its efforts to extract oil beneath the Arctic Ocean last year if it wants to resume drilling off the coast of Alaska, the Interior Department said Thursday.

U.S. Wants More Details Before Shell Can Resume Arctic Drilling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:35:00 GMT

(Fox Business) Royal Dutch Shell PLC will need to provide more detailed plans before it can make another attempt to drill off the coast of Alaska, the U.S. Department of the Interior said following a review of the company's troubled 2012 effort.

Shell Barred from Returning to Drill for Oil in Arctic Without Overhaul

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT

(The Guardian) Shell "screwed up" drilling for oil in Arctic waters and will not be allowed back without a comprehensive overhaul of its plans, the Obama administration said on Thursday.

Interior Department: ‘Shell Screwed Up’ Drilling in Arctic

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

(The Modesto Bee) Shell failed to oversee contractors that were central to its bungled efforts to explore for oil in the Arctic waters off Alaska last year, the Interior Department has concluded.

Protecting the Life Blood of Australia's Outback

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

Covering one-sixth of Australia, the Lake Eyre Basin is the life blood of the continent’s Outback. It acts as an enormous internal drainage system for the continent and is fed by some of the world's last unregulated river systems. But now, this incredible system is in jeopardy.

Alaska's Eastern Interior at Risk to Possible Development Plans

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:05:00 GMT

Urge the Bureau of Land Management to adopt an alternative management plan to keep protecting these critical lands.

Wilderness Bills Ready for Senate Vote

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:55:00 GMT

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved 19 public lands bills that had cleared the committee last Congress, including four wilderness bills that together would protect over 84,000 acres of wilderness. These bills did not receive a final vote before the 112th Congress adjourned.

Unprecedented Conservation Win for Sharks and Manta Rays at CITES

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:40:00 GMT

Five species of sharks and two species of manta rays will now be subject to international trade regulation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, a move that could save these threatened species from total collapse.

Dispatch from Thailand: Tracking Shark Fins in the Marketplace

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Members of Pew's global shark conservation teams have traveled to Bangkok, Thailand for the 2013 meeting of delegates to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. In this dispatch, Angelo Villagomez visits Bangkok's local fish market in the city's Chinatown.

Limiting Public Data on Our Nation's Fisheries

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:10:00 GMT

This week marks the annual event known as Sunshine Week, when media outlets and organizations around the country focus in on the critical importance of the public’s right to understand and participate in our government. This issue hits close to home as Pew works to restore America’s ocean ecosystems and the fish that depend on them.

Wild for Public Lands

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month, The Pew Charitable Trusts brought together state and regional conservation partners in a two-day Bureau of Land Management Wild Workshop focused on building skills and strategies among Western conservationists to protect the dwindling land base not already allocated to oil and gas drilling, mining, and other industrial uses.

Your Wilderness -- March 2013

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:40:00 GMT

In this monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including a featured wilderness area in Colorado, a profile of the nominee for secratary of the interior, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Moving Toward Wilderness Protection

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:35:00 GMT

In these early days of the 113th Congress, more than 15 wilderness bills have been introduced in both chambers. Most of these measures were active in the last Congress and enjoy a great deal of local support from business leaders, ranchers and farmers, sportsmen, and elected officials. That’s why our representatives in Washington sponsor them. And that is one reason they have been reintroduced in this nascent first session of the new Congress.

Exploring Browns Canyon, Colorado

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:30:00 GMT

In recent years, a broad coalition of groups has built deep local support for congressional designation of a 22,000-acre national monument in Browns Canyon, which includes wilderness protection for the core of the Browns Canyon area.

Introducing Interior Secretary-Nominee Sally Jewell

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:25:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has chosen Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) chief executive Sally Jewell to replace Ken Salazar as secretary of the interior.

Plan Eyes New Way to Manage Fisheries

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:50:00 GMT

(The Columbian) A draft ecological plan now under review could mark a subtle but significant shift in the way policymakers manage West Coast fisheries.

The Bottom Line: Food Fit for a King

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

(The Bottom Line) If we want to maintain a vibrant and productive ecosystem, it makes sense to leave enough food in the water for other animals in the food web to consume.

Early Momentum - Wilderness Goes to 11

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:20:00 GMT

February was another big month for wilderness in Congress, with members in both houses demonstrating the popularity of land conservation across the West. Five new bills were introduced, bringing the year’s total to 11. But The Pew Charitable Trusts’ work isn’t stopping there, as we expect more wilderness legislation in the weeks and months ahead.

Bountiful Bristol Bay

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:25:00 GMT

Rich, remote, wild, and incredibly productive, Alaska’s Bristol Bay and southeast Bering Sea are an unparalleled source of fishing jobs and seafood, supplying more than 40 percent of America’s fish catch.

Chile More Pure Than New Zealand?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 17:05:00 GMT

Chile is pioneering marine protection in the Pacific, while New Zealand is dragging its heels over establishing a sanctuary in the Kermadec Islands.

The Year of the Shark: Every Vote Counts

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:20:00 GMT

Sharks and manta rays are some of our oceans most iconic animals, but their populations are in decline due to overfishing and unsustainable trade. At an important two-week meeting in Bangkok, March 3 to 14, 177 countries will have a chance to protect globally threatened shark and manta ray species.

Testimony of Leda Dunmire Before the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:15:00 GMT

Pew expert Leda Dunmire testified before the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding management for depleted speckled hind and warsaw grouper.

Troubled Drilling Season Raises Question About Arctic Readiness

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The recent grounding of a runaway oil rig near a remote Alaska island may have been the biggest mishap of the 2012 Arctic drilling season, but it was hardly the only one.

Surprising Findings Reveal U.S. Advantage in Clean Energy Trade

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:30:00 GMT

China has long been a prolific manufacturer of goods and the United States an insatiable consumer of those goods, resulting in a lopsided trading relationship. But the clean energy sector is different: U.S. strength in advanced manufacturing of components and the capital equipment to produce finished clean energy technologies has led to a trade surplus over the Chinese.

Advantage America: The U.S.-China Clean Energy Trade Relationship in 2011

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:15:00 GMT

More than half a trillion dollars’ worth of goods and services are traded by the world’s two leading economies, the United States and China. In 2011, China exported $4 worth of goods and services for every $1 exported by the United States.

Meet the Scientists: Busting the Myth that Shark Fins Can't Be Identified

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:30:00 GMT

Over the past several years, there has been a across a common argument against regulating threatened shark species in trade—that enforcement is impossible because agents can’t identify whether fins are from endangered or nonendangered species. Meet the scientists who have proved this wrong.

New Report Reveals U.S. Clean Energy Trade Surplus with China in 2011

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The United States and China traded more than $8.5 billion worth of clean energy goods and services in 2011. According to a report released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts, U.S. companies enjoyed a $1.63 billion sales advantage over their Chinese counterparts.

Advantage America: The U.S.-China Clean Energy Technology Trade Relationship in 2011

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

This report seeks to shed light on the relationship between the U.S. and China in regards to the clean energy technology trade.

The Bottom Line: Changing Course for America's Oldest Fishery

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:45:00 GMT

“The fish just aren’t there.” This simple observation from Cape Cod fisheries manager Tom Dempsey to the Associated Press sums up the challenge of decreasing cod populations.

New Study Says 100 Million Sharks Killed Annually

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

According to scientific findings released today, the number of sharks killed each year in commercial fisheries is estimated at 100 million, with a range between 63 million and 273 million. The study also warn that the rate of fishing for shark species, many of which grow slowly and reproduce late in life, exceeds their ability to recover.

Bristol Bay, National Treasure

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:05:00 GMT

Bristol Bay is an extraordinarily productive marine ecosystem distinguished by its bountiful fisheries and exceptional ecological diversity.

One Troubled Rig and the Future of Arctic Oil Drilling

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:55:00 GMT

(Popular Mechanics) Shell announced this week that it would halt Arctic oil drilling in 2013 following a series of mishaps—most notoriously, the grounding of the Kulluk oil rig. For this cover story, PopMech visited the Kulluk during its Arctic operations last year, bringing you a first-hand look at life aboard the rig and at the future of America's energy.

CITES 101: Pew Experts Discuss Protection for Sharks and Manta Rays

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:25:00 GMT

In the first installment, Lieberman explains which of the seven species advocates are seeking to protect at this year's conference and how the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) treaty works to protect more than 30,000 endangered species.

Dispatch from the Cherokee National Forest

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:20:00 GMT

Pew staff members recently hiked through proposed Upper Bald River wilderness in Tennessee with coalition partners Tennessee Wild.

Will Reform Finally End The Plunder of Europe's Fisheries?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:30:00 GMT

(Yale Environment 360) In recent decades, European fisheries policy has been a slowly unfolding environmental disaster. Pumped up by tens of billions of euros in European Union subsidies, fishing fleets ballooned to 100,000 vessels, including many industrial-scale ships that severely depleted waters in Europe and beyond.

It's Time to Protect Sharks and Manta Rays

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:50:00 GMT

It's big business, it's big news, it's a big vote. Will 2013 be the "Year of the Shark" at CITES?

Shell Pause in Arctic Drilling Spurs Call for U.S. Review

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:45:00 GMT

(Bloomberg) Royal Dutch Shell's pause in Arctic oil drilling after last year’s equipment mishaps should prompt a U.S. review of drilling procedures or a total ban, environmental groups said.

Swift Reaction as Shell Suspends 2013 Arctic Alaska Offshore Drilling

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:35:00 GMT

(Alaska Dispatch) After a spate of mishaps and mechanical issues that beleaguered Royal Dutch Shell's bid at offshore drilling in Arctic Alaska, the company announced Wednesday it would suspend its 2013 drilling season.

Shell Halts Arctic Drill Plans for 2013

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:20:00 GMT

(CNN) Royal Dutch Shell says it will "pause" its closely watched project to drill for oil off the Alaskan coast this year, instead spending 2013 preparing for future exploration.

Shell Calls off 2013 Arctic Drilling

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:10:00 GMT

(Houston Chronicle) Shell is calling off its plans to resume hunting for oil in Arctic waters this summer after a problem-plagued year that ended when one of its rigs ran aground on an Alaskan island.

Remarks from Pew Executive Vice President Josh Reichert on the Launch of Interpol's Project Scale

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:10:00 GMT

On Feb. 26, 2013, Interpol, the government of Norway, and The Pew Charitable Trusts launched Project Scale, a new effort to reduce illegal fishing throughout the world. Josh Reichert, who runs Pew's environmental initiatives, spoke at the launch event.

Sustainable Works and Salmon Planning

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:35:00 GMT

(Down to Earth) Listen to Paul Shively, manager of the Pacific Fish Conservation Campaign discuss the value of protecting forage fish.

Interpol Initiative Aims to Batter Fisheries Crime

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:25:00 GMT

(Business Green) A new international initiative to crack down on illegal fishing practices is set to be launched later today.

Interpol Launches Major Global Initiative to Fight Illegal Fishing

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Today, INTERPOL’s Environmental Crime Programme, with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, announced the launch of Project SCALE, major global effort to stem illegal fishing and its associated crimes.

Interpol Establishes Unit to Fight Illegal Fishing

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:05:00 GMT

(Nature) INTERPOL, the international criminal investigation body, today launched a special unit to tackle illegal fishing.

Interpol Targets Illegal Fishing, Seafood Fraud

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 04:00:00 GMT

(Reuters) Interpol launched a global crackdown on Tuesday on illegal fish catches worth up to $23 billion a year that will also seek to prevent seafood fraud comparable to Europe's scandal of horsemeat sold as beef.

Dispatches from the Department of Energy's Energy Innovation Summit

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:05:00 GMT

Innovation is a critical component of the clean energy industry and technology lifecycle. The Pew Charitable Trusts is a proud partner of the 2013 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, which is being held February 25-27, 2013, in metro Washington, D.C.

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing: Frequently Asked Questions

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Pressure on the world's fish stocks is at an all-time high, and although most industrial fishing operations act within the law, some take to the seas fully intending to steal fish. But how is illegal fishing defined? Learn more with our answers to some frequently asked questions.

The Treasures of Tursujuq: One of North America’s Largest National Parks

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:25:00 GMT

(National Geographic) With little fanfare, the Inuit people of Nunavik in northern Quebec, the Grand Council of the Cree, and the Government of Quebec announced the creation of Tursujuq National Park—a 6.5 million acre protected area along the eastern shore of Hudson Bay.

Balance and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Although little-known, the nearly 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, public land managed by the Department of the Interior which accounts for a substantial part of the America’s arctic, supports a stunning diversity and abundance of wildlife. This includes caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, polar bears, seals, and beluga whales.

Pew Commends Interior for Adopting Balanced Plan on National Petroleum Reserve Lands

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Joshua Reichert, an executive vice president at The Pew Charitable Trusts who leads the organization’s environmental work, issued the following statement today applauding the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for approving a management plan for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska that protects critical wildlife habitat.

Antarctic Marine Protection Film Wins International Film Honors

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:45:00 GMT

With a critical decision pending this summer, the case for protecting Antarctica’s Southern Ocean is getting the red carpet treatment. "The Last Ocean," a new documentary about the Ross Sea, has taken home the "Best Call 2 Action Film" award from the Boulder International Film Festival.

Threatened Sharks Return to the Safety of Bahamas Sanctuary

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 22:10:00 GMT

A new study on threatened oceanic whitetip sharks reveals that, although highly migratory, the species spends much of its time returning to the same locations. The research shows that conservation efforts such as shark sanctuaries are useful in protecting areas frequented by sharks.

Press Briefing: 177 Governments to Tackle International Trade of Sharks and Manta Rays at Upcoming Meeting in Bangkok

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:05:00 GMT

On Wednesday, Feb., 20, 2013, at 10 a.m. EST, The Pew Charitable Trusts and World Wildlife Fund hosted a media phone briefing on the shark and manta ray proposals for the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, taking place in Bangkok March 3 to 14.

Grand Food Banks

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:35:00 GMT

The creation in June 2006 of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, followed in 2010 by Britain’s Chagos Marine Protected Area in the Indian Ocean and the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve off Australia, brought the global no-fishing acreage from 150,000 square miles in 2005 to 730,000 square miles today.

Fishery Council Advances Ocean Ecosystem Plan

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:10:00 GMT

(UT San Diego) Taking a sweeping view of marine life, from plankton to predators, the Pacific Fishery Management Council released a draft of its Pacific Coast Fishery Ecosystem Plan for public review.

Dispatches from Fiji

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:25:00 GMT

On a recent trip to Fiji, Pew's Angelo O'Connor Villagomez participated in a workshop to educate nonprofit leaders on the best ways to advocate for shark conservation and visited a school to discuss Shark Stanley. Learn more about his trip and view photos in this edition of Pew's Dispatches series.

Dispatch from Northern New Mexico

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:10:00 GMT

In late January, Jim Mathews, a manager of U.S. Public Lands for the Pew Charitable Trusts traveled to New Mexico and documented his day touring the Rio Grande del Norte.

Forage Fish Key to a Healthy Ocean Ecosystem

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Tiny fish play a major role in the ocean's food web. Commonly known as forage fish, small schooling fish like herring and anchovies are a crucial food source for larger, more familiar species like tuna, whales, and seabirds.

Pew Encourages Timely Adoption of West Coast Ocean Ecosystem Plan

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:15:00 GMT

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has declared its intent to protect forage fish under its newly proposed Fishery Ecosystem Plan. A new animation from Pew reveals why these small schooling fish need protection.

Fishing to the Limits: The Trouble with Maximum Sustainable Yield and the Need for Target and Limit Reference Points

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:10:00 GMT

This briefing paper explores the limitations of management regimes based solely on single-species maximum sustainable yield and explains the need for new regimes for high seas fisheries based on precautionary target and limit reference points.

Pew Testimony Before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regarding Gulf Gag and Gray Triggerfish Regulations

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, Pew's Sharon McBreen spoke before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding state consistency with federal Gulf gag and gray triggerfish regulations.

Clean Energy Is Our Future: Pew Reacts to the State of the Union

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:30:00 GMT

President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address signaled many opportunities to grow the nation’s clean energy economy. Pew's Phyllis Cuttino, an expert on clean energy policy, reacts to the address.

New Panel to Scrutinise Ocean Governance

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:03:15 GMT

(Yahoo News! UK) Senior politicians on Monday launched an independent panel into management of the world's oceans, which are facing unprecedented overfishing, pollution and habitat loss.

A Powerful Partnership: Public Sector Investment and Private Sector Innovation

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:05:00 GMT

The United States must increase support for research and development to remain competitive in the global clean energy economy.

Global Ocean Commission Launched

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Global Ocean Commission was launched today in London, bringing together international leaders in an independent body to analyze key threats to the world’s oceans and make recommendations for future sustainable management.

The Global Ocean Commission

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Beyond 200 nautical miles from the seashore lie the international waters of the high seas. A global commons covering 45 percent of the earth’s surface. The time is ripe for a new initiative of great vision and leadership to protect the largest and last remaining global commons on earth. The time is right for a Global Ocean Commission.

New Bipartisan Bills Take on Foreign Illegal Fishing

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Recognizing the growing threat posed by foreign illegal fishing, Senator Jay Rockefeller, Senator Lisa Murkowski and 8 co-sponsors have introduced two important bills that would safeguard U.S. ports, strengthen enforcement, and protect American fishing interests.

Policy Matters: The Future of U.S. Clean Energy

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:15:00 GMT

The clean energy economy is gathering momentum around the world, but in the U.S., the outlook is less positive. Our infographic reveals why strong energy policy is critical to global competitiveness.

Protecting the Global Ocean: An Opportunity for Change

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:35:00 GMT

Learn more about the work The Pew Charitable Trusts is doing on many of the issues that will be investigated by the Global Ocean Commission.

Group Seeks to Jump-Start Ocean Protections

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) A group of prominent officials from several nations are creating an independent body dedicated to making environmental protection a top priority in global policymaking involving the high seas.

David Miliband to Head Global Fight to Prevent Eco-Disaster in Oceans

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:35:00 GMT

(The Guardian) An environmental catastrophe with greater economic impact than the global financial crash is occurring on the high seas, according to David Miliband. The former foreign secretary is to lead a new, high-level international effort to end the lawlessness of the oceans, which will be unveiled this week.

New Group Seeks to Save Near-Lawless Oceans from Over-Fishing

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 19:50:00 GMT

(Reuters) The high seas that cover almost half the Earth's surface are a treasure trove with little legal protection from growing threats such as over-fishing and climate change, according to a new international group of politicians.

Dispatch from Sri Lanka: Observing the Trade of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks in a Local Fish Market

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:30:00 GMT

The countdown to the next Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has begun. On a recent trip to Sri Lanka, Pew's KerriLynn Miller saw firsthand the need for the convention to protect shark and manta ray species.

Giant Marine Reserves Pose Vast Challenges

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:10:00 GMT

Huge no-fishing zones might save widely traveled tuna and other species, but monitoring their effectiveness—and enforcing catch bans—will require new approaches.

Testimony at the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Regarding Red Snapper

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Feb. 7, Chad Hanson, a science and policy analyst for The Pew Charitable Trusts, spoke before the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regarding strategies for the red snapper fishery.

Dispatch from Alaska's Eastern Interior

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Matt Skroch and Suzanne Little recount their recent flight over the vast wilderness of Alaska's Eastern Interior.

We're Not Yet Arctic-Ready

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:35:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman writes about a challenging 2012 Arctic drilling season for the National Journal.

Message from Mike Matz - Get Outside and Read!

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:20:00 GMT

Mike Matz introduces this month's newsletter by discussing his wilderness resolutions of the year.

Idaho Conservation League Turns 40

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:20:00 GMT

Congratulations are in order for the Idaho Conservation League as the organization celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

A New Beginning - The 113th Congress Convenes

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:20:00 GMT

The new Congress convened at noon Jan. 3, only minutes after the 112th Congress had adjourned. It got off to a good start, as three wilderness bills were introduced in the House of Representatives on the very first day.

Your Wilderness - February 2013

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:20:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Proposed Great Burn Wilderness

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:15:00 GMT

More than a century ago, hurricane-force winds drove lightning-sparked and human-caused fires across almost 3 million acres of Idaho and Montana. Learn more about this area now known as the Great Burn which is, according to National Geographic, “a gem of wild beauty.”

Letter to the White House: Federal Investment in Energy Innovation Will Help U.S. Businesses

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:35:00 GMT

In a letter to President Obama, Speaker of the House John Boehner, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew's clean energy program, writes about the importance of federal investment in energy innovation in order to help U.S. businesses advance, attract new investment, and strengthen national security.

European Parliament Votes to Rebuild Europe's Dwindling Fish Stocks

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

In a historic vote, the European Parliament has voted to rebuild fish stocks by 2020, a key step on the path to ending overfishing.

A Great Kimberley Marine Park Comes Into View: Eighty Mile Beach Protected

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:50:00 GMT

The Western Australian government has announced the creation of a marine park at Eighty Mile Beach in the Kimberley, another key step towards the creation of a Great Kimberley Marine Park.

Enforcing Laws of the World's Shark Sanctuaries

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:15:00 GMT

What does it take to successfully enforce the world's shark sanctuaries? A new video from Pew shows that sharks are safer and protections are working.

Obama Protects Another Treasure from Mining

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 21:05:00 GMT

A year ago the Obama administration ordered a ban on new mining claims on national forest and other public land around the Grand Canyon. Now, action is being taken to protect another of the 10 landscapes named by Pew as threatened by mining: the Siskiyou Wild Rivers in Oregon.

The Benefits of Rebuilding Global Fisheries

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:05:00 GMT

According to a June 2012 paper by Dr. Rashid Sumaila and colleagues in the journal PLOS ONE, restoring marine fish populations to optimal levels would increase the annual value derived from fisheries by $66 billion.

CITES 2013 B-Roll

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:30:00 GMT

The following b-roll is related to the 2013 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting.

Global Ocean Commission - Image Gallery

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Global Ocean Commission was launched in London on February 12, 2013, bringing together global leaders under an independent body to analyse key threats to the world’s oceans and make recommendations for future sustainable management.

Dispatch from Gold Butte, Nevada's Piece of the Grand Canyon

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:00 GMT

While in Southeastern Nevada, Pew's Lindsay Schlageter tours the beautiful landscape of the Gold Butte area.

Science Short: Marine Subsistence Uses for Iñupiat Communities

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Interest in offshore oil and gas exploration in the Chukchi Sea has risen in recent years. Several coastal communities on the North Slope use the marine waters of the Chukchi Sea for the purposes of subsistence hunting and harvesting. This report discusses marine subsistence uses for two primarily Iñupiat communities located on the North Slope of Alaska.

Science Short: Sea Ice Conditions in the Chukchi And Beaufort Seas

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

The Chukchi and Beaufort seas lie north of Alaska and together contain the entire U.S. Arctic domain. Variances in depth, along with the Chukchi’s connection to the Pacific Ocean, play a large role in defining the sea ice conditions in the two seas and how they might respond to ongoing changes in the Arctic climate.

Science Short: The Chukchi Sea Food Web

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:50:00 GMT

The Chukchi is a seasonally ice-covered, peripheral sea of the western Arctic Ocean. The combination of seasonal ice coverage, shallow depths, and the advection of cold Pacific waters helps to shape the structure and function of the Chukchi Sea food web.

Protection for Iconic Horizontal Falls

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:35:00 GMT

The world-renowned Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay in Western Australia's Kimberley region will be part of a new national park to protect its natural beauty and cultural significance.

National Marine Parks Protect Horizontal Falls

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:35:00 GMT

The Kimberley's famous Horizontal Falls site will be protected through the creation of a 160sqkm national and 3000sqkm marine parks, the State Government said today.

The Stunning Beauty of Horizontal Falls Protected

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:40:00 GMT

The Premier of Western Australia has announced the world famous Horizontal Falls and extraordinary reefs, bays, and surrounding areas of the Kimberley region will be permanently protected.

The Bottom Line: Menhaden Could Make a Comeback

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:50:00 GMT

After decades of decline and chronic overfishing, the Atlantic menhaden might have just turned the corner toward a comeback. A rebuilt population of these little fish would have big benefits for the ecosystem and economy of the entire east coast.

New England's Protected Waters are Threatened

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Parts of New England's waters set aside to protect cod, haddock, flounder, and other important fish could soon be subjected to some of the most damaging forms of large-scale fishing.

The Mystery of Hudson Bay's Trapped Killer Whales

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:35:00 GMT

News spread fast about a pod of killer whales trapped in ice in Hudson Bay near the Nunavik community of Inukjuak in early January.

Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission Approves Territorial Sea Plan

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:30:00 GMT

The Land Conservation and Development Commission today approved a Territorial Sea Plan that designates and maps the important ecologic, economic and cultural areas along Oregon’s coast.

The Latest: Innovate, Manufacture, Compete

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:45:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew's newsletter. This edition features a clean energy action plan, an Arctic drilling timeline, and a Great Kimberley Marine Park.

CITES 2013: Manta Ray Gill Plate ID Guide

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:00 GMT

This guide is intended to help enforcement and customs personnel in the provisional identification of manta rays and manta gill plates

Governments Rally at United Nations to Protect Sharks Ahead of Global Wildlife Trade Meeting (CITES)

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:35:00 GMT

Five iconic species of sharks and all manta rays may be protected at this year's CITES meeting. Today, representatives from approximately 15 governments met in advance to discuss these proposals at a lunch hosted by the U.S, Germany and Honduras and supported by the Pew Environment Group.

Create a Great Kimberley Marine Park

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:15:00 GMT

The Kimberley coast is one of the jewels of Outback Australia. It is home to the world's largest humpback whale nursery and several striking natural areas like the Horizontal Falls. Yet only 5 percent of this extraordinary seascape is fully protected.

Wilderness Bills in the 113th Congress

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMT

The Pew Campaign for America's Wilderness is working on the following bills pending in Congress.

CITES 2013: Year of the Shark, Media Guide

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMT

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) will be held from March 3–14, 2013, in Bangkok, Thailand. CITES is widely recognized as one of the most effective and best-enforced international conservation agreements. It offers protection to more than 30,000 species around the globe and has been instrumental in preventing the extinction of numerous plants and animals.

CITES 2013: Fins at a Glance

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:20:00 GMT

Pew developed a guide to help users rapidly identify dried shark fins in international trade.

Improving Global Shark Conservation: The Need for Engagement by Both CITES and RFMOs

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:15:00 GMT

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are both needed if efforts to properly manage and protect the world’s depleted shark populations are to succeed.

Innovate, Manfacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:35:00 GMT

(Go Green Radio) The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report released Jan. 17 by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

CITES 2013: Manta Rays

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT

The oceanic manta (Manta birostris) and the reef manta rays (M. alfredi) are among the ocean’s most charismatic wildlife.

CITES 2013: Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:25:00 GMT

The oceanic whitetip (Carcharhinus longimanus) is an open-ocean species with a distinctive white tip on its dorsal fin.

CITES 2013: Porbeagle Shark

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:25:00 GMT

The large, warm-blooded porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) is distributed throughout the temperate north Atlantic and southern hemisphere. Populations of the porbeagle have been severely depleted around the globe.

BLM Proposes Short-sighted Management Plan for Alaska's Eastern Interior

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:20:00 GMT

The Bureau of Land Management Alaska (BLM-Alaska) is preparing a management proposal for Alaska’s Eastern Interior region that could potentially open to mining and oil and gas development areas within a National Recreation Area and a National Conservation Area east of Fairbanks.

UN Advisory Panel Recommends Support for CITES Shark Proposals

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:10:00 GMT

An advisory panel of independent experts for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has publically endorsed proposals to regulate international trade of oceanic whitetip, 3 species of hammerhead, and porbeagle sharks under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Shrinking Fish

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:05:00 GMT

Changes in ocean and climate systems could lead to smaller fish, according to a new study led by fisheries scientists at the University of British Columbia.

U.S. Names Illegal Fishing Countries, Now Must Act

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:30:00 GMT

To get a country to curtail illegal fishing, it appears, will take more than public shaming. A January 11th U.S. government report to Congress listed 10 countries whose vessels are known to engage in illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing on the high seas; five of the countries have made the list before.

Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:30:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts believes that advanced clean energy technologies can strengthen America’s economic and environmental future as well as its security. To reclaim a leadership position in the worldwide competition, the public and private sectors in the United States must work together to strengthen the clean energy industry.

Renewable-Power Plants Cost $1.9 Trillion Through 2018, Pew Says

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:53:50 GMT

Developers and financiers will invest $1.9 trillion building clean-energy power plants worldwide from 2012 through 2018 as demand for electricity increases, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pew Delivers Clean Energy Recommendations to Administration and Congress

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:05:00 GMT

The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CITES 2013: New Appendix III Shark Listings

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:40:00 GMT

The inclusion of a species in Appendix III of CITES allows a Party to the Convention to ask for help from other CITES Parties in documenting international trade for a species not listed in either Appendix I or II of the Convention.

CITES 2013: Introduction from the Sea

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:55:00 GMT

Issues surrounding the term “introduction from the sea” (IFS) urgently need to be resolved at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP16) in March 2013 in Bangkok, so countries will have a common understanding of what is required when CITES-listed species are taken on the high seas.

CITES 2013: Scalloped Hammerhead

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:25:00 GMT

The smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) and great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) are listed as look-alike species in the scalloped hammerhead proposal.

Your Wilderness - January 2013

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:15:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Mike Matz: Unfinished Business

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:00:00 GMT

The 112th Congress, which wrapped up this month, managed to keep the nation from falling off the fiscal cliff but left a considerable amount of unfinished business.

South Dakota's Red Shirt Proposed Wilderness

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:00:00 GMT

The grasslands of South Dakota represent one of America’s great wild places. The windswept plains of Buffalo Gap National Grassland contain areas that look much as they did when Lewis and Clark marveled over them more than 200 years ago.

Redistricting Creates New Wilderness Opportunities

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:00:00 GMT

As district lines shift, wilderness advocates may find their favorite place is now in a district with a new representative. Combined with the normal changeover in the House, this often means important shifts for wilderness politics in the Congress.

Congress Adjourns, Leaving Unfinished Business

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:00:00 GMT

Even as the 112th Congress became the first since 1966 to fail to enact any wilderness legislation, momentum for protection continued, setting the stage for a renewed effort this year.

CITES 2013: Year of the Shark

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:05:00 GMT

An Appendix II Listing regulates international trade in species that are overexploited, and may become threatened if their trade is not effectively regulated.

The State of the Science - Forage Fish in the California Current

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMT

In the California Current, a diverse group of forage fishes play an important and often underappreciated role in the “middle” of the food web.

Manitoba Protects More Than a Million Acres in Boreal Shield

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:25:00 GMT

On Monday, Jan. 14, the Government of Manitoba safeguarded 1.3 million acres, the largest protected area of boreal shield in North America.

The Latest: Troubling News for the World's Most Expensive Fish

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a record breaking bluefin, new protections in Australia and 2012's conservation victories.

Pacific Tuna Stocks Have Plummeted, Scientists Warn

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:45:00 GMT

(New York Times Green) The Pacific bluefin tuna, fished relentlessly for decades, is in trouble.

Arctic Standards Urged for Oil Drilling in Forbidding Region

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Engineers, oil industry representatives and environmentalists on Wednesday urged federal regulators to adopt a suite of baseline standards to govern a new era of oil drilling and possibly production in Arctic waters.

The Bottom Line: A Better Way to Manage Fish

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Already, 2013 is shaping up to be an important year for the health of our nations’ fisheries. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently concluded a public comment period on a wide range of policy issues that could determine the future course of U.S. fisheries management.

New Scientific Report Shows Pacific Bluefin Tuna Population Down 96.4%

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Just three days after a single Pacific bluefin tuna fetched a jaw-dropping $1.76 million at a fish auction in Tokyo, Japan, scientists released a new stock assessment for this species—and the findings are shocking. According to the new report, the Pacific bluefin population has dropped 96.4 percent from unfished levels due to decades of overfishing.

Tuna Sold at Record Price is Overfished, Study Says

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 04:35:00 GMT

(Bloomberg) The number of Pacific bluefin tuna, a fish that fetched a record 155.4 million yen ($1.78 million) in a Tokyo auction last week, dropped 96.4 percent due to decades of overfishing, the Pew Environment Group said.

Pilot Program Aims to Reduce the Unintentional Bycatch of Bluefin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:30:00 GMT

(New Orleans Times-Picayune) A sustainable seafood luncheon at Gautreau’s restaurant on Monday laid out some of the challenges and possible solutions facing the Gulf of Mexico’s tuna fisheries. The event’s most compelling argument came by plate.

Shell's Arctic Drilling Plan Under Threat After US Government Orders Review

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:10:00 GMT

(The Guardian) The Obama administration ordered a sweeping review of Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic on Tuesday, after a series of mishaps ending with the New Year grounding of the company's Kulluk rig.

Drilling Rig's Thick Hull Helps Prevent Oil Spill

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:05:00 GMT

(NPR) A Shell Oil drilling rig has been pulled of the rocks, where it washed up a week ago during a storm. It has been towed to a bay where divers will inspect it for damage.

Problems Prompt Federal Review of Arctic Drilling Operations

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:55:00 GMT

(LA Times) After a series of problems plagued the debut of offshore oil drilling in the U.S. Arctic, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday ordered a high-level, expedited review of oil operations in Alaskan waters aimed at achieving “safe and responsible exploration for energy resources in the Arctic.”

Shell Drilling Rig Refloated in Alaska

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:25:00 GMT

(Finacial Times) The Royal Dutch Shell drilling rig that ran aground in heavy seas off the south coast of Alaska a week ago has been successfully refloated and towed into a nearby harbour for damage assessment.

Are We Really Ready to Drill in America's Arctic Ocean?

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:00:00 GMT

After the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, President Obama promised cleaner, safer energy development. Yet the last year, attempts to drill in the U.S. Arctic Ocean has been characterized by a series of missteps and mishaps from beginning to end.

Coast Guard to Probe Stranded Shell Rig

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:30:00 GMT

(Financial Times) The US Coast Guard is sending a team to Alaska to investigate how Royal Dutch Shell’s Kulluk rig came to run aground on an island off the south coast of the state.

Environmentalists, U.S. House Members Question Kulluk Grounding

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:10:00 GMT

(KTUU) The grounding of the Kulluk has prompted a national environmental group to question Shell Alaska’s preparedness for Arctic drilling operations.

Shell Oil Rig Runs Aground in Alaska

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

(Washington Post) A drilling rig that Shell planned to use off Alaska’s Arctic coast ran aground in a storm Monday night, after the crew had been rescued earlier by the Coast Guard.

Critics Say Grounding Shows Arctic Drilling Danger

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:50:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) The grounding of a petroleum drilling ship on a remote Alaska Island has refueled the debate about oil exploration in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, where critics for years have said the conditions are too harsh and the stakes too high to allow dangerous industrial development.

Arctic Infrastructure Needed for Resource Development and Delivery

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:35:00 GMT

(Alaska Business Monthly) Offshore drilling in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf became a reality when Royal Dutch Shell began drilling exploratory wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas in summer 2012.

Top Story: Enigma on Rice

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:15:00 GMT

(Seafood Business) Toward the end of the 2011 documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” the chefs at Tokyo’s renowned sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro discuss the future of the oceans that supply their colorful and coveted bite-sized creations. With a furrowed brow, Yoshikazu Ono, son of the legendary Jiro Ono, is particularly concerned about bluefin tuna, known in Japan as honmaguro. The quintessential sushi morsel, o-toro (fatty tuna), comes from the belly of the bluefin.

Pew's Heather Bradner featured in Pitcairn News

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:25:00 GMT

On November 28th, the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy project, the National Geographic Society, and the Pitcairn Island Council co-sponsored an event titled “Protect Pitcairn, An Underwater Bounty” in London at the prestigious Royal Society, the worlds’ oldest scientific academy.

Statement by Phyllis Cuttino, Director, Pew Clean Energy Program, Supporting the Extension of the Production Tax Credit for Wind

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:10:00 GMT

We applaud the wind industry and Congress for working together on an extension of the production tax credit.

Horizontal Falls on Australia's Kimberley Coast Gets Much-Needed Protection

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:30:00 GMT

On 5 December 2012, the Western Australian Government overruled (WA link below) the mines department and established a 17,000-acre mining exemption zone around Horizontal Falls. The decision represents the first time the government has issued a ban on mining in an area because of its iconic value.

Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Bad for Corals

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Pew Marine Fellow Andrew C. Baker (2008) and his doctoral student at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Ross Cunning, made some surprising discoveries in their research on coral reef resilience in rising ocean temperatures.

Lost in the Wilderness? Maybe Not

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

(Politico) While our nation’s political leaders grapple with major tax and funding matters, more than two dozen bills to save some of the nation’s most spectacular lands and wildlife habitat await action in the final days of the 112th Congress.(

The Legacy Navigator: December 2012

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Read the December edition of Global Ocean Legacy's newsletter, which features a marine park in the Coral Sea, a new documentary on Pitcairn, and talk from filmmaker James Cameron.

Montana's Forests: Ask Congress to Protect Them Today

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:30:00 GMT

The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act will protect nearly 700,000 acres of wilderness across the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, including the East and West Pioneers, the Sapphires, Lost Cabin and Lima Peaks, and additions to the Lee Metcalf, Anaconda-Pintlar, and North Fork Blackfoot Monture Creek Wilderness areas.

A Happy 2013 for the Ocean?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Let’s make 2013 a year in which the tide really turns for the ocean.

The Road(less) Traveled: Photographer Tony Bynum Explores Montana's Untracked Prairies

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:40:00 GMT

(Montana Quarterly) Tony Bynum works all over the West, but last summer he spent three and a half months shredding his boot leather in the most isolated parts of Montana’s prairies.

The Clock Is Ticking for Wilderness

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Time is running out for some two-dozen wilderness bills pending in Congress. Together, these pieces of legislation would safeguard more than 2 million acres of our nation’s most amazing wild places.

Pew Lauds Interior, BLM for Balanced Plan on National Petroleum Reserve Lands in Alaska

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group issued the following statement today in support of the final plan issued by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).

2012 Conservation Victories

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:25:00 GMT

This was a banner year for conservation, and the Pew Environment Group could not have done it without the support of activists all around the world. Join us in 2013 as we work for even greater victories.

The Bottom Line: Don't Remove Protection When Cod Need It Most

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:10:00 GMT

New England is famous for cod fishing. But the industry is ailing – and the cure being proposed might be worse than the disease.

EU Committee Backs Reforms to Salvage Fish Stocks

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(Associated Press) The European Union on Tuesday took a significant step towards protecting its threatened fish stocks when a parliamentary committee backed a series of reforms aimed at boosting fish supplies to sustainable levels by 2020.

European Parliament Shows Leadership on Common Fisheries Policy

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Members of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee today voted in favour of ending overfishing in and by the EU by 2015 and for the recovery of fish stocks by 2020. This is a major step in ensuring the future sustainability of EU fish stocks and for the long-term stability of the EU fishing fleet.

Dispatch from the Taos Plateau

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:10:00 GMT

My family likes to take advantage of school breaks around the holidays to explore a new locale, and this past Thanksgiving we traveled to the Rio Grande del Norte in north-central New Mexico.

New Mexico's Rio Grande Gorge: Ask Congress and the President to Protect it Today

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act will designate about 13,500 acres of the Ute Mountain area as the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness, and 8,000 acres as the Rio San Antonio wilderness.

New Quebec Park One of North America's Largest

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Mathew Jacobson of the Pew Environment Group’s boreal campaign issued the following statement in response to the Province of Quebec’s announcement today that it has created a 6.5-million-acre park.

Menhaden Matter! A Huge Win for Small Fish

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:40:00 GMT

Peter Baker of the Pew Environment Group issued the following statement on today’s vote by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on management of the Atlantic menhaden fishery.

Re: Consideration of Alternatives to Species-Based Fishery Management Plans

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:35:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group presented the following public comment to the Caribbean Fishery Management Council regarding the Council's consideration of island-based fishery management plans.

Ute Mountain and Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:05:00 GMT

In the wild sage brush plains of Taos County, New Mexico, Ute Mountain looms. An isolated, free-standing former volcano, Ute Mountain rises nearly 3,000 feet above the surrounding plains, reaching an elevation of 10,093 feet – the highest point on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the state. It’s a dramatic focal point for a scenic landscape that borders the Rio Grande Gorge.

A Global Analysis of Mariculture Production

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Aquaculture is the world’s fastest-growing source of seafood, and it is increasingly focused on higher-value predatory and omnivorous fish.

Super Storm Sandy: Industrial Efficiency Technologies Kept the Lights On

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:00:00 GMT

During Super Storm Sandy, institutions in the Bronx, Manhattan, Salem, NJ and Danbury, CT, among others, continued operations uninterrupted because of combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

Cook Islands Creates Sanctuary for Sharks

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:50:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group applauds the South Pacific country of Cook Islands for its decision to ban the possession, sale, and trade of shark products and end commercial shark fishing in more than 1.9 million square kilometers (756,000 square miles) of ocean.

Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest: Ask Congress to Protect It Today

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 19:25:00 GMT

Located in Eastern Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol and along the North Carolina border.

Osprey Reef - 'Time to Go Deeper, Mr. Burke'

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:50:00 GMT

Australia's Coral Sea is the jewel in the crown of the nation’s new system of ocean parks. While the Coral Sea marine park will now be free from oil and gas exploration, and half of it will be protected from all kinds of fishing, there are still areas, like Osprey Reef, that need more protection.

The Oiliest Catch

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(Conservation Magazine) For almost 140 years, Reedville’s prosperity has depended on one species: the Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus. It’s a modest-looking little fish, generally under a foot in length, with a deeply forked tail and such rich reserves of oil that it’s sometimes called “the soybean of the sea.”

Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation Newsletter, Fall 2012

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Read the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation Newsletter Fall 2012

Pew Applauds French Polynesia for Creating the World's Largest Shark Sanctuary

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:40:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to French Polynesia announcing comprehensive and permanent shark protections.

Protecting the Deep Sea

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 22:10:00 GMT

Wellington, New Zealand, is an appropriate setting for this week’s 13th International Deep Sea Biology Symposium. Just offshore from the capital city is the second-deepest underwater trench in the world, the Kermadec Trench.

The Bottom Line: Big Turnout for Little Menhaden

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:45:00 GMT

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has seen a lot in its 70-year history but nothing quite like this. More than 128,000 people flooded the commission’s inboxes with postcards and emails last month, a new record for public comment. Scientists, small business owners, nature lovers, and anglers sent letters and spoke out at public hearings. And it was all about a fish that almost no one ever eats—Atlantic menhaden.

Why Uncertainty Matters in Managing the Arctic Ecosystem

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:35:00 GMT

(Alaksa Business Monthly) When it comes to energy and other development in the remote and challenging U.S. Arctic, science can be a particularly useful guide for making decisions. Part of the scientific process, after all, is taking into account not only what we know, but also what we don’t know – and leaving a healthy margin for error.

World's Largest Tuna Body Grants Protection for Whale Sharks, But Continues to Endorse Overfishing

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:20:00 GMT

The conservation outcomes from a week-long meeting in Manila, The Philippines were mixed as the 25 governments strengthened protection for whale sharks and took some action on illegal fishing, but failed to stop overfishing of bigeye tuna in the Pacific.

What's for Dinner? Protecting the Marine Food Web

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:40:00 GMT

From whales to red snapper, important marine animals eat smaller fish and organisms to survive. Prey’s role in the food web is critical to a healthy, robust ocean ecosystem. But people are not doing enough to ensure the abundance of prey species to feed valuable fish populations and marine life.

Testimony to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council: Data Collection Measures, Red Snapper and Proposed MPAs

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:20:00 GMT

On Dec. 6, 2012, Holly Binns, director of the Pew Environment Group's Southeast and U.S. Caribbean Fish Conservation Campaigns, delivered the following testimony to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding data collection measures in CE-BA 3, red snapper and proposed MPAs to protect speckled hind and warsaw grouper.

Protecting Bluefin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico: A Promising Solution to a Decades-Old Problem

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Since the 1960s, surface longlines have killed tens of thousands of fish and other animals in the Gulf of Mexico each year, most of them unintentionally. Now more selective alternatives are available. A pilot program is testing greenstick gear and swordfish buoy gear, which should reduce unwanted catch and keep fishermen in business.

The Faces of Wilderness

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

We are teachers, business owners, chamber of commerce leaders, guides, outfitters, members of the faith community, hunters, anglers, and elected officials. We are the faces of wilderness protection.

If Congress Can't, the President Must

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

President Teddy Roosevelt signed the bill into law and then used it 18 times in 2½ years. Under the same authority, President Jimmy Carter saved 56 million acres of Alaska, our last frontier.

A Rare Opportunity to Save Old-Growth Treasures

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Nestled throughout western Oregon are 2.6 million acres of federal lands rich with biodiversity are fraught with management challenges.

Will Modest Electoral Change Spur Congress to Act?

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

It may have been the most expensive campaign season in American history, but now that the dust has settled, the overall effect of all those television ads and emails is a 113th Congress looking pretty much like the current one, with the status quo preserved in Washington.

'We are the same-same' Rapa Nui visitors to Te Papa Tongarewa

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:25:00 GMT

This past Saturday (1 December 2012), we had a special request from a group of visitors who were going to be in Wellington for a weekend. They wished to come in and talk to some of the curators and see the collection. This is relatively common but what was slightly unusual about the group was that they had come from Rapa Nui, otherwise known as Easter Island.

Creating The Largest Marine Reserve in The World in Easter Island

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:25:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group promotes the creation of global network of protected areas, which include Easter Island.

Big Moment for Little Menhaden

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:25:00 GMT

On Dec. 14, 2012 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is set to cast crucial votes on the future of the Atlantic menhaden, sometimes called the most important fish in the sea.

Dispatch from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Meeting

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:40:00 GMT

Staff of the Pew Environment Group are currently in the Philippines for this year’s meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the regional fisheries management organization responsible for the governance of the world’s largest tuna fishery. In this dispatch, Joanna Benn, a senior officer at Pew, writes about a trip to a fish market in Navotas, the fishing capital of the Philippines.

Video: Support American Jobs with Clean Wind Energy

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Wind energy provides critical economic benefits and creates thousands of American jobs. But if Congress does not extend the production tax credit (PTC) by Dec. 31 all of this is in jeopardy.

Comments Re: Consistent Regulations for South Atlantic Black Sea Bass and Gulf Gag Grouper

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:25:00 GMT

On Dec. 3, 2012, Holly Binns and Chad Hanson of the Pew Environment Group delivered the following testimony to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding regulations for South Atlantic black sea bass and the Gulf gag grouper.

Considering Shark Biology in Management

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:45:00 GMT

The population growth of any species depends on such lifehistory characteristics as the age at which the species can begin reproducing, how long it will live, and how many offspring it will have.

Advanced Biofuels: Key to Military Energy Security

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:45:00 GMT

For the U.S. military, advanced biofuels can yield big benefits to national security. Learn how a long term stretagy to develop these technologies can help cut costs and save lives.

Estimating the Use of Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in the Global Tuna Fishery

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 04:30:00 GMT

An estimated 47,000 to 105,000 fish aggregating devices (FADs) are currently in use worldwide to catch tuna according to the Pew Environment Group. Pew released this first-ever estimate of the use of FADs at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting today to bring attention to this growing and unregulated fishing technique.

Estimating the Use of Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) Around the Globe

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:35:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group has taken on the task of developing a ‘back of the envelope’ estimate of how many drifting FADs are currently in use, while acknowledging that it would be a challenging exercise and the results both imperfect and preliminary.

Estimating the Use of Drifting Fish Aggregation Devices Around the Globe

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:35:00 GMT

The term FAD stands for “fish aggregating device,” and generally refers to artificial structures that are deployed in the ocean to attract schools of fish.

Statement by Phyllis Cuttino, Director, Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, Regarding the Passage of the Hagan Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:35:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, released the following statement regarding the passage of a National Defense Authorization Act amendment to preserve the Department of Defense's ability to coordinate and invest in the production of advanced biofuels with other agencies.

Pew Responds to Article in Marlin Magazine

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Several of Andrew Cox’s statements about the Pew Environment Group (PEG) and its support for the proposed Bermuda Blue Halo project (“The Blue Halo: No-Take Zones Restrict Future Exploration,” October 2012) are inaccurate and misleading. Allow me to correct the record.

Video: Menhaden Matter

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Small, bony, and oily, the humble Atlantic menhaden doesn’t make much of a meal for people. But it’s a favorite food for a host of game fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. That makes menhaden a critical part of the ocean food web.

The Many Benefits of Marine Reserves: Q&A with Pew's Jay Nelson

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(National Geographic) Recently, while working on an article for National Geographic Traveler, I had the opportunity to interview Jay Nelson, director of the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy project.

Protecting National Treasures Should Be Bipartisan Affair

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:15:00 GMT

There's nothing that invigorates Washington quite like a presidential election. But with record sums spent this year, much on negative ads, many in the press have questioned if returning members of Congress will be able to bridge today's partisan divide.

Dispatch from the Cook Islands: Akono Te Mango (Protect Our Sharks)

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:20:00 GMT

In a dispatch from the Pew Environment Group, KerriLynn Miller shares stories from her recent trip to the Cook Islands.

Statement of Phyllis Cuttino, Director, Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, Regarding the Passage of a National Defense Authorization Act Amendment

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:20:00 GMT

Letter to the Pacific Fishery Management Council on an Ecosystem Management Plan

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:20:00 GMT

In November 2012, members of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council wrote to the Pacific Fishery Management Council to express the need for a healthy marine ecosystem and support of the council's decision to protect forage fish species.

Key Atlantic Fisheries Body Extends Deep-Sea Shark Protections

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Deep-sea sharks in a huge swath of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans won extended protections Nov. 16 when the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) extended a ban on targeted fishing of 17 shark species.

Press Briefing: Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:20:00 GMT

On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the Pew Environment Group hosted a media phone briefing on the upcoming meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

The Philippines Must Lead on Management, Says Pew Environment Group, As Manila Prepares for Major Regional Fisheries Meeting

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:50:00 GMT

As members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) prepare to meet in Manila from 2-6 December 2012, the Pew Environment Group is urging the Philippines to take the lead and push for greater controls on tuna fishing vessels.

Protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Bristol Bay and the North Aleutian Basin, located in the eastern Bering Sea off southwest Alaska, is an extraordinarily productive marine ecosystem distinguished by its bountiful fisheries and exceptional ecological diversity.

Building on Rio+20: What This Means for Fisheries Management

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:10:00 GMT

Almost every member State of the United Nations attended the June 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), and agreed by consensus to the outcome document, “The Future We Want.” That outcome document was then endorsed by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 27 July 2012.

Pitcairn The Real Bounty - Ministerial Statement

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:15:00 GMT

On November 28th, the Pew Environment Group, in collaboration with National Geographic and the Pitcairn Island Council, launched a call to the British government to name a highly protected marine reserve around the Pitcairn Islands, a UK overseas territory.

Re: Comments on Final Approval of CE-BA 3, Amendment 28 and Regulatory Amendment 19

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:15:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group issued the following comments to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding final approval of the Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 3 (CE-BA 3) to improve fisheries data collection and monitoring; Snapper Grouper Amendment 28 which deals with red snapper management; Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 17 to revise the existing network of deepwater protected areas (MPAs) to protect depleted speckled hind and warsaw grouper; and the visioning and planning process for South Atlantic snapper and grouper fisheries.

Media Interview with Imogen Zethoven

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:20:00 GMT

Global Ocean Legacy Coral Sea director Imogen Zethoven is interviewed by Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s News 24 about the Australian government’s November 2012 proclamation to create the Australian Coral Sea Marine National Park.

Group Embarks on 'Politically Impossible' Push for Marine Reserves

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:50:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group is on a mission to create 15 massive marine sanctuaries by 2020. Four down. Eleven to go.

Descendants of HMS Bounty Mutineers See New Treasure in their Extreme Isolation

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:45:00 GMT

An expedition to Pitcairn by the National Geographic Society and the Pew Environment Group in March this year surveyed the full extent of these pristine waters for the first time. During 450 hours spent underwater, scientists found a thriving, well-developed coral reef at a depth of 75 metres – the deepest ever discovered.

Infographic: A Pitcairn Marine Reserve

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Would encompass over 99% of Pitcairn's 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and allow low impact traditional sustenance fishing by Pitcairners.

EU to Close Shark Finning Loophole

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(The Guardian) The barbaric practice of slicing off the fins of sharks and discarding the live bodies at sea will be outlawed following a historic vote in the European parliament on Thursday. MEPs voted overwhelmingly 566 to 47 to close a legal loophole and ban finning despite opposition from Spain and Portugal.

At Last: EU Parliament Votes for Stronger Shark Finning Ban

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:30:00 GMT

After years of debate and procrastination, the European Parliament voted today to close major loopholes in the European Union’s ban on shark finning, the practice of slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea.

Pitcairn Islands Expedition

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:45:00 GMT

In the last 3 weeks National Geographic visited the four islands and atolls in the Pitcairn Archipelago (Pitcairn, Ducie, Henderson, and Oeno). They conducted 384 individual dives, spending a total of over 450 person-hours underwater. They counted and measured underwater 40,210 fishes, 5000 sea urchins, 6300 coral co

Keep Illegal Fish Off America's Dinner Plates

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:10:00 GMT

The International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act (IFSEA) (S. 269) was introduced Feb. 11, 2013 by Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and eight co-sponsors to strengthen critical enforcement tools and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

ICCAT Follows Scientific Advice on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Makes Some Progress on Sharks, Efforts to Combat Illegal Fishing

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:35:00 GMT

At the conclusion of their week-long meeting in Agadir, 48 member governments of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas today adopted positive measures that will help conserve the iconic Atlantic bluefin tuna, and advance shark protection in the future. But they deferred meaningful action on other pressing matters.

The Loneliest Place

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Pew staff member Matt Skroch, along with Kirk Peterson of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, recently took a field trip to the Battle Mountain BLM district in central Nevada to assess and inspect wilderness units inventoried by Friends of Nevada Wilderness.

Today's Aboriginal Elders are Forging an Environmental Future

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:20:00 GMT

(Winnipeg Free Press) Heidi Cook's late grandfather, a Cree trapper and hunter, cherished the limestone caves that are home to little brown bats near Grand Rapids in northern Manitoba.

Letter from Scientists to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Regarding Menhaden Management

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:05:00 GMT

A group of 94 concerned scientists sent the following letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC) regarding the management of Atlantic menhaden.

Australia Creates World's Biggest Marine Park

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 15:50:00 GMT

(The Telegraph) About a million square miles of ocean will be proclaimed reserves today in a bid by the Gillard Government to limit fishing and oil and gas exploration.

Burke Unveils Marine Reserve Network

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(ABC News) Environment Minister Tony Burke declares the world's biggest area of marine reserves.

Australia Creates World's Largest System of Marine Parks

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:00:00 GMT

The Australian government has formally proclaimed the world’s largest system of marine parks around its coastline.

International Policy: Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 2012

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:55:00 GMT

With a regional tuna catch worth $5.5 billion, the challenge is how to balance wealth, opportunities, and investment with sustainability and a healthy ocean. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has a unique and important responsibility both for the world’s largest tuna fishery and for the sharks that inhabit the waters of the WCPFC convention area.

The Latest: A Test Year for Tuna and Shark Management

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:20:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features the world's largest system of marine parks, shark protections in American Samaoa, and unfinished business in Congress.

Policy Statement: Recommendations to the 9th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:25:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group calls on Members, Cooperating Non-members, and Participating Territories of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to take the following critical actions at the 9th Regular Session of the Commission.

European Commission Exposes Countries that Aid Illegal Fishing

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:05:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group commends the European Union for its latest effort to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. On Nov. 15, the European Commission published for the first time a list of countries that are failing to sufficiently fight IUU fishing, per international law.

Shark Attack Survivor: Michelle 'Micki' Glenn, 51, DeFuniak Springs, Florida

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:50:00 GMT

In 2002, Michelle Glenn was snorkeling on French Cay in Turks & Caicos when a seven-foot reef shark suddenly approached and slid up her body.

American Samoa Ends Shark Fin Trade, Shark Fishing in Coastal Waters

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:10:00 GMT

American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean, established a series of measures this week to protect sharks within its waters.

Infographic: Menhaden Matter

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 22:05:00 GMT

Little fish like menhaden are vitally important to marine ecosystems and the ocean food chain. Learn about why we must work to protect them.

Arctic Project Carries Alaska-Size Challenges

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Even if Shell strikes oil in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, it could be at least a dozen years – and billions upon billions of dollars – before a single drop of it arrives at a refinery.

Menhaden Matter: The Most Important Fish in the Sea

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:10:00 GMT

Little fish like menhaden are vitally important to the marine ecosystems and the ocean food chain. Learn about why we must work to protect them.

Fisheries Nations Set to Discuss Bluefin Tuna

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:32:41 GMT

2012 11 10DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — After defeating a proposal in 2010 to ban the export of an endangered fish that is a key ingredient of sushi, Japan and Asian nations argued it should be left to quota

Guess Who is Coming to Port Today?

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:45:00 GMT

At the 12-19 November, 2012, meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, ICCAT, Contracting Parties (CPCs) are in a position to stop illegal fishing, promote effective fisheries management, and improve safety of vessels at sea.

Missing Menhaden

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:05:00 GMT

Often known as "the most important fish in the sea," Atlantic menhaden play a vital role in the marine ecosystem from Maine to Florida. These fish, which barely reach a foot long, are a critical source for wildlife and valuable fish species. Yet their number has plummeted to a record low.

Pew & This American Land - Sonoran Desert

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:10:00 GMT

In Arizona, the Sonoran Desert Heritage conservation proposal seeks to protect public land in western Maricopa County, near Phoenix.

Press Briefing: International Meeting on Tuna, Sharks and Illegal Fishing

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Experts from Pew provide an overview of the key issues relating to bluefin tuna, sharks and illegal fishing.

Pew & This American Land - Rio Grande del Norte

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:55:00 GMT

New Mexico's Rio Grande del Norte is a beautifully diverse landscape, home to migratory birds, elk and deer.

Pew & This American Land - Boulder-White Clouds

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Central Idaho's pristine Boulder-White Clouds Mountains draw tourists and locals passionate about fishing, hiking, and dirt and mountain biking.

'This American Land' Series Features Wilderness in New Mexico, Montana, Other States

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:25:00 GMT

With the election over and Congress reconvening to address unfinished business, Pew and its partners are working on 25 pieces of legislation that together would protect more than 4 million acres of public wild land across the country.

Your Wilderness - November 2012

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:10:00 GMT

We’re on the final push. With the campaigning over, Congress returns and attempts to take care of unfinished business. The 112th Congress left a lot of important matters hanging when it recessed for the elections, one of which is taking up an omnibus public lands package that includes bipartisan bills to protect wilderness in states from Tennessee and Michigan to New Mexico and Washington.

In Congress: Toiling in the Fields for Wilderness

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:55:00 GMT

It has been quiet on Capitol Hill with Congress out of session and representatives and senators campaigning for the November elections. But that doesn’t mean all is quiet on the wilderness front.

Gold Butte - Nevada's Piece of the Grand Canyon

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:40:00 GMT

On a recent Saturday morning in downtown Mesquite, Nev., several thousand people came to see local artists, businesses, and musicians at the Gold Butte Days festival, the first of its kind.

Message from Mike Matz – This is it!

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:35:00 GMT

We’re on the final push. With the campaigning over, Congress returns and attempts to take care of unfinished business.

Spotlight On: National Park Service Wilderness Videos

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:35:00 GMT

In setting out to capture the diversity of experiences Americans enjoy in our nation’s wilderness areas, the National Park Service has embarked on an important journey, one told through the stories of hikers, anglers, stargazers, solitude-seekers, students, photographers, and many, many more.

The Bottom Line: Big Opportunity for Pacific Fish

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:25:00 GMT

Our nation's West Coast is known worldwide for the rich and iconic marine life that can be found off its shores. In fact, countless tourists travel there every year just for a glimpse of a pod of migrating gray whales or the chance to catch a coho or king salmon in the wild.

Shell Learning about the Arctic the Hard Way

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:05:00 GMT

(Anchorage Daily News) On an all-but-invisible horizon, light gray mist meets dark gray water. Tiny, dry snowflakes and ice crystals swirl across the deck of the drill ship Noble Discoverer, driven by a wind that whips through the warmest coveralls.

Recreational Anglers - The Coral Sea Marine Reserve

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:40:00 GMT

The waters of the Coral Sea are healthy because the region is so far away from the coast. A large marine park in the Coral Sea will help keep it this way, with minimal impact on Australian anglers.

WPCFC 2012 Press Photos

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The following b-roll and photos are available for media use with related content ONLY.

Antarctic Commission Improves Port Inspections to Fight Illegal Fishing

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:20:00 GMT

A key Antarctic fisheries and conservation management body agreed to strengthen port inspection rules, which will help crack down on illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean.

CCAMLR 2012 Closes, Dashing Hopes for Antarctic Ocean Conservation

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:05:00 GMT

The 31st annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources closed today with no agreement on a proposal to protect millions of square kilometers as marine reserves.

Dispatch from the Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT

The proposed Red Shirt Wilderness lies within Buffalo Gap National Grassland—the second-largest National Grassland in the country, encompassing nearly 600,000 acres in southwestern South Dakota.

Dispatches from Canada: The Boreal Forest

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group—Australia is leading a tour of Australia’s Indigenous Rangers to meet with Canadian federal, First Nations, and provincial leaders. On the tour, which began Oct. 29, the delegation will share successful conservation models that could provide First Nations advantages in the stewardship of their traditional territories.

The Latest: Australia's Aboriginal Conservationists Tour Canada

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features Aboriginals in the Boreal, a look at the impacts of offshore drilling in the Arctic, and a vote for "the most important fish in the sea."

Native Land-Care Tips from Down Under

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 13:35:00 GMT

(The Globe and Mail) Of all the things Canada imports from Australia, the most valuable might turn out to be an idea.

EU Commission Takes Strong Stance on Atlantic Bluefin Recovery

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 20:50:00 GMT

The upcoming annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will be a critical time for Atlantic bluefin tuna. Quotas for both the western and eastern stocks will be set at the meeting for the next two to three years, based on the updated stock assessments and associated scientific recommendations.

Small Fish, Big Opportunity

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:05:00 GMT

Sometimes the environmental challenges facing our oceans seem so large that it's hard to know where to start solving them. Over the past several months, however, a collection of conservationists, anglers and others have come together to urge federal policymakers to safeguard the array of species that serve as the foundation for a healthy marine ecosystem.

Framework Action to Set the 2013 Gag Recreational Fishing Season and Modify the February-March Shallow-Water Grouper Closed Season

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Please accept these comments on behalf of the Pew Environment Group regarding the Public Hearing Draft for the Framework Action to set the 2013 Gag Recreational Fishing Season and Modify the February-March Shallow-Water Grouper (SWG) Closed Season.

Dispatches from the Marshall Islands

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Sharks have been a part of Marshall Islands folklore and culture for centuries, and people living among the atolls understand that these animals play an important role in ocean and island health.

Public Hearing Draft for Amendment 37 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Please accept these comments on behalf of the Pew Environment Group regarding the Public Hearing Draft to Amendment 37 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (Amendment 37). As indicated by the 2011 update assessment and acknowledged by NOAA Fisheries Service, the rebuilding plan for gray triggerfish implemented in 2008 through Amendment 30A is not working.

Fisheries Rule Could Limit Scientific Access to Data

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(The New York Times) A draft rule proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may limit public access to fisheries data collected by independent observers on fishing vessels.

Australia's Aboriginal Stewardship Models Brought to Canada

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:55:00 GMT

The Canadian boreal forest and the Australian Outback, two contrasting landscapes on opposite sides of the globe, face similar challenges for protecting these vast, remote, and environmentally vital lands. Now Australians are taking two precedent setting, culturally sensitive stewardship models to Canada.

EU Fisheries Ministers Fail to End Subsidies That Promote Overfishing

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

When Europeans buy fish at the store or fishmonger, they might think that’s the only time they pay for your fish. Unfortunately they are not; actually they are paying again and again for the same fish caught by EU vessels.

Editorial: Congress Dawdles on Wilderness Approval

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:30:00 GMT

(The Paris Post-Intelligencer) Declaring an additional 20,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest in East Tennessee as wilderness is an idea everyone approves of, apparently.

One Year Later: The World's Largest Shark Sanctuary

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:40:00 GMT

The Marshall Islands is celebrating its first anniversary of being home to the world’s largest shark sanctuary.

Deep-Sea Fisheries and Vulnerable Ecosystems in the Northeast Atlantic

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:20:00 GMT

A new European Commission proposal to overhaul the regulation of deep-sea fisheries in the northeast Atlantic Ocean is a promising step toward transforming the area into a sustainable fishery.

Meet the Easter Island Team

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Meet the staff of Global Ocean Legacy's Easter Island Project.

Policy Statement: Better Management for all ICCAT Species

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:20:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group calls on members of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to take the following critical actions at the 18th Special Meeting of the Commission.

Public Radio Looks at Impacts of Offshore Drilling

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

In a public radio documentary airing on stations nationwide through early November, reporter Elizabeth Arnold takes listeners north of the Arctic Circle to hear from the people who will feel the impacts of oil development firsthand.

Letter Regarding Proposed Rule to Revise Regulations Governing the Confidentiality of Information Submitted Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 19:05:00 GMT

A letter signed by 77 conservation organizations, open government groups, and businesses, urges the National Marine Fisheries Service to withdraw and redraft a proposed rule that would stifle public participation in the management of public trust ocean resources, including depleted fish populations and protected species.

Pew Responds to Article in the Carteret County (NC) News-Times

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Peter Baker responds to an article published in the Carteret County (NC) News-Times about menhaden stock.

The Bottom Line: U.S. Fisheries and Us

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:10:00 GMT

The Magnuson-Stevens Act's tradition of openness and public input is at odds with a proposed “data confidentiality” rule from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service that could revise federal guidelines on the release of fishing data.

Dispatches from Micronesia: Pohnpei, A Small Island Where Big Decisions Will Be Made

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:40:00 GMT

About 200 representatives from countries and nongovernmental organizations recently traveled to the remote island of Pohnpei to discuss solutions for illegal fishing and options to improve management of tuna.

Global Ocean Legacy Return to Pitcairn Island

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Following our first trip to Pitcairn Island in February March 2011, and our return visit in March April of this year with the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team, Global Ocean Legacy staff members Jay Nelson, Heather Bradner

Lack of Information on Livestock Facilities Spells Trouble in Illinois and Beyond

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:05:00 GMT

The Chesapeake Bay is not the only area affected by pollution from CAFOs. In Illinois, for example, water quality problems have caused real concern about that state’s regulation of the rapidly growing hog industry.

Fair Share for Clean Water

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:00:00 GMT

An editorial by The Frederick News-Post ("Cost of the bay," Sept. 7) raised a good point regarding the need for all neighboring states to share the responsibility of controlling pollutants entering the Chesapeake Bay.

Dispatches from Micronesia: A Trip to Chuuk's Shark Island

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Chuuk, one of four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, boasting dozens of World War II-era shipwrecks. It is also known for its sharks, which are attracted to the marine life that has made a home among the sunken wrecks.

The Latest: Business Leaders Call for National Energy Policy

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features the Clean Energy Business Network, a new campaign in the Southern Ocean, and an award winning video.

Remarks from Karen Steuer on CAFO Pollution and the Public Outcry for Stronger Regulation

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Karen Steuer, who directs the Pew Environment Group’s campaign to reform animal agriculture, made the following remarks today on the strong public support, and the critical need, for a new rule to limit pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations.

Spotlight On: 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Sept. 3, 2014, may be almost 700 days away, but planning for the celebration of that notable date, the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, is well under way and has been for at least two years.

Your Wilderness - October 2012

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:40:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Stand Up and Be Counted

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:25:00 GMT

Although it seems much divides Americans today, wilderness protection rises above because it is truly nonpartisan and seeks balanced compromises. What unites us is the idea of leaving a legacy of our natural heritage for our children so they can have the same experiences we have had. If our communities have clean water to drink, healthy air to breathe, recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing to enjoy, and a high quality-of-life factor that attracts employers and employees alike, so much the better.

In Congress: Will a ‘Lame Duck’ Be Good for Wilderness?

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:15:00 GMT

The 112th Congress recessed for the 2012 elections in late September. As of now, Congress is scheduled to reconvene for official business Nov. 13 for the remainder of the year. While historically rare, these “lame duck” sessions have become more frequent in recent years, allowing the current Congress to complete unfinished business after a national election.

Featured Wilderness: A Hike into Tennessee's Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:10:00 GMT

The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness stretches across eastern Tennessee into western North Carolina, encompassing 17,394 wooded acres in the Nantahala and Cherokee national forests. This area embodies the rare beauty of old growth, virgin forest—an oasis of ancient trees that escaped the human blade

The Legacy Navigator: October 2012

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:35:00 GMT

As we move into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere, I can’t help but reflect on the changing seasons.

Letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service Regarding National Standard 1 Guidelines

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:45:00 GMT

On Oct. 8, 2012, Lee Crockett, Pew's director of U.S. Fisheries Campaigns, sent the following letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding the advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the National Standard 1 Guidelines.

Our Changing World - Mysterious Pumice in the Kermadecs

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:30:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) Science writer Rebecca Priestley was on board MHNZS Canterbury a few weeks ago, en route to the Kermadec Islands, when the ship encountered a large floating mass of newly erupted pumice - the mystery was which underwater volcano did it come from?

Exhibition's Marine Wakeup Call for Kiwis

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:05:00 GMT

(Dominion Post) Instead of "schlepping New Zealand's ridiculous 100 per cent pure image around the world", Prime Minister John Key should wake up and join the fight to protect our oceans.

Business Leaders Call for National Energy Policy

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:15:00 GMT

The lack of long term, predictable federal policy is impeding development of clean energy in the United States, stalling investments and hamstringing job creation at a critical time in the nation’s history.

Illegal Bluefin: Challenges to Counting Eastern Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:20:00 GMT

The eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock of bluefin tuna (BFTE) has long been below a healthy population level.

Improving the Count of Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:40:00 GMT

An accurate stock assessment is critical to achieving a well-managed, healthy Atlantic bluefin population. Of course, because bluefin tuna spend most of their lives swimming underwater in the open ocean, scientists can't count each individual fish.

The Story of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:40:00 GMT

The story of Atlantic bluefin tuna is a cautionary tale of explosive growth, management neglect, ignored science, falling populations, and an uncertain future.

New Stock Assessments and Management Advice for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:25:00 GMT

ICCAT scientists have just finalized recommendations for managing one of the world’s most valuable, depleted and sought-after fish, Atlantic bluefin tuna. At this year’s November meeting for the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), member governments will set bluefin fishing quotas for the next two to three years based on this scientific advice.

Governments Set to Tackle International Shark Trade

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:55:00 GMT

Seven species of vulnerable sharks and manta rays have now been submitted for consideration for protection next year under an international treaty concerned with regulating wildlife trade.

Animations: Sharks Rule the Reef

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:50:00 GMT

Sharks have roamed our oceans since before the time of dinosaurs, but their long reign at the top of the ocean food chain may be ending.

Exhibition Reconnects People to the Pacific

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:25:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) Kermadec Nine Artists in the South Pacific opens at the Wellington City Gallery on Thursday and aims to paint a broad artistic impression of Rangitahua or Raoul Island and the abundant marine life around the Kermadecs 1000km north of Auckland.

Manu Korihi News for 4 October 2012

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:45:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) The Rotorua District Council is being accused of mistreating residents in the suburb of Ngapuna, where a refuse transfer station is proposed.

'Wakey Wakey Wakey!'

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:30:00 GMT

Around Wellington, New Zealand—and the globe, for that matter—the Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy project has been urging people to “wake up” and support the establishment of a highly protected marine reserve in New Zealand’s remote and rarely visited Kermadec Islands.

Kermadec Exhibition Reveals Ancient Maori Connections

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:10:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) Ancient Maori connections to Rangitahua or Raoul Island in the Kermadecs, north of New Zealand, is one of the many stories being told during an exhibition opening on Wednesday at the Wellington City Gallery.

Calls to Protect Kermadec Region

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 20:05:00 GMT

(3 News) An exhibition featuring the works of nine artists inspired by the Kermadecs is set to open in Wellington tomorrow, aiming to get public support for a push to make the area a sanctuary.

The Bottom Line: Historic Moment for Menhaden

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:50:00 GMT

Menhaden numbers have plunged nearly 90 percent over the past 25 years, and the regulators responsible for their management will soon make a critical decision.

2013 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - Year of the Shark

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 20:50:00 GMT

CITES—the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora—is widely recognized as one of the most effective and best-enforced international conservation agreements.

The San Juan Islands

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:25:00 GMT

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of 172 islands located off the coast of northwest Washington state outside of Vancouver, BC. The Bureau of Land Management manages nearly 1,000 acres of these islands spread over about 75 sites of beaches, reefs and pristine forests.

High Court Rejects Challenge to Roadless Rule

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:15:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) Environmental groups hailed the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal challenging a federal rule that bars development on 50 million acres of roadless areas in national forests, ending one of the main legal battles that had left the rule in doubt for more than a decade.

Supreme Court Denies Roadless Rule Challenge

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a Clinton-era conservation policy to protect undeveloped national forests.

Antarctic Ocean Legacy: A Marine Reserve for the Ross Sea

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:25:00 GMT

In October 2011, the Antarctic Ocean Alliance proposed the creation of a network of marine protected areas and no-take marine reserves in 19 specific
areas in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

The Latest: Natural Wonders

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Australia's vast and fragile ecosystem spreads across almost 3 million square miles, and is surrounded by some of the world's most important waters, including the Coral Sea.

Policy Statement: Sustainable Fisheries Resolution, November 2012

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:15:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group urges the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to honor countries’ universal commitment to achieving sustainable global fisheries by agreeing in this year’s Sustainable Fisheries resolution to implement effective conservation and management measures worldwide.

Fun Facts You Otter Know!

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:20:00 GMT

As Sea Otter Awareness Week draws to a close, test your knowledge of these furry ocean creatures in our interactive quiz.

Alaskan Oil and Wildlife: It's not Either-Or

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:15:00 GMT

(CNN) For years, a false either/or argument has stalled progress in Washington on energy development. But now we have a chance to both develop and protect one of our nation's natural treasures.

Natural Wonders

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:10:00 GMT

Australia’s vast and fragile ecosystem spreads across almost 3 million square miles, and is surrounded by some of the world’s most important waters, including the Coral Sea. Pew is actively engaged in protecting the continent’s unique features.

Pitcairn in Support of a Marine Reserve!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:45:00 GMT

We are delighted to report that this weekend, at a packed meeting in the town hall, the Pitcairn community gave a unanimous vote of support in favour of establishing a large highly protected marine reserve within Pitcairn’s waters.

America's Ocean Fish Populations: Protect Our Right to Know if This Public Resource is Well Managed

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:50:00 GMT

Americans have a right to know how our ocean fish are being managed and the impacts of fishing on ocean wildlife, but that right is under attack in a new fisheries data proposal from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.

Pew Environment Group Infographics Collection

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:30:00 GMT

A collection of infographics created by the Pew Environment Group.

Largest Conservation Gathering Backs Decisive Action

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:10:00 GMT

In the final days of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea, several important motions were adopted for sharks, tuna, high seas biodiversity, and Canada’s boreal forest.

The Bottom Line: A Creative Solution to a Persistent Problem

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:45:00 GMT

An innovative project in the Gulf of Mexico may finally offer a real solution to a decades-old problem.

NAFO: Much Talk Yields Little Action

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:30:00 GMT

A frustrating week at a key fisheries management meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, leaves the rich biodiversity of the deep sea still wanting for protection.

Policy Statement: Oceans and the Law of the Sea Resolution, October 2012

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:30:00 GMT

The first round of the 2012 United Nations Informal Negotiations on the Oceans and Law of the Sea Resolution will take place 1-5 October.

Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation News and Updates

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:40:00 GMT

Read the August Edition of the 'Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation News and Updates.'

Small Island of Kosrae Joins Effort to Create Massive Shark Sanctuary

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Kosrae has become the first member of the Federated States of Micronesia to establish shark protections in its waters. The unanimous vote today by the legislature in Kosrae, a small island of 7,700 people in the Pacific, is an important step in creation of the world’s first regional shark sanctuary, which will encompass 2 million square miles in the ocean.

Pew Recognizes Designation of Chimney Rock National Monument

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Carrie Sandstedt, wilderness campaigns manager for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement recognizing the designation of the 4,726-acre Chimney Rock National Monument in southwest Colorado.

Pew Calls on EU Parliament to Strengthen Shark Finning Ban

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:35:00 GMT

The European Parliament Fisheries Committee voted today on a suite of amendments in response to a European Commission proposal to strengthen the EU ban on shark “finning” (removing a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea).

Shell's Setback Highlights Environmental Risks of Drilling in Arctic Waters

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:05:00 GMT

(Audubon Magazine) Shell has stopped drilling for oil in the Arctic—for now. After an oil containment system was damaged on Saturday, the company said it was forced to scale back operations in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas until next summer.

International Union for Conservation of Nature Praises Quebec Conservation Commitments

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:10:00 GMT

Last week, the Pew Environment Group was at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea, where the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization praised the environmental and social commitments made in the “Partners Declaration” of Quebec’s “Plan Nord."

Longline Fishing Under Fire in Gulf

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat) The federal government is under pressure to ban a commercial fishing method that has inadvertently killed huge numbers of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico, the only U.S. location where the tuna are known to spawn.

Your Wilderness - September 2012

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

In Congress: August Work Is Largely Behind the Scenes

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:40:00 GMT

The 112th Congress has passed few bills of any kind and no wilderness legislation. Although members of both parties have introduced more than two dozen measures in the House and Senate to designate or expand wilderness areas, the House Natural Resources Committee leadership has chosen not to advance any of them.

Spotlight On: New Book on Wilderness Movement History

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Since passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964, Congress has extended its strong protection to an additional 100 million acres. Each success story reveals the vital importance of broad grassroots support from local citizen organizations as well as bipartisan congressional backing for wilderness preservation, which continues to this day.

Mike Matz: 'This American Land' TV Series Showcases Diverse Wilderness Advocates

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:20:00 GMT

The second season of the television series “This American Land,” broadcasting on PBS, devotes eight segments to some of these wild treasures.

Featured Wilderness: Sleeping Bear Dunes - The Most Beautiful Place in America?

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's miles of sand beach, bluffs towering 450 feet, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna earned it the title of “Most Beautiful Place in America” last year from ABC’s “Good Morning America” program.

The Latest on a New Bluefin Tuna Rule

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:55:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service just released a pre-draft of a new fishing rule that could help shape the fate of western Atlantic bluefin tuna. This is a critical time in the rulemaking process and a critical time for this amazing species.

Bristol Bay, Alaska: Is This the Place for a Mine Larger Than Manhattan?

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:55:00 GMT

In the coming months, the Obama administration will determine whether a colossal open-pit gold and copper excavation project, known as Pebble Mine, can be built in the biologically rich and remote wildlands of Southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed.

Salmon's Future Tied to Food Supply

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:05:00 GMT

(The Idaho Statesman) The fate of the tiny fish that are crucial to Idaho’s salmon when they live in the ocean lies with a panel that’s meeting in Boise this week.

Testimony of Holly Binns Before the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Sept. 2012

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Holly Binns, director of Pew's Southeast and U.S. Caribbean Fishery Conservation Campaigns, recently provided testimony to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding accountability measures for the red snapper fishery, monitoring of annual catch limits, and habitat and spawning protections for the speckled hind and warsaw grouper.

Fishing with Pew: Forage Fish and Albacore Tuna

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:05:00 GMT

In a new episode of Angler West, Pew’s Paul Shively and Tom Rudolph, who are working to conserve forage fish populations in the Pacific, spend a day fishing with local guides looking for albacore along the Oregon coast.

Pacific Fishery Management Council Meets in Boise

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:25:00 GMT

(Idaho Statesman) The Pacific Fishery Management Council regulates fishing from Washington south to California but has little impact on the salmon that spawn in Idaho.

Ice-Breaking: U.S. Oil Drilling Starts as Nations Mull Changed Arctic

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:55:00 GMT

(National Geographic) On August 27, after a scorching summer of record-breaking drought and heat across the U.S., scientists reported that summer sea ice in the Arctic Ocean had shrunk to its lowest extent in recorded history—worrisome news to those concerned about polar bears or eroding Inupiat villages or other impacts of climate change.

Arctic Frontier Opens as Shell Begins Drilling in Chukchi Sea

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Shell began boring its first well in the Chukchi Sea in more than two decades on Sunday, kicking off what company executives anticipate will be years of work tapping prospects throughout U.S. Arctic waters.

Lawsuit Seeks Release of Arctic Offshore Safety Data

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(Cordoba Times) A lawsuit filed Aug. 30 in federal court in Anchorage seeks release of testing data that would shed some light on whether an incident similar to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico could happen offshore in Arctic Alaska.

Energy Security vs. Environment in Alaska

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:20:18 GMT

(New York Times) While the Marcellus Shale in New York and Pennsylvania and the Bakken Shale in North Dakota are trigger points in the world of fossil-fuel extraction these days, Alaska has been the lodestar for oil and gas development in the United States for the last half-century.

Pew Salutes Governor Tulafono of American Samoa on Shark Protections

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:25:00 GMT

Jill Hepp, director of global shark conservation for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to American Samoa’s new Executive Order that calls for a ban on shark fishing within 3 miles of the surrounding ocean, as well as a ban on the trade, possession, sale, and distribution of shark parts, including fins.

New Nationwide Protections for Important Fish

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:55:00 GMT

Earlier this summer, regional U.S. fishery management councils in the mid-Atlantic, New England, and Pacific Northwest advanced groundbreaking protections for forage fish in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

IUCN World Conservation Congress 2012

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:35:00 GMT

Pew is attending this year's IUCN World Conservation Congress conference to highlight a number of conservation issues and ensure that some of the biggest marine and terrestrial conservation challenges facing the world today are adequately addressed.

Pacific Bluefin Tuna: The World's Most Expensive Fish

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:25:00 GMT

The Pacific bluefin tuna has often been called “the forgotten bluefin.” Although these sleek top predators can grow up to 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds) as they crisscross the ocean to feed and breed, they have been largely ignored as a target for management and conservation action, even as their numbers have fallen.

Unfinished Business: A Major Conservation Opportunity for Congress

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Woven into this nation’s character and traditions are its vibrant ancient forests, wildflower-carpeted deserts, snow-capped peaks, and jagged redrock canyons. These magnificent wild places are on par with the Serengeti, the Amazon, and the Gobi, and America is an inspiration to other countries to protect natural treasures for future generations.

Leave it Wild

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:20:00 GMT

The 112th Congress has an opportunity to protect over 2.3 million acres of wilderness before they adjourn and leave a lasting natural legacy for generations to come. Also see Unfinished Business A Major Conservation Opportunity for Congress Embed

Infographic: Leave it Wild

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:05:00 GMT

The 112th Congress has an opportunity to protect over 2.3 million acres of wilderness before they adjourn and leave a lasting natural legacy for generations to come.

The Chesapeake's Manure Problem

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 13:05:00 GMT

2012-09-04 What do 2,700 plant species, 525 species of fin and shell-fish, and more than 17 million people have in common? They are all residents of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The bay provides economic benefits of more than $33 billion a year from recreational and commercial activities, including the ha

The Bottom Line: New Study - Overfishing Costs Southeast and Gulf Regions Millions Per Year

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 GMT

There’s an old saying that a penny saved is a penny earned. This sound financial advice is equally true for management of U.S. ocean fish resources. As I’ve said before, conserving our ocean fish populations is a prudent economic investment. The converse is also true: Overfishing is bad economic policy.

Southeast Suffered Millions in Economic Losses from Overfishing

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 GMT

The Southeast sustained tens of millions of dollars in economic losses during a five-year period because years of overfishing depleted species led to fewer recreational fishing trips, according to an analysis commissioned by the Pew Environment Group.

Overfishing Strips Tens of Millions from Southeast Economy

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 GMT

An analysis commissioned by the Pew Environment Group reveals that historic overfishing resulted in the loss of tens of millions of dollars in recreational fishing expenditures annually from 2005 to 2009.

Economic Costs of Historic Overfishing on Recreational Fisheries: South Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico Regions

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:30:00 GMT

This study examines an important component of the costs of overfishing in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions — recreational catch losses from historic overfishing and their associated economic impacts.

Course Correction: Saving Black Sea Bass After Decades of Failure

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:25:00 GMT

Thirty years ago, scientists discovered fishermen were catching black sea bass faster than the fish could reproduce. Continued overfishing drove the species to dangerously low levels in U.S. South Atlantic waters. The problem persisted because of lax rules that delayed protections. But the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act’s recent requirements for prompt action finally helped this species recover.

Pew Applauds Presidential Proclamation of National Wilderness Month

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Mike Matz, director of the Pew Environment Group's wilderness campaign, issued the following statement on President Obama’s proclamation of September as National Wilderness Month.

Pew, Quebec Government to Introduce Motion Applauding World's Largest Land Conservation Plan

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:45:00 GMT

On Sept. 9, the Pew Environment Group and the Quebec government will present a motion at the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress here, commending Quebec for adopting the world’s most ambitious commitments to sustainable development.

Wrangling Over the World’s Most Valuable Fish

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:30:00 GMT

When the ‘Northern Committee’ of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meets next week in Japan, it will be forced to make critical management decisions for one of the world's most sought after fish. However, it will have to do this without a key piece of data —an updated Pacific bluefin tuna stock assessment.

Infographic: Labor Day Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:10:00 GMT

Labor Day marks one of the biggest travel holidays of the year, with Americans hitting the road to visit friends and family, go to the beach, or celebrate the end of summer.

The Marine Environment of the Pitcairn Islands

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:40:00 GMT

This book compiles, for the first time, all of the previous scientific information about the Pitcairn Islands’ marine environment, from shoreline out to the edge of its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The report characterises and quantifies the key biological, geological and natural history features in these waters that are of regional or global importance.

Shell Gets OK to Start Preliminary Arctic Drilling

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:50:00 GMT

(Anchorage Daily News) The Obama administration on Thursday made a surprise announcement that it will allow Shell Oil Co. to begin drilling in the Chukchi Sea before its unique oil spill containment barge is ready -- just not deep enough to reach oil.

Shell to Start Work on Arctic Wells

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(Financial Times) Royal Dutch Shell has been given preliminary permission to start drilling in the Arctic, raising hopes that it will be able to complete its two planned exploration wells in the region before the threat of encroaching sea ice makes operations impossible.

Dispatches from the Kermadecs

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Dr Rebecca Priestley is travelling on the HNZMS Canterbury as part of a Sir Peter Blake Trust voyage to the Kermadecs. With degrees in earth sciences and the history and philosophy of science, Rebecca is part of a team of experts selected by Pew Environment Group to join the voyage to this remarkable and remote ocean wilderness two-days sailing northeast of New Zealand’s North Island.

How World Leaders are Saving Sharks

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:25:00 GMT

A new guide by the Pew Environment Group, “How World Leaders are Protecting Sharks,” highlights new laws and initiatives that help protect global shark populations around the world, including shark sanctuaries, shark fin trade bans, and regional agreements.

Pew Applauds Executive Order to Increase Industrial Energy Efficiency

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Clean Energy Program, issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s executive order aimed at improving the efficiency of energy generation in America by setting a national goal and encouraging federal-state partnerships.

Infographic: Driving to 54.5 MPG by 2025

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation have announced the final rule increasing fuel economy standards for cars, SUVs, and pickups to 54.5 mpg by 2025. Learn why these standards are important with our new infographic.

A History of Fuel Efficiency in the United States

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:30:00 GMT

To meet the demands of the transportation sector, the United States imports more than $1 billion worth of oil per day. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory estimates that U.S. oil dependence has cost our economy more than $5 trillion since the 1970s. Closer to home, the average household spent a record $4,155 on gas in 2011.

Driving to 54.5 MPG by 2025

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Drive to Historic New Fuel Efficiency Rule Began in California

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:55:00 GMT

After nearly three decades of stagnant vehicle fuel efficiency, we are now on a path, under federal standards just finalized, to achieve fuel efficiency of 54.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for cars, SUVs and pickups by 2025.

Pew Applauds Administration for Final Fuel Economy Rule

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:25:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew’s Clean Energy Program, issued the following statement today in reaction to the joint Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation final rule increasing fuel economy standards for cars, SUVs, and pickups to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Editorial: Small Fry are a very Big Deal

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:05:00 GMT

(The Daily Astorian) Forage fish – uncountable schools of sardines, smelt and even more anonymous species – are a key building block in the world’s food pyramid.

Listen to Nature's Tweets

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:15:00 GMT

(The Globe and Mail) One of the joys of having a garden, or of walking in a park or down almost any tree-lined street in North America, is the sight and sound of our songbirds.

Infographic: Cleaning Up CAFO Permit Rules

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Some of our Nation’s most prized waterways—such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and Mississippi River—as well as streams, estuaries and wells, are at risk from pollution from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).

Cleaning Up Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Permit Rules

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Additional Resources Pollution Coming to a Waterway Near You? Action Alert Animal Agriculture Must Do Its Share to Protect Our Waterways Cleaning Up the Chesapeake Bay Some of our nation’s most prized waterways—such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake

Pew Responds to Letter to the Editor in Sail World, Australia

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Imogen Zethoven responds to a letter published in the Sail World, Australia on Monday, August 20 that was critical of Pew's efforts to protect the Coral Sea.

Undermining the Outback? No Boundaries in Race to Mine Northern Territory's Special Places

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Recently released government maps show that huge areas of the Northern Territory currently have no or very limited protection from mining. Further analysis shows this includes some of the most special and loved natural places Australia's Northern Territory.

Pew Environment Group's Karen Sack Discusses U.S. Court's $55M Decision

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:10:00 GMT

(Mission Blue) Last Thursday, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York concluded that three men owe $54,883,550 in restitution to the South African government after illegally harvesting rock lobsters off its coast for years.

Signing Ceremony Kicks Off Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Wilderness Act

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act celebration kicked off today as federal land management agency leaders and conservation groups agreed to work together in the months leading up to the actual anniversary—September 2014—to raise awareness of the benefits and values of wilderness.

Testimony of Chad Hanson before the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, Aug. 2012

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:25:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group urges the Council to move expeditiously to finalize Amendment 37 so that the gray triggerfish rebuilding plan can get back on track as soon as possible.

The Latest: Every Week is Shark Week

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:35:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features an important step for Alaska, a look back at Rio+20, and one of the Ocean's last great wild areas.

New Study Makes Strong Case for a 'Great Kimberley Marine Park'

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:15:00 GMT

A new study has found that establishing a Great Kimberley Marine Park with Indigenous joint management would create a global icon in WA’s far north rivaling the Great Barrier Reef.

Pew Applauds Largest Ever U.S. Court Ordered Restitution in History of the Lacey Act

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:10:00 GMT

Karen Sack, director of international ocean conservation for the Pew Environment Group, issued a statement in response to a major decision that sends a strong message to those engaged in large-scale illegal fishing.

Pollution: Coming to a Waterway Near You?

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:40:00 GMT

The health of many waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Great Lakes—and the livelihoods, flora, and fauna they support— are in jeopardy.

Pew & This American Land - Gold Butte

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:55:00 GMT

Explore a little known piece of the Mojave Desert, rich in petroglyphs, ancient cultural sites and early pioneer history, in this episode of "This American Life," produced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Pew & This American Land - Tennessee Wilderness

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:50:00 GMT

Get to know this corner of the southern Appalachian forest, and advocates including an artist, a woodworker and campaign leader Jeff Hunter, in this episode of "This American Land," produced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Comments Regarding Amendment 37 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:35:00 GMT

The following comments were presented to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regarding Amendment 37 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Adopts Regulations to Help Protect the Chesapeake Bay from Manure Pollution

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:45:00 GMT

In comments sent to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Pew Environment Group urges the agency to swiftly finalize new regulations to improve controls on pollution from manure entering the Chesapeake Bay and offers suggestions to further enhance protection of the Bay.

Pew & This American Land - California Desert

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:35:00 GMT

The desert around California's Death Valley is rich with Joshua trees, junipers and wildlife. But mining and other industrial development threaten this fragile environment, which is why many want to see Congress protect some special places as wilderness, national park and national monument, and set aside other areas for off-highway vehicle use.

Commets on Amendment 37 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:55:00 GMT

As indicated by the 2011 update assessment and acknowledged by NOAA Fisheries Service1, the rebuilding plan for gray triggerfish implemented in 2008 through Amendment 30A is not working.

Call to Protect National Parks from Mining Boom

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:35:00 GMT

(ABC News) An environmental group says it wants Labor and the Country Liberals to commit to stop issuing mining exploration permits in Northern Territory national parks.

Pew Partners With ‘This American Land’ to Showcase Wilderness

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:19:45 GMT

2012 08 17 Special places and the people working to protect them are featured in Season 2 on PBS Watch clips from this season of "This American Land" Colorado Tennessee Nevada California Kicking off its second season this month,

Dispatches from the Solomon Islands

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Members of Pew’s Global Tuna Conservation Campaign are currently in the Solomon Islands, conducting a workshop for journalists who cover tuna issues in the Pacific. Over the next few weeks, they will be sending back updates on tuna patrols in the Pacific Ocean, what the inside of a cannery is like, and more.

Sharks. It's a Numbers Game.

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:35:00 GMT

This month, during the 25th anniversary of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, people around the world are talking about the awe and beauty of sharks. But there’s something quite serious going on with these top predators that people may not know: They are disappearing from our oceans, and fast.

Browse Gas Hub Blockade Continues

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(9News) Protesters against Woodside's Browse gas hub project in Western Australia's Kimberley have dug in for a second day of blockading the company's equipment convoy.

Green Groups Up Pressure Over NT Parks

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(9News) Environmental groups in the Northern Territory are pressuring politicians to better protect wilderness areas, ahead of NT elections later this month.

Shark Week Premiere: Shark Fight

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:00:00 GMT

As part of Discovery's Shark Week, meet the shark attack survivors and hear their stories of resilience and triumph as they fight what they consider the ultimate battle: saving sharks and our oceans.

Editorial: Effort to Protect Small Fish is the Right Move

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:20:00 GMT

(Salem (OR) Statesman Journal) Big fish eat little fish. That’s the law of the sea. So if the little fish disappear, so too will the big fish — salmon, halibut, tuna and others.

Pew Applauds Balanced Planning for National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group issued the following statement today applauding Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s announcement of a plan for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), located on Alaska’s North Slope.

Plan Opens Over Half of Alaska Reserve to Drilling

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:10:00 GMT

(WSJ) The Obama administration proposed opening up 12 million acres of Alaska's 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve for oil and natural-gas drilling, while restricting energy production on the rest of the acreage.

Every Week is Shark Week

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:40:00 GMT

For 25 years, “Shark Week” has offered television viewers a unique look into the world of sharks, the ocean’s apex predators. But at the Pew Environment Group, “Shark Week” is every week.

Shark Week at 25: Discovery Seeks to Keep Fest Relevant, Builds Conservation Ties

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:15:00 GMT

(Washington Post) On Sunday night, millions of viewers across the country will tune in to what has become an annual ritual of summer television, a combination of fear and morbid fascination: Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

After Rio+20: What Now for the Ocean?

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:55:00 GMT

In contrast to the picture that was painted in the press, the Pew Environment Group believes there is reason to be hopeful about progress that was made on ocean conservation issues, our policy priority, at Rio+20.

Featured Wilderness: Washington's Wild Olympics

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:15:00 GMT

After nearly three years of public involvement and extensive input by local communities, Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2012 on June 21.

Spotlight On: Common Ground Ad Campaign

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:15:00 GMT

For the past 10 years, the Campaign for America’s Wilderness has worked with local coalitions to build grassroots support for wilderness protection. From business owners to real estate agents, and ranchers to sportsmen, people from all backgrounds have come together to work toward ensuring that their favorite wild places will remain as they are for future generations to enjoy.

Special Feature: Desert Conference XXVI: Education, Inspiration, and Collaboration for Deserts of the Great Basin and Beyond

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:15:00 GMT

The Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) is excited to announce the return of the Desert Conference this fall, sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Sierra Club.

Your Wilderness - August 2012

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Mike Matz: A New Chapter Begins for Conservation Champion Bill Meadows

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Too often, we don’t take the time or make the effort to pat someone on the back for a job well done, but I have the opportunity this month to do just that by extolling the good work of a friend and colleague, William H. Meadows, who since 1996 has served as president of The Wilderness Society.

In Congress: Pecking Away at a Public Lands Agenda

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Although the bird most often associated with July is the bald eagle, action last month by the House Committee on Natural Resources focused on safeguarding the habitat of the critically endangered California condor. The committee considered two lands bills to help the preservation of this raptor’s historical and rehabilitative range.

Threatened Shark Species Turning Up in US Restaurants

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:05:00 GMT

(AFP) Threatened shark species are being used to make shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, in several US cities, according to an unprecedented study based on DNA testing.

Attack Survivors Aim to Save Sharks with US Soup Study

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 17:00:00 GMT

(Reuters) Survivors of shark attacks - now trying to save the animals that took their limbs and, in some cases, nearly their lives - want U.S. restaurant-goers to know they may be eating a threatened species in their shark fin soup.

Congress Must Act on Clean Energy

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:45:00 GMT

In 2011, for the first time in several years, the United States led the world by investing more than $48 billion in clean energy. The clean energy sector represents one of the fastest-growing industries globally, with investment increasing more than 600 percent between 2004 and 2011 (excluding research and development).

New DNA Study Reveals Fins of Endangered Shark in U.S. Soups

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:55:00 GMT

Americans who eat shark fin soup—an Asian delicacy costing up to $100 per bowl in the United States—might be unknowingly consuming an endangered species, according to an unprecedented scientific analysis by Stony Brook University, the Field Museum in Chicago and with support from the Pew Environment Group.

Shark-Attack Survivors Band Together to Save Sharks

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:10:00 GMT

(TIME) Debbie Salamone makes an unlikely spokesperson for sharks. In 2004, Salamone, then an investigative journalist for the Orlando Sentinel, was swimming off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla., when a shark bit her foot. It took her weeks to recover and months for the wound to fully heal, but in the years since the attack she’s become sharks’ ultimate champion, rallying dozens of fellow survivors in an effort to save the threatened predators.

Building a Wild Legacy

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:45:00 GMT

Doing business in Washington has never been easy - and public legacies often require bipartisan agreement. But there has been a strong tradition of our nation's leaders, at the highest levels, putting other differences aside to preserve America's natural heritage.

Recent Mishaps Raise Doubts About Arctic Drilling Safety

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:55:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) Oil industry plans to drill exploratory wells in America's Arctic Ocean got off to an inauspicious start recently, when a Shell Oil Co. drilling ship slipped anchor and drifted perilously close to the beach at Alaska's Dutch Harbor.

The Latest - Celebrating Conservation Victories

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a mission to save sharks in the Bahamas, a look back at recent victories, and unlikely voices speaking out for sharks.

Where Mining Does not Belong: Bristol Bay, Alaska

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:55:00 GMT

The Bristol Bay watershed, located in the remote wild lands of Southwest Alaska, supports the largest wild salmon runs in the world. It also is home to brown bears, bald eagles, beluga whales, and a wide variety of waterfowl. The area’s pristine mountains, meadows, rivers, and lakes sustain a subsistence-based economy for Native Alaskans as well as world-class sport and commercial fishing.

Animal Waste, Waterways, and Drinking Water

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:00:00 GMT

From the backyard grill to the picnic basket, Americans seem to have a love affair with meat and poultry. To supply that demand, livestock production has turned to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as the new business model, growing high volumes of cows, pigs, and birds within short time spans and in the smallest spaces possible.

Progress Made: The Pew Environment Group Celebrates Recent Conservation Victories

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:55:00 GMT

It’s been a busy few months for the Pew Environment Group, with our campaigns racking up important victories all over the globe. Our teams were active in securing new protections for little fish in the United States, sharks in Venezuela, huge tracts of land in Canada, and vast swaths of the Australian ocean.

Secure Our Ports and Defend U.S. Fishermen

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:05:00 GMT

The Pirate Fishing Elimination Act (S. 267) was introduced February 11, 2013 by U.S. Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and eight co-sponsors to implement the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) and to help eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Reducing Oil Dependence through Transportation Innovation

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:05:00 GMT

(Electric Drive) Global energy consumption is expected to increase 53 percent by 2035. Much of the new demand is from developing countries that are experiencing rapid economic growth and the emergence of a middle class. In India alone, 1.5 million vehicles a month are added to the nation’s total, increasing pressure on an often volatile petroleum market.

Infographic: Why Drive Electric?

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Global energy consumption is expected to increase 53 percent by 2035 and much of the new demand is from an increase in vehicles on the road. View our infographic to learn why electric vehicles are key to reducing dependence on petroleum and to strengthening our national security.

On a Mission to Save Sharks

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:35:00 GMT

It was one year ago this month that KerriLynn Miller, an associate with the Pew Environment Group’s global shark conservation campaign, received the news that the government of The Bahamas had created a shark sanctuary in its waters. Looking back, Miller talks about this rewarding experience.

Shell and Beyond: Toward an Arctic Standard in the New North

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(Alaska Dispatch) In 2011, the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to a meeting of the eight-nation Arctic Council elevated the Arctic in American diplomacy.

Shell Scales Back 2012 Arctic Drilling Goals

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(National Geographic) Faced with iced-in Arctic waters and failure to secure U.S. Coast Guard approval of its oil-spill barge, Royal Dutch Shell is ratcheting down its plan to drill as many as five exploratory wells this summer in the seas north of Alaska.

Shell's Oil Spill Response Plan: What's Different?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(The Cordova Times) While Shell is waiting for its last piece of equipment to arrive on site to start its first exploratory drilling in the Arctic Ocean, and the US Coast Guard is about to test and practice the oil spill response system, questions regarding the efficiency of current oil spill recovery remain unanswered.

Far Away, Yet so Close

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Wellington poet and art curator Gregory O'Brien writes from Easter Island, where he helped install the Kermadec - Nine artists in the South Pacific exhibition in the school hall of Hanga Roa.

Letter to Premier Charest Regarding Historic Boreal Pact

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:20:00 GMT

On behalf of the Pew Environment Group, I would like to extend a warm congratulations and commendation on the occasion of today’s historic agreement on governance in the Eeyou Istchee James bay territory between the Government of Quebec and the Crees of Eeyou Istchee.

Energy Innovation Seen as Needed to Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil, Save Money

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:40:00 GMT

The Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate today released a letter signed by more than 300 veterans, including retired generals and admirals, as well as former Armed Services Committee chairmen Sen. John Warner and Rep. Ike Skelton, urging the president and Congress to support the Pentagon’s initiatives to diversify its energy sources, limit demand and lower costs.

Obama Administration Reneges on Modest Steps to Protect Our Nation's Waters from CAFO Pollution

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:35:00 GMT

In a dramatic departure from the Obama administration’s promise to pursue better protections of our waters from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required the most basic reporting from these operations—information that would have given the EPA the information necessary to monitor and address CAFO pollution.

Is Arctic Oil Drilling Ready for Prime Time?

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(National Journal) Is the United States ready to venture into a new frontier of offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean?

Attack Survivors Unite to Save Sharks

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:20:00 GMT

Shark attack survivors from around the globe have joined together to help the Pew Environment Group’s work to conserve and revive the world’s dwindling shark populations. Despite terrifying attacks and devastating injuries, the survivors recognize that the predators are in peril, a dilemma that puts the ocean and all its marine life at great risk.

'No take', Original Approach for the Marine Environments Preservation

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Highly protected marine areas, called “no take” are sites where extractive activity is not possible. This is the purpose of GOL program, run by Pew Environment NGO since 2005.

NT's Limmen is Finally a National Park

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:55:00 GMT

(The Australian) At the remote Nathan River airstrip in the new Limmen National Park, the wilderness looks parched and rugged.

The Latest: EU Commission Makes History

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a new study on beluga whales, a virtual field trip to Oregon, and a spotlight on the economic benfits of rebuilding global fisheries.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (U.S. Version)

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:25:00 GMT

View our infographic below to learn more about the Atlantic bluefin, discover why its population has declined, and what must be done to help the species recover. For an international version, click here.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (International Version)

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:25:00 GMT

View our infographic below to learn more about the Atlantic bluefin, discover why its population has declined, and what must be done to help the species recover.

A Portion of EEZ Might Become Hightly Protected Area

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Some representatives of Pew Environment NGO met Resource marine Minister, Temauri Foster, in order to present the GOL program which, particularly, provides for marine zones implementation called “no-take”, i.e. highly protected areas. Currently, one million square km already are done on four sites in 3 oceans.

Infographic: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:50:00 GMT

View our infographic below to learn more about the Atlantic bluefin, discover why its population has declined, and what must be done to help the species recover.

Infographic: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (International Edition)

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:45:00 GMT

View our infographic below to learn more about the Atlantic bluefin, discover why its population has declined, and what must be done to help the species recover.

Fishing Fleets Increase Power, But Fish Are Harder to Catch

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:00:00 GMT

A new paper from the Sea Around Us Project, published online on June 19 in the journal Fish and Fisheries, maps global fishing effort patterns over time and describes how those patterns relate to the amount of catch.

COFI 30 Builds on Rio+20 Momentum

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Participants in the 30th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI 30) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which took place one month after the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), noted that Rio’s momentum could be used to address pressing ocean issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, management of shark fisheries, and sustainability of small-scale fisheries.

EU Commission Makes History with Proposal to Phase Out Bottom Trawling for Deep-Sea Species

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:15:00 GMT

In a move that will help protect one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, the European Commission today proposed phasing out destructive bottom trawling and bottom gillnetting among deep sea fishing fleets in the Northeast Atlantic. The Pew Environment Group praised EC Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, for the bold proposal to finally put an end to these unsustainable and destructive deep-sea fishing methods.

At Last, a Ray of Hope Reaches the Deep Sea

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:15:00 GMT

The future may finally be brighter for the countless animals living in the depths of the sea. In a long-awaited move, the European Commission today proposed a phase-out of the destructive practice of deep-sea bottom trawling in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.

How Corporate Control Squeezes Out Small Farms

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:35:00 GMT

Competition is a critical element of our free market economy and is particularly important in agriculture. Consumers understand almost instinctively that market domination by a single powerful business can lead to higher prices. Less obvious is the role that lack of competition has played in squeezing out small and midsize farms and ranches and in changing the nature of animal agriculture across the country.

Forage Fish Get Important Recognition, Thanks to You

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:25:00 GMT

Thanks to tens of thousands of comments, West Coast fishery managers have taken an important step to protect forage fish as the key link in a balanced and productive ocean ecosystem.

An Unfortunate Caveat for Northwest Fisheries

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 17:40:00 GMT

(Crosscut.com) The Pacific Fisheries Management Council — the body responsible for managing fish populations off Washington, Oregon and California — has decided to protect the sandlance, the saury, the grunion and other "forage fish" that form the vital bottom of the Pacific's vertebrate food chain — but not until next year.

Pew Urges House of Representatives to Oppose Efforts to Undermine States' Rights and to Derail Rules to Protect Farmers

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:30:00 GMT

In a letter to the House of Representatives, the Pew Environment Group urges lawmakers to reject new bills now moving through the House. The bills would repeal finalized regulations intended to help level the playing field for farmers who raise livestock under contract with large meat-processing companies.

More Than 180,000 Stakeholders Speak Out for Bluefin Tuna Protections

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The western Atlantic bluefin tuna population hovers at historically low numbers. But despite a ban on directed fishing for bluefin in the Gulf of Mexico—the fish’s only known spawning area—hundreds are killed each year by wasteful fishing practices.

Field Trip: Join Pew on a Hike through Oregon's John Day Region

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:15:00 GMT

2012-07-17 From its headwaters in Oregon’s Strawberry Mountain Range to its confluence with the Columbia River, the John Day River drains nearly 8,100 square miles in the central and northeastern parts of the state. The river, running between the Ochoco and Blue Mountains east of the Cascades, is the se

New Research in 'Science' Backs Up Alliance Call on Key Nations for Large-Scale Antarctic Marine Protection

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:05:00 GMT

The Antarctic Ocean Alliance has responded to new research in “Science” today, stating that Antarctica faces serious threats from fishing, climate change and other human impacts, by calling on the body that regulates the Antarctic marine environment to heed its call for large-scale protection.

Benefits of Rebuilding Global Marine Fisheries Outweigh Costs

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

A new paper in the peer-reviewed journal Public Library of Science One (PLoS One) estimated the costs and benefits of rebuilding the world’s ocean fisheries to sustainable levels. Dr. Rashid Sumaila and co-authors found that the economic benefits of healthier fish populations would surpass the costs of recovery in just 12 years.

Pew Environment Group Urges Senate to Reject Cloaked Attack on Contract Poultry Growers

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) has quietly attached a rider to the House agriculture appropriations bill that would effectively close off every avenue to a fair marketplace for contract chicken growers.

The Legacy Navigator: July 2012

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Get the latest news from Pew's Global Ocean Legacy program in their newsletter, The Legacy Navigator.

Coral Sea Marine Reserve: Fact Sheet and Myth-Buster

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:45:00 GMT

On 14 June 2012, Australia federal Environment Minister Tony Burke announced a national network of marine reserves, including the “jewel in the crown”—the Coral Sea.

Expedition Vanuatu

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:20:00 GMT

“Expedition Vanuatu” is a component of a large scale project called “A Pattern of Dolphins” (aPOD) that looks at the seascape genetics of insular populations of dolphins across Oceania.

Featured Wilderness: Oregon's Rogue River

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Southwestern Oregon’s remarkable Rogue River is the centerpiece of one of the most outstanding and ecologically rich landscapes in the United States. Starting high in the volcano-dotted Cascade Range, the Rogue River winds its way more than 200 miles through the rugged Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Your Wilderness - July 2012

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:30:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Mike Matz: Why Wilderness Makes Perfect Sense

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Exciting things happened in the last month that cast a shining light on public support for, and the economic benefits of, protecting wilderness. These events reaffirmed the view that these places are important as a legacy for future generations.

In Congress: A Mostly Rough Month for Wilderness

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:20:00 GMT

June was a busy month in Washington for the Campaign for America’s Wilderness, though not in the way we had hoped. The weather heated up, along with the rhetoric, as Congress debated anti-wilderness and forest management provisions included in H.R. 2578, the somewhat misnamed Conservation and Economic Growth Act.

Spotlight On: Great Outdoors America Week

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:10:00 GMT

President Obama declared June Great Outdoors Month, saying “America’s natural treasures and unique landscapes have always mirrored the rugged independence and cherished diversity that define our national character."

Going with the Flow: B.J. Traill Explores Australia's Magnificent Channel Country

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:50:00 GMT

Explore the vivid landscapes of Australia's Channel Country and take in the sheer scale of the bird migrations that make this area so captivating in a new article from Birdlife Australia.

What Does It Take to Accurately Certify Sustainable Seafood?

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:05:00 GMT

Over the past decade, numerous seafood certification and eco-labeling programs have been developed to provide incentives for sustainable fisheries management, responsible aquaculture production, and responsible seafood purchasing. However, a new report raises concerns about the potential misuse of guidelines published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

The Bottom Line: A Historic Milestone for America's Ocean Fish

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:40:00 GMT

In a little publicized but very important milestone, NOAA fisheries and the regional fishery management councils have completed a task set out by Congress in 2006: establishing enforceable, science-based annual catch limits (ACLs) that end and prevent overfishing.

Team to Study Belugas' Habits

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:40:00 GMT

(Winnipeg Free Press) Oceans North Canada, part of the Pew Environment Group, is teaming with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Manitoba Conservation to begin a three-year study project today, with Inuit support.

Navigating Global Shark Conservation Measures: Current Measures and Gaps

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:05:00 GMT

A new analysis by the Pew Environment Group, Navigating Global Shark Conservation Measures: Current Measures and Gaps, compiles existing management measures for sharks, highlights their inadequacies, and makes recommendations for improvements.

Sharks on a Collision Course

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:05:00 GMT

A new analysis, “Navigating Global Shark Conservation: Current Measures and Gaps,” the first global compendium of shark conservation and management measures, notes that although 55 percent of sharks that have enough data available to assess them (150 species) are threatened or near threatened with extinction, current shark management is woefully inadequate.

The Latest: Independence Day Gas Prices and You

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:25:00 GMT

The week of July 4th is one of the heaviest travel times of the year and the costs add up, especially with the price of gas. View our new infographic to learn how the proposed fuel efficiency standard of 54.5 mpg by 2025 could improve your future holiday plans.

An Open Letter to NOAA Regarding the 2012 Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:30:00 GMT

In an open letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Pew Environment Group writes to express concern regarding the lack of meaningful outcomes at the recent Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission meeting.

Failed! One Out of Ten for Sustainability as Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Concludes

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:10:00 GMT

Last week’s meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) which manages tuna fisheries across twenty percent of the world’s total ocean area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean was a step backwards for conservation, ignored science and failed endangered species, according to the Pew Environment Group.

Fish Dependence Day 2012

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 14:05:00 GMT

The European Union would run out of fish half way through the year if it were only to consume fish from its own waters. From July 7, Europeans start eating somebody else’s fish, as the EU becomes dependent on seafood from elsewhere.

Hudson Bay Beluga Project

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:10:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group’s Oceans North Canada, in cooperation with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the province of Manitoba, is launching a three-year study to gather data about how belugas rely on the estuaries of Hudson Bay and to assess the importance of protecting this habitat in the future.

Help Protect America's Waterways

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:15:00 GMT

The EPA is due to propose a rule this summer with the goal of ensuring that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are doing their part to protect the nation’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. However, the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and countless other rivers and streams are also polluted by CAFOs. Please ask President Obama to take action on this important rule.

The Bottom Line: Fatter Snapper Put Fishermen on a Diet

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:10:00 GMT

Recreational fishermen heading to the Gulf of Mexico face a conundrum if they want to hook a red snapper.

Shark Attack Survivor: Debbie Salamone, 46, Orlando, Florida

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:15:00 GMT

A shark severed Salamone’s Achilles tendon in 2004 as she waded in waist-deep water 50 feet from shore at Florida’s Cape Canaveral National Seashore.

Shark Attack Survivor: Achmat Hassiem, 30, Cape Town, South Africa

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Achmat Hassiem lost a leg in 2006 in an encounter with a great white shark while he and his brother were training to be lifeguards.

Shark Attack Survivor: Chuck Anderson, 56, Summerdale, Alabama

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:15:00 GMT

In 2000, triathlete Chuck Anderson was training 150 yards offshore in the Gulf of Mexico when an eight-foot bull shark lunged at him, attacking four times.

Shark Attack Survivor: Laurie Boyett, 63, Wakefield, Rhode Island

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Laurie Boyett was attacked while swimming 300 yards offshore on Kona, Hawaii, in 1999.

Shark Attack Survivor: Al Brenneka, 54, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Al Brenneka lost an arm in 1976 to a lemon shark while surfing at a South Florida beach. He found that few people could empathize with his situation and turned to counseling other survivors in 1986.

Shark Attack Survivor: Mike Coots, 32, Kauai, Hawaii

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT

In one swift move, a tiger shark tore off Coots’ leg while he was surfing off the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 1997. Coots caught a wave to shore and friends rushed him to the hospital. As he labored through months of recovery, he discovered a new hobby that eventually turned into a successful career: photography. Today, Coots’ clients include major hotels, surfing-related businesses and the Hawaii and Kauai visitor bureaus. And he surfs daily with a prosthetic leg.

Shark Attack Survivor: Krishna Thompson, 46, Long Island, New York

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Krishna Thompson lost his leg in 2001 after a struggle with a bull shark in the Bahamas. He and his wife were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary when Thompson set out alone on an early morning swim. The shark dragged him underwater and ripped away most of his leg.

Shark Attack Survivor: Kent Bonde, 53, Miami, Florida

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT

A bull shark attacked Kent Bonde in 2001 as he spearfished in a remote area off Grand Bahama Island, tearing away most of his left calf muscle.

Shark Attack Survivor: Mike Beach, 40, Miami Beach, Florida

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Mike Beach regularly fed Caribbean reef sharks in the Bahamas for his job as a dive tour guide, but in 1996, one feeding went horribly wrong. A shark sank its teeth into his calf.

Shark Attack Survivor: Scott Curatolo-Wagemann, 41, Long Island, New York

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:05:00 GMT

The movie "Jaws" inspired Curatolo-Wagemann to become a marine biologist. He conquered his fear of the water and became fascinated by sharks, which are often misunderstood. In 1994, Curatolo-Wagemann spent a semester at sea while earning his undergraduate degree in marine biology. Wading in three feet of water off a small island in the Bahamas, he encountered a lemon shark, which bit his leg, slicing into the muscles and tendons that control ankle movement.

Shark Attack Survivor: Paul de Gelder, 34, Sydney, Australia

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:05:00 GMT

A bull shark grabbed de Gelder by his arm and leg when the navy diver was on a training exercise in Sydney Harbor in 2009. He tried to fight back but was pulled under water and violently shaken.

Odd Alliance is Forged Over Access to Herring

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) There is no great love between Glenn Robbins, a bright-eyed third-generation fisherman, and the environmental lobby. Mr. Robbins grew up trapping Atlantic herring in cotton nets strung up in craggy coves off the Gulf of Maine. These days, he casts a net off a 104-foot boat, but catch restrictions limit those trips to twice a week, he says.

Protecting America's Arctic from Oil Spills

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:20:00 GMT

America's Arctic Ocean is home to some of the Earth’s least-disturbed large marine ecosystems. But warming temperatures and rapidly retreating sea ice are opening these remote waters to oil and gas exploration and vessel traffic. These activities carry the risk of accidents and oil spills that could damage fragile food webs and ruin vital habitat.

Protecting Life in the Arctic

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:35:00 GMT

Pew’s Arctic program promotes science- and community-based conservation that reduces potential risks to the U.S. Arctic Ocean from climate change and industrial development.

July 4th Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:20:00 GMT

Increasing fuel efficiency standards will not only save consumers money at the pump, but they also will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, decrease pollution, and promote investment in new clean transportation technologies.

Infographic: July 4th Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:40:00 GMT

July 4th marks one of the biggest travel holidays of the year, with Americans hitting the road to visit friends and family, go to the beach, or have a picnic and watch fireworks.

Setting Annual Catch Limits

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:45:00 GMT

The annual catch limit requirement is a cornerstone of U.S. fisheries management and has put our nation’s fish stocks on the path to sustainability.

After Rio+20, What Now for the Upcoming UN Fisheries Meeting?

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:40:00 GMT

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Committee on Fisheries will hold its 30th annual meeting 9-13 July, 2012 in Rome. The Committee on Fisheries (COFI) works to secure sustainable conservation and management of the world’s fisheries.

Press Materials: New DNA Study Reveals Fins of Endangered Shark in U.S. Soups

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:45:00 GMT

The following b-roll and photos are available for media use with related content ONLY.

FAD-Free Tuna

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:55:00 GMT

Tens of thousands of fish aggregating devices (FADs) are deployed every year by the world’s tuna purse-seine vessels. These artificial structures function as open-ocean “meeting places,” attracting schools of various species that gather beneath them.

Ahead Of Alaska Drilling, Shell Practices Cleaning Up

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:10:00 GMT

(NPR) Royal Dutch Shell could drill several exploratory oil wells into the waters off the north shore of Alaska this summer. The potential prize is huge, but so is the risk, should there be an oil spill in this pristine and remote region.

Historic Anniversary for Fishing in America's Oceans

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:50:00 GMT

Five years ago this month, President George W. Bush signed legislation revising and reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act into law, requiring strong measures to end and prevent overfishing.

Global Ocean Legacy: Marine Conservation for a New Century

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:15:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group, the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, created the Global Ocean Legacy project to protect and conserve some of the Earth’s most important and unspoiled marine ecosystems through the establishment of very large,
highly protected marine reserves, where extractive activity is not allowed.

Pew Responds to May 2012 Editorial in Sport Fishing Magazine

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Lee Crockett responds to an editorial published in Sport Fishing Magazine in May 2012 that was critical of Pew's support for a protected marine park in Australia's Coral Sea and claims that we are working for a similar effort in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ontario Implements Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:40:00 GMT

Ontario is the first Canadian province to incorporate a groundbreaking agreement between the forest products industry and conservation groups for the benefit of boreal forest lands.

Pew Applauds Senators Bingaman, Feinstein, and Snowe for Supporting Industrial Energy Efficiency

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Clean Energy Program, issued the following statement today supporting the ‘‘Expanding Industrial Energy and Water Efficiency Incentives Act of 2012’’ introduced by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA), and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) that incentivizes the adoption of combined heat and power and waste heat recovery projects.

Harness Heat to Create New Jobs and Enhance Competitiveness

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:20:00 GMT

Manufacturing and power generation creates large amounts of heat, which typically escapes through smokestacks into the air. With currently available, proven technologies we can capture this energy and use it to heat additional buildings or generate more electricity cheaply and reliably. Simply put, improving industrial efficiency means we can get more power from the same amount of natural gas, coal and other fuel sources.

Pew Praises Committee Action on Los Padres Wilderness Bill

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:15:00 GMT

Jim Mathews, policy manager of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement commending the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for holding a hearing today on legislation to safeguard 66,042 acres as wilderness in California’s Los Padres National Forest.

Obama Administration Lays Out Plan for Future Arctic Leases

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:45:00 GMT

On Tuesday, June 26, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar laid out the next steps for drilling in the U.S. Arctic and cleared the way for a new five-year offshore leasing plan to be issued later this week. In order to protect America’s extreme, remote, and fragile Arctic Ocean, exploration should not proceed without first protecting important biological areas and establishing Arctic-specific oil-spill prevention and response standards.

Policy Statement: Recommendations to the 30th Session of the Committee on Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (COFI)

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:40:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group recommends that FAO members take the following actions at the 30th Session of COFI.

Calls for Arctic Policy Intensify as Shell Nears Final OK for Exploration

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:15:00 GMT

(E&E News) The prospect of oil exploration this summer in Alaska's northernmost waters is triggering calls for Washington to take a more comprehensive international leadership role in managing a new era of economic, military and scientific development in the Arctic.

Editorial: In Our View: Wild & Scenic Compromise

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:40:00 GMT

(The Columbian) With the introduction of a bill that would expand protected wilderness areas on the Olympic Peninsula, two of Washington's congressional leaders have embraced a notion that appears to be rather outdated these days -- compromise.

Shell Is Likely to Receive Permits for Oil Drilling Off Alaska

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:40:00 GMT

(New York Times) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that the agency would grant Shell permits to begin drilling exploratory wells off the North Slope of Alaska as early as next month.

Salazar Announces ‘Targeted Leasing’ for Future Petroleum Lease Sales in Arctic Waters

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:15:00 GMT

(AP) A five-year offshore leasing plan to be announced later this week will include targeted Arctic waters off Alaska’s northern coast, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday.

Salazar: U.S. to Open More of Arctic Ocean to Oil, Gas Drilling

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:05:00 GMT

(LA Times) Even as the first offshore drilling in the Arctic in nearly two decades is poised to get underway, Obama administration officials said Tuesday they are preparing to open additional areas of the Arctic Ocean to oil and gas exploration.

Federal Ocean Programs: Good for the Economy

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:30:00 GMT

The marine resources of the United States provide vast economic returns on investments. The gross domestic product from industries that depend on the oceans far exceeds federal expenditures for ocean and coastal management by agencies such as the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of the Interior.

Fishing Fleets Grow but Catch Relatively Less

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(Nature) The world’s fishing fleets have expanded their range to cover most of the world’s oceans and have increased their fish-catching power tenfold, according to global analysis.

A Tuna Empire at Risk

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:30:00 GMT

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission faces tough issues to ensure legal and sustainable fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean.

Progress on the Sidelines as Rio Conference Ends

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT

(The New York Times) Burdened by low expectations, snarled by endless traffic congestion and shunned by President Obama, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development ended here as it began, under a shroud of withering criticism.

The Latest: Turning Point for Our Ocean

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features an update from Rio+20, a new shark sanctuary in Venezuela, and a big win for a little fish!

Some Progress at Rio, But No Time to Waste

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Today, Susan Lieberman, director of International Policy for the Pew Environment Group, released the following statement at the close of the Rio Earth Summit (Rio + 20).

Rio+20 Earth Summit Results in Nonbinding Declaration with Moderate Goals

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:15:00 GMT

(Washington Post) The global environment summit concluding Friday, which drew nearly 100 world leaders and more than 45,000 other people to Rio de Janiero and cost tens of millions of dollars, may produce one lasting legacy: Convincing people it’s not worth holding global summits.

Coral Sea Success

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:35:00 GMT

(Virgin) The OceanElders and many others have been working hard at Rio+20 to make sure our leaders introduce laws to protect the oceans. One such example is the new campaign to save the Arctic.

A Modern Poseidon

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:30:00 GMT

At the Rio+20 summit—the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro ending today, June 22—the ocean once again needed a protector. This meeting provided a unique opportunity for governments to make critical commitments for ocean protection.

Big Win for Small Fish: Protections Approved for Forage Fish on the East Coast

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Peter Baker, director of northeast fisheries programs for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement in response to the New England Fishery Management Council’s vote to approve plans that could help prevent the decline of river herring populations by regulating massive trawl vessels in the Atlantic Ocean.

Manitoba World Heritage Proposal Moves Forward

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:10:00 GMT

One of the world’s last remaining areas of intact southern boreal forest is a step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the submission of land-management plans by the Pauingassi and Little Grand Rapids First Nations to the province, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

Global Tuna Fishing

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:10:00 GMT

Tuna species are found throughout the world's oceans. Atlantic, Pacific, and southern bluefin tuna are prized for the sushi and sashimi market. Skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tunas are found mainly in the tropics, while albacore, like bluefin, are also found in temperate waters. These species are used for a mixture of canned and fresh products. Explore our graphics to learn more about how tuna are fished worldwide.

Pew Hails Bill to Protect Wild Olympics

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:25:00 GMT

Jon Owen, policy manager for Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement praising Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) for introducing a measure to permanently safeguard more than 126,000 acres on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula as wilderness and designate 19 rivers and tributaries as Wild and Scenic.

A Historic Vote for River Herring

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:45:00 GMT

On Wednesday, June 20, the New England Fishery Management Council voted on five key measures in the Atlantic herring fishery. Peter Baker, director of Northeast Fisheries Programs for the Pew Environment Group, discusses this major step forward and what it means for this small, but incredibly important fish and for the region's industrial Atlantic herring trawl fleet.

Editorial: Good News from Down Under

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:20:00 GMT

(New York Times) It will soon be much safer to be a fish in Australia, now that the country is planning to turn nearly one-third of its coastal waters into the world’s largest network of marine preserves.

Good on Ya, Mate! Australia Protects Incredibly Big Ocean Area

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:50:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) The Australian government has formed the world's largest network of ocean reserves. The network is anchored by a massive reserve in the Coral Sea. As we say, "Go you, Aussies."

Venezuela Ends Shark Finning, Creates Protected Area

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:10:00 GMT

Venezuela set forth a series of measures this week to protect sharks within its waters. Most significantly, commercial shark fishing is now prohibited throughout the 2,211 square kilometers (854 square miles) of the Caribbean Sea that make up the popular Los Roques Archipelago, whose pristine beaches and coral reefs make it a diving and fishing attraction.

Environmentalists Seek Protections for Unfished Species

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:20:00 GMT

(Santa Cruz Sentinel) Who cares about fish that no one seems to care about? Everybody, it seems.

House Votes to Put Public Lands at Risk

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:45:00 GMT

On June 19, 2012, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to give operational control of all of America’s public lands to one agency: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). H.R. 2578 includes the National Security and Federal Land Protection Act as well as 13 other bills, and would suspend outright 16 environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act, within 100 miles of U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.

Pew Praises Charest's Commitment at Rio to Improve Quebec's Plan Nord Legislation

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:15:00 GMT

Mathew Jacobson of the Pew Environment Group’s boreal campaign issued the following statement today after Quebec Premier Jean Charest committed to amend Plan Nord legislation now under consideration by the province’s National Assembly.

Quebec Cheered, Ottawa Jeered at Global Green Gathering

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 22:40:00 GMT

(Globe and Mail ) While Canada is being condemned at a major international gathering on environmental protection and sustainable development in Brazil, Jean Charest is reaping praise for the work Quebec is doing to bolster the long-term health of the planet.

House Votes to Log Old Growth Forest, Waive Environmental Laws

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 22:25:00 GMT

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to allow logging in the heart of Alaska’s ancient rainforest and waive fundamental conservation laws, including the Endangered Species Act, within 100 miles of U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada.

Bermuda's Legacy

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:00:00 GMT

As overfishing takes its toll on fish populations around the world, the vulnerability of our waters comes into focus. The Blue Halo would demonstrate Bermuda’s commitment to addressing the global problem of illegal fishing and provide us with the necessary tools to enforce a no-fishing zone. At the same time, turning the outer parts of our EEZ into a world-class marine sanctuary would actually benefit our fishermen.

Pew Reacts to Rio+20 Document

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Negotiators meeting in Rio, Brazil at the Earth Summit known as Rio+20 have finalized a 49-page document which will now go to Heads of State.

NGO Supports Snapper Policy

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:45:00 GMT

(fishnewseu.com) Friday's decision by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, to allow limited red snapper fishing in the South Atlantic after a two-and-a-half year moratorium, has garnered the support of an environmental NGO.

The Bottom Line: Bluefin Tuna Need You Now

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:30:00 GMT

In the Gulf of Mexico, surface longlines intended to catch yellowfin tuna and swordfish indiscriminately catch and kill more than 80 other species of ocean wildlife, including severely depleted western Atlantic bluefin tuna. This species is particularly at risk: Scientific studies have identified it as a distinct population (as compared to eastern Atlantic bluefin) that reproduces only in the Gulf.

Little Forage Fish Make a Big Difference in the Pacific

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:45:00 GMT

The Pacific Fish Conservation Campaign is asking the Pacific Fishery Management Council to hold off on fishing on currently unmanaged species of forage fish, such as smelt, saury, and sandlance. These fish play a critical role in marine ecosystems, because they feed off plankton before becoming food for predators including marine mammals, sea birds, and predator fish. The Pew Environment Group's Paul Shively and Steve Marx explain why everyone benefits from protecting these species.

Red Snapper Moratorium to be Lifted in Georgia

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:20:00 GMT

(WABE) For more than two years now, there’s been a moratorium on Red Snapper Fishing off the Southeast coast. But it appears anglers will soon be able to fish the species once again.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the Ocean?

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:05:00 GMT

As the world gears up for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, better protection for the ocean has emerged as an urgent priority.

Sanctuary: Last Stand for Sharks in Micronesia

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:30:00 GMT

On Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23 in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, the Pew Environment Group will host public screenings of Sanctuary: The Last Stand for Sharks in Micronesia, a new documentary that portrays the underwater world of sharks and the global threat they face today.

Now is the Time to Help Bluefin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Scroll through our interactive timeline to learn about the history of surface longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and potential solutions that would help protect depleted bluefin tuna and other threatened ocean wildlife.

Big Opportunity to Protect a Giant Fish

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:50:00 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering major policy changes for the management of Atlantic bluefin tuna. NOAA should encourage the transition from conventional longlines to more selective gears and prohibit surface longlining year-round in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alaska's Tongass Forest Sparks Battle Over Logging

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 21:00:00 GMT

(Reuters) Environmental advocates readied for battle in Congress this week over what they maintain is an erosion of protections for the biggest, oldest trees in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, often called the crown jewel of the U.S. forest system.

Tongass Old-Growth at Stake as House Vote Nears

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:25:00 GMT

As Congress prepares to vote on a bill that would transfer some of America’s last remaining old-growth national forests to a single corporation, an open letter from world-leading scientists raises serious concerns with the plan.

Video Updates: Pew Reacts to Developments at Rio+20

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Visit this page for video updates and reactions from new developments at the Rio+20 conference.

Mini Snapper Seasons Proposed

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:35:00 GMT

(News-Journal) A brief red snapper fishing season is expected to begin in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast later this year, ending a two-year federal ban and giving fishermen hope for catching more snapper in years to come.

Red Snapper Back on the Menu - Soon

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 14:55:00 GMT

(TC Palm) During a weekend in the not too distant future, the red snapper derby will begin.

Environment Group Worried for KI in Marine Parks Plan

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 21:20:00 GMT

(ABC News) A planned network of marine parks will include more areas off the South Australia coast.

Extended Protection for Australian Seas in ‘World First’ Reserve Network

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:22:50 GMT

(Nature) Australia’s government has unveiled its final plans for the world’s largest network of marine reserves, and assuaged the fears of many conservationists who said earlier proposals did not go far enough in protecting the country’s unique wildlife.

Penguins and Petroleum - Lessons in Conservation Ecology: Dee Boersma (Pew Marine Fellow, 1997)

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:50:00 GMT

In a paper published in the May issue of the Frontiers of Ecology and Evolution, Dee Boersma, Wadsworth Endowed Chair in Conservation Science at the University of Washington, discusses the problem of illegal petroleum discharge and describes how small policy actions can result in major improvements for wildlife.

Tongass National Forest: Protecting America's Irreplaceable Old Growth

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:15:00 GMT

The Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska is the country’s largest. Often called the crown jewel of the National Forest System, its 17 million acres—an area roughly the size of West Virginia—make up the core of one of the world’s largest coastal temperate rain forests.

Red Snapper Fishing Set to Reopen after 2.5-year Moratorium

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s vote to allow limited red snapper fishing in the South Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida.

Avoiding Empty Ocean Commitments at Rio+20: Callum Roberts (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:25:00 GMT

In a paper published in the Policy Forum section of the 15 June 2012 Science, Susan Lieberman, deputy director of International Policy for the Pew Environment Group; Daniel Pauly, professor at the University of British Columbia's Fisheries Centre; and Callum Roberts, professor at the University of York, discuss how the principles of sustainable management of marine capture fisheries and the protection of biodiversity are established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its implementing agreement.

Kristina Gjerde and Colleague Publish 'Marine Protected Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction - Some Practical Perspectives for Moving Ahead' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Despite strong legal duties and political commitments for marine conservation and ecosystem-based management, biodiversity in the high seas and the Area (jointly referred to as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)) is under increasing threat, according to Kristina Gjerde, high seas policy advisor for the IUCN, and a colleague.

Marine Reserve Compensation 'A Drop in the Ocean'

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:22:19 GMT

(Sydney Morning Herald) Commercial fishermen are set to receive compensation of about $100 million to help them adjust to the establishment of the world's largest network of marine reserves around Australia, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said this morning.

Fishers' Fury Over Marine Parks Plan

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:00:00 GMT

(The Advocate) The federal government faces a fight with the fishing industry over planned marine reserves.

Fishers' Fury over Marine Parks Plan(2)

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:10:00 GMT

(The Advocate) The federal government faces a fight with the fishing industry over planned marine reserves.

Federal Panel OKs Plan to Allow Limited Red-Snapper Fishing

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Orlando Sentinel) For the first time in more than two years, anglers would be able to legally catch red snapper later this year under a plan approved Friday to allow a couple of three-day fishing weekends.

Australia's New Marine Park Proposal Continues to Spark Controversy

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(ABC News) There's been a mixed response from conservationists, and the fishing and tourism industries in Australia to a government proposal to significantly expand the country's network of marine reserves.

Fishery Council Votes to Lift Harvest Ban on Red Snapper

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(TC Palm) Freshly caught red snapper is returning to the dinner table later this year.

The Latest: Australia Announces World's Largest System of Marine Parks

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:45:00 GMT

SPECIAL EDITION Australia Announces World's Largest System of Marine Parks This week marked an exciting moment in marine conservation history, with Australia’s decision to create the world’s largest system of marine parks.

Infographic: A Busy Summer for an Ocean Giant

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Today, the Mediterranean purse-seine season comes to an end after a furious monthlong race to fish for bluefin tuna. View our new infographic below to learn more about this important fish, discover why its population has declined, and what must be done to help the species recover.

Australia Limits Fishing, Oil, Gas Exploration in Oceans and Seas

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:55:00 GMT

(International Business Times) The creation of 44 marine parks across Australia will make about one-third of Australian waters off-limits to fishing, oil and gas exploration.

Australia Creates World’s Largest Marine Reserve Network

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:35:00 GMT

(Smithsonian) Australia will establish the world’s largest network of marine reserves, the country’s environment minister, Tony Burke, announced yesterday evening. The reserves will cover nearly 1.2 million square miles—a third of the nation’s waters—of reef and marine life around the country’s borders.

Big Fish, Little Fish: Fisheries Council Looks at Preemptive Protection

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:05:00 GMT

(Crosscut.com) Save the sandlance. And the saury. And the grunion. All are "forage fish," the real-world small fish that big fish eat. They're all little plant-eaters that school together and get munched by tuna, salmon, or other critters higher up the food chain. For many species, being small and tasty is a phase. For forage fish, that's as good as it gets.

Pew Marine Fellow Scott Baker Studies Dolphins in Gauguin's Paradise

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:20:00 GMT

The Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia are among the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. Best known as the setting for Herman Melville’s first novel, “Typee”, and as the “paradise” that inspired French painter Paul Gauguin, the Marquesas are also a hot spot for dolphin diversity.

Australia to Announce Historic Ocean Protections

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:10:00 GMT

(Voxy) Australia is expected to announce an historic decision today to create the world's largest network of marine protected areas, including a massive fully protected marine reserve in the Coral Sea, a move hailed by the Pew Environment Group.

Labor Set to Announce Massive Marine Reserves

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:05:00 GMT

(AAP) Fishing, oil and gas exploration are set to be limited when the federal government introduces a world-first network of marine reserves around Australia.

Coral Sea Protected

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:50:00 GMT

(G Magazine) East of the Great Barrier Reef lies one of the last remaining intact tropical ecosystems in the world, and the Gillard government has today protected it from mining and fishing.

Juan Carlos Castilla Honored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:15:00 GMT

On 14 June the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) honored the conservation work of Juan Carlos Castilla.

Video: Government Unveils Plan for Marine Park Network

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:40:00 GMT

(ABC News) Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has released a new plan for a huge network of marine parks around Australia.

House Set to Waive Environmental Laws for Security Agency Along Border

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:50:00 GMT

(The Hill) The House is slated to vote next week on controversial legislation that would exempt the Department of Homeland Security from more than 30 environmental and land-management laws within 100 miles of the border with Mexico and Canada.

Press Photos: The Los Roques Archipelago

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:15:00 GMT

The following photos are available for media use with related content ONLY.

Hammerhead Sharks

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:50:00 GMT

The scalloped hammerhead shark, one of the most distinctive creatures on the planet, is subject to targeted fisheries, illegal fishing, and fishery bycatch throughout the world.

Australia to Create World's Largest Marine Reserves

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:45:00 GMT

(USA Today) The Australian government says it will create the world's largest network of marine reserves, which will cover more than 1.1 million square miles of ocean.

Silky Shark

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Silky sharks can be found in oceanic and coastal areas in tropical waters around the globe. They are both targeted and caught as bycatch and are often associated with fish aggregating devices (FADs). Fishing pressure from longline and purse seines targeting tuna and swordfish is high for this species, especially in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Silky shark fins are relatively high-valued and are the third most commonly traded species in the fin trade.

Policy Statement: Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:11:45 GMT

Pew remains concerned about the health of tuna populations in the eastern Pacific region based on data from 2011 and the results of recent stock assessments.

Australia Announces Historic Ocean Protections

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:55:00 GMT

Australia is expected to announce an historic decision today to create the world's largest network of marine protected areas, including a massive fully protected marine reserve in the Coral Sea, a move hailed by the Pew Environment Group.

Marine Reserves in Australia, California Gather Steam

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:50:00 GMT

(Washington Post) The Australian government announced Thursday that it is creating the world’s largest network of marine reserves, a patchwork of protected areas covering more than 1.1 million square miles of ocean.

Spotlight On: Border Bill

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:50:00 GMT

The National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act (H.R. 1505) is far-reaching legislation in every sense. Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), it grants broad new policing powers to federal border agents and allows them to ignore nearly 40 environmental and biodiversity preservation laws, international agreements, and public processes within a 100-mile band along the nation’s northern and southern borders.

Featured Wilderness: New Mexico's Columbine Hondo

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:20:00 GMT

High above Taos, NM, just east of town, rise the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a rugged range doubling as a scenic backdrop and water purifier for the community. Nestled within these mountains is the Columbine Hondo, a high alpine ecosystem home to mule deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion that is also full of recreational opportunities.

Congress Takes Aim at Green Pentagon Programs

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:00:00 GMT

(On Point) The U.S. military is the country’s number one energy consumer. All those warships, planes, Humvees and bases drink a lot of oil. The Pentagon has made a loud, high priority of wanting to get to alternative fuels, green fuels, as an issue of national security. Safer supplies. Less volatile prices.

Press Materials: Australia's Marine Reserve Network

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Marine Protection Draft Maps Released

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:45:00 GMT

(9 News) Areas under consideration for marine protection include a vast area of the Coral Sea, off Queensland, which would join up with the Great Barrier Reef, and waters off Western Australia's southwest from Geraldton to Esperance.

Banning Wire Leaders: A Practical Solution for Reducing Shark Bycatch in Pelagic Longlines

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Longlines are used to target and catch swordfish, tuna and other valuable fish. But they also catch many other species, including sharks, which are often thrown back in the water dead or dying.

Fishing with Pew: Discovering the Importance of Forage Fish

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:50:00 GMT

In a new episode of Angler West, Pew's Paul Shively and Steve Marx spend a few days fishing on the Willamette and Columbia rivers and see the importance of forage fish firsthand.

Overview: Global Ocean Legacy - Easter Island

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:50:00 GMT

In 2011, Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy program began exploring the concept of a large marine park within Easter Island Province’s Exclusive Economic Zone, in consultation with the Chilean central government and Rapa Nui representatives.

Obama's Wilderness Legacy Remains Uncertain

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:30:00 GMT

(The Washington Post) President Obama’s wilderness record remains largely unwritten. He has declared two historic sites, totaling less than 15,000 acres, as national monuments. The one wilderness bill he signed — establishing 2.1 million acres of wilderness in nine states, including Virginia, Michigan and Oregon — came from a bipartisan deal struck by the Bush administration.

Military's Plan for a 'Green' Future Has Congress Seeing Red

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 22:00:00 GMT

(CNN) The Defense Department has a grand vision for the U.S. military's energy future, including "green"-powered fleets, jets and trucks. But members of Congress are hung up on the dollar signs that come with going green.

The Ocean in the Rio Process: Past and Present

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:30:00 GMT

The ocean will be one of the seven top priority issues on the table at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, a reflection of growing international and public awareness of both the threats it is facing and the values it provides.

RE: Comments on the Development of Comprehensive Ecosystem-based Amendment 3 and the Potential Opening of the Red Snapper Fishery

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:50:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group offered comments for consideration by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding the development of alternatives in the Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 3 to end overfishing for speckled hind and Warsaw grouper.

New Channel Launches to Broadcast About the Ocean From the Rio+20 Earth Summit

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:25:00 GMT

A new multi-media channel launches today (June 8th) in the run up to the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Providing rolling updates on ocean issues from today onwards, the platfrom will begin broadcasting news coverage from Rio+20 on June 16th until the end of the Summit on the 22nd.

Europeans Call on their Decision-Makers to End Overfishing

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Today is World Oceans Day, and OCEAN2012 is launching the third European Fish Weeks, when citizens across Europe will organise public events in 12 EU member states to raise awareness of overfishing and of decision-makers’ responsibility to end it.

The Future We Want on World Oceans Day

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Today, people around the world celebrate our ocean and call for its conservation. Covering 70 percent of the planet, its vast waters provide food, oxygen, jobs, and more. Although we heavily depend on the ocean, new fishing technologies, pollution, lax regulation, and a growing global human population with its higher demand for fish have all put the ocean’s health at risk.

Comments Regarding the Interim Rule for Gray Triggerfish

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:05:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group submitted comments regarding temporary rule changes for Gulf gray triggerfish.

Doubling Industrial Energy Efficiency

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Each year, America’s utilities and factories send enough heat up their chimneys to power all of Japan annually. But with proven technologies, we can harness that waste energy and put it to work heating buildings and generating additional electricity.

European Fish Weeks: End Overfishing or Fishing Will be Over

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:35:00 GMT

Europe’s fishing grounds were once among the most productive in the world. But poor management has resulted in serious depletion of fish populations, ecosystem degradation and damage to species, habitats and sites protected by EU environmental legislation.

A Fish Shape to End Overfishing

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:30:00 GMT

All European Fish Weeks activities will share three things: a common message, end overfishing; the involvement of an MEP; and participants making a fish shape. A fish what? We mean groups of people gathering together in the shape of a fish to demonstrate their awareness of overfishing and their desire to see politicians ending it.

The Latest: Honduras President Burns Confiscated Shark Fins

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 20:10:00 GMT

One year after President Porfirio Lobo Sosa declared a shark sanctuary in Honduran waters, he joined law enforcement officials in the burning of hundreds of illegal shark fins.

The Pentagon is Stopped from Going Green

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:15:00 GMT

(Boston Globe) When a bunch of Birkenstock-wearing environmentalists clamor for cleaner energy alternatives — biofuels, solar, or wind — it’s not entirely a surprise when Senate Republicans scoff in response.

The Fish You Need to Know

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(Trust Magazine) Save the whales? Check. Save the sharks? Check. Save the menhaden? Save the what?

Video: Cartoonist Jim Toomey on Sharks and Ocean Health

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Jim Toomey, renowned ocean life cartoonist, says there’s a lot we can learn from Sherman the shark.

Pew Environment Group Urges Senators to Support America's Independent Livestock Farmers and Ranchers

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 13:40:00 GMT

A handful of multimillion-dollar meatpacking companies dominate the animal agriculture industry. Their consolidated power enables them to control the market, at the expense of farmers and ranchers. By limiting independent producers’ access to processing plants and primarily buying and trading livestock among themselves, giant meatpackers are able to artificially lower the prices that farmers and ranchers receive for their livestock.

'A Pattern of Dolphins' joins Expedition Marquesas

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:41:57 GMT

Garry Russ and Colleague Publish 'Larval Export From Marine Reserves and the Recruitment Benefit For Fish and Fisheries' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1999)

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:40:00 GMT

Garry Russ, professor at James Cook University, and colleagues have published a paper in the 5 June 2012 issue of Current Biology in which they argue that, although the reproductive potential of important fishery species can dramatically increase inside marine reserves, the extent to which larval offspring are exported and the relative contribution of reserves to recruitment in fished and protected populations are unknown.

Bigger Isn't Better

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:55:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) Over time, farming has become more centralized, and scaled-up operations are so large that they could scarcely be termed "farms" any longer. These concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) condensed the raising of animals to particular regions, many with insufficient nearby cropland to effectively use the manure all those chickens, hogs, and other animals create.

Callum Roberts: If Seas Are To Survive, We Need a New Deal For the Oceans (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 19:20:00 GMT

An interview with Callum Roberts, a marine conservation biologist at the University of York, was published in the 2 June 2012 issue of The Guardian regarding his recent book Ocean of Life, which provides a detailed analysis of the woes that beset the world’s oceans: from plastic pollution to oil slicks; from melting icecaps to rising levels of acid waters; and from disintegrating coral reefs to spreading blooms of toxic algae.

Your Wilderness - June 2012

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:05:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

In Congress: A Spring Blossoming on Wilderness

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 16:55:00 GMT

April showers did not come to Washington, DC, until early May this year. As a result, even in light of the mild winter, spring flowers were a little late in arriving. The same cannot be said about efforts to protect wilderness—with the introduction of one more bill to protect special wild lands.

Building the Pacific Island MPA Endowments: Gauging Progress in Kiribati and Micronesia

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Some of the most ambitious MPA programs in the world—in terms of the size of area to be protected and the fundraising needed to support those MPAs—are in the South Pacific, according to an article published in the May/June 2012 issue of MPA News.

As Regulators Meet, Fishing Boats Thumb Their Noses

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) Talk about timing. As American and European fisheries officials met this week in Brussels to talk about, among other things, the problem of illegal and unregulated fishing, Chinese boats were illegally in the Mediterranean, making a mockery of efforts to manage the bluefin tuna fishing season.

Shell Poised for Alaska Prospects

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 GMT

(Alaska Business Monthly) Royal Dutch Shell PLC is poised to drill for oil this summer in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska after spending nearly $4 billion and waiting out more than five years of delay.

Pew, Ducks Unlimited Sign 10-Year Pact for Boreal Protection

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:15:00 GMT

After a decade of unprecedented progress toward protecting Canada’s boreal, Pew Charitable Trusts and Ducks Unlimited Inc. will extend their partnership for another 10 years and redouble efforts to safeguard the largest intact forest on earth.

Honduran Authorities Burn Confiscated Shark Fins

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:30:00 GMT

One year after President Porfirio Lobo Sosa created a permanent shark sanctuary in Honduran waters, he joined the country’s top law enforcement officials today to watch the burning of hundreds of illegal shark fins.

Ocean Legacy a Source of Pride

Thu, 31 May 2012 20:10:00 GMT

(Salem Statesman Journal) With its dramatic and majestic views, the Oregon seashore draws visitors from around the world. But the discussion about how best to protect and manage what lies beneath the crashing waves is crucial to maintaining these beautiful seascapes.

Pew Applauds New EU International Trade Protection for Porbeagle Shark

Thu, 31 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group today applauded the European Union for its action to protect the porbeagle shark—which is critically endangered in parts of the North Atlantic—from being killed for its fins and meat.

Governance and Governability of Coastal Shellfisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Omar Defeo and Juan Carlos Castilla (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010 and 1996)

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:50:00 GMT

In a paper published in the 31 May 2012 issue of Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Omar Defeo, professor at the Universidad de la República, and Juan Carlos Castilla, professor at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, discuss coastal shellfisheries management and governance models in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) at different scales.

Caribbean Wins the Seaweed Olympics: Peter Mumby (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:45:00 GMT

The picture-postcard beauty of Caribbean reefs owes much to the living corals that build reefs and contribute startling white sand to beaches. Coral reefs might seem to be a tranquil environment but in fact a battle is constantly waged between corals and seaweeds that fight over space.

Video: Cartoonist Jim Toomey On Bermuda's Blue Halo

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Jim Toomey, creator of the nationally syndicated daily comic strip Sherman’s Lagoon, is a believer – in Bermuda’s Blue Halo, that is. In a new video, Jim and his underwater critters add their support to Pew Environment Group’s Global Ocean Legacy Bermuda Blue Halo initiative, which proposes the designation of a highly protected marine reserve in the waters between Bermuda’s local fishing area and its 200-mile exclusive economic zone boundary.

Letter to the Pacific Fishery Management Council Re: Agenda Item G.1 - Consideration of Forage Fish Management Issues

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:20:00 GMT

Steve Marx, senior associate with the Pacific Fish Conservation Campaign, provided written testimony calling for the Pacific Fishery Management Council to clearly establish an objective of protecting unmanaged forage species from unregulated harvest by bringing them into a fishery management plan.

Canada Must Protect High Arctic Fisheries

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:05:00 GMT

(Calgary Herald) Something never before seen in human history has occurred at the end of each Arctic summer for the past five years: open water in up to 40 per cent of the international portion of the central Arctic Ocean.

International Policy: Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) 2013 Annual Meeting

Thu, 31 May 2012 15:49:23 GMT

As the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, or IATTC convenes for its 85th annual meeting in Veracruz, Mexico in June, the Pew Charitable Trusts is urging this body to ensure that tuna and shark fishing within its area is legal and sustainable.

World-Renowned Oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle to Lecture on the Sargasso Sea, the 'Blue Halo,' and Bermuda's Leadership in Marine Conservation

Wed, 30 May 2012 19:05:00 GMT

The Sargasso Sea and Bermuda’s important role in conserving this unique marine environment—especially the area within its waters—will be the subject of a lecture this week by world-renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Pew Urges United States and European Union to Crack Down on Illegal Use of Driftnets

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:10:00 GMT

At a bilateral meeting tomorrow in Brussels, high-ranking officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the European Commission will discuss the problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the ongoing use of illegal driftnets in the Mediterranean.

Fragile Ocean Under Scrutiny for Creation of World's Largest Marine Park

Tue, 29 May 2012 14:50:00 GMT

(The Australian) In the near future, the Federal Government will decide on the creation of a marine park system around Australia, including whether to establish the world's largest highly protected marine national park in the Coral Sea.

EU Fishing Reforms Face Weakening

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(BBC) Talks on Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform are seeing important changes in moves to eliminate discards, reduce fishing fleets and rebuild fish stocks.

Senate Armed Services Committee Approves Anti-Biofuel Amendments

Fri, 25 May 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(Biodiesel Magazine) On May 24 the Senate Committee on Armed Services completed the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013.

Callum Roberts Publishes 'Ocean of Life: How Our Seas are Changing' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Fri, 25 May 2012 18:35:00 GMT

In a new book, titled The Ocean of Life: How Our Seas are Changing, Callum Roberts, marine conservation biologist and senior lecturer at the University of York, England, uses his lifetime’s experience working with the oceans to show why they are the most mysterious places on earth, their depths still largely unexplored.

Phone Briefing: Rio+20 - One Month Out

Fri, 25 May 2012 17:35:00 GMT

On Friday, May 25, the Pew Environment Group, the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hosted a media phone briefing about the approaching U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20.

Memorial Day Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:35:00 GMT

If proposed fuel efficiency standards—which would require cars and light trucks to get 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025—were in place today, drivers would save at least $67 million this Memorial Day weekend.

Clean Energy Business Network May Update

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:25:00 GMT

Welcome to the Pew Clean Energy Business Network’s Clean Energy stories for the week of May 14, 2012. As a service to the Clean Energy Business Network, Pew provides weekly articles on clean energy topics and news.

DoD Can Lead The Way On Energy Security

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Today the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to restrict efforts by the Department of Defense (DOD) to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. This will hurt the DOD’s efforts to protect its budget from oil price shocks, diversify its energy mix and ensure security of supply. This is a step backwards.

Memorial Day Gas Prices and Fuel Efficiency

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:25:00 GMT

This weekend marks the beginning of the summer 2012 driving season, and saving money at the pump is on everyone’s mind. More than 31 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes over the Memorial

Calls to Expand Marine Protection in Coral Sea

Fri, 25 May 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Sydney Morning Herald) Environment Minister Tony Burke is under growing pressure to expand the marine park planned for northern Australia's Coral Sea, with MPs from his own side calling for stronger protection of the reefs and tropical waters in the wake of a massive public campaign.

The Latest: Recipes for Success

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. Get sustainable seafood recipes from top chefs, take action to protect little fish, learn about wilderness champions, and a new marine reserve in Oregon!

Senate Panel Cuts Off Navy’s Biofuel Buys

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 GMT

(Wired) The Navy’s ambitious renewable-energy plans aren’t sunk quite yet. But they took a major hit Thursday, when the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to all-but-ban the military from buying alternative fuels.

Editorial: A Good Start On the Way To a Coherent Energy Policy

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:40:00 GMT

(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ) There's been a sighting this spring of that rarest of birds in Washington: a national energy bill. The bill by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) has fluttered around a bit, will probably appear at a Senate committee hearing and then is expected to go the way of all good energy bills: into extinction.

Senate Armed Services Committee Votes to Restrict Department of Defense Clean Energy Initiatives

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:40:00 GMT

Today a slim majority of the Senate Armed Services Committee chose to restrict efforts by the Department of Defense (DoD) to reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

Seahorses and the “Onion World”: Amanda Vincent (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:25:00 GMT

In a recent profile by Cambridge University, Amanda Vincent, director of Project Seahorse and holds the Canada Research Chair in Marine Conservation in the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia, talks about the importance of seahorses and a holistic approach to marine conservation.

Senate Panel is Asked to Reject Biofuel Restrictions

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(Detroit News) Advocates of biofuels urged the Senate Armed Services Committee to reject efforts to restrict the Defense Department's use of biofuels.

Wilderness Is our Common Ground

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Across the United States, people from all backgrounds—from business owners to real estate agents, and ranchers to sportsmen—are working together to ensure that their favorite wild places can remain as they are. Collaborating across party lines and putting aside differences, they have found a common goal that unites them in the work of protecting wilderness.

The Bottom Line: A Small 'Catch' in Recent Fisheries Coverage

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Last week, the New York Times published a blog and an editorial recognizing the progress made in the management of U.S. ocean fisheries. Overall, more than 100 newspapers across the country have covered a promising new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that I discussed in my most recent blog post.

Lessons to Heed for Drilling in the Arctic Ocean

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:15:00 GMT

The second anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster passed with little fanfare last month. But with our government on the brink of allowing the oil industry to explore in America's remote Arctic Ocean this summer, it is worth revisiting some of the lessons learned from the biggest oil spill in the nation's history.

Biofuels Innovation Strengthens Our Energy Security

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:35:00 GMT

America deserves its reputation for innovation. Throughout our history, the public and private sectors have collaborated to invent and commercialize technologies that have propelled the economy and improved our quality of life in transportation, agriculture, and telecommunications.

Protect Forage Fish, Cornerstone of Our Ocean's Food Web

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:10:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) While salmon may be iconic, we must not forget to protect the health and numbers of the cornerstone of our ocean's food web — namely, the less-well-known forage fish.

Pew Responds to Op-Ed in Panama City News Herald

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:20:00 GMT

Holly Binns responds to an op-ed published in the Panama City News Herald on May 14, 2012 that was critical of Pew's efforts to end overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Recipes for Success

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:55:00 GMT

2012-05-23 The federal law that sets conservation requirements for ocean fisheries, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) has not only made a positive impact on U.S. fish populations; it has also made a difference to some of the country’s most successful chefs and restaurant own

Alliance Launches Report Calling for Protection for 19 Critical Antarctic Marine Areas

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

This latest research by the Antarctic Ocean Alliance has identified over 40 percent of the Southern Ocean that warrants protection and the Alliance has called for the establishment of the world’s largest network of Marine Protected Areas and no-take marine reserves to protect 19 key Antarctic marine habitats.

Oregon Designates Network of Marine Reserves

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:35:00 GMT

Landmark legislation signed by Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber designates three marine reserves and protected areas off Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, and Cape Perpetua.

Our Ocean Coalition Applauds Oregon's First System of Marine Reserves

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Our Ocean, a statewide coalition of Oregon conservationists, scientists, ocean users, local and business leaders, applauded Gov. John Kitzhaber for signing landmark conservation legislation today that designates three marine reserves and protected areas off Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, and Cape Perpetua.

Overwhelming Response for Coral Sea Protection Push

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:30:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) Almost half a million Australians say they want more protection for the Coral Sea - and those behind the campaign say its one of Australia's most highly supported environment issues.

How Overfishing Impacts You: Subsidising Fishing - How Many Times Must We Pay for Our Fish

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

When you buy your fish at the supermarket or fishmonger, you might think that’s the only time you pay for your fish. Well, you would be wrong. This briefing exposes how Europeans are paying again and again for the same fish caught by EU vessels.

Ecology of Columbia Estuary Under the Microscope

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:20:00 GMT

(The Daily Astorian) The three-day Columbia River Estuary Conference, which delved into new scientific findings and their management implications, concluded Thursday in Astoria.

Fiorenza Micheli and Colleagues Publish 'The Persistence of Long Ecological Interaction Chains in Less-Disturbed Ecosystems' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Human impact on biodiversity usually is measured by reduction in species abundance or richness, according to a paper by Fiorenza Micheli, associate professor at Stanford University, and colleagues published in the 17 May 2012 issue of Scientific Reports.

Letter to Senate Armed Services Committee, Pew Calls on Senate to Support Alternative Fuels

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

On behalf of the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, I am writing to urge you to support the Department of Defense’s (DOD) efforts to accelerate production of American-made, advanced, “drop-in” biofuels for use in military jets, ships, and vehicles. Advanced biofuels can help power our military, address security of supply, mitigate price volatility, diversify military fuel supplies and enhance U.S. national security.

A Bright Future for Renewable Energy

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The current market for the renewable energy sector in the United States and around the world is a mix of challenge and opportunity. However, the long-term future of clean energy is bright.

The Bottom Line: A Short Season for Big Fish

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

This year’s purse-seine fishing for bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea kicked off this week, but don’t blink or you might miss it.

Do We Know Enough to Ensure Safe Arctic Drilling?

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:45:00 GMT

(New Scientist) For the oil and gas industry, the Arctic Ocean is the final frontier. Beneath the ocean floor lies an estimated 90 billion barrels of recoverable oil - about 13 per cent of the global total. As the sea ice retreats and traditional sources of hydrocarbons dwindle, the pressure to drill is becoming irresistible.

DoD Energy Initiatives for Military Operations: Myths and Facts

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:25:00 GMT

DoD has a comprehensive effort to improve energy security in military operations. DoD's efforts in this area are new and sometimes misunderstood. That's why we've compiled the facts about DoD energy initiatives.

Governments Take Weak Stance on the Ocean

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Susan Lieberman, director of international policy at the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the lack of necessary action on high seas biodiversity conservation at the United Nations BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) meeting, which concluded Friday.

OCEAN2012 Asks for the Elimination of Fishing Subsidies

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:20:00 GMT

(FIS) Environmental coalition OCEAN2012 has sharply criticised what it refers to as “excessive” European Union (EU) fishing subsidies ahead of an EU Fisheries Council Meeting coming up in Brussels this week. Ministers will discuss how future subsidies should be used and how to arrive at sustainable fishing limits.

The Bottom Line: Even Fish Need Yearly Checkups

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:55:00 GMT

On May 14, NOAA released its 2011 fisheries report. Last year, thanks to our system of science-based management, six U.S. ocean fish stocks were fully rebuilt to healthy levels, others continued their recovery, and significant progress was made in ending overfishing.

Consumers Are Paying for Their Fish many Times over Through Subsidies

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:25:00 GMT

(Fish Update) Environmental coalition OCEAN2012 has sharply criticised excessive EU fishing subsidies ahead of an EU Fisheries Council Meeting to be held in Brussels this week. Ministers at the meeting will debate how future subsidies should be spent and how to reach sustainable fishing limits.

Seven Ocean Species on the Brink: Tuna, Albatross & More

Sun, 13 May 2012 21:30:00 GMT

The Daily Beast highlights ocean species sitting on the brink in a photo gallery.

Deep-Water Ban on Grouper, Snapper Comes to an End

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:35:00 GMT

A 16-month ban on fishing for several types of deep-water fish off the Florida Keys disappeared Thursday.

National Journal Profiles Marilyn Heiman, U.S. Arctic Program Director

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:40:00 GMT

For Marilyn Heiman, director of the U.S. Arctic Program for the Pew Environment Group, there is life before the Exxon Valdez and life after the Exxon Valdez.

Canada's Mass Firing of Ocean Scientists Brings 'Silent Summer'

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

In an editorial published in the 25 May 2012 issue of Environmental Health News, editor-in-chief Marla Cone notes: "Canada is dismantling the nation's entire ocean contaminants program as part of massive layoffs at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

A Solar Boom in India

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:55:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Among the Group of 20 countries, India’s clean energy sector was the second-fastest growing in 2011. India is likely to see a continued rise in renewable energy generation in the next decade.

Alison Rieser Publishes 'The Papahānaumokuākea Precedent' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1999)

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:30:00 GMT

In the 11 May volume of the Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal Alison Rieser, director of the graduate ocean policy program and professor of geography at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, published an article describing the marine national monuments created by the U.S. in 2006 via the Papahānaumokuākea proclamation and considers their impact on evolving law of the sea principles.

Winton in Search of Sanctuary

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(The Age) From the windswept West Australian coast, the best-selling author Tim Winton landed in landlocked Canberra yesterday to fight for the oceans.

Critically Depleted Fish Lose Protection

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Commerce Department’s final approval of a plan to reopen fishing for six species in water deeper than 240 feet along the southeast coast, from North Carolina to Florida.

The Latest: The Shark Attack That Changed My Life

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:25:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. Learn one woman's story about the shark attack that changed her life, veterans advocating for public lands protection, and a movement to create the first generation of great marine parks.

Pew Applauds Action by Honduras and Costa Rica to Protect Hammerhead Sharks

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group praised the governments of Honduras and Costa Rica today for taking the initiative to propose a CITES Appendix II listing for scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Winton Urges Push Towards Sustainable Fishing

Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Award-winning author Tim Winton is urging the Federal Government to push ahead with plans for a new national network of marine parks.

Author Tim Winton Pushes for Marine Parks

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:40:00 GMT

(Sydney Morning Herald) Author Tim Winton has been in Canberra urging the federal government to make good on an election promise to establish a network of marine parks.

The View From Lazy Point: A Natural Year in an Unnatural World

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Marine scientist Carl Safina recently won the prestigious Orion Book Award for “The View From Lazy Point, A Natural Year in an Unnatural World.” In the book, Safina explores the intertwined story of humanity and the natural world and how they require each other to benefit.

2 Year-Old Ban on Fishing Red Snapper Could Be Eased

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

A 2-year-old ban on catching the prized red snapper in the Atlantic Ocean could be eased later this year if a federal panel agrees that the latest counts allow a return to a limited amount of fishing.

David Hyrenbach and Colleagues Discuss Research Priorities for Seabirds: Improving Conservation and Management in the 21st Century (Pew Marine Fellow, 2007)

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:50:00 GMT

In a paper published in the 8 May 2012 issue of Endangered Species Research, Dee Boersma, Wadsworth Endowed Chair in Conservation Science at the University of Washington; Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, researcher at the National Research Council of Argentina; David Hyrenbach, assistant professor of oceanography at the Hawai’i Pacific University, and colleagues discuss research priorities for seabirds.

Depleted Stocks Could Lead to Endangered Herring

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:20:00 GMT

(Warwick Beacon) Officially, at least according to previous years, the herring run isn’t over for another 10 days. But, the seasonal clock is about two weeks ahead of itself this year and Paul Earnshaw and the Buckeye Brook Coalition are seeing fewer fish run up the brook to Warwick Pond. Instead, they are seeing fish return to the bay.

Creating the First Generation of Great Marine Parks

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:35:00 GMT

There is no single remedy for our ocean's problems, but one powerful tool we have is marine reserves – special places in which no fishing or other extractive activity is allowed. Reserves help protect marine habitat and the life that depends on it: they increase fish production, provide a laboratory for science and education, and help to promote tourism.

Your Wilderness -- May 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:40:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

In Congress: Bill Aims to Divide Hunters and Conservationists

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Because Congress traditionally breaks for the Easter and Passover holidays, the House and Senate were in session for only half of April.

Spotlight On: Veterans Protecting 'The Land We Love'

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Veterans of America's armed forces make all kinds of sacrifices to preserve the values that shape our national identity. Some return home intent on continuing their service in unexpected ways—such as advocating for protecting our public lands.

Featured Wilderness: Los Padres National Forest

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Located near the intersection of the marine coastline, the warm semiarid desert of Southern California, and the cooler, wetter central regions of the state, the Los Padres National Forest forms one of the richest ecosystems in the world—attracting more than 1.8 million visitors a year.

Mike Matz: Wilderness Storytelling

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Barry Lopez came to town last month and delivered a talk entitled “The Writer and Social Responsibility,” which was as positively delightful as it was intellectually provocative.

Indonesia Struggles to Combat Shark Poaching in Protected Areas, Enric Sala (Pew Marine Fellow, 2006)

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 GMT

According to an article published in the 7 May 2012 issue of The Washington Post, local and regional authorities in Indonesia caught 33 poachers during the week of 30 April 2012 who had taken sharks, manta rays, and sea cucumbers from a marine protected area that scientists have identified as one of the sea’s most important sites.

Beaufort Charter Guides Buoyed by Potential Lift of Snapper Ban

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:15:00 GMT

Times have changed, Wally Phinney says, since he first opened his charter fishing business in Beaufort in 1983.

Tim McClanahan and Colleague Publish 'Smarter Nets Equal Bigger Fish, Higher Income' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

A new study by Tim McClanahan and a colleague says that modifying the size of certain fishing gear results in more profitable fisheries by minimizing the harvest of juvenile fish, which are smaller and less profitable than adults.

Peter Mumby Publishes 'Juvenile Coral Reef Fish in Palau' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:50:00 GMT

While relationships between adult fish density and structural habitat features are well established, relatively little is known about the habitat associations of juvenile reef fish, according to Peter Mumby, ARC Laureate Fellow at the University of Queensland, and colleagues.

Policy Statement: Biological Diversity Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Pew calls on States to recommend that the UNGA in this year’s Oceans and the Law of the Sea Resolution initiates the negotiation of a new implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Coral Reefs Are Being Decimated For a Few Gaudy Trinkets

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:55:00 GMT

An article published in the 3 May 2012 issue of Miami New Times discusses the decimation of coral reefs in places like the Solomon Islands to provide tourist trinkets to the Florida market.

The Legacy Navigator: The Latest from Pew's Global Ocean Legacy Project

Thu, 03 May 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Check out the inaugural edition of the Legacy Navigator, a newsletter featuring the latest from the Pew Environment Group's Global Ocean Legacy program.

Editorial: Quebec's Front-Line Forests

Wed, 02 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) In April, the government of Premier Jean Charest introduced a bill in the Quebec National Assembly that seeks to protect nearly 150 million acres — half of northern Quebec, an area the size of France — from industrial development, including logging, mining and petroleum exploration.

USDA Issues New Colorado Roadless Forest Plan

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. public lands program, issued the following statement regarding an Obama administration plan that would replace the national Roadless Area Conservation Rule in Colorado’s national forests.

Maps and Chart: USDA's Proposal for Colorado National Forest Roadless Areas

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:35:00 GMT

Learn more about Colorado's new roadless forest plan.

A Federal Offense: River Herring Robbery

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:25:00 GMT

River herring are small fish with a big impact on our river and marine ecosystems. Massive industrial fishing boats began targeting Atlantic herring in the mid-1990s, and scoop up an alarming number of river herring along with their sea-dwelling cousins.

The Bottom Line: Little Fish Do Matter

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:10:00 GMT

Small fish such as sardines and anchovies don’t get much love. But these little fish provide essential food for all the marine life that we like to catch, eat or watch. Unfortunately, most fisheries managers haven’t thought too much about these prey fish, either—until now, that is.

Safeguarding the Arctic a Must

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:10:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman responds to Michael Bromwich's blog What More Can Be Done to Ensure Safe Offshore Drilling? on NationalJournal.com.

Honduran Authorities Burn Confiscated Shark Fins: Press Photos and B-Roll

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

The following photos are available for media use with related content ONLY.

Videos: U.S. Arctic Program

Tue, 01 May 2012 21:55:00 GMT

These videos and reports give you an insight into the people and issues that Pew’s U.S. Arctic Program works with every day.

Offshore Fishermen Find Hope in Snapper Ban Debate

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:50:00 GMT

One little phrase tucked into a straightforward agenda for a federal agency's June meeting in Orlando gives Florida's offshore fishermen a glimmer of hope that a two-year ban on catching red snapper could soon be lifted.

Maps: Global Tuna Management

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Happy World Tuna Day!

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 GMT

In 2011, the eight Pacific Island countries that comprise much of the world’s tuna fishing waters declared May 2 to be World Tuna Day. Today marks the very first—a time for global celebration of these amazing fish and a reminder of the need to conserve them.

Karen Eckert Featured in 'Wildlife Heroes' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Karen Eckert, executive director of WIDECAST, is one of 40 leading conservationists to be featured in the book Wildlife Heroes, written by Julia Scardina and Jeff Flocken.

Congress Must Help Restore Coastal Communities

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:45:00 GMT

It seems as if there are few issues that can weather the current political storms to bring together a large bipartisan consensus in Congress. Yet, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a transportation and infrastructure authorization bill by a bipartisan vote of 74-22. Included in the measure were vital provisions to fund environmental restoration projectsan ambitious program to support conservation projects in coastal communities.

Comments on the Proposed Rule for Amendment 24 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in the South Atlantic

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:20:00 GMT

On behalf of the Pew Environment Group, we are writing to support the immediate approval and timely implementation of Amendment 24 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in the South Atlantic.

Australia's Coral Sea: Recognizing its Past, Protecting its Future

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:25:00 GMT

In May 1942, a pivotal naval battle took place in Australia’s Coral Sea, located east of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Known as the Battle of the Coral Sea, this engagement turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific. Seventy years later, the Battle of the Coral Sea continues to hold great historical significance for Australia and the United States.

International Conservation Group Says Strong Support for Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:20:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand International) The international conservation organisation, Pew Environment Group, says it has strong support from the Pitcairn Island community to establish a large, iconic, world class marine reserve.

Pitcairn Islands Community Believe Marine Reserve Could Boost Tourism

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:15:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand International) Residents of Pitcairn Island believe the establishment of what could be the world’s largest marine reserve in their waters could boost ecotourism.

The Shark Attack That Changed My Life

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(The World) In the instant the shark’s jaws clenched around my ankle, my life changed forever.

Bush Blitz

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:25:00 GMT

(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) A growing portion of the Northern Territory is going green. More than 12 per cent of the Territory is set aside for conservation and the government thinks that will increase to 20 per cent well before its target of 2030.

Letter Re: Red Snapper State Consistency with Federal Regulations

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMT

On behalf of the Pew Environment Group’s Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign, we offer our support for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff’s recommendation and urge the FWC to adopt rules for Gulf red snapper consistent with federal regulations.

The Latest: Scientists Call for Arctic Protections

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a call to protect the Arctic Ocean, an infographic on sharks, and a photo gallery highlighting the majestic beauty of America's public lands.

Safeguarding Ocean Earth

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:55:00 GMT

This June, on the 20th anniversary of the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders from around the world will return to the Brazilian city for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and have the opportunity to correct our course to ensure our ocean can sustain marine and human life in the decades to come.

Sharks Count!

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Sharks have roamed our oceans since before the time of dinosaurs, but today they are in trouble. View our infographic to learn more about why we must protect these magnificent species.

Infographic: Sharks Count!

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Sharks have roamed our oceans since before the time of dinosaurs, but today, they are in trouble. View our infographic to learn more about why we must protect these magnificent species.

Conserving Alaska's Wildlife: Striking a Balance in America's Arctic

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:55:00 GMT

The Department of the Interior wants to know your views on four management approaches for Alaska's 22-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve. Learn more about these alternatives and why we must protect this unique ecosystem.

Burger King Corp. Makes Industry-Leading Commitment to Enhance Animal Welfare Standards in its U.S. Supply Chain

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:35:00 GMT

(Market Watch) Burger King Corp. (BKC) today announced two industry-leading commitments that will enhance the animal welfare standards in its U.S. supply chain, which serves more than 7,200 BURGER KING(R) restaurants nationwide.

Potential Elements of an UNCLOS Implementing Agreement

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:40:00 GMT

The high seas and the Area of the deep seabed (areas beyond national jurisdiction or ABNJ) contain perhaps the largest reservoir of biodiversity left on Earth.

How Overfishing Impacts You: It's fish, Captain, but not as we know it!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:40:00 GMT

A great fraud is being committed on an unsuspecting public in some EU member states: fish is being mislabelled and passed off as more expensive or even sustainably caught species.

Scientists Issue Call for Arctic Fisheries Plan

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:15:00 GMT

(Disovery News) More than 2,000 scientists from 67 nations have signed an open letter calling for the development of an international fisheries agreement that would protect the waters of the Central Arctic Ocean.

American Shad

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:15:00 GMT

American shad populations are in serious decline along the Atlantic Coast. By restoring American shad we can protect rivers and coastal ecosystems where shad provide a crucial source of food to other wildlife including striped bass, bluefish, shorebirds, and marine mammals. At the same time, we can revive a favorite sport fish and a prized delicacy.

Jurgenne Primavera: Government Action Urged on Abandoned Fishponds (Pew Marine Fellow, 2005)

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:50:00 GMT

Mangrove conservationists have urged government agencies to speed up the reversion of abandoned and underutilized fishponds to mangrove areas as part of measures to cope with the adverse effects of climate change, according to an article in Inquirer News published on 23 April 2012.

OCEAN2012: Transforming European Fisheries

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:05:00 GMT

These briefings published by OCEAN2012 expose how overfishing harms the EU's coastal communities and affects the lives of countless Europeans. This series of briefings illustrates the impacts of overfishing on people or marine ecosystems caused by the excess removal of millions of tonnes of marine life every year.

International Polar Year Conference

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:30:00 GMT

A group of academics, advocates, scientists, decision makers, indigenous peoples, and industry representatives will attend the International Polar Year (IPY) 2012 Conference in Montreal from April 22 to 27.

More than 2,000 Scientists Worldwide Urge Protection of Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:45:00 GMT

More than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries urged Arctic leaders, in an open letter released today by the Pew Environment Group, to develop an international fisheries accord that would protect the unregulated waters of the Central Arctic Ocean.

Pew Report: Global Clean Energy Investment a Record $263 Billion in 2011

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:45:00 GMT

(The War Room with Jennifer Granholm) Global clean energy finance and investment grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5 percent increase over the previous year, accrording to new research released by the Pew Charitable Trusts in its report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race?

Leaders Urged to Impose Moratorium on Industrial Fishing in the Arctic

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Vancouver Sun) The leaders of the five Arctic coastal states — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — are being urged by more than 2,000 scientists from around the world to impose a moratorium on industrial fishing in the increasingly accessible waters of the central Arctic Ocean until experts can determine the size and sustainability of the resource.

Scientists Urge Canada to Postpone Commercial Fishing in the Arctic

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:40:00 GMT

(The Globe and Mail) More than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries, including 551 from Canada, are calling for a moratorium on commercial fishing in the Arctic until research can determine what lies in waters that were once covered year-round by the polar ice cap and set sustainable catch levels.

Welcome Move to Safeguard World's Largest Humpback Sanctuary

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

(The Australian) Environmental groups have welcomed the announcement of a new Kimberley marine park covering the world's largest humpback whale sanctuary as an important step toward protecting a region often considered as significant as the Great Barrier Reef.

New Book, Movie Highlight Arctic Wonders

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Take a virtual trip to the Arctic Ocean by viewing our photo gallery of the region’s marine wonders.

New Marine Park a Whale Haven

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:50:00 GMT

(Herald Sun) The biggest humpback whale calving area in the southern hemisphere will be protected within a new marine park to be created on the Kimberley coast by the West Australian government.

Pop Quiz! Test Your Environmental Knowledge

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:10:00 GMT

From tiny krill to whale sharks, the Outback to the boreal, the Pew Environment Group works to establish policies to protect our oceans and lands. Learn more about the wonders of our globe by taking our Earth Day quiz.

Trawlers Allowed in New Kimberley Marine Park

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(ABC News) Conservation groups have heralded the State Government's announcement of Camden Sound Marine Park as a significant win for the Kimberley.

For Some, Earth Day Is Every Day

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:25:00 GMT

On Earth Day, April 22, we celebrate a healthy planet and join with other Americans to do something to improve our environment.

Commercial Fishing Restrictions in Kimberley's Camden Sound Marine Park

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:40:00 GMT

(Perth Now) Commercial fishing will be phased out and recreational fishers required to release their catch in a new Kimberley marine park announced by the State Government.

Marine Park Plan for Kimberley

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:05:00 GMT

(The West Australian) The State Government has announced it will create new marine park in the Kimberley.

WA's Kimberley Gets New Marine Park

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:40:00 GMT

(The Sydney Morning Herald) The biggest humpback whale calving area in the southern hemisphere will be protected within a new marine park to be created on the Kimberley coast by the West Australian government.

New Kimberley Marine Park to Protect Whales

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMT

(WA Today) Environmental groups have welcomed the announcement of a new marine park on the Kimberley coast, but warn that more needs to be done to ensure its protection from "runaway industrialisation".

An Earth Day Celebration in Photos

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Our ancestors had the forethought to set aside some of these amazing places as national parks, forests, and wilderness areas, and we continue to work to protect even more of them today. We are thankful for our wild places and would like to celebrate them in photos.

WA Govt Announce Kimberley Marine Park

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Sky News) The biggest humpback whale calving area in the southern hemisphere will be protected within a new marine park to be created on the Kimberley coast by the West Australian government.

Increased Protection for Kimberley Marine Life Welcomed

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:30:00 GMT

The world's largest nursery ground for humpback whales and globally significant reefs have been protected for the future, according to the Pew Environment Group. This decision was announced today by the West Australia Government to finalise its plans for a marine park at Camden Sound on the Kimberley coast.

Shark-Dive Tourism in Fiji Worth US$42.2 Million a Year

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:50:00 GMT

A new analysis by the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Western Australia concluded that in 2010, shark-related diving contributed $42.2 million ($73 million Fijian) to the economy of Fiji. Shark-diving operations generated $4 million that year for Fijian communities through salaries and local levies.

The Socio-Economic Value of the Shark-Diving Industry in Fiji

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:50:00 GMT

A study by the Australian Institute of Marine Science concludes that sharks are worth far more alive and swimming. In Fiji, shark-diving contributes US$42.2 million to the economy.

Greater Amberjack: Size Matters

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:50:00 GMT

Raising the minimum allowable size from 30 inches to 34 would increase the number of mature females left in the water, boost the population, and potentially allow a year-round recreational fishing season.

Public Hearing Draft for Amendment 35 to the Reef Fish FMP (Greater Amberjack Rebuilding Plan)

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:10:00 GMT

Greater amberjack has been overfished since at least 1998. The rebuilding plan put in place in 2003 has failed to rebuild the population.

Quebec Moves Forward to Protect Boreal Region as Large as France

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Mathew Jacobson, manager of the Pew Environment Group’s International Boreal Conservation Campaign in Quebec, issued the following statement today after the Quebec government introduced legislation to protect half of northern Quebec – nearly 600,000 square kilometers, an area about the size of France – from all industrial activity.

Rainer Froese Publishes 'Evaluation and Legal Assessment of Certified Seafood' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:55:00 GMT

In a paper published in a recent issue of Marine Policy, Rainer Froese, project leader and coordinator of FishBase, and a colleague present a legal review of international treaties to derive sound definitions of overfishing.

Phone Briefing: Shark-Dive Tourism Worth Millions in Fiji

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:20:00 GMT

On Thursday, April 19, the Pew Environment Group, Australian Institute of Marine Science, the University of Western Australia and the Coral Reef Alliance will host a media phone briefing about a new report that points to shark-dive tourism as a multi-million dollar industry and major economic driver in Fiji.

Editorial - Prince Herring: Glamourizing the Forage Fish

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:15:00 GMT

(Boston Globe) Are whales wonderful? Think herring. Are penguins cute? Think krill. Like hooking stripers? Think menhaden.

For the Record: The Pew Charitable Trusts Responds

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:30:00 GMT

When The Pew Charitable Trusts' work is questioned or criticized we respond through letters to the editor or op-eds. In the spirit of transparency, we post these responses here to help set the record straight.

Good Work: Pew Environment Group in Canada

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, Managing Director of the Pew Environment Group, responds to the op-ed "NGOs should reveal funding sources."

Pew Responds to Cairns Post Letter to the Editor

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Imogen Zethoven, Director of Pew's Coral Sea Campaign, responds to a letter published in the Cairns Post critical of Pew's efforts to protect the Coral Sea.

U.S. Clean Energy Policies Risk Losing Lead Over China

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:55:00 GMT

(Bloomberg) The U.S. government is creating a “boom and bust” in renewable energy investment that threatens to undermine its lead over China, the Pew Charitable Trusts said in a report.

Superfish: The Epic Journey of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:55:00 GMT

Thursday, April 12, marked the world premiere of a new National Geographic film, “Superfish: Bluefin Tuna.” Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rick Rosenthal, the documentary is a one-of-a-kind exploration of the life of the bluefin.

US Tops Global Clean Energy Investment Rankings

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:00 GMT

(BBC News) The US has regained top spot from China as the biggest investor in clean energy in 2011, according to global rankings.

The Latest: Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:10:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. Learn about global investments in the clean energy economy, an opportunity to help protect Atlantic menhaden, and a “superfish” that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

The Bottom Line: Bluefin Tuna: Up Close and Personal

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:35:00 GMT

Tonight, Rick Rosenthal’s newest film, “Superfish: Bluefin Tuna,” premieres on the National Geographic Channel at 9 p.m. EDT. The movie, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, includes the first footage of wild, free-swimming bluefin and follows Rosenthal as he films these amazing fish around the Atlantic Ocean.

Pew Report: Global Clean Energy Investment a Record $263 Billion in 2011

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Global clean energy finance and investment grew to $263 billion in 2011, a 6.5 percent increase over the previous year, according to new research released by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Among Group of Twenty (G-20) nations, the United States reclaimed the top spot from China, which led the global clean energy race since 2009.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition: Country Fact Sheets

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

The investment and finance data presented in the Pew Clean Energy Program's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition (PDF), show that countries are jockeying for a leadership position in this growing and increasingly competitive sector.

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

This report examines key financial, investment, and technological trends in 2011 related to the clean energy economy of G-20 members. Our primary focus is on investment, which drives innovation, commercialization, manufacturing, and installation of clean energy technologies.

Interactive Map: Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Explore data from Pew's new report Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2010 Edition on an interactive map.

Translated Materials from the Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition Report

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Read translated materials from the new report, "Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition."

Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:50:00 GMT

The investment and finance data presented in the Pew Clean Energy Program's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition, show that countries are jockeying for a leadership position in this growing and increasingly competitive sector.

Renewable Energy Investment Bounces Back after 2010 Slump

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(The Guardian) Investment in clean energy in the UK bounced back last year after its 2010 slump, the respected US-based Pew charitable trust has said in a comparison of investment across G20 countries.

Clean Energy Investments in India Jump to $10.2 Billion

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(Indian Express) Becoming the second fastest growing clean energy market among the G-20 nations, India attracted investments worth USD 10.2 billion in this segment last year.

U.S. Leads in Clean Power Investment -- For Now

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:40:00 GMT

(CNN) Federal support for renewable power helped the United States reclaim from China the title of the world's biggest investor in clean energy, researchers for the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts reported Wednesday.

Rainer Froese: Mismanagement of the North Sea Cod by the Council of the European Union (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:40:00 GMT

In the 11 April 2012 issue of Ocean & Coastal Management, Rainer Froese, project leader and coordinator of FishBase, and a colleague write about the North Sea cod stock, which they say is outside of safe biological limits, yet continues to suffer from overfishing at three times the level that could produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

'FAD-Free' Tuna

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:00:00 GMT

US Grabs Lead Over China in Clean Energy Race

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(AFP) The United States has regained the lead in the clean energy race, investing $48 billion last year to surpass China, which held the world's top spending spot since 2009, said a study Wednesday.

An American Eel Love Story

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Love stories—tales of overcoming adversity and following your heart—often inspire and impress. The epic story of the love life (or breeding cycle) of American eels does just that, as related in a recent Associated Press article.

Campaign for More Protection of the Coral Sea

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:05:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) The Protect our Coral Sea coalition in Australia continues to garner support, with a group of highly acclaimed Queenslanders joining the campaign.

Pew Applauds Announcement of Bill to Safeguard Northern New Mexico Wilderness

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:05:00 GMT

Jim Mathews, policy manager of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement praising Senator Jeff Bingaman’s (D-NM) decision to sponsor a bill to designate as wilderness more than 40,000 acres north of Taos, New Mexico.

Pitcairn Islands Expedition: What We Found

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:00 GMT

National Geographic explorer-in-residence Enric Sala looks back at the science expedition to the Pitcairn Islands.

Climate Change Goes to TOWNS: Jurgenne Primavera (Pew Marine Fellow, 2005)

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Jurgenne Primavera, scientist emerita at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development, participated in an event sponsored by the Philippine organization, The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS), aimed at delivering reliable, significant, and practical information to local government units for better preparedness against natural calamities.

In Congress: A Lion of a Month for Wilderness Legislation

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:55:00 GMT

After a quiet start, the second session of the 112th Congress sprang to life in March, holding its first three hearings of the year on wilderness legislation—two in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate.

Featured Wilderness: Rocky Mountain Front

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:50:00 GMT

There is a place in the United States so remote, so wild and untethered by man, so much like it was when the Blackfeet traversed its great expanses, that grizzly bears mark the beginning of each spring by awakening from their slumber to leave their mountain dens and roam the open plains of grass in search of deer and elk exactly as their ancestors have done for millennia.

Mike Matz: People Like You Make Earth Day Possible

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:40:00 GMT

Earth Day lands officially on April 22 in 2012.

Your Wilderness -- April 2012

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:05:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Spotlight On: Earth Day

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Earth Day originated in 1970, blossoming from an idea that a small group of us would organize events on a handful of college campuses to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Senator Patterson's Allegations “Completely False,” Pew Group Says

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, Managing Director of Pew Environment Group, responds to a Nunatsiaq News article critical of Pew's work in the Canadian Arctic.

Pew Responds to Column in The West Australian

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:00 GMT

Tom Wathen, deputy director at Pew Environment Group, responds to a column published in The West Australian on March 24, 2012 that was critical of Pew's marine conservation efforts in Australia.

The Fisheries Investment Act

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:10:00 GMT

The Fisheries Investment Act is legislation that would provide dedicated funding to support the research, monitoring and management programs critical to sustaining ocean fish resources and fishing communities.

Pew Marine Fellows Participate in Symposium about Interactions Between Corals and Algae

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Peter Mumby of the University of Queensland, Bob Steneck of the University of Maine, and Nancy Knowlton of the Smithsonian Institution each gave presentations at the Teasley Symposium held recently at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The Fisheries Investment Act: Investing in the Gulf of Mexico's Fisheries and Fishermen

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:40:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico is home to historic fishing communities and some of the nation’s most iconic and valuable fisheries. Funding through FIA could help restore the Gulf’s fish and fisheries by addressing critical needs.

The Fisheries Investment Act: Investing in the South Atlantic's Fisheries and Fishermen

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:25:00 GMT

The sheer diversity of fish in the South Atlantic region has attracted commercial fishermen and anglers alike for decades. Funding through the Fisheries Investment Act could help restore the South Atlantic’s fish and fisheries by addressing critical needs.

Tim McClanahan and Narriman Jiddawi Publish 'Transitions Toward Co-Management' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996, 2006)

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Tim McClanahan, senior conservation zoologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Narriman Jiddawi, senior research fellow at Tanzania’s Institute of Marine Sciences, and colleagues have published a paper in the 4 April 2012 issue of Global Environmental Change.

Keeping the Lights On: Industrial Energy Efficiency

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Each year, America’s utilities and factories send enough heat up their chimneys to power all of Japan. But with existing, proven technologies, we can harness that waste energy, dramatically cut electricity costs, and make our industries more competitive.

How Coral Bleaching Could Lead to Famine

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:05:00 GMT

In an article published recently on ClimateWire Tim McClanahan, a zoologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, discusses what happened in Kenya during the spring of 1998 as being a wake-up call. Between March and July of that year, a rare climatological double whammy sent ocean temperatures spiking 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above the normal range for spring and summer.

Shark-Dive Tourism Worth Millions in Fiji - Press Photos and B-Roll

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:55:00 GMT

The following photos and b-roll are available for media use with related content ONLY.

Another World

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:30:00 GMT

(The Australian Way) The Kermadec Islands aren't a household name, which is probably how they retain their status as one of the world's most pristine environments.

Carl Safina Discusses National Geographic’s Controversial New TV Show, Wicked Tuna (Pew Marine Fellow, 1991)

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:40:00 GMT

In a commentary published in the 2 April 2012 issue of The Huffington Post, Carl Safina, president of the Blue Ocean Institute, discusses Nat Geo’s new TV Show, Wicked Tuna, which recently aired its first episode.

The Bottom Line: Fishing for Giants

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Seven years after audiences met a fleet of Alaskan crab fishermen via “Deadliest Catch,” National Geographic Channel premiered a show profiling the men and women who make their living on the ocean. “Wicked Tuna” follows five boats and their crews as they pursue bluefin tuna more than 100 miles from their home port of Gloucester, MA.

Editorial: The Navy's Case for Green Energy

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:45:29 GMT

The list of benefits from the U.S. military's green energy initiative begins, simply, with this: It'll save lives.

Expectation Guam Meeting will Protect Sharks

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:00:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) As well as the battle to protect Tuna stocks the 24-nation Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, meeting in Guam has been hearing pleas to protect sharks, especially the highly endangered white tip shark and whale shark.

Rashid Sumaila Publishes 'Seas, Oceans, and Fisheries: A Challenge for Good Governance' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:35:00 GMT

Seas, oceans, and fisheries are probably among the most challenging natural resource systems to govern,” writes Rashid Sumaila, associate professor at the University of British Columbia, in the April 2012 issue of The Round Table.

Talks at Meeting for World's Largest Tuna Fishery Collapse

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:20:00 GMT

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), a regional fisheries management organization that brings together Pacific island, Asian, U.S., European Union, and other foreign fishers, ended March 30 in Guam with a failure to end overfishing of a major tuna species.

Tuna Conservation Talks in Guam Collapse

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:15:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) The negotiations between Pacific Islands nations and the United States, Europe, China, Japan and others - failed to find common ground on many issues.

Integrating Fisheries, Biodiversity, and Climate Change Objectives into Marine Protected Area Design in the Coral Triangle: Alan White (Pew Marine Fellow, 2001)

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:25:00 GMT

Alan White, senior scientist at The Nature Conservancy, is one of three authors on a report that assesses the needs and interests of the six Coral Triangle Countries and Implementation Partners (governments, NGOs, scientists) regarding technical support required for integrating fisheries, biodiversity, and climate change objectives into resilient MPA network design at regional, national, subnational, and ecoregional scales in the Coral Triangle.

Some Say New England Herring at Risk from Trawlers

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:40:00 GMT

(AP) New England's historic fishing industry doesn't spare much of its romance for the herring.

Enric Sala Quoted in 'The MPA Math: How to Reach the 10 Percent Target for Global MPA Coverage' Pew Marine Fellow, 2006)

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:40:00 GMT

An article published in the March/April 2012 issue of MPA News discusses what needs to be done to reach the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD’s) 10 percent target for global MPA coverage.

Shark Kills Diver Off Southwest Australia

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:20:00 GMT

(Washington Post) A diver was killed by a 13-foot shark Saturday off a beach in southwestern Australia, in the region’s fourth shark-related fatality since September, according to authorities.

Pew Lauds BLM for Action on Petroleum Reserve Lands in Alaska

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Ken Rait, director of the Pew Environment Group’s Western Lands Initiative, issued the following statement in support of the Bureau of Land Management’s efforts to ensure thoughtful management of the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska.

Testimony by Sen. John Warner to the House Armed Services Committee on Advanced Biofuels

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:50:00 GMT

Advanced biofuels are a mission-critical element of the Department of Defense’s efforts to become less dependent on oil imports for its transportation needs – land, sea and air vehicles. John Warner, former U.S. senator from Virginia and senior adviser to the Pew Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, recently testified on the strategic importance of federal investment in advanced biofuels.

The Latest: Where Does Your Tuna Fish Sandwich Come From?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:53:50 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features an infographic on tuna conservation, a filmmaker’s journey seven miles underwater, and a look at wasteful fishing practices in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pew Hails Important Step to Protect More Than 24,000 Acres

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMT

Jim Mathews, policy manager of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement praising the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for holding a hearing today to safeguard 24,625 acres as wilderness in Maine and New Mexico.

Pew Environment Group’s Advice to the Scientific and Statistical Committee Concerning Warsaw Grouper and Speckled Hind Protections

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The Council has asked for the input of its SSC as it develops protections for Warsaw grouper and speckled hind.

Call for Asia Pacific Tuna Nations to Save the Sharks

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:20:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) Environment organisations are calling on nations of the Western Pacific to take action a major tuna conservation meeting in Guam this week to protect sharks.

Filmmaker's 7-Mile Descent Highlights Extraordinary Ocean Monument

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

History had been made – again – in the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in our ocean. Renowned film director James Cameron has entered the record books as the third person ever to descend the nearly seven miles to the bottom of the trench.

The Bottom Line: Little Fish, Big Fishery

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Within the next few weeks, alewife and blueback herring, collectively known as river herring, will begin their annual migration from coastal waters to their native rivers.

Where Have All the Farms Gone?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:35:00 GMT

During the past 50 years, animal agriculture has gone through a seismic shift in the United States. Long gone are the iconic scenes of American landscapes dotted with family farms and red barns. Most of these have been replaced by industrialized facilities controlled by large corporations that rely on concentrated animal feeding operations.

Little Fish, Big Deal: See What We Mean by Forage Fish

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:05:00 GMT

Small schooling species such as sardines, saury, and smelt—commonly known as forage fish—play a critical role in sustaining a vibrant Pacific Ocean. These species eat tiny plants and animals drifting near the surface, turning them into protein that’s consumed by bigger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Forage species serve as the vital link in the marine food web, connecting microscopic plankton to humpback whales the size of school buses.

VIDEO: 8th Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Tasked with Tuna Conservation

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:35:00 GMT

(Guam News) Delegates from 25 member governments are on Guam for the 8th regular meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

Interview with Patricia Majluf (Pew Marine Fellow, 2012)

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:55:00 GMT

In a recent episode of La Hora, Patricia Majluf discusses her new role as vice minister of fisheries and fisheries management in Peru.

Crossroads for the World's Biggest Tuna Fishery

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Decisions affecting the world’s largest tuna fishery, its biggest fish, and the economies of some of the smallest countries will be made when representatives of more than 25 governments gather for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission annual meeting from March 26-30.

4.6 Million Birds Living on Our Wetlands

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:55:00 GMT

(The Courier-Mail) The first national count of waterbirds and wetlands - thought to be the world's largest aerial survey - has found more than 4.6 million birds living on Australia's 4858 wetlands.

Pew Commends Important Step to Protect More Than 184,000 Wild Acres

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Mike Matz, director of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement praising the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests for holding a hearing today on legislation to safeguard 184,200 acres as wilderness in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon.

Global Explorers Blog Features Les Kaufman and Guilherme Dutra (Pew Marine Fellows, 1990 & 2012)

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:55:00 GMT

Les Kaufman, professor at Boston University and senior principle investigator at Conservation International, is in Brazil to study the unique marine habitats of the Abrolhos Shelf.

Tuna of the Western and Central Pacific

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Learn why specific policies for the management of tropical tuna in the Pacific are so important.

Infographic: Tuna of the Western and Central Pacific

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:45:00 GMT

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission will meet in Guam from March 26-30, and a key item on its agenda is conservation measures for tuna. View our infographic to learn why specific policies for the management of tropical tuna in the Pacific are so important.

Rashid Sumalia and Colleagues Publish New Study (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:40:00 GMT

Climate change alone could reduce the economic value of key ocean services by up to $2 trillion a year by 2100, a new report shows—but so many threats are converging on the oceans at once, that a global, integrated approach is urgently needed.

Fish Habitat: Why Rock the Boat?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT

In a commentary published in the 21 March 2012 issue of The Globe and Mail, Rashid Sumaila, director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia, writes “Recent news that retired fisheries biologist Otto Langer obtained documents revealing planned changes to the (Canadian) federal Fisheries Act has sent ripples through the fisheries research community.

Enviros Begin Pressing U.S. to Block New Gold Mining Claims

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(E&E News) Having seen the Obama administration ban new mining claims near the Grand Canyon, environmentalists are promoting similar restrictions for gold exploration around Yosemite National Park.

Australia Declares Major New Conservation Parks in Northern Australia

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:05:00 GMT

Australia’s Northern Territory state government has designated two major new conservation areas—Limmen National Park and Limmen Bight Marine Park.

Steve Palumbi Leads Team of Researchers in Search of the World's Strongest Corals (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:50:00 GMT

From March 18 to April 7, Steve Palumbi, director of Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford University, will lead a team of researchers to American Samoa, Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, and Aitutaki, a small island north of Rarotonga, in search of ways to better protect coral reefs from the devastating effects of increasing ocean temperature caused by climate change.

Marine Park Scales Back Fishing

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:50:00 GMT

(The Australian) One of the few places where scuba divers can take the plunge into a frenzy of feeding sharks, Osprey Reef is widely considered to be high on the list of the world's best dive sites.

Cast Out

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:40:00 GMT

(The Australian) The scene in north Queensland reflects the mood Australia-wide of a reform-fatigued fishing fleet that has endured a string of quota cuts and is now preparing for another even bigger blow. Family-owned fishing businesses such as Bob Lamason's Great Barrier Reef Tuna operation in Cairns are resigned to the fact their days are numbered.

Stay the Course with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and Rebuild Our Fisheries

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Thirty-six years after enactment of the law that is now known as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), we are turning a corner on ending overfishing (taking fish faster than they can reproduce) and rebuilding our nation’s valuable fish populations.

The Latest: A Step Forward for Fish and Coastal Communities

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:05:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features an expedition to the Pitcairn Islands, an opportunity to help river herring, and good news from Capitol Hill.

Rebuilding U.S. Fisheries: Success Stories

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Efforts to protect and rebuild America’s ocean fish are working. Rebounding fish populations create jobs, support coastal economies, repair damaged marine ecosystems, increase recreational fishing opportunities, and bring back fresh, local seafood.

Recommendations from the 2nd Symposium on Fish Aggregating Devices 2011

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:55:00 GMT

In the open ocean, tuna purse-seine operators profit from large pelagic fishes’ propensity to aggregate around drifting objects.

Is the Northwest Sardine Fishery Collapsing?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:15:00 GMT

(Ecotrope) Two fishery scientists have predicted a collapse in the West Coast sardine population based on several factors that parallel the fishery’s dramatic collapse in the mid-1900s.

Arrival at Pitcairn Island: Hiking to Christian's Cave

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:35:00 GMT

National Geographic Explorer in Residence Mike Fay provides an update on the science expedition to the Pitcairn Islands.

Surface Longline Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Surface longlines are wasteful commercial fishing gear that catch and kill depleted ocean wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. This equipment indiscriminately kills bluefin tuna, sea turtles, sharks, and hard-fighting game fish such as blue marlin. Learn why it’s time to switch gears.

Bipartisan Action Taken to RESTORE the Gulf

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:40:00 GMT

This week, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would help fund environmental restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Protections Approved for Dozens of South Atlantic Fish Species

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:45:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Commerce Department’s approval of catch limits for more than three dozen species in the South Atlantic from Florida to North Carolina.

Infographic: Surface Longline Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:10:00 GMT

Surface longlines in the Gulf of Mexico threaten severely depleted and endangered ocean wildlife. Since the 1960s, this fishing equipment has indiscriminately killed tens of thousands of animals. Fortunately, more selective solutions exist. View our infographic to learn more about surface longlines and why it is so important to switch gears in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alternatives to Surface Longlines: Switching Gears in the Gulf of Mexico

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico use surface longlines to catch yellowfin tuna and swordfish. This fishing gear incidentally injures and kills approximately 80 types of marine wildlife including spawning bluefin tuna and endangered sea turtles. Highly selective gears such as green sticks and swordfish buoy gear have been shown to reduce this bycatch while effectively catching yellowfin tuna and swordfish.

Increasing Pressure to Harvest Small Fish Worries Scientists

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) As ocean scientists probe what ails some of the largest creatures in the sea, a wave of new research is urging them to look at the little things — specifically the tiny schooling fish that make up the cornerstone of ocean food webs.

SA Group Fears Whales Death

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:54:29 GMT

(The West Australian) Rare whales could die if resources giant BP doesn't stop seismic testing at night in the Great Australian Bight, an environmental group says.

Whales Exposed to Seismic Tests

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:30:00 GMT

(Adelaide Now) BP has been carrying out potentially dangerous seismic testing for oil and gas reserves in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park.

New Expeditions Field Series – Conserving Chagos

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:20:00 GMT

(Scientific American) Charles Sheppard is leading an expedition to `the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean (about midway between Mauritius and Sri Lanka – see the map) and he (and in some cases his collaborators and students) will be posting daily dispatches from the trip.

Pew Commends U.S. Senate for Taking Action to Help Restore Gulf of Mexico

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Christopher Mann, director of the Pew Environment Group’s Campaign for Healthy Oceans, issued the following statement today in response to U.S. Senate passage of legislation that would help fund environmental restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Ben Sullivan and Colleagues Publish 'Conservation and Ecology of the World’s Seabirds' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:00:00 GMT

A study by Ben Sullivan, a scientist at the RSPB and BirdLife International, and others has found that seabirds, including albatrosses and penguins, are in more trouble than any other group of birds.

The Bottom Line: How Investing in Our Fisheries Pays Off

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Sometimes, an idea comes forward in Washington that actually brings together people who normally disagree. The proposed Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act does that and more.

World’s Rarest Dolphin Faces Extinction: Scott Baker (Pew Marine Fellow, 2011)

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 GMT

The population of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins has dropped by half in the past seven years to an estimated 55 individuals, according to research by Scott Baker, professor of fisheries at Oregon State University, and colleagues released March 13.

The Fisheries Investment Act

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:15:00 GMT

Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Scott Brown (R-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Fisheries Investment Act (S. 2184) on March 12.

International Conservation Organization Congratulates Guam on Shark Leadership

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:45:00 GMT

During the 17th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit, held in the village of Tamuning this week, representatives from the Pew Environment Group congratulated Guam leaders on the one-year anniversary of the signing of Public Law 31-10, which prohibits the possession, sale, and trade of shark fins, rays, and ray parts.

Sens. Kerry, Snowe, Rockefeller, Brown, and Whitehouse Introduce Bill Supporting Fish, Coastal Communities; Reps. Frank and Guinta Expected to Introduce Companion Bill in the House

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:05:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group commends bipartisan legislation that would ensure that key programs critical to sustainably managing ocean fish populations, and the fishermen and communities that depend on them, would receive increased and sustained funding.

U.S. Ocean Fish Stocks: An Excellent Return on Investment

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:15:00 GMT

U.S. ocean fish stocks are one of the nation’s most valuable natural resources, and with prudent stewardship, they have significant potential for growth and return on investment.

Latest National Geographic Expedition Announced: Voyage to Pitcairn

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:05:00 GMT

Pew's Global Ocean Legacy campaign is partnering with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project to assess the health of the marine ecosystems around the Pitcairn Islands. National Geographic and Global Ocean Legacy will conduct a scientific expedition to the Pitcairn Islands in March and April 2012.

Deep Ocean Mysteries and Wonders

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(TED Talks) In the deepest, darkest parts of the oceans are ecosystems with more diversity than a tropical rainforest. Taking us on a voyage into the ocean -- from the deepest trenches to the remains of Titanic -- marine biologist David Gallo explores the wonder and beauty of marine life.

Briefing: Advanced Biofuels in the Public and Private Sectors

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:30:00 GMT

On Thursday, March 8, the Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate held a briefing on the outlook for advanced biofuels, the roles of the federal government and private industry in developing this resource, and predictions for commercialization.

Dogs Take Lead in Sniffing Out Arctic Oil

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:20:00 GMT

(The Guardian) When it comes to drilling for oil in the harsh and unpredictable Arctic, Shell has gone to the dogs, it seems. A dachshund and two border collies to be specific.

The Fisheries Investment Act: Allocations

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:55:00 GMT

The Fisheries Investment Act would redirect existing duties on imported fish and fish products to programs that will protect and increase the value of America’s ocean fish and the jobs they support.

The Fisheries Investment Act: Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic's Fisheries and Fishing Communities

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:35:00 GMT

With most of the region’s federally-managed fish stocks at healthy levels, the Mid-Atlantic is now enjoying the benefits of improved management of its commercial and recreational fisheries. Funding through FIA could help the Mid Atlantic build upon its management successes and address needs going forward.

The Fisheries Investment Act: Investing in New England's Fisheries and Fishermen

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:25:00 GMT

New England is home to historic fishing communities and some of the nation’s most valuable fisheries. Funding through the Fisheries Investment Act could help restore New England’s fish and fisheries by addressing critical needs.

Team Tracks a Food Supply at the End of the World

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:50:00 GMT

A 12 March 2012 article in The New York Times discusses a study by Wayne Trivelpiece, a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and colleagues in which they documented the variations in biomass of Antarctic krill, the small, bug-eyed shrimplike crustaceans that are the central diet for whales, penguins, seals, and seabirds.

Palau International Coral Reef Center Features Several Pew Marine Fellows

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Palau National Congress Speaker Noah Idechong organized a meeting of experienced coral reef scientists and Palau’s lawmakers on 12 March 2012 at Palau International Coral Reef Center PICRC.

Fahy Questions Idea of Licencing Foreign Fishing Boats, Calls for a Marine Protection Area

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:35:00 GMT

(The Royal Gazette) Government is being called upon to turn its Exclusive Economic Zone into a Marine Protected Area, if it wants to protect the environment and generate revenue.

Settling Ownership of the Bounty of the High Seas

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:40:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) Many ocean species that are over-exploited and traded internationally live in areas beyond national jurisdiction, a region known as the high seas that starts 200 miles from shore and covers half the Earth.

National Geographic Revives Debate Over Imperiled Bluefin Tuna in New Show

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(The Daily Beast) Wicked Tuna, a new series on hunting the endangered fish, is a mashup of reality TV and conservation.

Industrial Agriculture Needs Rules for Waste

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:55:00 GMT

The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and the perfect example of a national problem. With nearly 12,000 miles of shoreline spanning six states and the District of Columbia, the estuary has suffered from nutrient pollution for decades, a significant part of it emitted by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the watershed. An urgently needed rule is expected from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in June to help control CAFO pollution in the bay and, once established, should serve as the model for a national policy to safeguard watersheds across the country.

More [Good] News about [Bad] Gestation Crates

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:05:00 GMT

(New York Times) Another significant victory in the fight to ban sow gestation crates: Compass Group USA—whose U.K. parent company is the largest food service company in the world—announced that it plans to eliminate the crates from its U.S. pork supply chain by 2017.

Economic and Job Growth Starts with Policy

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:31:05 GMT

In lieu of federal action, states are adopting policies that create jobs and attract private investment. On our interactive map you can click on states to see which of four common policies each state has already implemented and learn what businesses in that state are saying.

Ellen Pikitch and Colleagues publish 'Reef Sharks Exhibit Site-Fidelity and Higher Relative Abundance in Marine Reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:40:00 GMT

In the 8 March 2012 issue of PLoS ONE, Ellen Pikitch, professor in the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and colleagues used video cameras to count Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) inside and outside marine reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea.

Combined Heat and Power Cuts Costs, Emissions

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:20:00 GMT

(Midwest Energy News) At some point every summer, the wastewater treatment plant in Albert Lea, Minnesota, usually gets a phone call from its gas utility asking whether something is wrong with its meter.

Pew Hails Key Step to Safeguard More Than 84,000 Wild Acres

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Mike Matz, director of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness, issued the following statement to commend the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands for holding a hearing today on legislation to protect wild land in Oregon and Nevada.

The Agrarian Myth and Industrial Reality of Animal Agriculture

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:50:00 GMT

(Philadelphia Inquirer) When most of us think of farms and farming, we conjure a fairly idyllic scene: fresh air; lush pastures; quaint, rustic buildings; and happy, carefree animals. But it is far from the reality, and it is not good for the public's health.

More Consultation Needed on Lancaster Sound, Inuit Say

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:10:00 GMT

(Postmedia News) The federal government should consult with Inuit who live in the High Arctic before finalizing the boundaries of a National Marine Conservation Area around Lancaster Sound — the ecologically rich stretch of Arctic waters north of Baffin Island — says a report released Wednesday by a regional Inuit group.

Press Briefing: Upcoming U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:35:00 GMT

On March 7, the Pew Environment Group, the U.N. Environment Programme, and the Natural Resources Defense Council hosted a media phone briefing about the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20.

Advanced Biofuels: Moving the Nation Toward Energy Independence and Providing Economic Opportunity

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Advanced biofuels offer the United States an exciting new economic opportunity and a path away from dependence on foreign oil.

Extra Feature: Wilderness Photo Roundup

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:05:00 GMT

The mountains are still covered with snow, but desert wildflowers will soon be blooming, and that means spring is right around the corner.

Your Wilderness -- March 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:30:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Spotlight On: Interactive Timeline of American Land Protection

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Americans’ passion for protecting public land dates back more than a century.

In Congress: Another Avenue for Rogue and Devil's Staircase Wilderness

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:50:00 GMT

Like a peaceful walk in the wilderness, things in Congress were pretty quiet in February.

Featured Wilderness: Ute Mountain and Rio Grande Gorge

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:35:00 GMT

Just south of the Colorado line, Ute Mountain rises to an elevation of 10,093 feet, dominating the New Mexico landscape.

Ken Rait: A New Approach to Conserving Western Lands

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:20:00 GMT

Protecting open spaces and wildplaces on America’s public lands for future generations: That is the mission of Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness.

Potential Threats to Marine Life from Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:40:00 GMT

For decades, surface longlines posed a threat to ocean wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. This indiscriminate fishing gear catches and kills approximately 80 species of non-target animals. In 2010, the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history exacerbated the negative environmental impacts of wasteful surface longlines and created its own set of challenges for Gulf wildlife.

A 'Weak' Solution

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:10:00 GMT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a final rule in April 2011 designed to help protect spawning bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule requires commercial surface longline fishermen to use an experimental “weak” hook when fishing for yellowfin tuna and swordfish in the Gulf.

Blue Marlin in the Gulf of Mexico: The Facts

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:50:00 GMT

The Atlantic blue marine (Makaira nigricans), one of the largest billfish species in the world, presents a formidable challenge to recreational fishermen.

Swordfish in the Gulf of Mexico: The Facts

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:45:00 GMT

The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is one of the most powerful fish in the ocean. Elusive and combative, the swordfish is prized by recreational anglers in the United States.

Sea Turtles in the Gulf of Mexico: The Facts

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:45:00 GMT

For a large part of their lives, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles traverse the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in search of food. After as many as three decades, they will return to nest on the same Gulf Coast beaches where they were born. Surface longline fishing gear makes that return a dangerous trip.

Sailfish in the Gulf of Mexico: The Facts

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:40:00 GMT

The Atlantic sailfish is one of the most recognizable saltwater game fish in the United States. Graceful and acrobatic, it is prized by recreational anglers for its power and elusiveness. When hooked, sailfish fight vigorously by leaping out of the water and sometimes diving to great depths.

Help Protect U.S. Waterways

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:48:51 GMT

Your help is needed to restore critical safeguards to the many rivers, bays, streams, and lakes throughout the country that face ongoing threats of pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations and other industries.

No Seabed Mining in NT for Three Years

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT

(Nine News) The Northern Territory government says no seabed mining will occur in its coastal waters until at least 2015.

Balancing the Pacific Ocean Scales

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT

The vast blue expanse of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean stretches across one-third of the Earth’s surface, from the archipelagos of Southeast Asia to the remote atolls of Kiribati.

Campaign Backgrounder: Switching Gears to Protect Ocean Wildlife

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:35:00 GMT

The Gulf of Mexico provides important habitat for rare and beautiful marine species including Atlantic bluefin tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, and leatherback sea turtles. Their dependence on the Gulf of Mexico exposes them to face a common threat—surface longline fishing.

The Bottom Line: Shifting Gears in the Gulf

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:20:00 GMT

For decades, fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico have used surface longlines to catch swordfish and yellowfin tuna. These lines stretch an average of 30 miles, dangle hundreds of baited hooks, and can be left in the water for up to 18 hours. This fishing method catches and kills large numbers of rare and endangered ocean wildlife, which are usually thrown overboard dead or dying.

New Rules Must Require All Farmers Do Their Fair Share to Clean Up The Bay

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 21:15:00 GMT

(Baltimore Sun) I am a farmer in Frederick County who took the time from my operation to go to Annapolis Tuesday to testify in support of legislation to require better management of farm animal manure and sewage. I raise sheep, goats, hogs and poultry whose manure would be subject to the new rules.

Shell Oil Rig Set for Landmark Alaska Journey

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(LA Times) Amid the tangle of towering steel, heavy cranes and overcast skies of Seattle's busy commercial shipyards, Shell Oil's massive Kulluk drilling rig is preparing to push off for the Arctic Ocean.

Comments on Science-Based Spawning Protections and Implementation of Accountability Measures

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:25:00 GMT

On March 3, 2012, Sera Drevenak and Holly Bins of the Pew Environment Group’s South Atlantic Fish Conservation Campaign wrote to offer comments on the development of measures to protect Warsaw grouper and speckled hind in the South Atlantic region, and on the implementation of accountability measures for vermilion snapper.

U.S. Arctic Ocean Experts Call for Action to Improve Offshore Drilling Safety

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Reforms made by the Obama administration after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill were critical to improving the safety of offshore drilling, but more remains to be done, concluded a panel of experts during a briefing held at Pew’s offices Feb. 24 in Washington, DC.

Electric Vehicles

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Pew’s clean energy economy research clearly demonstrates that policy matters: Where effective public policy exists, private investment and job growth will follow.

Trees Have Needs

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:10:00 GMT

Seventy-five years ago, Theodor Geisel wrote the first of his 44 popular books for children under the pen name Dr. Seuss. Included among such fanciful classics as "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham" is one of my family's all-time favorites, "The Lorax." My wife and I can hardly wait to take our children to see the new film adaptation - not only for fun but because it explains so well what I do.

Protecting Alaska's Arctic Marine Mammals

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Offshore from Alaska's North Slope, Arctic sea ice is a crucial part of the habitat for marine wildlife including polar bears, walruses and seals. But in a region where climate change is occurring at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, that wildlife is in jeopardy. Melting ice shrinks the hunting and resting grounds of marine mammals and encourages industrial development in the form of offshore oil drilling.

Marie-Joëlle Rochet and Colleagues Publish 'Reconsidering the Consequences of Selective Fisheries' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:15:00 GMT

In an article published in the 2 March 2012 issue of Science, Marie-Joëlle Rochet, a research scientist at the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER), and colleagues discuss their concern about the impact of fishing on ecosystems and the increase in fisheries production.

Andrea Sáenz-Arroyo Writes Editorial about Mexican Mangroves (Pew Marine Fellow, 2011)

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Andrea Sáenz-Arroyo, science director of Comunidad y Biodiversidad in Mexico, has written an editorial in the February issue of Equilibrio in which she discusses the National Wetlands in the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit.

Summiting an Underwater Mountain

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Greg Stone, senior vice president for marine conservation and chief scientist for oceans with Conservation International, has posted a blog entry about his work exploring seamounts off the coast of Costa Rica.

Preserving the World’s Last Ocean: John Weller (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:10:00 GMT

John Weller, photographer and author, is the topic of an article in the 1 March 2012 edition of yourolivebranch.org. In it, the author writes, “John Weller wants you to care about the ocean - one in particular that you may have never heard of. Located in the unforgiving, frigid bay of Antarctica’s Southern Ocean, the Ross Sea is considered the last healthy marine ecosystem on the planet.

The Latest: Meet the New Pew Marine Fellows

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:05:00 GMT

This week, Pew announced the winners of the 2012 Pew Marine Fellowship. From Brazil, Cuba, France, Peru, and the United States, these individuals will receive funding to engage in innovative research on marine reserves, Peru’s anchoveta fishery, gag groupers, French fisheries, and climate change impacts. Learn more about this impressive group.

Overfishing Leaves Swaths of Mediterranean Barren: Enric Sala (Pew Marine Fellow, 2006)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Centuries of overexploitation of fish and other marine resources—as well as invasion of fish from the Red Sea—have turned some formerly healthy ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea into barren places, according to an international team of scientists including Enric Sala, explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society.

Comanagement of Coral Reef Social-Ecological Systems: Tim McClanahan and Narriman Jiddawi (Pew Marine Fellows, 1996, 2006)

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:10:00 GMT

A study by Tim McClanahan, senior conservation zoologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society; Narriman Jiddawi, senior lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam; and others on more than 40 coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans indicates that “co-management” provides one solution to a vexing global problem: overfishing.

New Alliance Launches Report Calling for 3.6 Million Sq Km of Fully Protected Marine Reservices in Antarctica's Ross Sea

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:50:00 GMT

The Antarctic Ocean Alliance, a group of 16 global environmental organizations, launched a new report today calling for 3.6 sq km of ocean in the Ross Sea to be protected as a marine reserve at reception in Wellington, NZ.

Pew Announces 2012 Recipients of Distinguished Marine Conservation Fellowship

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group announced today six recipients of the 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. They are from Brazil, Cuba, France, Peru, and the United States.

Peruvian Scientist Patricia Majluf Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Patricia Majluf, Ph.D., has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. At the time of her selection, Dr. Majluf served as the director of the Center for Environmental Sustainability at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru. On Feb. 25, she was appointed Peru’s vice minister of Fisheries. As a result, the start of her fellowship will be deferred.

Fisheries Ecologist Stephan Munch Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Stephan Munch, Ph.D., a research faculty member at UC Santa Cruz and a fisheries ecologist with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. His project will develop tools that predict changes in fish population demographics in response to climate change.

Cuban Scientist Fabián Pina Amargós Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Fabián Pina Amargós, Ph.D., a scientist with the Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros (Center for Coastal Ecosystems Research) in Cayo Coco, Cuba, has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation for his project to study and conserve goliath grouper populations in Cuba. This Pew Marine Fellowship award is the first presented for research in Cuba and will be conducted under a license from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Nature Conservancy Scientist Michael Beck Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Michael Beck, Ph.D., lead scientist of the Global Marine Team at The Nature Conservancy, has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. His project seeks to promote ‘green infrastructure’ as a strategy for adapting to climate change and to support ecosystem recovery to help make communities less vulnerable to current coastal hazards.

Brazilian Conservationist Guilherme Dutra Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Guilherme Dutra, marine program director at Conservation International (CI) in Brazil, has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Mr. Dutra’s project will support the expansion of the Abrolhos Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network, which could create the largest network of protect areas on the eastern coast of the Americas.

French Conservationist Claire Nouvian Awarded 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Claire Nouvian, president and founder of Bloom Association in France, has been awarded a 2012 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Ms. Nouvian’s project will seek to achieve long-term economic and ecological sustainability of French fisheries by ensuring that public expenditures comply with the objectives of European Union and international law.

Patricia Majluf, Transforming the Peruvian Anchoveta Fishery

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:25:00 GMT

The Peruvian anchoveta reduction fishery is the largest single species fishery on the planet. Each year, 6 million to 10 million metric tons of anchoveta, a fish in the anchovy family, are extracted from a narrow strip of ocean off Peru known as the Humboldt Current Ecosystem, one of the largest and most productive marine ecosystems in the world due to coastal currents and winds moving deep, cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface.

Guilherme Dutra, Expanding Brazil's Abrolhos MPA Network

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:25:00 GMT

In Brazil, less than 2 percent of the country’s marine ecosystems are protected. However, as part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Brazil agreed to protect at least 10 percent of its waters by 2020.

Michael Beck, Ecoystem-Based Climate Adaptation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:20:00 GMT

Focusing on tropical nations, Beck’s Pew Fellowship project aims to clarify the role of coastal habitats.

Claire Nouvian, Public Subsidies to French Fisheries

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:15:00 GMT

Claire Nouvian’s Pew Fellowship project will focus on bringing transparency to the domain of public financial support given to French fisheries.

Fabián Pina Amargós, Conservation of the Goliath Grouper

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:15:00 GMT

Once relatively abundant through its range, Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) populations began to decline in the 1960s, a consequence of both intensive fishing on spawning aggregations (groups of fish laying eggs) and spearfishing on unwary adults.

Maps: Bureau of Land Management Holdings

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:10:00 GMT

View maps showing the Bureau of Land Management's holdings.

Sardine Fishery May Be in Trouble

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:00:00 GMT

(Science News) The storied sardine fishery in the northeast Pacific may be tottering on the brink of another collapse, like one that shut down sardine fishing there for years in the middle of the last century.

Innovation Drives Investment, Job Growth, Manufacturing

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Today, leadership in advanced energy technology is a national imperative. Global energy demand will grow by nearly 50 percent over the next 25 years, presenting a multitrillion-dollar market opportunity.

Protecting the Coral Sea

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:40:00 GMT

(Australian Geographic) The breathtaking, iconic beauty of the Coral Sea has been captured in a new exhibition, called 'Our Coral Sea: Our Ocean Paradise' at Oceanworld Manly.

OBA ‘Alarmed' By Fishing Proposal

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 GMT

(Bernews) The One Bermuda Alliance is “alarmed” by Government’s proposal to allow foreign fishing boats to catch fish in Bermuda’s 200-mile maritime exclusive economic zone for two main reasons, Shadow Minister of the Environment Michael Fahy said last night.

Pew Clean Energy Program Launches Innovation Initiative

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:15:00 GMT

The Pew Clean Energy Program today launched Americans for Energy Innovation, a project to achieve a strong and enduring national commitment to energy research, development, and demonstration.

Marshalls Fine Japanese Ship in Shark Fin Ban

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:15:00 GMT

(AFP) The Marshall Islands has fined a Japanese-operated fishing vessel $125,000 for violating a ban on shark fishing, officials said, in the first levy of its kind in the territory's waters.

Arctic Ocean Offshore Energy Panelists

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Arctic Ocean Offshore Energy Panelists Biographies: Michael R. Bromwich, Fran Ulmer,Vice Admiral Roger T. Rufe, Edward Itta, and Marilyn Heiman.

Andrew Baker and Colleagues Publish 'Specificity Rarely Absolute in Coral-Algal Symbiosis (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:05:00 GMT

A new study by Andrew Baker, associate professor at the University of Miami, and colleagues suggests that many species of reef-building corals may be able to adapt to warming waters by relying on their closest aquatic partners—algae.

Deadline for Draft Coral Sea Protection Plan Ends at Midnight

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:35:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) The deadline for submissions to the Australian government's draft plan for protecting the Coral Sea closes at midnight tonight. While the government wants to develop a marine reserve in the area more than 300 scientists from Australia and around the world say it's not enough.

Rainer Froese and Colleagues Publish 'What Catch Data Can Tell Us about the Status of Global Fisheries' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:10:00 GMT

The only available data set on the catches of global fisheries are the official landings reported annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Guide to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RMFOs)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:55:00 GMT

Regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) are international bodies made up of countries that share a practical and/or financial interest in managing and conserving fish stocks in a particular region.

FAQ: What is a Regional Fishery Management Organization?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:25:00 GMT

An RFMO—short for regional fisheries management organization—is an international body made up of countries that share a practical and/or financial interest in managing and conserving fish stocks in a particular region.

EPA Sends Wetland Guidance to White House for Final Review

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:50:00 GMT

(E&E) The Obama administration yesterday sent its proposal to increase the number of waters, streams and wetlands receiving federal pollution protection to the White House Office of Management and Budget for final review.

Changing the Game: A New Approach to Prevent Overfishing in the South Atlantic

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:55:00 GMT

Fishery managers are considering sweeping new rules to prevent overfishing and protect dozens of species in the South Atlantic from North Carolina to Florida.

Singapore: The World’s “Unhealthiest” Country?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:20:00 GMT

In the 22 February 2012 issue of The Wall Street Journal, Rashid Sumaila, director of the University of British Columbia’s Fisheries Centre, discusses the Eco2 Index.

Oregon Legislature Approves State's First Network of Marine Reserves

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Our Ocean, a statewide coalition of Oregon conservationists, scientists, ocean users, local and businesses leaders expressed support today for the state legislature’s action to designate three marine reserves and protected areas off Cape Falcon, Cascade Head, and Cape Perpetua.

Pew Statement on Proposed New York Shark Fin Ban

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:25:00 GMT

Elizabeth Wilson, manager of the Pew Environment Group’s global shark conservation campaign, issued the following statement on today’s introduction of a bill in the New York State Assembly that would prohibit the possession, sale, offering for sale, or distribution of shark fins.

Bon Appetit Announces Animal Welfare Reforms

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:50:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Hoping to set a standard for others in the industry to follow, food-service giant Bon Appetit Management Co. announced today that it will purchase pork, liquid eggs and veal only from producers who follow more humane animal agricultural practices.

Colorado Officials Push for Forest-Road Rule

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMT

(Denver Post) Colorado officials are making an intense final push to establish their own rule for managing the last roadless national forests in the state.

Enric Sala Interviewed for 'Can We Eat Our Fish and Protect Them Too?' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2006)

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:40:00 GMT

As part of the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala was interviewed about the idea of fish banks for marine biodiversity.

Research Identifies Six Fishing ‘Danger Zones’

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT

An article published in the 21 February 2012 issue of Mail Online highlights new research by UBC fisheries researchers William Cheung and Rashid Sumaila.

On Sea Otters, We Need to See the Big Picture

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:20:00 GMT

The competing priorities of aiding otter recovery and support for ailing coastal fishing communities appear on a collision course. But sea otters are more than just our cute competition.

The Bottom Line: Tracking Tuna in the Cloud

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

A properly designed and implemented electronic tracking program for Atlantic bluefin tuna will be more efficient and easier to use, will improve the data collected, and help deter illegal fishing. Accurate information is critical to ensuring that these fish are managed properly.

Oil Drilling In Arctic Nears Reality: Shell Emergency Plan OKd

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:50:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times) One of the last significant hurdles to offshore oil drilling in the Arctic has been cleared with approval of a plan for dealing with a nightmare scenario — an oil spill at the top of the world. The Obama administration on Friday approved Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.'s plan for responding to an accident should it occur in the Chukchi Sea.

The Latest: Discover Bermuda's Undersea Rain Forest

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:55:54 GMT

The Sargasso Sea, Bermuda's "golden rain forest," is nearly the size of the continental U.S. and is home to huge mats of gold-colored seaweed that provide a one-of-a-kind marine habitat for diverse and unusual species.

U.S. Tentatively Approves Shell Spill Plan for New Arctic Drilling

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:50:00 GMT

(New York Times) In an important step toward ultimate approval of new oil drilling off the North Slope of Alaska, the Interior Department on Friday tentatively approved Shell’s plans for responding to a potential spill in the frigid Arctic waters. Shell still needs to cross several additional regulatory barriers before it will be permitted to begin drilling as many as six exploratory wells in the Chukchi Sea starting in July. But the green light from the Interior Department on its oil spill response plan is a clear sign that the Obama administration is disposed to allow the drilling when it believes adequate safeguards are in place.

Tenth Circuit Court Reaffirms Roadless Ruling

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:50:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. public lands program, issued the following statement regarding a notice from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver that it will not reconsider its October 2011 decision that upheld the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. A request for a rehearing of the case had been made by the State of Wyoming and the Colorado Mining Association.

Court Denies Request for Roadless Rule Rehearing

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:20:00 GMT

(Associated Press) A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected Wyoming's request to reconsider a decision upholding a 2001 rule barring development on nearly 50 millions of acres of roadless areas in national forests.

Identifying Shark Fins: Oceanic Whitetip, Porbeagle, and Hammerheads

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:40:00 GMT

Pew’s global shark conservation campaign developed this guide to help users rapidly identify dried shark fins found in fishing ports, sold by seafood dealers, or traded across international boundaries.

Tim McClanahan Publishes New Study at the Wildlife Conservation Society (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:35:00 GMT

A new study by Tim McClanahan, a senior conservation zoologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, and colleagues uses a new scientific methodology for establishing marine protected areas in Madagascar that offers a “diversified portfolio” of management options—from strict no-take zones to areas that would allow fishing.

Scientists Want More Protection for Australia's Coral Sea

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:25:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) More than 300 scientists from around the world have signed a consensus statement warning the Australian government that its proposed marine reserve in the Coral Sea has some serious shortcomings.

Changing the Game: A New Approach to Prevent Overfishing in the Caribbean

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Fishery managers approved sweeping new rules to prevent overfishing and protect species in the U.S. Caribbean from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands.

Busting the Myth of the 'Clean-Tech Crash'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:40:00 GMT

(Americans for Energy Leadership) Over the past few months, we’ve heard growing speculation about the coming “crash” in the clean-tech sector.

Pew Applauds Lawmakers' Effort to Double Industrial Energy Efficiency

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Clean Energy Program, issued the following statement in reaction to the introduction of a bipartisan House bill to double industrial efficiency.

Global Ocean Legacy: An Introduction

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

World-scale marine reserves—places where no fishing or other extractive activity is allowed—protect our global marine heritage for future generations and celebrate our shared ocean legacy.

Changing the Game: A New Approach to Prevent Overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:55:00 GMT

Fishery managers approved sweeping new rules to prevent overfishing and protect species in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas.

New Alliance Supports Queensland's Wild River Laws

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:45:00 GMT

(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Queensland's Wild Rivers law have faced fierce resistance on Cape York from Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson, but further south and west the protection of the Cooper Creek, Georgina and Diamantina Rivers has been welcomed by traditional owner Scott Gorringe.

Alliance to Pressure Newman on Wild River Laws

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:40:00 GMT

(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Some Queensland graziers, Indigenous people and environment groups have formed an alliance to pressure Liberal National Party (LNP) leader Campbell Newman to commit to the state's Wild Rivers laws.

Artists Draw Inspiration From Remote Island Group

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:35:00 GMT

(Auckland Now) "Wakey wakey" blasts over the loud speakers every morning to raise the nine South Pacific artists on board a navy frigate steaming north-east from New Zealand. They're heading for the unspoilt and untouched Kermadec Island group and as Ponsonby resident John Reynolds discovers the voyage really is an awakening.

McDonald's Vows to Help End Use of Sow Crates

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:05:00 GMT

(The New York Times) The McDonald’s Corporation said on Monday that it would begin working with its pork suppliers to phase out the use of so-called gestational crates, the tiny stalls in which sows are housed while pregnant.

Omar Defeo and Colleague Publishes 'The Spatial Dynamics of the Whitemouth Croaker Artisanal Fishery in Uruguay and Interdependencies with the Industrial Fleet' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:15:00 GMT

According to a paper published in the 13 February 2012 issue of Fisheries Research, Omar Defeo, professor at the Universidad de la República in Uruguay, and a colleague note that the global fisheries crisis has critical socioeconomic impacts on small-scale fisheries.

Ocean Life in the Balance: Will Science Overcome Politics at Rio+20 Conference?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:55:00 GMT

The United Nations has sought to promote the "peaceful use of the seas and ocean, the equitable utilization of their resources, and the study, protection, and preservation of the marine environment," for decades.

North Carolina Corporate Hog Farm and President Sentenced to Pay $1.5 Million for Violating the Clean Water Act

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:30:00 GMT

(Department of Justice) Freedman Farms Inc. was sentenced today in federal court to five years probation and ordered to pay $1.5 million in fines, restitution and community service payments for violating the Clean Water Act when they discharged hog waste into a stream that leads to the Waccamaw River, announced the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Bermuda's 'Golden Rainforest of the Sea'

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Nearly the size of the continental U.S., the Sargasso Sea was named after Sargassum. Some of the marine species relying on this habitat have evolved unique shapes and color patterns that camouflage them among the plants. The Sargasso Sea is set off from the surrounding Atlantic by four ocean currents—some of the strongest in the world.

Pristine Ocean Needs to Become Sanctuary

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT

(New Zealand Herald) A trip to the Kermadecs by nine artists on the HMNZS Otago has spawned a touring art exhibition which underpins efforts to protect the region.

Tim McClanahan and Colleagues Publish 'To Fish or Not to Fish' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Half of fishermen would not give up their livelihood in the face of drastically declining catches according to research involving the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Healthy European Fish Stocks Would be Worth £2.7bn a Year

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

(The Guardian) Restoring fish stocks to health would create jobs and increase the income of Europe's fishing fleets by £2.7bn a year, according to a report published on Friday.

Gulf of Mexico Gag Grouper Win Protection

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:40:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Commerce Department’s final approval of a gag grouper recovery plan.

A Plan to Save Gag Grouper

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:40:00 GMT

If you think of a mouthwatering fish sandwich, it may be gag grouper. But since 2004, the population has been sliced nearly in half. A recovery plan can help this species rebound. It calls for a recreational fishing season closure, reduced commercial catch and other protections. But those rules could be relaxed as gag grouper show signs of recovery.

Peter Mumby and Colleagues Publish 'Ocean Acidification Changes the Behavior of Baby Coral' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:55:00 GMT

A team of researchers, including Peter Mumby, professor and head of the Marine Spatial Ecology Laboratory, from the School of Biological Sciences and Global Change Institute at The University of Queensland published a paper in the April edition of Ecology Letters on how ocean acidification affects the settlement of baby corals onto a reef.

Charged Up! Norfolk Business Community Promotes Electric Vehicles

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

The Pew Charitable Trusts, Solar Services, and Virginia Clean Cities recently held a forum in Virginia Beach on Feb. 9 for business and community leaders to discuss incentives for the adoption of EVs. The event was held at Solar Services, which opened Virginia’s first commercial EV plug-in station.

Summary: Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:05:00 GMT

In 2010, the Pew Environment Group commissioned Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, a comprehensive study of the challenges and potential consequences of oil and gas exploration and production in the U.S. Arctic Ocean. The study examined what might happen if a catastrophic spill occurred in the Arctic.

Rules for Gag Grouper Should be Standardized

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMT

A virtual but important line, running through the Gulf of Mexico, may determine whether one of Florida's most popular — and most severely depleted — fish will recover. It's the line between state and federal waters.

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) were once extremely common and ranked as one of the three most abundant species of both oceanic sharks and large marine animals. However, due to intensive fishing the species is now listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Whale Sharks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:20:00 GMT

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are highly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are found in low abundance, are highly migratory, and are thought to reach reproductive maturity late in life.

Measure Up For Sustainability

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

The WCPFC aims to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fish stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), an area covering 20 percent of the Earth’s surface and containing the world’s largest tuna fishery.

The Bottom Line: An Inconvenient Truth About Gulf of Maine Cod

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Many in New England were recently stunned by the news that the region’s prized codfish are in much deeper trouble than anyone had realized. The bleak conclusion of the most recent scientific assessment was unexpected, because just three years earlier cod appeared to show signs of recovery. Fishermen, scientists, and others have rightfully been asking, “What happened?”

State Goes Its Own Way to Regulate Forest Roads

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:10:00 GMT

(The New York Times) A road into the piney woods can be fraught with consequences. That was the premise, more than a decade ago, behind a Clinton administration rule that restricted road building on millions of acres of national forests in the West. The so-called roadless rule, fought over in court from the start, was validated last year by a federal appeals panel, setting off a wave of euphoria among supporters and consternation among critics.

The Latest: Arctic Drilling Needs Science, Not Politics

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:05:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a century's worth of wilderness protection, a call to put 1 million Americans back to work, and Arctic animals at risk.

Comments RE: 2012 Public Scoping of the Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 3

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:55:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group recently submitted comments to the executive director of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding an ecosystem-based management system in the South Atlantic.

EPA Readies CAFO Permit Manual

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:40:00 GMT

(Inside EPA) EPA is preparing to issue a manual “in the very near future” highlighting what the agency considers to be the best available technical knowledge on nutrient management in order to help regulators write water permits for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO), a top EPA official says.

Jumbo Solution for Outback

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:40:00 GMT

(New Zealand Herald) Biologist David Bowman knew he was going to kick up a jumbo-sized storm with his latest idea for saving Australia's fragile north, and he was right.

Public Outreach on Penguins Conservation by Pablo Garcia Borboroglu (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:17:29 GMT

On 17 November 2011, Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, gave a talk—which was open to the community, including decision makers, travel agents, tour guides, students, and other interested groups—about penguins and marine conservation issues. The talk was organized by the Global Penguin Society, the National Research Council Institute in Puerto Madryn, and the Secretary of Culture. Also, for the third year in a row, Borboroglu organized a trip for children from Argentina and South Africa in which he gave talks and took them to visit the nearby penguin colony. “These kids will decide the fate of the penguins so we need them to value them more,” he said.

Your Wilderness -- February 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:25:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

'Supergiant' Crustacean Found in Deepest Ocean

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:25:00 GMT

(BBC) A huge crustacean has been found lurking 7km down in the waters off the coast of New Zealand.

Peter Mumby Provides Commentary for 'Climate Change Okay for One Coral' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:40:00 GMT

Nancy Knowlton, a coral biologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and Peter Mumby, a marine ecologist at the University of Queensland in Australia, have provided commentary for a 2 February 2012 article in Science NOW.

Elephant Solution Proposed for Australian Bush

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:05:00 GMT

(Australian Broadcasting Network) Australia could introduce large herbivores such as elephants as part of a radical biological solution to the problem of bushfires and invasive species, says one expert.

America's Arctic Ocean Wildlife at Risk

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The Beaufort and Chukchi seas off northern Alaska make up America’s portion of the Arctic Ocean, a spectacular and unique marine ecosystem in the United States. Bowhead whales, walrus, ice seals, polar bears, and millions of migratory birds thrive here. While these Arctic marine mammals are uniquely adapted to living on and around sea ice, their world is changing rapidly.

Spotlight On: State of the Wild

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:15:00 GMT

As the second session of the 112th Congress gets underway, Pew’s Campaign for America’s Wilderness is working with state partners across the country to win passage of 20 bills that together would designate more than 2 million acres of new wilderness across 11 states.

In Congress: A Quiet Month in Washington, DC

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT

The second session of the 112th Congress started slowly, with the House of Representatives returning from its holiday recess Jan. 17 for a short workweek, and the Senate reconvening Jan. 23.

Featured Wilderness: A Winter Walk in Colorado's Proposed Hayes Creek Wilderness Area

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:45:00 GMT

With only a few hours to spend, I was skeptical about getting much of the flavor of the proposed wilderness in Colorado’s Pitkin County.

Mike Matz: On the Shoulders of Giants

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:35:00 GMT

Isaac Newton, one of the fathers of modern science, wrote in 1675, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”

Pew Marine Fellow Laurence McCook

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:25:00 GMT

Laurence McCook published a major synthesis of the effects of the network of marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Special Feature on marine reserves (cover shown here, including photo by McCook). The paper, Adaptive management of the Great Barrier R

Institute for Ocean Conservation Science Applauds Listing of Atlantic Sturgeon Under U.S. Endangered Species Act: Ellen Pikitch (Pew Marine Fellow, 2000)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:55:00 GMT

The Institute for Ocean Conservation Science applauds the listing of Atlantic sturgeon by NOAA Fisheries Service under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), and calls the listing a critical step in the species’ fight for survival.

Putting Americans Back to Work With Clean Energy

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:40:00 GMT

In his State of the Union address, President Obama pledged to "double down on a clean energy industry that's never been more promising." Indeed, America's strengths in innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced manufacturing will help create jobs and build businesses.

Several Pew Marine Fellows Contribute to the New Book 'Oceans: Heart of Our Blue Planet'

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:50:00 GMT

The 19th volume in the CEMEX Conservation Book Series, the book looks at the many ways in which all life on Earth depends on a healthy ocean.

The Great Arctic Oil Race Begins

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(Nature) “The race is on for positions in the new oil provinces.” That starting-gun quote was fired last week by Tim Dodson, executive vice-president of the Norwegian oil and gas company Statoil.

Court Victory Holds CAFO Accountable for Water Pollution

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:55:00 GMT

(Ecocentric) In a precedent-setting decision earlier this month that received scant national coverage, a Washington State judge ordered a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation), also known as a factory farm, to monitor groundwater, drainage and soil for illegal pollution resulting from its grossly inadequate manure management practices in violation of the Clean Water Act.

Rashid Sumaila: Declining Fisheries Will Affect Us All Soon Enough (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(Vancouver Sun) The sad story of Newfoundland’s cod industry is well known: When the region’s once-thriving cod population collapsed in 1992, 40,000 jobs vanished along with a way of life. Atlantic cod, previously abundant, became an endangered species.

U.S. Public Lands Protection: A Look Back

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Americans' passion for protecting public land dates back more than a century. Explore our interactive timeline of highlights and milestones from the country's land protection history.

Scientists Call on Obama Administration to Use Science as Guide for Arctic Drilling

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:30:00 GMT

More than 500 distinguished scientists signed a letter urging the Obama administration to use science to guide decision making on oil and gas activities in the remote and fragile U.S. Arctic Ocean.

Coral Reef Study Traces Indirect Effects of Overfishing (Tim McClanahan, 1996)

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:55:00 GMT

A study of the tropical coral reef system along the coastline of Kenya has found dramatic effects of overfishing that could threaten the long-term health of the reefs.

Fishing's Global Footprint

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:00 GMT

(BBC) I'm not sure whether logically you can have such a thing as a footprint in water... but if you can, then the footprints of human fishermen now cover much more of the world's oceans than half a century ago.

Hundreds of Scientists Ask Obama to Halt Drilling

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:20:00 GMT

(Greenwire) A group of 573 scientists today released a letter to President Obama asking him to stop oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic waters until experts can study the proposed oil development's impacts on sensitive Arctic ecosystems and native subsistence activities.

Greens Go After Obama Admin on Arctic Drilling

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:50:00 GMT

(Mother Jones) Pew Environment is running some aggressive new ads targeting the Obama administration's decision to allow drilling in the Arctic to proceed.

Pew Statement on Obama Administration's New National Forest Management Plan

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, U.S. public lands director for the Pew Environment Group, released the following statement in reaction to a final U.S. Forest Service management plan issued by the Obama administration today.

Obama Admin Says New Forest Rules Stress Science

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

(Associated Press) The Obama administration says new rules to manage nearly 200 million acres of national forests will protect watersheds and wildlife while promoting uses ranging from recreation to logging.

Pew Urges Reforms to EU Deep-Sea Fishing Regulations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

In a new policy analysis, “Out of the Abyss: Transforming EU Rules to Protect the Deep Sea,” which summarizes current problems in the oversight and control of EU deep-sea fisheries in the northeast Atlantic, Pew offers viable solutions to ensure the sustainability and protection of threatened deep-sea biodiversity.

Out of the Abyss: Transforming EU Rules to Protect the Deep Sea

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

Leading scientific authorities have concluded that the EU’s fisheries for deep-sea species in the northeast Atlantic are ‘outside safe biological limits’ and that deep-sea fishing should be significantly reduced or ended entirely.

Reforming EU Deep-Sea Fisheries Management

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

The future of vulnerable deep-sea habitats remains at stake as the European Commission prepares to release a proposal on deep-sea fishing regulations at the end of this month. The current practice has serious and widespread environmental consequences for countries fishing on the high-seas, the international community, and ocean ecosystems. And time in running out.

Matthieu Le Corre Publishes 'Tracking Seabirds to Identify Potential Marine Protected Areas in the Tropical Western Indian Ocean' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:55:00 GMT

Matthieu Le Corre, lecturer at the University of Réunion Island and local coordinator for the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, has published a paper in which he and colleagues conducted a regional tracking program on seabirds in order to identify major forging hotspots and potential marine protected areas (MPAs) in the tropical western Indian Ocean.

State of the Wild: Unfinished Business

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:25:00 GMT

As the second session of the 112th Congress gets underway, the Pew Environment Group is working with local residents to enact 20 pending pieces of conservation legislation. These bills would protect more than 2 million acres of wilderness across 11 states.

Re: Public Hearing Draft for Amendment 35 to the Reef Fish FMP (Greater Amberjack Rebuilding Plan)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:55:00 GMT

On January 25, 2012, Chad Hanson and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered their comments on the Public Hearing Draft for Amendment 35 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan

Landmark Report by Rashid Sumaila Referenced in 'Free-For-All' Decimates Fish Stocks in the Southern Pacific (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:45:00 GMT

A story published on 25 January 2012 in iWatch News examines the ‘free-for-all’ mentality with which the fish stocks have been pursued in the southern Pacific.

The Future We Want for the Ocean

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:20:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group welcomes the circulation of the zero draft by the Co-Chairs of the Bureau for United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20). The draft provides a solid foundation for initial discussion at the UNCSD preparatory meetings and is an appropriate starting point for negotiating.

A 'Grand' Gesture

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:05:00 GMT

Although the Grand Canyon was given a reprieve, other treasured landscapes remain at risk. That's because mining for uranium, gold and other hardrock minerals is governed by a law signed by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872 to encourage development of the frontier.

This is Truly Bermuda's Time to Shine

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

(Royal Gazette) Bermuda could create one of the world’s largest ocean reserves by the end of the year, making the Island an international leader in ocean conservation.

Greg Stone Served as Panelist at the 42nd World Economic Forum (Pew Marine Fellow, 1997)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Greg Stone, senior vice president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International, served as a panelist at an open-session plenary meeting at the 42nd annual meeting of the World Economic Forum during the last week of January 2012.

Pew Applauds Governments' Efforts to Better Track Valuable Bluefin Tuna

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Lee Crockett, who directs Atlantic bluefin tuna conservation for the Pew Environment Group, released the following statement in response to a request by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas for proposals to develop an electronic bluefin catch documentation system.

The Bottom Line: Historic Anniversary for Fishing in America's Oceans

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:50:00 GMT

It’s hard to get politicians to agree on anything these days. But five years ago this month, President George W. Bush, flanked by Republican and Democratic members of Congress, signed the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Pew Comments on the Environmental Protection Agency's CAFO Inventory Rule

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:10:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency recently requested public comments on a proposed rule regarding the information the agency will collect from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This important rule may establish expanded reporting requirements for CAFO owners and operators, which will enhance transparency and accountability, and result in improved environmental management.

Putting Fish Over Politics

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:35:00 GMT

(Miami Herald) Remarkable things can happen when key stakeholders and leaders in Washington find common ground for a common good.

The Latest: Grand Canyon Protected From New Mining

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:12:24 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features big news for the Grand Canyon, an expidition to the world's largest marine reserve, and a spotlight on Australia's Coral Sea.

Hiroyuki Matsuda ('07) Talks About Risks of Nuclear Power Plant

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:05:00 GMT

Hiroyuki Matsuda appeared on the website Nikoniko-Doga on 19 January 2012. He discussed the radiation risks of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Northern Exposure: Pew in the Arctic

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:45:00 GMT

As melting ice opens up the once-impenetrable Arctic, Pew wants science to guide the size of man’s expanding footprint in the remote region.

Rashid Sumalia Publishes Editorial 'Overfishing: Call to Split Fisheries at Home and Abroad' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Rashid Sumaila, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, has published an editorial in the correspondence section of the 19 January 2012 issue of the journal Nature.

Editorial: A Milestone in Fisheries Management

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:20:00 GMT

(The New York Times) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is about to reach a historic achievement. By May, the agency will have set annual catch limits for every federally managed fish species, more than 500 in all.

Chagossians Embark on Conservation Expedition to World's Largest Marine Reserve

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Four members of Britain’s Chagossian community embarked on a conservation expedition in June 2011 to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, home of the world’s largest marine reserve. For one week, they worked to conserve and restore the health of Diego Garcia, the archipelago’s largest island, by helping to remove invasive trees and replace them with native species.

Environmental Leaders Call on President Obama to Restore Critical Clean Water Act Protections

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:25:00 GMT

As leaders of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, we write you on behalf of our millions of members and supporters to urge you to act quickly to restore critical Clean Water Act protections to America’s waterways.

Mark Erdmann Identifies New Species in Indonedia: (Pew Marine Fellow, 2004)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMT

In the 19 January 2012 issue of Zootaxa, Mark Erdmann, a senior advisor to Conservation International, described two new species of striped Pseudochromis from the Philippine Islands and Indonesia Pseudochromis ammeri sp. nov. and P. eichleri sp. nov. (Raja Ampat Islands, West Irian and Halmahera) and the Philippines (Calamianes Group, Boracay and northern Palawan), respectively.

Sea Around Us Wins 2012 UBC Library Innovative Dissemination of Research Award

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:40:00 GMT

The Sea Around Us Project portal has been selected to receive the 2012 UBC Library Innovative Dissemination of Research Award.

Ohio Farms Flush with Manure

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:05:00 GMT

(The Columbus Dispatch) Under the best conditions, raising livestock is a dirty, smelly business. And right now in Ohio, the conditions are far from good.

Grand Canyon Safe from Uranium Mining

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:40:00 GMT

(Living on Earth) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently signed a 20 year moratorium on mining for uranium near the Grand Canyon National Park. Jane Danowitz of the Pew Environment Group tells host Bruce Gellerman that it would protect close to the park but surrounding lands are still under threat.

Debate Over Fishing Quotas Heats Up

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:15:00 GMT

(Asbury Park Press) A long-simmering debate over federal fishing quotas and their economic impact on coastal states could reach a boiling point this year as Congress considers changes to a landmark marine conservation law.

Twentynine Palms Marine Base Good Fit for Solar Projects

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:15:00 GMT

(The Desert Sun) The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms has been singled out as one of four California desert military bases with the potential for large-scale solar development.

Veteran Filmmaker Calls for Realistic Coral Sea Conservation

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:10:00 GMT

(Radio Australia) Somebody who can remember what the Pacific Ocean was like before the exploitation of the tuna stocks is legendary underwater filmmaker, Valerie Taylor.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act: A Bipartisan Legacy of Success

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:50:00 GMT

Since 1976, when what is now called the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) was first signed into law, Republicans and Democrats have agreed that conserving America's ocean fish makes good economic and environmental sense. Today, Congress should continue this tradition of bipartisan support for the MSA and preserve its legacy of success by opposing any efforts to weaken the law.

Coral Sea Protections Fall Short: Taylor

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:25:00 GMT

(Nine News) Under the plan, released by federal Environment Minister Tony Burke in November, the world's largest marine park would be created in the area of the Coral Sea included in Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Marine Reserve Falls Short: Taylor

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:05:00 GMT

(Brisbane Times) Underwater filmmaker Valerie Taylor releases a new video of the Coral Sea, saying a proposed Marine Reserve does not go far enough to prevent fishing.

Pew Encouraged that Ocean Protection is on Rio+20 Agenda

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:35:00 GMT

Global political leaders will convene in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this June, which marks the 20th anniversary of the original UN Earth Summit, to evaluate progress towards achieving goals on sustainable development. On January 10, the first draft of the ‘negotiating text,’ a blueprint for the agenda of the Rio+20 conference, was released. This document will now form the basis of final text subject to government discussion and debate.

Responsible Leadership in Arctic in 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:35:00 GMT

(National Journal) Oil prices will be at the center of our nation’s energy debate in 2012. Some will use rising prices as an opening to push for drilling in sensitive areas like the Arctic Ocean, even though the challenges of oil exploration in such a harsh, remote, and fragile place are unprecedented.

Underwater Legend Valerie Taylor Urges Protection of the Coral Sea

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:35:00 GMT

Renowned underwater photographer and conservationist Valerie Taylor narrates a short film about the beauty of Australia’s Coral Sea and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conserve it.

What's the Coral Sea without Coral?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:25:00 GMT

(Discovery News) The Coral Sea, off the coast of northwestern Australia, is home to some of the healthiest tropical marine ecosystems left on Earth, with tuna, turtles, whales and sharks still found there in healthy numbers.

Your Wilderness -- January 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:50:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

U.S. Bans New Grand Canyon Uranium-Mining Claims

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:25:00 GMT

(LA Times) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Monday a final decision to impose 20-year ban on new mining claims on 1 million acres surrounding the Grand Canyon, an area where uranium mining stakes have spiked 2,000% in the last seven years.

A New Race of Mercy to Nome, This Time Without Sled Dogs

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:05:00 GMT

(New York Times) In the winter of 1925, long after this Gold Rush boomtown on the Bering Sea had gone bust, diphtheria swept through its population of 1,400. Medicine ran dangerously low, and there was no easy way to get more. No roads led here, flight was ruled out and Norton Sound was frozen solid.

Obama Bans Uranium Mining Around Grand Canyon

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:50:00 GMT

(Reuters) The Obama administration banned new uranium mining claims around the Grand Canyon for the next 20 years, a move hailed by conservationists on Monday as key to the president's environmental legacy but slammed by opponents as a job-killer.

The Bottom Line: New Year's Resolution 2012: Let's Gain Weight in the Ocean

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:05:00 GMT

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for Americans is to lose weight. Around this time of year, gyms fill up, the health food sections of supermarkets become crowded, and people whose daily exercise consisted of picking up their mail start jogging. But for the fish in America’s oceans, we need to resolve to help them gain weight.

MSC Sustainable Certification for PNA Tuna a Historic Date, PNA Director Says

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:50:00 GMT

(PNA Tuna) January 2012 is historic for the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and for our Pacific region. In gaining a globally recognized eco-label, that of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the PNA fulfils its aspiration of being the world’s largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery.

The Bottom Line

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:40:00 GMT

“The Bottom Line,” explores fisheries management issues, while taking on other related subjects to provide a more in-depth look at the issues facing our ocean fish. With this blog, we hope to continue these informative discussions, cut through the rhetoric, and encourage more people to take an interest in ocean fish conservation.

New 20-Year Ban on Mining Near Grand Canyon Finalized

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:55:00 GMT

(AP) Fending off pressure from the mining industry and congressional Republicans, the Obama administration is moving forward with a plan to ban new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon.

Obama Administration Orders Long-Term Grand Canyon Mining Ban

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, U.S. public lands director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in reaction to the signing of a record of decision by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to bar new mining claims on nearly 1 million acres of public land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

Stunning Snaps of Marine Life in the Coral Sea

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:00 GMT

(The Australian) An exhibition featuring breathtaking photographs of marine life in Australia's Coral Sea has gone on show. There are 25 stunning snaps of sea creatures from turtles to manta rays in the Our Coral Sea: Our Ocean Paradise exhibition at Sydney’s Oceanworld Manly.

Obama Holds Strong to Protect Grand Canyon from Uranium Mining

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMT

(The Guardian) The Obama administration is set to give protection to one of the world's natural wonders, by banning uranium mining on 1m square acres of land around the Grand Canyon.

Pew Applauds Measures to Conserve Skipjack Tuna in the Pacific

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:20:00 GMT

Amanda Nickson, senior officer at the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement in response to the formal notification that an ‘eco-label’ certification has been granted for ‘free-school’ skipjack tuna in the Pacific managed by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement.

Grand Canyon Uranium Mining Claims to be Banned as Obama Tries to Protect National Treasure

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

(Daily Mail) The Obama administration is moving forward with a controversial plan to ban new uranium mining claims on 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon.

U.S. to Limit Mining Near Grand Canyon

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:45:00 GMT

(Associated Press) The Interior Department is moving forward with a plan to ban new mining claims on 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon, even as congressional Republicans try to block efforts to limit mining operations in an area known for high-grade uranium ore.

Eco Label Granted for Swordfish Caught Off Florida on Controversial Longlines

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(The Bellingham (WA) Herald) Consumers who buy one company's swordfish caught off eastern Florida will be seeing a blue and white label at the store that assures them the fish was caught with utmost care for life in the Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. Tightens Fishing Policy, Setting 2012 Catch Limits for All Managed Species

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

(Washington Post) In an effort to sustain commercial and recreational fishing for the next several decades, the United States this year will become the first country to impose catch limits for every species it manages, from Alaskan pollock to Caribbean queen conch.

Spotlight On: Mountain Bikes in Wilderness

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Americans enjoy our public lands for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Canada's Boreal Forest: Why Does it Need Protection?

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

(Ecopolitology) If you’re wondering what a boreal forest is, you’re probably not alone. It is comprised of forested lands in the northern hemisphere that contain mainly coniferous trees and reside just south of the frozen tundra region near the pole. These forests are also referred to as taiga. In layman terms, it is one of the largest areas of forested land on the planet; sparsely populated, full of wildlife, and largely appreciated for its natural beauty.

Why Overpriced Japanese Sushi is Bad for Bluefin Stocks

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:20:00 GMT

(NPR) Each January, the first bluefin tuna auction at Toyko's Tsukiji fish market commands some of the highest prices of the year.

In Congress: Small Victories

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:45:00 GMT

The departure of the Congress this holiday season was marked by finger pointing and partisanship as House and Senate leaders fought over the fate of a payroll tax reduction that was scheduled to expire on December 31.

Featured Wilderness: The Remarkable Mallard-Larkins

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:20:00 GMT

North Central Idaho is home to an outstanding natural area known as Mallard-Larkins.

Mike Matz: Looking Ahead, Our Work Together

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:35:00 GMT

The beginning of a new year offers the chance to take a prospective look at the months ahead.

The Latest: Conserving the Amazon of the North

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

This edition features a look into the world's largest intact forest, a call to protect Alaska's Bristol Bay, and great news for fish in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Robert Richmond: The Use of Cellular Diagnostics for Identifying Sub-Lethal Stress in Reef Corals (Pew Marine Fellow, 2006)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Coral reefs throughout the world are exhibiting documented declines in coral cover and species diversity, which have been linked to anthropogenic stressors including land-based sources of pollution.

Video: Our Role In Saving Sargasso Sea

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:35:00 GMT

(Bernews) Recent research has found that the Sargasso Sea serves as critical birthing grounds for the shark species. Given this highly productive ecosystem, scientists, Bermudians and others are concerned about protecting this area from emerging threats, such as proposals to harvest Sargassum for biofuel.

New Marine Reserve Could Bolster Queensland Tourist Numbers, Say DialAFlight

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(MarketWire) After news emerged in late November that the Australian government is planning to establish the world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea, DialAFlight, one of the UK's leading travel operators, believes the planned development shows a positive step towards protecting a fragile area from degradation and could even strengthen tourism along Australia's Queensland coastline.

YouTube Video Features Greg Stone - Ideas Labs: The Ocean Health Index (Pew Marine Fellow, 1997)

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:30:00 GMT

A You Tube video features Greg Stone, senior vice president of Conservation International, in which he discusses the importance of creating an Ocean Health Index, with the aim of fostering the conservation of our oceans in a systemic and highly effective manner.

Tim McClanahan and Colleague Win Solution Search Award (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:30:00 GMT

Tim McClanahan and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson of the Wildlife Conservation Society have won the Solution Search: Turning the Tide for Coastal Fisheries award. Solution Search was designed to help bring recognition to innovative community-based conservation projects.

Carl Safina Receives Grant to Produce Episodes of 'Saving the Ocean' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1991)

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:20:00 GMT

Can we solve the problems facing our oceans today? Yes. That’s the message behind Saving the Ocean, a series hosted by Carl Safina, president of the Blue Ocean Institute. Saving the Ocean isn’t another doom-and-gloom environmental show.

Hiroyuki Matsuda Receives Ecological Society of Japan Award (Pew Marine Fellow, 2007)

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Hiroyuki Matsuda, a professor at Yokohama National University, has received the 10th (2012) Ecological Society of Japan Award.

Pablo Garcia Borboroglu Writes About the Risks of Oil Development on Marine Ecosystems (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Suplemento Día del Petróleo de Diario Crónic) “The world moves by oil,” wrote Pablo Garcia Borborglu, a researcher at the National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), in commentary published in the of Suplemento Día del Petróleo de Diario Crónic, an oil industry newspaper in Argentina.

Les Watling: Biology of Deep-Water Octocorals (Pew Marine Fellow, 1998)

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:20:00 GMT

“To most people, the concept of a deep-water coral is an oxymoron,” writes Les Watling, professor of biological oceanography at the University of Maine, in the chapter he penned in the 2011 book Advances in Marine Biology.

Editorial: Tennessee Wilderness Act Would Permanently Protect 19,556 Acres

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:50:00 GMT

A bill now in Congress would place 19,556 acres of Tennessee located in Cherokee National Forest in a permanent wilderness area. In addition to permanently protecting areas already being managed administratively as wilderness by the Cherokee National Forest, the bill would not close any roads, would not require new appropriations and would not cause any loss of taxes to local communities.

Protections Finalized for 132 Caribbean Fish Species

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:55:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final approval of plans to prevent overfishing of 132 species by setting science-based catch limits. The Caribbean Fishery Management Council gave initial approval in August.

Canada's Boreal Forest: The Year in Review

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:25:00 GMT

Governments, scientists, and conservation groups are taking important steps to protect the boreal and to showcase its importance. Learn about five developments from 2011.

Good News Outweighs Bad for Canada's Boreal Forest in 2011: Report

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:55:00 GMT

(Vancouver Sun) In an unexpected departure from year-end environmental doomsaying, a leading Canadian conservation group has compiled a Top 10 list showcasing major gains in 2011 for the country's vast boreal forest.

Plans to Prevent Southeast Overfishing Win Final Approval

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:25:00 GMT

Holly Binns, a project director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson’s approval of new catch limits on some species in the Gulf of Mexico.

Chart: New Catch Limits for Gulf of Mexico Fish Species

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:35:00 GMT

New catch limits have been approved for about two dozen Gulf of Mexico fish species. See how the limits compare to average catch.

Chicken Manure Adds to Chesapeake Bay Pollution, Group Says

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT

(WTOP) An environmental group is warning that too much manure is a threat to the Chesapeake Bay, and it wants more standards at the state level.

Australians Urged to Support World's Largest Marine Park

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:30:00 GMT

In this media release Professor Terry Hughes and Professor Bob Pressey of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies urge Australians to support creation of the world's largest marine park in the Coral Sea.

Rosamond Naylor to Participate in a Plenary at the National Council for Science and the Environment Conference Pew Marine Fellow, 1994)

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Roz Naylor, director of the Center on Food Security and Environment, Stanford University will participate in a plenary at The National Council for Science and the Environment 12th annual conference from 18 to 20 January 2012.

11 in '11: Pew Environment Group Accomplishments

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

From establishing shark finning bans and sanctuaries to securing protections for krill, menhaden and Quebec's boreal forest, check out our round-up of 11 accomplishments from the Pew Environment Group in 2011.

A Call to Protect Humble Fish, for Seabirds' Sake

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

(The New York Times) When people talk about the environmental effects of salmon aquaculture, they usually focus on water pollution and the spread of disease to wild fish stocks. But there is another big problem: It takes more than a pound of fish to produce a pound of salmon.

Overfishing 101: Celebrating a Good Year for Marine Conservation

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

This was a historic year for United States ocean management. Thirty-five years after the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) was enacted, we have finally established a system that, if implemented properly, will keep countless marine species healthy and ensure fishermen stay on the water.

11 in '11: A Year in the Life of the Pew Environment Group

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:25:00 GMT

This has been a big year for the Pew Environment Group. With the support of our partners and allies, we achieved numerous victories that will help protect our oceans, preserve millions of acres of wildlands, and improve fuel efficiency.

Sharks Win Big in 2011

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:50:00 GMT

2011 was a banner year for shark conservation. In just 12 months, leaders from various nations banded together to make protection of these essential creatures a priority.

Your Place - Raoul Island

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:05:00 GMT

(Radio New Zealand) A tropical island paradise where there are few people but many hidden dangers. There is no township here, no post office or general store.

With Federal Green Light, Shell Hits the Gas on Arctic Plans

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(E&E News) In a sign that the Obama administration is willing to clear the regulatory decks for oil drilling in Alaska's remote Arctic waters, the Interior Department on Friday gave a conditional green light allowing Royal Dutch Shell PLC to explore for oil this summer in Alaska's Chukchi Sea.

Comments on the Final Rule Implementing the Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment in the South Atlantic Region

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:50:00 GMT

On December 19, 2011, Sera Drevenak and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign wrote to support the immediate implementation of the Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment.

Editorial: Keep Fighting to Cut Military's Energy Costs

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:13:05 GMT

(Northwest Indiana Times) The correlation between energy security and national security has been brought to Indiana's attention - repeatedly - by U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., and U.S. Reps. Pete Visclosky and Joe Donnelly, both D-Ind. It's a call to action for the federal government, as well as others in this nation, to look beyond oil for energy needs.

After Oil Spill, Don't Shortchange Gulf

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:10:00 GMT

The network TV news crews may have long since left, but the work of repairing the environmental and economic damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is far from complete.

How Overfishing Impacts You: Fishy Traditions We Have Lost

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:05:00 GMT

This briefing published by OCEAN2012 exposes how overfishing impacts on people’s eating habits across Europe. It is part of a series of briefings illustrating the impacts of overfishing on people or marine ecosystems caused by the excess removal of millions of tonnes of marine life every year. This briefing is available in multiple languages.

Fiorenza Micheli Publishes 'High-Frequency Dynamics of Ocean pH: A Multi-Ecosystem Comparison' (Pew Marine Fellow 2009)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Published in the 19 December issue of PLoS One, Fiorenza Micheli, a professor at Stanford University, and 18 co-authors report on the broadest field study of ocean acidification to date.

'Successful Conservation Projects' Angel Alcala (Pew Marine Fellow 1999)

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

In the preceding two columns, I mentioned that many successful conservation projects on marine biodiversity have been undertaken by local governments and local communities.

Fresh Warnings on Seabed Mining

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:15:00 GMT

On December 19, Pew Environment Group Manager of Conservation Partnerships in Australia Patrick O’Leary was interviewed in a segment broadcast by Australian Broadcast Corporation’s Pacific Beat program. He discussed the risks to marine life posed by potential seafloor mining off the country’s Northern Territory coast.

The Gardens of the Queen

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

(CBS News) 60 Minutes cameras take you on an underwater adventure off the Cuban coast to one of the world's most pristine and vibrant coral reefs, known as the Gardens of the Queen.

Congress Continues Military Program to Use Advanced Fuels

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate, issued the following statement in reaction to passage of the National Defense Authorization Act and the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Mark Erdmann and Colleagues Published Chapter in 'Phylogeography and Population Genetics in Crustacea' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2004)

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Mark Erdmann and colleagues have published a synthesis chapter in a crustacean phylogeography book, titled Phylogeography and Population Genetics in Crustacea.

S. 1916: A Recipe for Overfishing and Economic Loss

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:25:00 GMT

Congress should reject S. 1916 because it risks overfishing just as our nation is on the cusp of ending this pernicious problem. Many of America's ocean fish populations are in trouble today because of past policies that allowed overfishing – taking fish faster than they can reproduce. These failed policies prioritized short-term interests over the long-term health of our ocean fish, resulting in lost U.S. jobs, decreased recreational fishing opportunities, and damaged ocean ecosystems.

NEB Set to Allow Alternative for Relief-Well Rule in Arctic

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:50:00 GMT

(Globe and Mail) The federal energy regulator is easing a controversial regulation that oil companies say would prevent exploration in the ice-plagued Arctic offshore, but is promising to impose a high bar for environmental protection before it permits drilling.

Contesting the Rules of Roadlessness

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:10:00 GMT

(Boulder Weekly) Six years ago, in the interest of protecting Colorado’s pristine wilderness areas while the national roadless area rule was being contested in court, the state began development of a roadless rule. Two drafts and 200,000 public comments later, local conservation organizations are now looking to scrap that rule and go back to the national roadless rule, which has since been validated twice by circuit courts, including the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver in October.

Canada Releases Rules for Offshore-Arctic Drilling

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:30:00 GMT

(Wall Street Journal) Canada's national energy regulator released rules for offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean Thursday, clearing the way for energy companies to begin operations there if they meet safety requirements.

Scott Baker and Colleague Publish Editorial 'Expanding Human Consumption of Marine Mammals (Pew Marine Fellow, 2011)

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:15:00 GMT

In the December 2011 issue of Biological Conservation, Scott Baker, the associate director of the Marine Mammal Institute and a professor of fisheries and wildlife at Oregon State University, and Mark Costello published an editorial in response to a paper in the same issue that reported that the human consumption of marine mammals, including cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses) and sirenians (manatees, dugongs), has increased in recent decades.

Tim McClanahan Publishes 'Belize Protected Area Boosting Predatory Fish Populations but Herbivorous Fish Needed for Reef Recovery Still Lagging' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:20:00 GMT

A 14-year study by Tim McClanahan of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and colleagues in an atoll reef lagoon in Glover’s Reef, Belize has found that fishing closures there produce encouraging increases in populations of predatory fish species.

New Rule Falls Short for Independent Farmers

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:55:00 GMT

On Dec. 8, 2011, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the publication of the long-awaited Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule. The final version is a significant departure from the comprehensive draft initially proposed in June 2010, which addressed a range of agricultural marketing and contracting practices that favor large meat processors and producers to the detriment of small and midsize family farm operators.

Andrew Baker Quoted in Article on the Threat of Coral Bleaching (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:05:00 GMT

An ashy pallor has spread across South Florida’s coral reefs over the past few months, as stressed corals expelled the algae that gives them color.

The Latest: Fish Eco-labels Put to the Test

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features a study on eco-labels, a stunning photo gallery of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, and a call for increased fuel efficiency standards.

Overfishing 101: Dissecting Sectors

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:30:00 GMT

New England groundfish fishermen have operated for more than a year under a new system of cooperative fishing groups called sectors. And as often happens with any transformation within an industry, some have prospered, while others have not. Some government officials are asking the federal government to overturn these reforms, but others say leave the basic system alone. So what’s really happening?

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: USDA Fertilizer, Manure Standards to Help Waterways, Farm Profits

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:50:00 GMT

(Associated Press) The Chesapeake Bay Foundation says new federal agriculture recommendations for fertilizer and manure application will lead to better water quality in rivers and streams while also helping farmers increase profits.

Editorial: Inaction Not an Option for Fishery Regulators

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 GMT

(South Carolina Island Packet) No one likes to see his ability to earn a living curtailed by regulators, but the federal mandate to come up with plans by the end of this year to manage overfished species and to rebuild their stocks by 2016 means something's got to give.

What States Want from Rio+20: The Ocean

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:00 GMT

During the preparatory process for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD or Rio+20), restoring the health and economic viability of ocean ecosystems arose as prominent issues among all stakeholders. Political groups, States and non-governmental organizations identified ocean issues as critical in submissions to the compilation document. Additionally, the UNCSD Bureau has indicated that management of the ocean will be one of the seven priority areas addressed.

Rashid Sumalia Participated in Congressional Briefing on Pirate Fishing (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:35:00 GMT

On 13 December 2011, U.S. Senators Inouye, Begich, Snowe, Whitehouse, and Murkowski held a briefing in which they discussed a piece of legislation, the Pirate Fishing Elimination Act, they planned to introduce. Rashid Sumaila, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, participated as a panelist at the briefing.

Comments on Proposed Rule and Amendment to Change Gag, Red Grouper, and Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures in the Gulf of Mexico

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:15:00 GMT

On December 13, 2011, Chad Hanson and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered their comments on the Comments on Proposed Rule and Amendment to Change Gag, Red Grouper, and Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures in the Gulf of Mexico.

Preliminary Reaction to the Commission's Proposal for a Future EU Maritime and Fisheries Fund COM (2011)

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:05:00 GMT

Europe’s fishing grounds were once amongst the most productive in the world, but thirty years of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) have resulted in serious depletion of fish populations, ecosystem degradation, and damage to species, habitats and sites.

Auditors: EU Policy to Cut Fishing Fleet has Failed; Bloc Promises New Approach

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

(Associated Press) The European Union's audit office said Monday that the €1.7 billion ($2.25 billion) program to combat fish stock depletion through fleet reduction has been a failure.

Cleaning the Chesapeake

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:50:00 GMT

(Chemical & Engineering News) After more than 25 years of federal, state, and local efforts to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, most of the Bay and its tributaries remain impaired. Excessive amounts of nutrients—nitrogen and phosphorus—continue to enter the Bay each year, leading to algal blooms and oxygen-depleted waters, or “dead zones,” that are uninhabitable for most species.

Farmers 'Want' Wild Rivers Protections

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:05:00 GMT

(Nine News Australia) Claims that the Queensland government's declared protection of the Lake Eyre Basin will hurt farmers are simply not true, landholders and the Wilderness Society say.

River Land Out of Bounds

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

(Courier-Mail) Western Queensland's Cooper Creek and its channels and tributaries will be protected from petroleum and coal seam gas extraction - the strongest move yet by the State Government to limit mining damage in sensitive areas.

Essential Protection Under Threat

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

(The Australian) The Cooper Creek in the Channel Country of far western Queensland is an icon.

Protection of Cooper's Creek, Georgina, and Diamantina Rivers Hailed as Momentous

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 02:55:00 GMT

The Queensland Government’s announcement today to permanently protect the Cooper’s Creek, Georgina, and Diamantina rivers is momentous for western Queensland, said the Western Rivers Alliance, a coalition of regional organisations, graziers, and conservation groups.

Rashid Sumaila and Colleague Compiled Marine Fisheries Employment Database(Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:15:00 GMT

Marine fisheries contribute to the global economy, from the catching of fish to the provision of support services for the fishing industry. A general lack of data and uncertainty about the level of employment in marine fisheries can lead to underestimation of fishing effort and hence overexploited fisheries, or result in inaccurate projections of economic and societal costs and benefits.

Barbara Block: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: A Novel Multistock Spatial Model for Assessing Population Biomass(Pew Marine Fellow, 1997)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:10:00 GMT

(PLoS One) Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is considered to be overfished, but the status of its populations has been debated, partly because of uncertainties regarding the effects of mixing on fishing grounds, according to an article published in PLoS ONE on 9 December 2011 by Barbara Block, Prothro Professor of Marine Science at Stanford University, and colleagues.

Senate Must Restore Military's Commitment to Clean Energy

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:04:49 GMT

(San Jose Mercury News) Who is the single largest user of energy in the United States? Gold stars for everybody who knows that it's the Department of Defense.

Marine Fisheries Employment: 260 Million Jobs

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:35:00 GMT

There are approximately 260 million marine fisheries jobs worldwide, according to a new article in the journal Fish and Fisheries. The comprehensive estimates of employment generated from fishing are 1.75 times greater than previous approximations by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Anne Kauscinski Questions Safety of Genetically Engineered Salmon (Pew Marine Fellow, 2001)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT

On 9 December 2011, Joe Palca interviewed Anne Kapuscinski, a professor of sustainability science and chair of the environmental studies program at Dartmouth College, on National Public Radio’s “Science Friday.”

Daniel Pauly and Rainer Froese Provide Comments on FAO's State of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:20:00 GMT

(Science Direct) Daniel Pauly, a professor at the University of British Columbia, and Rainer Froese, a project leader and coordinator of FishBase, have provided comments on a few sections of the FAO’s 2010 edition of the bi-annual ‘State of the World’s Fisheries and Aquaculture’ (SOFIA).

Study: CAFE Standards Could Mean Bigger Cars, Not Smaller Ones

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:14:59 GMT

(Popular Mechanics) The pending changes to federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations call for a stunning 5 percent increase in fuel economy per year, culminating in a fleet average of 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Environmental Claims For Farmed Fish Don't Hold Up To Scrutiny

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:40:00 GMT

(NPR) A study released this week by the University of Victoria's Seafood Ecology Research Group found that most eco-labels on farmed seafood don't reflect better fish farming practices than other products on the market.

Protection Plan Fails to Satisfy Reef Campaigners

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:10:00 GMT

(ABC Radio Australia) The Australian Government has released its draft plan for protecting Australian reefs, but the Protect Our Coral Sea Coalition says the plan isn't good enough. While the eastern half of the Coral Sea has been set aside as a safe haven for marine life, the reefs in the heart of the Coral Sea will remain open to commercial fishing.

Your Wilderness -- December 2011

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:05:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

Ocean Conservation: Uncertain Sanctuary

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT

(Nature) On 15 June 2006, President Bush signed an order to create the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii, then the world's largest ocean conservation area.

Rainer Froese Comments on FAO’s State of Fisheries and Aquaculture, or ‘SOFIA 2010’ (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:35:00 GMT

In a paper published in the 8 December 2011 issue of Marine Policy, Daniel Pauly, a professor at the University of British Columbia, and Rainer Froese, senior scientist at IFM-GEOMAR, provide comments on a few sections of the FAO’s 2010 edition of the bi-annual ‘State of the World’s Fisheries and Aquaculture’ (SOFIA).

Spotlight On: Newsletter Changes

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:35:00 GMT

Thanks to all of you who responded to our newsletter survey in the September issue! We listened to your feedback, and are pleased to present a new format for Your Wilderness.

In Congress: Numerous Wilderness Bills Move in November

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:00 GMT

November could have been a real turkey on Capitol Hill, but instead turned out to be mostly gravy, as it was a banner month for action on wilderness legislation.

Take Action: Help Stop the Great Outdoors Giveaway

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

More than 60 million acres of potential wilderness and roadless areas are at risk from one of the most far-reaching anti-wilderness bills ever introduced in Congress.

Mike Matz: Incremental Steps Forward

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:20:00 GMT

Not by leaps and bounds, but incremental steps forward. That’s how wilderness gets designated by Congress as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Pew Comments on Shell's Chukchi Plans

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Read Pew's comments on Shell Offshore Inc.’s 2012 OCS Lease Exploration Plan, Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and 2012 Chukchi Sea, Regional Exploration Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan.

Editorial: Troubled Waters

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:55:00 GMT

(Nature) Protected areas are only the start of the road to reforming our relationship with the seas.

America Needs Clean Energy Support

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:25:00 GMT

In today’s competitive global economy, technological innovation is essential to long-term U.S. economic security, and the energy sector should be a particular priority. Failure to extend key U.S. clean energy initiatives would be contrary to U.S. interests.

Group Questions Arctic Drilling in Ad Campaign

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Pew Environment Group over the weekend paid for national television commercials that imply that the Arctic is not ready for drilling to move forward.

Blake's Spirit Lives on in Kermadec Adventure

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:55:00 GMT

(New Zealand Herald) Sir Peter Blake's legacy continues 10 years after his murder, as young environmentalists prepare themselves for a voyage to the Kermadec Islands.

New Study Puts Eco-labels to the Test

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:55:00 GMT

A new report released today by the University of Victoria ranks eco-labels intended to distinguish seafood produced with less damage to the environment. It is the first study to evaluate how eco-labels for farmed marine fish compare to unlabeled options in the marketplace.

Project Seeks to Create the Largest Marine Reserve in the World on Easter Island

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

(La Tercera) In 2005, the George W. Bush administration created a large marine protection reserve in Hawaii. It is almost as large as the state of California and at the time it was the largest in the world. Among those involved in the initiative was the Pew Environment Group, one of the leading conservation organizations in the world, which started to make an old aspiration into a reality: to create of complex network of protected marine areas around the world. The goal is to establish 15 of them by 2022, a project they named Global Ocean Legacy.

Editorial: Flawed Border Bill Should Be Rejected

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:15:00 GMT

(The Star Tribune) Debate over border security and illegal immigration is a constant in GOP presidential debates. Now, a Utah congressman wants to give greater authority to U.S. Homeland Security to stem immigration and drug trafficking.

Fishing Industry Feels Loss of Frank’s Retirement: Peter Shelley (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democratic Congressman, has been a steady and uncommonly effective ally to fisherman has retired, according to an article published by the Associated Press on 3 December 2011.

E.U. Proposal for Fishing Industry Support Raises Eyebrows

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:45:00 GMT

(New York Times) The European Commission on Friday backed a funding policy that leaves largely intact its substantial support for the fishing industry, despite the commission’s own finding that subsidies were leading to destructive overfishing.

EU Proposes 6.5 Billion Euro Fisheries Fund Shake-Up

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:20:00 GMT

(Reuters) The European Union's executive set out plans on Friday for a new 6.5 billion-euro ($8.8 billion) fisheries fund from 2014 to 2020, which it said would boost EU coastal economies and improve the sector's sustainability.

A View From the Eagle's Eye

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Each year, millions of birds journey from Alaska and the Arctic into the Lower 48 states and back again. In the midst of these epic migrations, one bird soars above the rest: the golden eagle.

OCEAN2012 Calls EU Fisheries Subsidies 'Blind Spending'

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 GMT

Markus Knigge, adviser to the Pew Environment Group’s European Marine Programme and the OCEAN2012 coalition, issued the following statement today as the European Commission published its proposal for the next fisheries subsidies instrument, the European Fisheries and Maritime Fund.

The Latest: Art Inspired by the Kermadecs

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:25:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition features art inspired by New Zealand's Kermadec marine region, a big win for bluefin tuna, and the golden eagle's epic migration.

Rainer Froese Writes Blog Post on CFP Reform Watch (Pew Marine Fellow, 2003)

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Much debate has been stirred over the European Commission’s proposal that European Union fish stocks should be restored above levels that can produce Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) by 2015, according to a blog entry posted on 1 December 2011 on CFP Reform Watch.

Interest and Influence: A Snapshot of the Western and Central Pacific Tropical Tuna Fisheries

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:10:00 GMT

The Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) stretches approximately 6,000 nautical miles, from the archipelagos of Southeast Asia to the remote atolls of Kiribati in the Central Pacific.

A View from the Eagle's Eye

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Each year, millions of birds journey from Alaska and the Arctic into the Lower 48 states and back again. In the midst of these epic migrations, one bird soars above the rest: the golden eagle.

Are We Really Ready to Drill in America's Arctic Ocean?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:55:00 GMT

After last year's BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, President Obama promised cleaner, safer energy development. Yet the administration is on the brink of approving industry plans to drill up to 10 exploratory oil wells in the remote, and fragile Arctic Ocean, beginning this summer.

One Woman Takes a Brave Stand Against Factory Farming

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:05:00 GMT

(O Magazine) This is Lynn's home, and she had always taken an almost personal pride in its beauty. But that changed 14 years ago when large factory farms—otherwise known as concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs—capable of holding thousands of animals in very small spaces started to move into this rural area of small family farms in south central Michigan. Shortly afterward, Lynn began finding cow and hog manure in the waterways.

Save Wild Forests, Save Migratory Birds

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:55:00 GMT

As the forests of the East changed this fall into their seasonal reds and oranges, a remarkable migration of birds headed south. About 30 million ducks, cranes and other species cross the U.S.-Canadian border each autumn day.

Inspired Art: Nine Artists Explore New Zealand's Remote Kermadecs

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:10:00 GMT

This week marks the beginning of a two-month exhibition in New Zealand featuring artwork inspired by the remote Kermadec marine region, an area under consideration for protection as an ocean sanctuary.

Don't Take the Bait!

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:45:00 GMT

Myths have persisted for years about the impact of recreational fishing on ocean fish populations and how to manage that impact. Most recently, these myths have resurfaced as justification for a new bill, S.1916/H.R. 2304, the Fishery Science Improvement Act. Don't let these myths disguise the fact that this legislation would put some of America's most valuable and vulnerable ocean fish populations at risk.

H.R. 1646: A Costly Mistake for America's Fish and Fishermen

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:45:00 GMT

Thanks to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the law that governs management of our valuable ocean fish populations, we are now turning a corner on our decades-long effort to end overfishing (taking fish faster than they can reproduce) and rebuild depleted fish populations.

Comments on the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendment 18

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:15:00 GMT

Amendment 18 is intended to establish a system of annual catch limits and accountability measures for species managed in the Coastal Migration Pelagic fishery management plan in compliance with the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and National Standard 1 guidelines.

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The result of more than two decades of effort, the roadless rule turned a patchwork of local management practices into a balanced federal strategy that now protects America’s last undeveloped national forests.

Tim McClanahan and Colleagues Urge Leaders to Curb Climate Vulnerability in New Book (Pew Marine Fellow 1996)

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMT

In a new scientific paper and book, Tim McClanahan of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and colleagues propose a novel framework for helping millions of people to cope with massive changes in their jobs, lives, and environment driven by the warming climate.

A Growing Movement to Protect Little Fish

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMT

Amid growing scientific evidence pointing to the importance of abundant populations of small schooling fish to well-functioning marine ecosystems, fishery managers on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts moved this month toward protecting prey fish.

Australia to Create World's Largest Marine Reserve in the Coral Sea

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:55:00 GMT

(The Daily Mail) The Australian government has announced plans to create the world's largest marine nature reserve covering an area the size of Britain and France combined.

Fishermen All at Sea Over Marine Reserves

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:25:00 GMT

(The Australian) The federal government will create the world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea, defying intensifying discontent in the states over tighter fishing bans.

More Protection Needed in Government's Landmark Proposal for the Coral Sea

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:20:00 GMT

The Protect Our Coral Sea coalition has called the federal government’s draft Coral Sea plan a good start, but said it falls short of fully protecting the area’s fragile coral reefs and spectacular marine life.

Overfishing 101: Postcard from Pendik

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:55:00 GMT

ICCAT is the international body that manages tuna fisheries across a quarter of the ocean’s surface, including the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

To MSY and Beyond: Achieving Healthy Stocks to Achieve Healthy Seas

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:25:00 GMT

Healthy seas and productive fish stocks are a precondition for a sustainable and profitable fishing sector.

Her Deepness Drops in and Warns of Growing Threat to the Oceans

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:10:00 GMT

(Sydney Morning Herald) When men were going to the moon, Sylvia Earle was leading the first team of female aquanauts to the bottom of the ocean, where they stayed for two weeks in a small laboratory.

Shark Conservation Gets a Boost in Europe

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:15:00 GMT

The Pew coordinated Shark Alliance coalition welcomed the long-awaited proposal today from the European Commission for closing the loopholes in the European Union (EU) shark finning ban.

Veterans Write to Oppose Repeal of Section 526

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:55:00 GMT

More than 350 veterans from World War II to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq oppose a repeal of Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and signed a letter to all members of the U.S. Senate supporting the development of advanced biofuels.

Shark Conservation Gets a Boost in Europe

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The Pew coordinated Shark Alliance coalition welcomed the long-awaited proposal today from the European Commission for closing the loopholes in the European Union shark finning ban.

Warming Oceans Signal Fishery Changes, Study Says

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMT

(CBC) Warming temperatures in the world's oceans will cause major changes for the fishing industry, according to a study published Sunday involving a University of British Columbia researcher.

Shark Conservation Gets a Boost

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:30:00 GMT

The Shark Alliance welcomed the long-awaited proposal today from the European Commission for closing the loopholes in the European Union’s ban on shark finning, the wasteful practice of slicing off a shark’s fins and discarding the body at sea.

Climate Change Impacts on Global Fisheries

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Climate change may exacerbate the poor condition of global marine fisheries already stressed by overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation, according to a new study in Nature Climate Change.

Conservation Groups Ask President to Forgo Colorado Roadless Plan

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:55:00 GMT

Twelve Colorado and national conservation organizations called on President Obama today to enforce the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in the state’s national forests. They also asked his administration to reject a state plan that would open those areas to new drilling, logging, and coal mining.

Rashid Sumaila and Colleagues Publish New Study in Nature Climate Change (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Climate change may exacerbate the poor condition of global marine fisheries already stressed by overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation, according to a new study in Nature Climate Change. Rashid Sumaila and co-authors drew from observations, experiments, and computer models to show that as climate change alters water temperature and chemical cycling in the oceans, the distribution and abundance of many marine species will be altered as well.

Tuna Fishing Countries Vow to Protect Shark

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT

(Agence France-Presse) Countries involved in bluefin tuna fishing have decided to do more to protect a species of shark against collateral killing, environmental groups said Saturday.

Conservation Body Agrees to Protect Silky Sharks

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

(Associated Press) Delegates at an international conservation meeting agreed Saturday on a measure mandating that silky sharks accidentally caught in fishing gear be released back into the sea alive, marine advocacy groups said.

Protection Boosted for Tuna, Sharks and Swordfish

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:55:00 GMT

(BBC) Measures to prevent illicit fishing of Mediterranean bluefin tuna have been strengthened at the annual meeting of governments involved in the industry.

ICCAT: Progress, Yes. Success, No.

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:15:00 GMT

Governments at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) have adopted several important provisions that will conserve threatened fish species—such as bluefin tuna and silky sharks, but failed to act on several pressing matters. ICCAT is the international body that manages tuna fisheries across a quarter of the ocean’s surface, including the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Comments on Generic Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures Amendment

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:50:00 GMT

On November 18, 2011, Chad Hanson and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered their comments on the Generic Annual Catch Limits / Accountability Measures Amendment recently approved by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Washington Lawmakers Announce Effort to Protect Olympic Peninsula Forests and Rivers

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group welcomes the announcement this week by Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) that they will work to create new wilderness areas, safeguard National Preserves, and designate wild and scenic rivers on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Video: The Push for Shark-Saving Measures

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:55:00 GMT

(CNN International) Matt Rand of Pew's global shark conservation campaign discusses how sharks are falling prey to modern fishing technologies.

Pew Applauds Congress for Supporting Fisheries Science, Coastal Communities

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:50:00 GMT

Lee Crockett, director of federal fisheries policy for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to President Obama signing the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, which allocates $161 million to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for much-needed fisheries research and monitoring programs.

Family Farmers Lose Out in Agriculture Bill

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Karen Steuer, director of government relations at the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement in response to today’s Congressional vote to approve an appropriations measure that derails long-needed reform to help independent family farmers across the United States.

Coastal Countries Step Up for Sharks

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:55:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) Sharks have roamed the seas for more than 400 million years, but today many species are being hunted to extinction. Now, some unlikely allies have emerged for the ocean's top predators -- several of the world's smallest countries have generated a wave of conservation measures. In 2008, there was no such thing as a shark sanctuary. These days, it's a different story.

Talking Turkeys

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT

This year, 88 percent of Americans will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. The custom dates back nearly 400 years, but today’s turkeys are vastly different from those eaten at the first feast and come from industrial operations that are a far cry from those of just 50 years ago.

The Latest: Talking Turkeys

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:40:00 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition focuses on Thanksgiving turkeys, a big win for little fish, and the future of Atlantic tuna.

Markey Introduces Long-Awaited 1872 Mining Reform Measures

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:20:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, U.S. public lands director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in reaction to two titles in a bill introduced yesterday by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Underwater Icons of Australia's North and Northwest

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

Two new reports by conservation alliance Save our Tropical Sea Life, of which the Pew Environment Group is a member, spotlight the incredible marine life and special places found in Australia’s remote north and northwest marine regions.

Pew Applauds Obama Administration for Proposed Fuel Economy Rule

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:15:00 GMT

Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew’s Clean Energy Program, issued the following statement today in reaction to the proposed rule increasing fuel economy standards for light vehicles to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Testimony before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:10:00 GMT

On November 16, 2011, Leda Dunmire of the Pew Environment Group testified before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on the issue of state consistency with federal gag grouper regulations.

Group Calls on Tuna Fisheries for Better Shark Protection

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:45:00 GMT

(AFP) Countries involved in bluefin tuna fishing need to do more to protect the collateral killing of sharks, an environmental group said Tuesday.

Protect the Grand Canyon from New Uranium Mining

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:40:00 GMT

In October of 2011, the Obama administration announced its support for a long-term ban on new mining claims on roughly 1 million acres of national forest and other public land around Grand Canyon National Park. Unfortunately, H.R. 3155 would bypass this process and ensure that every one of this million acres around the Grand Canyon remains open to new uranium mining.

U.S. Makes Progress to Combat Illegal Fishing

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:05:00 GMT

The Obama administration formally transmitted a major international treaty, aimed at cracking down on illegal fishing worldwide, to the U.S. Senate for ratification.

Alternative Fishing Gear Can Reduce Shark Mortality

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:45:00 GMT

A new global scientific review shows that simple changes in fishing gear could significantly reduce the large number of sharks unintentionally caught in the world’s oceans. The paper, “Fisheries Bycatch of Sharks: Options for Mitigation,” released today by the Pew Environment Group, outlines practical options for reducing shark injury and death from commercial fishing, a leading cause of shark population decline.

Fisheries Bycatch of Sharks: Options for Mitigation

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:35:00 GMT

Bycatch is one of the most significant issues in the management and conservation of global fisheries and has been identified as one of the leading causes of shark population declines. This review discusses current scientific research on shark bycatch and available management options and technical measures aimed at reducing it.

Treaty to Stop Illegal Fishing Goes to Senate for Ratification

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Jeff Wise, director of the Pew Environment Group’s Global Campaign to End Illegal Fishing, issued this statement today in response to the Obama Administration’s formal transmittal for ratification by the U.S. Senate of the Port States Measures Agreement, a major international treaty to combat pirate fishing.

National Security Depends on Energy Security

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:20:00 GMT

Throughout our public service careers, we have been honored to work on behalf of the men and women of our military. Today’s servicemen are continuing to take a leadership role toward a safer, cleaner, more secure energy future.

Matthieu Le Corre: Celestial Moderation of Tropical Seabird Behavior (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:25:00 GMT

(PLoS One) Most animals, including birds, have cyclic life histories and numerous studies generally conducted on captive animals have shown that photoperiod is the main factor influencing this periodicity. Moon cycles can also affect periodic behavior of birds.

Comments for the Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:20:00 GMT

On November 14, 2011 the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation campaign offered its support for gag rule changes aligning regulations with recent federal action and urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to take necessary action to ensure these new rules are effective on January 1, 2012.

Fleet Overcapacity is Driving Overfishing

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The size and capacity of the EU fleet is estimated to be 2 to 3 times above the sustainable level in a number of fisheries, according to European Commission figures. This overcapacity drives overfishing, making the fleet economically unviable. Too many, powerful and destructive boats are chasing too few fish.

Border Bill Pits Security Against the Environment

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:00 GMT

(Minneapolis Star Tribune) The Border Patrol would gain unprecedented authority over Minnesota's environmental landmarks on our northern border, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park, under legislation winding through Congress.

Editorial: Finally, a Test for Bay's Little Fish

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

(The Virginian-Pilot) Fisheries management sometimes involves the best guess about immensely complicated ecosystems.

Nations Focus on Saving Bluefin Tuna

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:50:00 GMT

(AP) An international conference in Turkey on Friday focused on how to monitor illegal catches of Atlantic bluefin tuna, which has been severely overfished to feed the sushi market across the globe.

NEAFC Falls Short on Deep-Sea Protections

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT

The 30th annual meeting of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) ended today, with countries agreeing to prohibit fishing for deep-sea sharks but failing to agree on significant, additional measures to safeguard vulnerable deep-sea species and ecosystems. While NEAFC has made considerable progress since 2006 in closing areas on the high seas south of Iceland to bottom fishing, it is has yet to establish effective regulations to ensure sustainable deep-sea fisheries.

Can the Oceans Continue to Feed Us?

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:45:00 GMT

(McClatchy) Far out on the Pacific Ocean, the world's industrial fishing fleets pursue one of the last huge wild hunts — for the tuna eaten by millions of people around the world.

Editorial: Protect America's Natural Treasure in Alaska's Arctic

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:05:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) The nasty storm out of the Bering Sea that pounded Alaska's western coast is a timely reminder of the special challenges that exist in a special place.

Tennessee Wilderness Act Moves Closer to Passage

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(Nooga) The Tennessee Wilderness Act, a bill that would protect nearly 20,000 acres in the Cherokee National Forest, reached another milestone this week when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee gave their approval, making the proposal eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.

Comments on Amendment 24 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:25:00 GMT

On November 10, 2011, Sera Drevenak and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered comments on the public hearing draft of Amendment 24 to the snapper grouper FMP. This amendment will implement annual catch limits (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for red grouper as well as rebuild the population. Red grouper has been overfished and undergoing overfishing since at least 19761 (see figures 1 and 2 below).

Pew Supports the Caribbean Fishery Management Council’s 2011 Annual Catch Limit Amendment

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:45:00 GMT

On November 10, 2011, Sera Drevenak and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered their support for final approval of the Comprehensive ACL Amendment. The Amendment should help prevent overfishing by setting cautious limits before some fish populations potentially plummet to critically low levels. This strategy is intended to avert tougher, more painful restrictions in the future by managing fish populations wisely now. It will also allow federal fisheries managers to better judge when species are declining so they can take action before the situation reaches a crisis point.

Comments on the Caribbean Fishery Management Council's 2011 Annual Catch Limit Amendment

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:35:00 GMT

On November 10, 2011, Sera Drevenak and Holly Binns of the Pew Environment Group's Gulf of Mexico Fish Conservation Campaign offered their support for final approval of the 2010 ACL Amendment as well as recommendations for the future implementation of the Amendment. The Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), was amended in 2007 in part to close loopholes in the law that had allowed overfishing to continue on many species throughout the United States.

Re: Public Hearing Comments on Amendment 18A to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:05:00 GMT

On behalf of the Pew Environment Group, Sera Harold Drevenak and Holly Binns, offered comments on the development of measures to rebuild and improve the black sea bass fishery.

ICCAT: Time to Tackle What's Really in the Net

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:25:00 GMT

What’s in a name? If you’re talking about ICCAT—the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas—so much is contained in that one acronym. This body manages all the tuna and tuna-like species found in the vast ocean waters between the United States and Europe and between South America and Africa.

Senate Committee Approves First Wilderness Bills of the Year

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:30:00 GMT

The Pew Campaign for America’s Wilderness issued the following statement praising the approval today of five bills that would protect more than 125,000 acres of wilderness in five states by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The measures now go to the full U.S. Senate for a vote.

Throwing a Threatened Pilgrim-Era Fish a Line

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:05:00 GMT

(USA Today) A fisheries commission has stepped in to try to rebuild the population of a heavily harvested East Coast fish whose connections to American history run deep.

Panel Votes to Reduce a Forage Fish Catch

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) A fishing oversight group voted Wednesday to sharply reduce the allowable East Coast catch of menhaden, an oily forage fish that does not show up on dinner plates but is vital, scientists say, to the ocean ecosystem.

Menhaden Catch Limited by Northeast Fishery Regulators

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:55:00 GMT

(Boston Globe) A small silver fish, menhaden has outsized importance in the sea, serving as sustenance for many larger fish and providing vital oils for healthy human hearts. But the population of the measly menhaden has plummeted to just 8 percent of its historic levels off the East Coast as overfishing has taken its toll.

Great Day for Menhaden

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:50:00 GMT

New fishery management benchmarks for Atlantic menhaden, often called “the most important fish in the sea,” were established today in an effort to increase its population to four times the current size.

A Climate Patriot Fights for Clean Energy

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:50:00 GMT

A veteran of two wars, former secretary of the Navy, and former five-term U.S. senator, John Warner is now a champion of clean energy. Sen. Warner has visited 27 cities in 16 states since 2009 to address the public, engage the media, and meet with local policymakers on this important issue.

Fisheries Regulators OK Menhaden Limits

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:25:00 GMT

(AP) Fisheries regulators voted Wednesday to reduce by more than one-third the harvest of menhaden, a small fish that plays a big ecological role in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the fish that swim in its waters.

On Thin Ice

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:40:00 GMT

(Audubon Magazine) In the face of climate change and offshore drilling, biologists are tracking walruses to better understand their behavior and protect the areas most important to them.

Researchers Investigate Whether Marine Reserves Promote Coral Recovery: Peter Mumby (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:35:00 GMT

A 9 November article on Mongabay.com reviews a study that challenges whether marine reserves promote coral recovery.

New US Offshore Oil Leasing Plan Includes Arctic

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:30:00 GMT

(Agence France-Presse) The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed a new plan for offshore oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Alaska, including the environmentally sensitive Arctic.

Arctic Ocean Drilling Plans Stir Oil Spill Fears

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT

This week, as the effects of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill still lingers, the Obama administration released its new five year offshore oil exploration plan that could open up sensitive areas of the U.S. Arctic Ocean to drilling.

Obama Cautiously Offers More Areas for Offshore Drilling in Alaska and Gulf of Mexico

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

(AP) The Obama administration cautiously offered up more areas in the Gulf of Mexico and off Alaska’s coast to oil and gas drilling Tuesday but didn’t go far enough to satisfy Republicans pushing to greatly expand drilling as a way to create jobs and wean the country off foreign oil.

Daly River Station Returns to Aboriginal Groups

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:35:00 GMT

(Australian Geographic) Preservation of Aboriginal culture and the creation of jobs are rarely achieved at the same time - but, as a new partnership at the Northern Territory's Fish River station demonstrates, with clever planning, all three can come together in a single project.

Press Briefing: Atlantic Menhaden Management

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:40:00 GMT

On Tuesday, November 8, the Pew Environment Group hosted a phone briefing to review the critical state of the Atlantic menhaden fishery and the need for improved management from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Editorial: Bad Sea Change for Fishermen

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:20:00 GMT

(The Austin American Statesman) The sea has been exceedingly good to my family. Back in my grandfather's day, the fish were bigger and the tales of catching them biggest of all. One of the largest problems for an angler after hooking an elusive marlin or sailfish was reeling it in before sharks robbed you of your prize a frenzied race against these tireless hunters of the deep.

Fiji’s Endangered Sharks Top Fin Trade

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:30:00 GMT

(Fiji Times) Sharks that lure tourists back to our waters in a multi-million-dollar industry are seeing red.

Decline in Three Key Fish Species Raises Conerns

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:17:38 GMT

(The Day) Three species of once ubiquitous little fish that support the rest of the North Atlantic marine ecosystem are being seriously overfished either deliberately or as bycatch, prompting recent calls from a variety of interest groups for fisheries regulators to take action to prevent their collapse.

James Estes Quoted in ScienceNews Article on Top Predators in the Food Web (Pew Marine Fellow, 1999)

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The 5 November article in ScienceNews titled, “Lopped Off: Removal of top tredator trickles through the food web,” recounts an event that occurred in July, in which the Ecuadorean navy helped apprehend a fishing vessel within the waters of the Galápagos National Park.

Coral Sea Petition Update

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:20:00 GMT

Representatives from the Protect our Coral Sea coalition were invited to Parliament House in Canberra to present the Environment Minister Tony Burke with 52,250 petition signatures in support of a very large marine national park in Australia's Coral Sea.

Matthieu Le Corre: Migration, Wintering Distribution and Habitat Use of an Endangered Tropical Seabird, Barau’s Petrel (Pew Marine Fellow, 2009)

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:50:00 GMT

Gadfly petrels are strictly oceanic seabirds that range very far from their breeding grounds. Foraging movements outside the breeding season are poorly described. Matthieu Le Corre and colleagues used global location sensing (GLS) to describe the migration pathways and wintering habitats of Barau’s petrels Pterodroma baraui, an endemic, endangered seabird of Réunion Island (western Indian Ocean).

Congress Asks Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Take Action to Protect Menhaden

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:10:00 GMT

In this sign-on letter, 32 members of Congress write to the executive director of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to ask for improved management of Atlantic menhaden populations on the East Coast, specifically asking for a science-based rebuilding plan and a coast-wide catch limit for enforcement.

Rashid Sumaila and Colleagues Publish 'Global Fisheries Losses at the Exclusive Economic Zone Level, 1950 to Present' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Up to one-third of commercial ﬁshery stocks may be overﬁshed at present, according to a paper published in a recent issue of Marine Policy by Rashid Sumaila and colleagues.

We Need to Rebuild Menhaden Stocks

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:50:00 GMT

The menhaden is a humble fish. Many people may have never heard of it. Yet, this unassuming small creature is among the most important species in the Atlantic, playing a critical role in the region’s food web and supporting the economies of countless coastal communities. But its numbers, unfortunately, are plummeting.

Visit to the Coral Gardeners' Seabed Lab: Andrew Baker (Pew Marine Fellow, 2008)

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:25:00 GMT

A 4 November 2011 story in New Scientist discusses the research being conducted at the Aquarius Reef Base lab in the Florida Keys and addresses the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Services experiment that is comparing the success of corals that are planted out from the nursery with others grown in an aquarium.

Environmentalists Renew Call to Restrict Sardine Fishing

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:41:20 GMT

(Santa Cruz Sentinel) During a meeting at a Costa Mesa hotel this week, environmentalists are again hoping federal regulators place new limits on one of Monterey Bay's top fisheries: sardines.

Your Wilderness -- November 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:30:00 GMT

Each monthly issue of Your Wilderness includes the latest wilderness news, including featured wilderness areas, profiles of local groups, and the status of wilderness legislation in Congress.

The Latest: Major Victory for Our National Forests

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:01:11 GMT

Read The Latest, Pew Environment Group's newsletter. This edition focuses on a major court ruling, small fish in danger, and a big threat to public lands.

Shortfin Mako Sharks

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:00:00 GMT

Globally, the shortfin mako is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ecological risk assessment of pelagic sharks caught in Atlantic longline fisheries, found shortfin makos, along with bigeye threshers, to be the most vulnerable to overexploitation.

Spotlight On: Our New Website

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:35:00 GMT

The Campaign for America’s Wilderness website has a new look and a new home.

Porbeagle Sharks

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:20:00 GMT

Low reproductive capacity and high commercial value make porbeagle sharks vulnerable to overexploitation and population depletion. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the porbeagle is Vulnerable globally, Endangered in the Northwest Atlantic, and Critically Endangered in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

Congressional Update: Committee Continues Tug of War Over Public Lands

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

While most of the country just “fell back” with the end of Daylight Savings Time over the weekend, the House of Representatives has finally “sprung forward” with the recent consideration of several wilderness proposals.

Bright Ideas: Tuleyome Photo Booklet

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:50:00 GMT

Without having thoroughly explored California’s Berryessa Snow Mountain region, it can be hard to visualize the special place that the volunteer advocacy group Tuleyome is working so hard to preserve.

Featured Wilderness: The Art of Compromise in Wild Nevada

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:10:00 GMT

Nevada is known more for its arid climate, Mojave Desert Joshua trees and sagebrush-covered basins, than coldwater streams and high altitude lakes.

Take Action: Wilderness Act Seriously Threatened

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:05:00 GMT

Over the last month, a bill that would waive the Wilderness Act in the name of border security has gained ground.

Message from Mike Matz: Sharing the Wilderness Experience

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:50:00 GMT

Colorado’s Lizard Head Wilderness in the western San Juan Range gets its colorful name from a mountain rising above the pass between Rico and Telluride that bears a striking resemblance to a reptilian noggin.

Keeping the Boreal in Mint Condition

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

This week, the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a $2 coin honoring the boreal – and it’s clear that this forest’s worth stacks up. Rivaling the Amazon in size and ecological importance, Canada’s boreal provides an estimated $700 billion value annually and serves as a buffer against climate change and food and water shortages.

Men-What? For Many, It's a Meal

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:10:00 GMT

What’s the most important fish in the sea? That distinction often goes to a one-pound creature that most people have never heard of: menhaden.

Queenslanders Support Visionary Protection for Our Coral Sea

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:10:00 GMT

At a crucial time in the federal government’s marine planning process, a poll commissioned by the Queensland Conservation Council demonstrates strong support for a marine national park in Australias Coral Sea.

At Stanford, GOP Members Gird for Battle Against Fossil Fuels

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:56:24 GMT

(Stanford University News) The United States must reduce its consumption of fossil fuels not only for environmental reasons, but to improve its economic and national security.

West Coast Fishery Managers Consider Protecting Very Small Fish

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:20:00 GMT

(Seattle Weekly) West Coast fishery managers this week are considering adding dozens of forage fish species, including smelt, croakers, silversides and shad, to the list of fish protected from harvesting.

Editorial: U.S. House Needs to Hear From You on Public Lands

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

(Sacramento Bee) This year marks 120 years of the Creative Act of 1891, the birth of our national forest system.

Wild Blue Yonder: Fifteen Underwater Places for Protection in Australia's Spectacular North West

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:15:00 GMT

The Save our Tropical Sea Life, an alliance of local, national, and international conservation groups of which the Pew Environment Group is a member, recently released Wild Blue Yonder: Fifteen Underwater Places for Protection in Australia's Spectacular North West. This highly visual compilation with incredible photographs highlights the iconic marine life found in Australia’s north and northwest marine regions.

Comments on Proposed Lobster Amendment 10

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:35:00 GMT

On October 31, 2011, Holly Binns, Sera Drevenak, and Chad Hanson of the Pew Environment Group expressed concern that Spiny Lobster Amendment 10 currently under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service may not be sufficient to prevent overfishing and hold the fishery within its annual catch limit.

Campaign Ad: Atlantic Menhaden Need Protection Now

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:25:00 GMT

This ad, targeted to the governors of Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, is in support of the Atlantic Menhaden Campaign and its efforts to protect this important fish through the adoption of measures to increase populations.

Overfishing 101: A Small Fish with Big Problems

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:15:00 GMT

Anglers like me are often impressed with size. We seek out the largest fish, revel in stories about the “big one” that got away, and proudly display photos of our most impressive catches. But it’s a small, unassuming fish, the Atlantic menhaden, which forms the backbone of ecosystems and economies along the East Coast of the United States. Unfortunately, after decades of poorly regulated fishing, menhaden are in serious trouble.

Putting the Ocean Back Into the Earth Summit

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

In June 2012, governments will meet to secure renewed political commitment to better manage the finite supply of natural resources on Earth, at what will be known as the Rio+20 conference in Brazil.

Florida's Roadless Wilderness Threatened by 'Giveaway' Bill

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:50:00 GMT

(Naples Daily News) Floridians take deserved pride in their state’s many conservation achievements, including protecting greenways and establishing the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.

Carl Safina Cruises Argentina, Falkands, and South Georgia Island with Lindblad Expeditions (Pew Marine Fellow, 1991)

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:55:00 GMT

In October and November 2011, Carl Safina, president of the Blue Ocean Institute, made a voyage through Argentina, Falklands, and South Georgia Island to observe wildlife.

National Security Demands Energy Innovation

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:50:00 GMT

Militaries have long used energy innovations to improve their operational capabilities. Today, the U.S. military is prioritizing energy efficiency and new technology to save lives and money, with help from leading companies in Western Pennsylvania.

Shark Conservation is Gaining Momentum - But Are We Doing Enough?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:40:23 GMT

Scientists and law-makers across the world are prioritising the protection of sharks, but critics say the measures don't work.

Editorial: America's Outdoor Legacy Under Attack

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

(Denver Post) The Great Outdoors Giveaway Act. That's what critics call the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act, which would erase current protections on more than 60 million acres of America's undeveloped public lands, including 4.6 million acres in Colorado.

Twelve Tropical Sea Treasures: Underwater Icons of Northern Australia

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:55:00 GMT

The Save our Tropical Sea Life, an alliance of local, national, and international conservation groups of which the Pew Environment Group is a member, recently released Twelve Tropical Sea Treasures: Underwater Icons of Northern Australia. This highly visual compilation with incredible photographs highlights the iconic marine life found in Australia’s north and northwest marine regions.

New Photos Reveal Taiwan Shark Fishing

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:22:28 GMT

(AFP) A US-based environmental group on Wednesday expressed concern over new photos that seem to show the killing of large numbers of "biologically vulnerable" sharks by fishermen in Taiwan.

Video: Shark Hope

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:45:00 GMT

As part of our community-based conservation efforts in Fiji, CORAL's field staff and shark sanctuary campaign partners worked with a local production company to produce "Shark Hope."

PBS Looks at Dangers of Offshore Drilling in the Arctic

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:35:00 GMT

The lingering lessons of the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon spills are more vital than ever as the U.S. contemplates drilling in the extreme, remote, and ecologically fragile Arctic Ocean. This video highlights efforts to achieve a balance between energy, the environment, and native traditions.

Little Fish, Big Deal!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:12:26 GMT

Each year, millions of oceanbound juvenile salmon migrate through mountain streams, over dams and past cities and farms. Their survival depends to a large degree on the presence of small, schooling fish where the river meets the sea.

Brad Pitt, Matt Damon Give Krill a Star Turn

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:58:20 GMT

(Reuters) There are no small parts, only small actors, or so the old show-biz saying goes. Now there are big stars — Matt Damon and Brad Pitt — playing two of the smallest parts ever.

Postcard: Fishermen Call on Pacific Fishery Management Council to Protect the Bait

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:40:00 GMT

A booming global aquaculture industry is increasing demand for converting wild-caught forage fish into feed for farmed fish. But removing forage fish comes at a cost to productive marine ecosystems. That’s why commercial fishermen on the Pacific coast are asking fishery managers to protect the prey base for wild salmon, tuna, and groundfish before allowing the lifeblood of a healthy ocean to seep away as low-grade feed for fish farms.

Clean Energy: U.S. Behind, but the Race is not Over

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:05:00 GMT

Once the leader in attracting overall investments, we’re now third behind China and Germany—and lag behind various countries on a variety of other key measures. Last spring, Pew broke the unfortunate news that the United States’ competitive position in the clean energy sector was at risk.

'Unearthly' Beauty Tops Jobs: Obama Freezes Mining Near Grand Canyon

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:45:00 GMT

(The Christian Monitor) Teddy Roosevelt can rest easy. The Obama administration on Wednesday formally unveiled a plan to ban new uranium and other mining claims on 1 million acres of federal lands bordering the Grand Canyon for 20 years – a move that follows in the footsteps of the 26th president's efforts in the early part of last century.

Editorial: The Shark Fight

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:15:00 GMT

(The Fiji Times) Time may not be on the side of the sharks. But as numbers dwindle to worrying figures, this evening will see the launch of an awareness campaign to save them. The event, which will be attended by the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, is set for Village 6 cinemas in Suva.

Pew Applauds Obama Administration's Final Plan To Protect Grand Canyon From Mining

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:55:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, U.S. public lands director for the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in reaction to a final plan from U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to bar new mining claims on nearly 1 million acres of public land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Mining Ban Moves Forward

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:40:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times) The Obama administration moved closer to adopting a 20-year ban on new mining claims on 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon by issuing the final environmental impact statement analyzing potential consequences of the prohibition.

Action! Pew Calls for Extra Resources to Protect Penguin Food

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:35:00 GMT

Tiny krill are about to take centre stage at the 30th Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting, where governments will consider greater protection for the shrimplike crustaceans that are the building blocks of the Antarctic food chain. The attention these little animals receive will be amplified in mid-November, when the sequel to the film “Happy Feet” opens, with Matt Damon and Brad Pitt playing krill characters.

Obama to Block New Uranium-Mine Claims Near Grand Canyon

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:20:00 GMT

(McClatchy Newspapers) New uranium mining claims on 1 million acres around the Grand Canyon will be blocked for 20 years under a decision the Bureau of Land Management announced Wednesday.

Transparency Needed for Industrial Animal Agriculture

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:30:00 GMT

Under a settlement agreement resulting from a lawsuit, the EPA has committed to proposing a regulation that would collect basic information about CAFOs nationwide. Learn more about the proposed CAFO reporting rule.

Six Public Lands Bills Take Important Step Toward Passage

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMT

The Pew Campaign for America’s Wilderness today applauded the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for taking the first testimony of the year on legislation to designate new wilderness on federal land. Members of the subcommittee considered six bills, which together would permanently protect more than 124,000 acres of public land in California, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington State.

Map: Location of the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:50:00 GMT

View a map of the location of the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific.

Tim McClanahan Co-Writes 'Adapting to a Changing Environment: Confronting the Consequences of Climate Change' (Pew Marine Fellow, 1996)

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:35:00 GMT

The impacts of climate change on the world’s land and sea will become more pronounced in the years to come.

Editorial: One Win for the Forests

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:35:00 GMT

(New York Times) The environment and its allies have not had many victories recently, but there was a big one on Friday when the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit upheld the “roadless rule."

Hope in the Deep

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:10:00 GMT

(The Fiji Times) The Ministry of Primary Industries' Department of Fisheries and Forests will forward a proposal, which is being drafted, to Cabinet soon for legislation to ban the commercial fishing and trade of sharks and their parts, including fins.

Shark Conservation in Fiji

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:15:00 GMT

At least 75 shark and ray species inhabit the waters of the Fiji islands. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, 66 percent of these species are globally threatened or near threatened. Pew is working with the Coral Reef Alliance and other stakeholders to establish a shark sanctuary here.

Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Clinton-Era Roadless Rule

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:45:00 GMT

(Denver Post) The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated the 2001 national rule aimed at protecting 49 million acres of roadless forests and grasslands — resolving a federal circuit court split on care of public land.

US Appeals Court Upholds Roadless Rule in Forests

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

(Associated Press) A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a rule prohibiting roads on nearly 50 million acres of land in national forests across the United States, a ruling hailed by environmentalists as one of the most significant in decades.

Pew Statement on Tenth Circuit Court Roadless Ruling

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:50:00 GMT

Jane Danowitz, director of the Pew Environment Group's U.S. public lands program, issued the following statement regarding today’s ruling from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which was issued to protect nearly 60 million acres of America’s national forests.

Editorial: The Arctic and the Lessons of the Gulf

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) The Interior Department has been inching closer to approving Royal Dutch Shell’s ambitious plans to drill for what are believed to be huge deposits of oil in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.

The Latest: Photos from the Shark Fin Trade

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:55:00 GMT

Graphic new images from Taiwan reveal large-scale shark fishing and finning operations. No limits exist on the number of these animals that can be killed in the open ocean.

Silicon Valley, Military Leaders Discuss Clean Energy Innovation

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense is investing in key clean energy technologies in order to save soldiers’ lives and taxpayers’ dollars.

Three Steps to Prepare for a Changing Arctic

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Here are three steps the United States should take today to address the rapid changes already underway in the Arctic.

Omar Defeo Publishes 'Sandy Beach Fisheries as Complex Social-Ecological Systems' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:10:00 GMT

In the Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on Sandy Beaches, 19-23 October 2009, Rabat, Morocco, Omar Defeo, a professor at the Universidad de la República in Uruguay, discusses the need for further study of sandy beach fisheries.

Policy Statement: Recommendations to the 22nd Annual Meeting of ICCAT

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:45:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group calls on members of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to take critical actions at the 22nd Regular Meeting of the commission in order to end overfishing, protect threatened species, and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

New Photos Highlight Global Extent of Shark Fin Trade

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:55:00 GMT

Ten months after releasing a landmark report revealing the planet’s top 20 shark-fishing catchers, the Pew Environment Group is expressing concern about new images and video taken in Taiwan that detail the expansive and unregulated nature of shark fishing globally.

Bluefin Tuna: The State of the Science

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:05:00 GMT

2011-10-18 Read the Full Report - Bluefin Tuna: The State of the Science English ׀ French ׀ Japanese The three species of bluefin tunas can be found throughout the world’s oceans from the equator to sub-polar seas. A suite of physiological adaptations has allowed bluefin to range

Bluefin Tuna Under Pressure as Twice as Much Traded as Quotas Allow For

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:50:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Over twice as much of the rare eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean is traded than catch quotas allow for, according to a scientific study released Tuesday, further threatening the survival of the dinnertime favorite at sushi bars across the globe.

Counting Fish

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:20:00 GMT

How heavy is 35,000 metric tons? For starters, it’s the weight of 193 jumbo jets or 2,917 African elephants. It’s also the amount of Atlantic bluefin tuna that have exceeded the official catch quota in the Mediterranean Sea in the past two years alone, according to a Pew-commissioned analysis of the international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna released today.

Industry Flouts Bluefin Catch Limits, Study Says

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) A new study commissioned by the Pew Environment Group suggests that the fishing industry makes a mockery of efforts to regulate the catch of the endangered bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean.

Med Bluefin Tuna Catch 'Unabated'

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:00:00 GMT

(BBC) Bluefin tuna boats in the Mediterranean Sea continue to catch many more fish than they report, a study concludes.

Mediterranean Tuna 'Gap' Widens

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:10:00 GMT

A new analysis commissioned by the Pew Environment Group finds that the amount of eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna traded on the global market in 2010 exceeded the official quota by 141 percent. Two years earlier, the amount traded exceeded the quota by 31 percent. These figures do not account for “black market” bluefin missing from official databases.

Mind the Gap: An Analysis of the Mediterranean Bluefin Trade

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:05:00 GMT

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the world’s most valuable fish. The increasing global appetite for sushi has spurred the development of a multibillion-dollar bluefin tuna fishing industry in the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the complicated supply chain and lack of effective enforcement, fraud and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing plagues the industry, despite recent efforts by fishing countries and regulatory bodies to address this issue.

Mediterranean Overfishing Threatens Global Supply of Bluefin Tuna

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

(Globe and Mail) The international supply of bluefin tuna, which is worth millions of dollars to Canadian fishermen, is being threatened by operators in the Mediterranean who are illegally overharvesting the endangered and valuable fish.

Mind the Gap

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Mind the Gap, an analysis of worldwide trade in Mediterranean bluefin tuna, shows a significant gap in the trade of bluefin tuna, compared to what can be caught legally every year. In 2008, the gap between the trade and quota was 31 percent. By 2010, that gap grew to 141 percent. But solutions exist. Pew is calling for an electronic catch documentation system to replace the current paper system, to allow for better tracking and monitoring of the bluefin tuna trade.

Mind the Gap: An Analysis of the Gap Between Mediterranean Bluefin Quotas and International Trade Figures

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:55:00 GMT

For many years, the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery was considered mismanaged and out of control. In 2008, an independent review of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the body that manages the fishery, famously called its Atlantic bluefin tuna policies a “travesty of fisheries management.”

An Electronic Bluefin Catch Document System

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:50:00 GMT

Regardless of where or how it is caught, a bluefin tuna can change hands many times before it reaches the market. Each time it is imported, exported, or re-exported, there is an opportunity for illegal catch to be mixed in with legal catch, weights and numbers to be misreported, and origin information to be changed. To close these loopholes, ICCAT must improve the existing bluefin catch documentation system by adding an electronic reporting requirement, reducing the chance for fraud, inaccurate reporting, and delays in validation.

Mediterranean Driftnets: A History of (In)Action

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:45:00 GMT

Driftnets have been banned within national waters by many countries on the high seas by international bodies, including the United Nations, in large part because of the sheer waste associated with this fishing method. In addition to the species they target, driftnets kill large numbers of animals as bycatch—marine species not intended for capture—including whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: Frequently Asked Questions

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:40:00 GMT

Frequently asked questions regarding Atlantic bluefin tuna, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, and the Atlantic bluefin tuna trade.

Bluefin Tuna Stock Assessments

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:40:00 GMT

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the body responsible for the management of Atlantic bluefin, uses information from stock assessments, conducted every two to three years, to set conservation and management measures and yearly catch limits, or quotas. Precautionary catch limits, which allow the population to rebuild after years of overfishing, are critical for Atlantic bluefin tuna's recovery.

Peter Mumby Publishes 'Temporal Clustering of Tropical Cyclones and its Ecosystem Impacts' (Pew Marine Fellow, 2010)

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:05:00 GMT

Researchers from Queensland and the United Kingdom studied weather records and found cyclone activity occurs in short, intense periods, followed by relatively long, quiet periods.

Far More Bluefin Sold than Reported Caught: Report

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:00:00 GMT

(Agence France Presse) More than twice as many tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna were sold last year compared with official catch records for this threatened species, according to a report released on Tuesday.

Hub of the Fin

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:50:00 GMT

(The Fiji Times) With the high commercial demand for shark products, tax incentives is also said to be among the major factors strengthening shark trading in Fiji.

Ocean Earth: How Rio+20 Can and Must Turn the Tide

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:35:00 GMT

At UNCSD in 2012 (Rio+20), the international community must take urgent action to reform ocean governance to ensure the sustainability of global fish stocks and to ensure legal instruments are in place to facilitate the protection and long term sustainable use of marine biodiversity. Read Pew's policy recommendations.

Warming Revives Dream of Sea Route in Russian Arctic

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT

(New York Times) Rounding the northernmost tip of Russia in his oceangoing tugboat this summer, Capt. Vladimir V. Bozanov saw plenty of walruses, some pods of beluga whales and in the distance a few icebergs.

'Farmer and Rancher Bill of Rights' Won't Kill Jobs

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:05:00 GMT

In less than 60 years, the United States has lost more than 1.6 million broiler chicken farms, while the number of the birds raised yearly has skyrocketed by 1,400 percent.

Big Money, Big Interests, Small Islands, and the Search for Sustainability

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:20:00 GMT

Where there is big money, there is big interest–and the Pacific is no different. The tuna catch in the Western Pacific is worth over US$4 billion per year. Historically however, only a small percentage of this windfall benefits those whose waters the tuna come from.

Campaign Ad: Stand Up to the Meat Industry Giants

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:55:00 GMT

View the latest ad from the Pew Campaign for Reforming Industrial Animal Agriculture.

Gap Analysis: Comparing CCAMLR's Port State Measures

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:20:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group conducted a gap analysis to identify specific disparities in port State measures adopted by 10 regional fisheries management organisations as they compare to the FAO Port State Measures Agreement. The goal is to offer information that can be used to strengthen port State control systems and, as a result, help reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.