The Official MPA Blog

Assistance requested to assemble documents on ecological restoration

2012-01-27T11:09:00.000Z

IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas is participating in a Reference Group to assist the CBD with its work on ecosystem restoration (also known as ecological restoration) for the upcoming COP 11 in October 2012. We seek your assistance in identifying publically available documents on ecosystem restoration that specifically refer to (1) guidance or guidelines, Compile the information on

Natural Solutions to climate change - flyers now available in various languages

2012-01-27T08:53:00.000Z

The Global Protected Areas Programme of IUCN is glad to announce that the 4-page flyer “Natural Solutions – protected areas helping people cope with climate change” is now available in 8 languages, thanks to the contributions of volunteer translators. Those languages include – apart from English, French and Spanish – Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic and Japanese. The flyers are part of the

Whale Marine Protected Areas Google Earth Tour Goes Live!

2011-12-15T08:18:00.000Z

For the first time, you can meet sperm whales, humpback whales and blue whales in the special places where they live. This Google Earth Tour is narrated by Dan Laffoley, Marine Vice Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s World Commission on Protected Areas, and follows the migrations of whales above and below the surface, visiting some of the key marine protected

Is Certification of MPA Professionals Part of the Solution for Latin America and the Caribbean?

2011-10-26T22:52:00.000+01:00

Would certifying MPA professionals (not sites) based on their job performance raise the stature of the profession and help with staff retention? Does your staff have the skills but lack the motivation and leadership to get the job done? Do you lose staff once they get training? Through the MPA PRO program, certification (not to be confused with training courses) is helping address these issues in

Shell Beach, Guyana, declared a protected area

2011-10-26T13:48:00.000+01:00

October 20th, Guyana. President Bharrat Jagdeo has approved the declaration of the Kanuku Mountain area, Region Nine and Shell Beach, Region One, as protected areas. Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at a post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President said that these two areas now join the existing protected areas, while investigations are ongoing by

A new career opportunity to build the IUCN Global Programme on Protected Areas

2011-10-26T09:09:00.000+01:00

Dear Protected Area colleagues You will be aware that following IUCN’s review of the Global Programme on Protected Areas, there has been significant support for determining new priorities for the programme aligned to IUCN’s emerging 2013 – 2016 Quadrennial Programme and ahead of the 2014 IUCN World Parks Congress. The World Protected Areas Leadership Forum has come to the table, supporting the

Your help finding coastal fisheries solutions

2011-10-14T15:11:00.000+01:00

What's working in community-based fisheries management? That's the question RARE and National Geographic are asking in this first of many Solution Searches. Solution Search is an international competition rewarding innovative conservation successes in communities where the need is greatest. We are seeking solutions to help remedy an environmental crisis that is quickly becoming a humanitarian

It is official!!!! .First MPA for green turtles in Uruguay

2011-09-27T14:28:00.000+01:00

It is official!!!! Decree 285/11. The most important foraging and developmental area for juvenile green turtles in Uruguay has been declared Marine Protected Area last 10th of August, 2011. Since 1999, Karumbé is working in Cerro Verde for the protection of sea turtles, and in 2006 we were able to put together a complete report for DINAMA (National Environmental Agency) highlighting the

National Framework for Canada's Network of Marine Protected Areas Approved‏

2011-09-26T11:10:00.002+01:00

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is pleased to inform you that the National Framework for Canada's Network of Marine Protected Areas was approved in principle on September 1st by the federal-provincial-territorial Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. The document provides strategic direction for the design of a national network of MPAs, including the overarching vision and

For the Future of the Caribbean Marine Environment

2011-09-19T16:54:00.000+01:00

[San Pedro] (September 12, 2011) Environmental managers, park rangers and marine biologists from eight Caribbean countries meet this week in Belize to train together and share experiences in the management of marine protected areas (MPAs). An initiative of the Caribbean Environment Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP-CEP) and the Caribbean Marine Protected Areas

Shipwrecks and their associated iron pose significant threats to coral reefs in iron-limited regions.

2011-09-01T18:00:00.001+01:00

The Line Islands are calcium carbonate coral reef platforms located in iron-poor regions of the central Pacific. Natural terrestrial run-off of iron is non-existent and aerial deposition is extremely low. However, a number of ship groundings have occurred on these atolls. The reefs surrounding the shipwreck debris are characterized by high benthic cover of turf algae, macroalgae, cyanobacterial

Scientists Raise Alarm About Poor Protection For South West Australia Marine Life

2011-09-01T09:22:00.000+01:00

More than 170 marine scientists from Australia and overseas, including 14 Pew Fellows and Advisors, have joined together to raise concerns that critical areas for marine life in the South West of Australia have been ignored in a federal government plan for new marine parks. The scientists have sent Environment Minister Tony Burke a ‘statement of concern’ about the proposed plan and highlighted

Summary Report released on the Regional Exchange on Monitoring and Evaluation for Improving MPA Management Effectiveness in the Coral Triangle Countries

2011-09-01T09:20:00.000+01:00

The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Regional Exchange and Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation for Improved Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management Effectiveness in the Coral Triangle (CT) Countries was held on 8-13 May 2011. The workshop was hosted by the Government of the Philippines through its CTI National Coordinating Committee with assistance from the U.S. CTI Support Program and in

Map Identifies Important Coral Reefs Exposed to Stress:

2011-09-01T09:17:00.002+01:00

Marine researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other groups have created a map of the world’s corals and their exposure to stress factors, including high temperatures, ultra-violet radiation, weather systems, and sedimentation, as well as stress-reducing factors such as temperature variability and tidal dynamics. The study, said the authors, will help to conserve some of

Impacts of Fishing Low-Trophic Level Species on Marine Ecosystems

2011-09-01T09:16:00.000+01:00

Reduced catches of small oceanic ‘forage’ fish may be needed in some areas in order to protect the larger predators that rely on these species for food. This is a finding from the first major study of the ecosystem effects of fishing forage species. Published in the 21 July 2011 issue of Science, Beth Fulton, science leader at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research

Large Recovery of Fish Biomass in a No-Take Marine Reserve

2011-09-01T09:14:00.000+01:00

Enric Sala, explorer-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, Exequiel Ezcurra, the director of the University of California Riverside Institute for Mexico and the United States, and colleagues have published a paper in the 12 August 2011 issue of PLoS ONE in which they discuss no-take marine reserves as effective management tools to restore fish biomass and community structure in areas

Sylvia Earle's Birthday Wish

2011-08-31T21:46:00.000+01:00

My birthday wish for 2011 is to underscore the “one wish to change the world” that I was asked to make for the 2009 TED Prize: "I wish you would use all means at your disposal – Films! Expeditions! The Web! New submarines! – to create a campaign to ignite public support for a global network of Marine Protected Areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the blue heart of the planet.How

St. Maarten Man of War Shoal Marine Park Established

2011-08-29T10:27:00.000+01:00

On Friday the 19th of August the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication the Honourable Mr. Franklin Meyers signed the Management Contract between Country St. Maarten and the St. Maarten Nature Foundation for the management of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. The Marine Park covers an area known as “the Proselyte Reef Complex “, which includes the island’s most

Report on Caribbean MPA Capacity Assessment now online‏

2011-08-29T09:50:00.002+01:00

The Caribbean Marine Protected Areas Management Network and Forum (CaMPAM) is pleased to announce the completion of the Caribbean MPA Management Capacity Assessment, which is now available online at the CaMPAM website http://campam.gcfi.org/CapAssess/CapacityAssessmentReport2011/index.html. An initiative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (

Call for nominations: IUCN Awards

2011-08-18T09:51:00.002+01:00

Call for nominations: IUCN Awards The deadline for all nominations is 30 September 2011. The 3 awards will be presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, Republic of Korea, 6-15 September 2012. Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial MedalEstablished eight years ago during the World Conservation Congress in Thailand, the Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial Medal will go to a

User feedback requested on Science of Marine Reserves resources

2011-08-18T09:02:00.000+01:00

The Science of Marine Reserves team at the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) invites you to participate in a brief survey. We are conducting this survey to learn how you have used our marine reserve educational materials and to identify what materials could be useful to you in the future. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please submit

Marine Conservation and Mobile Technology: QR codes

2011-07-24T23:07:00.001+01:00

Use your smart phone to help protect Canada’s oceans! The unique QR code on this card directs you to the full report and summary of Science-based Guidelines for MPAs and MPA Networks in Canada and information about the authors. You will also be directed to an invite to endorse the guidelines as a scientist with a Ph.D. QR codes are also known as 2-D barcodes and can be read by the cameras on

Join international scientists in protecting Canada’s oceans!

2011-07-18T05:04:00.003+01:00

Please add your name to an open letter by leading marine scientists calling for Canada to strictly protect 30% of its oceans in “no-take reserves”. The letter supports a recent report commissioned by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). In this report, 14 leading scientists aim to “raise the bar” for MPAs in Canada by clearly documenting how world-leading MPA standards should be

Swan Island expedition launched to help protect 'the Galapagos of the Caribbean'

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000+01:00

HONDURAS, July 18, 2011 – Today, Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer-In-Residence, founder of Mission Blue and 2009 TED Prize Winner, joins a team of scientists, government officials and award-winning photojournalists on a week-long expedition to the Swan Islands and Mesoamerican Reef, “the Galapagos Islands of the Caribbean.” Located 90 miles off the

See how marine reserves work - get animated about this post!

2011-06-08T09:59:00.001+01:00

A Google Earth tour developed by the Partnership for Disciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans’ (PISCO) Science of Marine Reserves Project allows us to dive underwater to see how full protection inside marine reserves has led to benefits at sites around the world. Data collected by scientists shows that organisms can increase in both number and size when they are protected inside marine reserves To

Breakthrough at the United Nations: hopes grow for the high seas

2011-06-08T09:30:00.000+01:00

08 June 2011 Today, World Oceans Day, IUCN is celebrating a major breakthrough in global efforts to conserve the high seas. Last week at the United Nations, countries took the first, essential steps towards closing the huge gaps which exist in international law which leave the high seas—those areas beyond national jurisdiction—so poorly protected. The high seas cover nearly 50% of our planet

The ocean strikes gold in London!

2011-06-07T13:37:00.001+01:00

Monday 6th June, 2011 The rain cleared away, the skies brightened and nearly 300 guests arrived heralding a magical evening at the awards ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Sylvia Earle a long-time Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society was there to be honoured with the highest award that can be bestowed. It was back in April of this year that Sylvia was made aware that

Science to Action guidebook!

2011-06-07T10:52:00.000+01:00

Conservation International is pleased to announce the release of the Science to Action Guidebook¸ which provides a roadmap for using science to influence decision-making. Co-authored by 17 scientists, conservationists and communicators, the Guidebook draws upon and highlights experiences around the world. Both ‘ends’ provide practical tips for making the link between scientists and

BLUEMiND - so what are YOU thinking?

2011-05-24T16:51:00.000+01:00

Top neuroscientists, ocean explorers and advocates explore the science of our emotional connection to the sea. [Livestreaming 9-5 pm PST June 2nd from www.MindandOcean.org] SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Why do we seek respite at the ocean's shore? Why are the words "Ocean View" the most valuable in real estate? Why does the sound, smell, touch and taste of the sea set our souls at ease? These questions

Call for Contributions – IUCN World Conservation Congress Forum Jeju 2012

2011-05-23T13:47:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to inform you that the Call for Contributions for the Forum segment of the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress is now open! The Congress will take place from 6 to 15 September 2012, in Jeju, Korea. This Call for Contributions invites you to propose events for the Forum, the part of Congress which is open to all (from 7 to 11 September 2012). We have worked to incorporate

Marine protection goes large

2011-05-17T18:23:00.000+01:00

http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110516/full/news.2011.292.html

New short film on ocean acidification brings scientists, industry, policy makers and public together

2011-05-16T19:23:00.002+01:00

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has today launched a new short film “Ocean acidification: Connecting science, industry, policy and public” (http://www.youtube.com/user/PMLAdministrator?feature=mhee), at the International Ocean Acidification Reference User Group meeting in Brussels. Ocean acidification is a recently recognised phenomenon which results from the growing quantities of carbon

Global Reef Expedition Website - follow the adventures!

2011-05-10T22:39:00.000+01:00

Follow the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation as we embark on Phase 2 of our Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas Research Expedition. This is the first stop on the Foundation’s Global Reef Expedition! We are collaborating with local Bahamian scientists representing the Bahamas National Trust, The Nature Conservancy, the Department of Marine Resources and the College of Bahamas. Together, the Living

Coral Health Index - two new publications that aid in assessing the health of the world's coral reefs and managing them wisely

2011-05-10T22:31:00.000+01:00

We are pleased to announce the release of two new publications that aid in assessing the health of the world's coral reefs and managing them wisely. Coral Health Index - Measuring Coral Community Health (CHI) provides the latest thinking for how to examine and compare the health of these valuable ecosystems. CHI utilizes reliable and accepted metrics (benthos, fishes and microbes) to produce an

IUCN Coral Reef Resilience Assessment of the Bonaire National Marine Park

2011-05-05T21:44:00.000+01:00

IUCN has published a study on the various resilience characteristics of the coral reefs in the Bonaire National Marine Park. It includes results on resilience indicators, benthic cover, coral population structure, algae populations and fish community structure which can determine how the coral reefs respond to climate change threats. The aim of the study is to provide information on how to

MPA Videos are live on mpa.gov

2011-05-05T21:32:00.000+01:00

The MPA Center, in partnership with NMFS Ocean Media Center, has produced four short videos that are now live on our homepage. When you have a moment, take some time to check them out at www.mpa.gov. They include: - The National System of MPAs: An Introduction - Protecting Natural Heritage Resources - Protecting Cultural Heritage Resources - Protecting Sustainable Resources The creation and

Plenty more fish in the sea? Not for much longer

2011-05-02T15:06:00.001+01:00

More than 40 species of marine fish currently found in the Mediterranean could disappear in the next few years. According to a study for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ on the status of marine fish in the Mediterranean Sea, almost half of the species of sharks and rays (cartilaginous fish) and at least 12 species of bony fish are threatened with extinction due to overfishing, marine

Marine species news from the Species Survival Commission

2011-04-27T07:39:00.000+01:00

The IUCN SSC Marine Conservation Sub-Committee agreed at its last meeting that more should be done to keep marine members of the SSC network informed of other marine conservation activities within the IUCN family. As a result the group decided to produce a short, informal news-bulletin for the marine constituency of SSC. Please to click here to read the third edition of “Marine species news”,

The Nature Conservancy Launches a Marine Conservation Finance Project

2011-04-27T07:34:00.000+01:00

For years, there has been chronic underinvestment in our oceans. Underfunded and shrinking budgets at the federal, regional, state, and local levels have left critical habitats unmapped and unprotected; reduced scientific investments; hampered restoration efforts; and impeded new, impactful initiatives such as restoration, coastal and marine spatial planning, and ecosystem-based management. In

Find out more about the 'last ocean': The Ross Sea

2011-04-26T22:32:00.000+01:00

Please use the link below to access the latest Last Ocean newsletters, updating you with developments of the NZ Last Ocean campaign. We will produce these every two months. Next week the New Zealand Govt. is holding a meeting of all stake holders in the Ross Sea MPA process, this includes the appropriate Government agencies, NGO's and fishing representatives. I hope you enjoy the newsletter

Announcement of 2011 Pew Marine Fellows

2011-04-26T11:48:00.000+01:00

Today we are announcing the 2011 Pew Fellows in Marine Conservation. Please join me in welcoming: · Scott Baker, Ph.D., an associate director of the Marine Mammal Program and professor of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University. His project will map patterns of isolation and interaction among populations of dolphins in the South Pacific Ocean and identify habitats important to protect

Virgin 'Oceanic' launched - find out about the mission and link to the site

2011-04-17T22:59:00.002+01:00

Virgin Oceanic is taking the next step in human exploration. This time, the voyage is to the last frontiers of our own Blue Planet: the very bottom of our seas. Watch the expedition trailer and hear from Sir Richard Virgin believes that the Oceans offer exciting possibilities for human exploration and scientific research. Our vision through Virgin Oceanic is to explore the possibilities of

New report: Governing Marine Protected Areas – Getting the Balance Right.

2011-04-14T18:11:00.002+01:00

Whilst much guidance exists on how to manage marine protected areas (MPAs), there is little guidance available on how to combine top-down, bottom-up and market approaches to reach and implement decisions that achieve effective and equitable MPAs. To fill this gap, the technical report offers a new approach to planning of sustainable and equitable MPAs. It presents a new governance framework

Savannah Ocean Exchange Gulf Stream Award; PrescreeningApplication Due Date Extended to May 31

2011-04-14T16:44:00.002+01:00

Savannah Ocean Exchange, founded in 2010, unites international organizations across multiple disciplines and boundaries to distribute and adopt solutions that positively impact oceans and ocean life. The Board of Governors includes 27 leaders from around the world, who represent diverse backgrounds and expertise and share a commitment to innovation and to the protection of our ocean. The theme

Degraded coastal wetlands contribute to climate change: report finds

2011-04-12T22:49:00.000+01:00

Washington DC – April 11, 2011 – Drainage and degradation of coastal wetlands emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide directly to the atmosphere and lead to decreased carbon sequestration, a new World Bank report has found. The report, written in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and wetland specialists ESA PWA, calls for coastal wetlands to be

'MPApps' - help us create a more connected ocean conservation world!

2011-04-12T12:10:00.001+01:00

One of our challenges is finding new ways to engage people in helping protect the ocean. Over the past few years we have helped champion new innovations such as Google Earth to engage more people in ocean issues. We are now taking this a stage further and to do this WCPA – Marine has teamed up with the University of Exeter to launch a new initiative based on ‘MPApps’ – applications (Apps) for

Management of Protected Areas course grants for Central and Eastern Europe

2011-04-11T23:02:00.000+01:00

The province of Carinthia is making two grants available for participation in the "Management of Protected Areas" MSc course. The grant of € 6,200 is targeted at applicants from Central and Eastern Europe, which have a need to make up economic ground on other European states. It gives applicants access to international expertise and global networks. Both grants will be awarded as part of a

Blue Carbon Working Group Releases Recommendations

2011-04-01T18:02:00.000+01:00

March 2011: At its first meeting, the International Working Group on Coastal "Blue" Carbon underscored the need for active and effective measures to protect the large and vulnerable carbon pools stored in seagrasses, tidal marshes, and mangroves, and to restore and reestablish their carbon sequestration capacity. The Working Group convened its first meeting in Paris, France, in February 2011,

We win 2011 Ocean Conservation Blog award!

2011-04-01T12:47:00.000+01:00

We are delighted to announce that we have won the Trip Base award for one of the best ocean conservation blogs in 2011. To read more about us and other winners click here

Ecological scorecards to help assess status, trends in North America's marine protected areas

2011-03-17T07:42:00.001Z

New "how-to" guide provides a tool for marine protected area managers Montreal, 16 March 2011—A new Guide to Ecological Scorecards for Marine Protected Areas in North America from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) aims to provide a standard method for managers to report on the status and trends of marine protected areas (MPAs). North America's 2,000 MPAs—all of which have been

Science shows MPA benefits. Want to know why?

2011-03-16T09:47:00.000Z

Marine parks are internationally recognised as an effective tool to manage and conserve marine resources and biodiversity. Because marine parks will introduce some changes to how South Australian waters can be used, it’s important to know what benefits can be gained from protecting sections of our marine parks as no-take marine reserves (sanctuary zones) where extractive activities are

The Science of Marine Reserves: new European booklet

2011-03-15T16:34:00.001Z

Released March 15, the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) presents a European version of their educational booklet series The Science of Marine Reserves. This booklet provides the latest scientific information about no-take marine reserves, reporting peer-reviewed research from throughout Europe and globally. The accessible graphics, text, fast facts, and case

Scientists' Consensus Statement on Protection of the Ross Sea - sign up now!

2011-03-14T21:37:00.000Z

One of IUCN’s member, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), is looking for additional scientific experts who would join the growing number of scientists from all disciplines supporting the creation of a Ross Sea marine reserve. So far 464 scientists have signed the ‘Scientists’ Consensus Statement on Protection of the Ross Sea’. To sign up please visit: http://www.asoc.org/storage

More than Fishy Business - a literature review of the benefits of marine conservation

2011-03-13T23:15:00.002Z

At a time when marine conservation is facing some serious challenges from misinformation and a sustained ( but very familiar from climate sceptics) accusation of lack of robust science it is timely that WCPA member Dr. Melissa Nursey Brae has put together a compilation of the benefits of Marine conservation http://adelaide.academia.edu/MelissaNurseyBray/Papers/393942/

Costa Rica Protects Vast Pacific Ocean Expanse

2011-03-06T15:31:00.000Z

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, March 4, 2011 (ENS) - Costa Rica has greatly expanded a marine protected area surrounding Cocos Island National Park, safeguarding a total of 2,900 nautical square miles (one million hectares) still rich with endangered sharks and sea turtles. The Seamounts Marine Management Area, or Area Marina de Manejo Montes Submarinos, will conserve an entire marine ecosystem and

$100,000 prize for ocean solutions DEADLINE 15 April 2011

2011-03-03T03:46:00.000Z

Savannah Ocean Exchange Seeks Solutions Addressing 2011 Theme: "Shaping the Future of Our Coasts" Mission: Finding and Promoting the Best Solutions to Ocean and Coastal Issues Award: GulfstreamR Navigator Award 2011 Award Amount: $100,000 to Best Overall Solution Website: www.savannahoceanexchange.org Submission Deadline: 2359 UTC, 15 April 2011 Savannah Ocean Exchange - Solution Submission

Beyond the Horizon: Creating a Network of Special Ocean Places

2011-02-28T22:27:00.000Z

Beyond the Horizon is a discussion of a potential network of special ocean places to help strengthen the ecology, economy and culture of the Gulf of Mexico. The discussion includes a conference May 11-13, 2011, at Mote Marine Laboratory. Please visit http://www.mote.org/beyondhorizon for more information. · 14 million people call the Gulf Coast home · The region provides jobs for 20 million

Follow the first systematic survey of Chile's Salas y Gómez MPA

2011-02-27T21:30:00.000Z

National Geographic and Oceana, in collaboration with the Chilean Navy, are traveling to the remote Salas y Gómez Island, some 200 miles (about 323 km) east of Easter Island, Chile, where they will discover what lies beneath these largely unexplored waters. A team of 18 scientists and filmmakers will be looking at everything from algae to corals to fish and sharks. They plan to satellite-tag

Scientists start work under International Blue Carbon Working Group

2011-02-25T11:03:00.000Z

Leading scientific experts in the field of coastal and marine biogeochemistry, carbon dynamics and ecology gathered in Paris (15-17 February 2011) to discuss the role of coastal and marine ecosystems in the global carbon cycle and for climate change mitigation. This 3-day workshop was organized by IUCN together with Conservation International and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of

Save the date: State of the Gulf of Mexico - Summit II

2011-02-24T18:08:00.000Z

State of the Gulf of Mexico - Summit II Hosted by the Harte Research Institute December 4 - 8, 2011 Omni Galleria Hotel Houston, Texas The Harte Research Institute (HRI) is planning a second State of the Gulf Summit along with several partners: Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Gulf of Mexico University Research Collaborative, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Gulf of Mexico

The Changing Oceans Expedition

2011-02-23T18:13:00.000Z

The Changing Oceans Expedition is a ten-year adventure through the world's most important marine eco-regions to bring the world the latest update information on the state of our oceans. The expedition will develop new ways of exploring and studying the oceans while fully share these discoveries, day by day, moment by moment, through the new interactive media of the internet generation. The

Get news feeds from the UK MPA Centre

2011-02-23T15:15:00.000Z

The UK MPA Centre is the place on the web for news about MPAs in the UK. To subscribe to their news service please click on this link: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/UKMPACentre_News

Introducing the Sargasso Sea Alliance

2011-02-19T11:36:00.002Z

Sylvia Earle has called the Sargasso Sea “the golden rainforest of the ocean.” It is a unique pelagic ecosystem based on species of Sargassum that are able to develop without contact with land. The Sargasso Sea is bounded by ocean currents circulating around the North Atlantic sub-tropical gyre. Although it includes the Bermudan Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), the vast majority occurs in areas

The Ross Sea, Antarctica: A Sylvia Earle Alliance Hope Spot Initiative

2011-02-12T10:22:00.001Z

Protecting Our Ocean – Introducing the Ross Sea Hope Spot Currently about 1.2% of the world ocean is set aside for wildlife and their habitat, as compared to around 14% of Earth’s terrestrial surface. We must take action to increase substantially the level of ocean protection that experts consider necessary for healthier oceans and a more sustainable fisheries future. Hope Spots are ocean areas

Coral Reef MPAs of East Asia and Micronesia updated and upgraded

2011-02-10T17:50:00.000Z

The regional MPA database "Coral Reef MPA of East Asia and Micronesia" was developed on ReefBase website in 2005-2007 as one of the ICRI Secretariat Plan of Action under Japan and Palau Co-Secretariat term. It updated the MPA data in both regions on MPA Global database (now taken over by WDPA database) and linked with ReefGIS where it achieved to identify over 300 new MPAs. Under the above

Helping solve the global ocean crisis: incentive-based approaches

2011-02-10T12:59:00.000Z

Conservation International is pleased to announce the release of a guidebook and two policy briefs that offer contributions to solutions for the global ocean crisis. Conservation practitioners increasingly are turning to incentive-based approaches to encourage local resource users to change behaviors that impact biodiversity and natural habitat. Drawing on twenty-seven cases from around the world

Seeking marine protected area restoration expertise

2011-02-10T12:19:00.000Z

The IUCN-WCPA Ecological Restoration Task Force is seeking advice on best practices for ecological restoration in marine protected areas. This advice will contribute to the development of a best practice guideline that is intended to provide a consistent, globally-applicable, principles-based approach to planning and decision making about ecological restoration in protected areas. If you are

Pacific Oceanscape moves forward!

2011-02-10T12:12:00.000Z

In August 2010, the 15 leaders attending the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Port Vila, Vanuatu, unanimously endorsed the Framework for the Pacific Oceanscape . Covering an ocean area of nearly 40 million sq km – or over 10 percent of the Earth’s surface – the Pacific Oceanscape hosts the world’s largest remaining stocks of tuna providing approximately a third of the world’s catches of tuna and

UNESCO Marine World Heritage Meeting

2011-02-10T12:07:00.001Z

In December 2010, the first UNESCO marine World Heritage meeting brought all 43 Marine World Heritage site managers together with a selection of leading marine scientists and practitioners whose work has been instrumental for marine conservation and management to establish a productive exchange of success stories and management experiences among marine World Heritage site managers. One of the

Big Ocean Launch: creating a network of the world's large-scale marine managed areas

2011-02-10T12:05:00.001Z

Following the UNESCO meeting on marine World Heritage in Hawaii in December 2010, Papahanaumokuakea and the Phoenix Islands, with Conservation International support, convened the first meeting of the managers for five of the world’s largest MPAs – four of which were established in just the past two years. Joining the two convening MPAs, managers for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Chile’s newly

The Savannah Ocean Exchange announce the $100,000 Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011.

2011-02-07T10:53:00.000Z

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Ocean Exchange proudly announces Gulfstream as the worldwide sponsor of the Gulfstream Navigator Award 2011, which recognizes the best technology, idea or solution to improve the world's coasts and prepare them for the future. The award is given to the top solution submitted as part of an annual Call for Solutions sent out through the Savannah Ocean Exchange Board

Grenadines Network of Marine Protected Areas Established

2011-02-06T22:41:00.001Z

[Hillsborough] (JANUARY 28, 2011) Sandy Island/Oyster Bed, Moliniere-Beausejour and Tobago Cays Marine Parks this week came together in Carriacou for their first networking meeting and are pleased to announce the establishment of the Grenadines Network of Marine Protected Areas. Seeking to share experiences across national borders, the staff and board members of the three marine parks updated

Subantarctic Islands to become marine reserves

2011-01-31T09:13:00.000Z

29 January 2011, New Zealand. Three huge marine reserves totalling 435,163ha are to be established in the Subantarctic Islands, Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson and Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley announced today (29th Januray 2011). The Ministers’ decisions will see a marine reserve cover the entire territorial sea - out to 12 nautical miles - surrounding Antipodes Island, with two

Sylvia Earle Receives Life Time Achievement Award & see clip of forthcoming Mission Blue film!

2011-01-29T18:57:00.001Z

Our Changing Oceans, the 11th National Conference on Science, Policy and Environment, took place in Washington, DC from January 19-21, 2011. At the end of day two, Her Deepness, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, was awarded the National Council for Science and the Environment Lifetime Achievement Award. After being befittingly introduced by ocean champion, Congressman Sam Farr, Dr. Earle took the stage

Latest news from the MedPAN network

2011-01-26T13:53:00.001Z

The Chairwoman Puri Canals, the Board of Directors and the whole team of the MedPAN secretariat wish you the best for 2011! Happiness, success, and a good collaboration with the MedPAN network :) ... Please also find below the latest news published on the MedPAN website. As usual, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have information you would like to share with MedPAN, the network of

New MPA in the Caribbean: St. Maarten's Man of War Shoal Marine Park

2011-01-04T06:09:00.001Z

It is with great pleasure that the St. Maarten Nature Foundation announces the approval by the Honourable Minister Franklin Myers of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, the first National Environmentally Protected Area for Country St. Maarten and a major step towards realizing Environmental Conservation in General and Marine Conservation more specifically for the island. *St. Maarten's 'Man of

New site launched for Victoria's Marine Protected Areas

2010-12-19T12:57:00.000Z

A new marine website has been launched in Victoria , Australia that provides an interactive guide to the states amazing underwater world. Explore Underwater Victoria website features a great collection of underwater photographs, videos, educational resources and contacts to local groups. Footage of Victoria ’s marine protected areas is a strong feature of this website, with brilliantly

Call for inclusion of Blue Carbon @ COP16

2010-12-06T16:32:00.000Z

http://bluecarbonportal.org/?p=403 Blue Carbon Solutions for Climate Change The Blue Climate Coalition have prepared an open statement to the Delegates of COP16 calling for blue carbon solutions for climate change. The statement highlights yet another of the many vital roles played by coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes and kelp forests – that of carbon

100 Best Blogs for Studying the Ocean

2010-11-24T10:04:00.000Z

Oceans comprise the staggering majority of the Earth’s surface, providing a home for millions – if not billions – of species, and a major source of food and pleasure for humans. Unsurprisingly, it has captured the imaginations and intrigue of people for millennia, a fascination which continues today and will likely flow on into the future. Thanks to the internet, even the most landlocked of

WWF Gift to the Earth recognises CCAMLR's commitment to network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000Z

The 29th Annual Session of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resource (CCAMLR) was held for in Hobart during October.On the Monday of the second week of the CCAMLR meeting, the WWF Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative awarded CCAMLR a WWF Gift to the Earth in recognition of CCAMLR's commitment to designate a representative network of MPAs in the Southern Ocean by

The seamounts blog is back!

2010-11-11T11:16:00.001Z

Almost one year from the scientific cruise organised by IUCN and its partners on the seamounts of the SW Indian Ocean, which Sarah Gotheil participated in, the painstaking work of identifying many of the 7’000 samples has begun. The results of this taxonomic analysis will improve scientific knowledge of this corner of the Indian Ocean, of seamounts more generally and will inform decisions on how

WIO-COMPAS certifies 11 MPA professionals

2010-11-10T09:08:00.000Z

Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Areas Professionals (WIO-COMPAS), in conjunction with local partners WWF South Africa and Kenya Wildlife Service, have successfully conducted two Level 1 Certification Assessment events, resulting in eleven experts in Marine Field Operations from South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania being certified as MPA PRO Level 1. WIO-COMPAS congratulates

Ocean Acidification: Coming Soon to an Ocean Near You

2010-11-04T05:45:00.000Z

Monaco, 4 November, 2010 (IUCN) – Manmade ocean acidification will have profound impacts on marine life, even without a further increase of CO₂ emissions. Latest evidence shows that sea water chemistry is already changing and only rapid and huge reductions of fossil fuel use and deforestation can help restore ocean’s health, according to IUCN. A new guide, Ocean Acidification: Questions

Mediterranean MPA current events, October 2010

2010-10-26T11:48:00.000+01:00

Find out more about whats happening on MPAs in the Mediterranean by clicking on these links As usual, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have information you would like to share with MedPAN, the network of MPA managers in the Mediterranean. Kind regards, Magali Mabari On behalf of the whole MedPAN team Zoom on: * Experience-sharing workshop and General Assembly of the

Protect Planet Ocean Now

2010-10-26T09:39:00.000+01:00

With only one per cent of the world’s oceans under protection, countries are far behind the 10 per cent target promised for 2010. A greater political will and a change in the way we manage our marine capital are needed now to preserve the Earth’s oceans for generations to come. This month Chile announced the setting up of a large marine reserve around Sala y Gómez island in the Pacific.

Ocean Acidification Survey - please take part!

2010-10-26T09:36:00.000+01:00