1. The Sea Save Foundation is set to attend the 2016 CITES
Conference
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Google, Oceana, and Skytruth recently unveiled their new
project, Global Fishing Watch, that pairs data mining technology with
conservation skills to help crack down on illegal fishing. The new public web platform
uses AIS satellite tracking technology, which commercial fishing vessels
constantly update with their locations, along with an algorithm to track the routes
of boats all over the world. Public users can then log on and identify if the
vessel’s behavior is positive or negative. This exciting use of satellite
tracking technology and big data processing is already bringing more transparency
to the fishing industry, while fast-forwarding environmental progress. Read the
full story here…
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3. The Atlantic Ocean gets its first marine monument
President Obama used his executive powers this week to
create the Atlantic Ocean’s first US Marine Monument. The Northeast Canyons & Sea Mounts Marine National Monument
encompasses about 130 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, a region where ocean
temps are projected to warm up 3 times faster than the global average. By
banning oil and gas exploration and drilling, as well as most commercial
fishing, several endangered species of whales and turtles, and ancient deep-sea
coral will be protected for generations to come. Read more here…
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4. New
coral species and rare octopus discovered in Pacific Ocean
Scientists were very excited to discover what they believe
to be a new species of coral reef during a recent deep-sea ocean dive expedition.
They dubbed the violet hued coral “Purple Haze”. The previously unexplored Cook
Seamount, a now extinct volcano 100 miles southwest of Hawaii’s Big Island,
where the dive occurred is over 3,000 feet below sea level. Researchers were
thrilled when they also encountered an extremely rare species, the Dumbo octopus.
More details about the dive can be found here…
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The Marshall Islands, low lying islands arranged in broken arcs
around lagoons, has lost over a third of its population due to concerns with rising
sea level. The mass exodus is bringing people to the United States through a
compact of free association that allows immigrants to stay after their visas
expire if they choose. The island experienced dramatic flood events, that historically
would only occur once every few decades, three times during 2014. Temporary sea
walls erected by the island’s residents are no match for the ocean waves
though, and often have to be rebuilt after storm events. Read more here…
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6. Arctic sea ice faces its second lowest level in history
After a dreary, cooler than average summer, scientists were
shocked by a report released by NSIDC and NASA this week showing arctic sea ice
at its second lowest recorded level ever. Scientists began monitoring sea ice,
which naturally shrinks during the warmer summer months before returning in the
winter, in 1978. The report showed 1.6 million square miles of sea ice present
in the North Pole. The lowest record ever occurred in September 2016 with 1.31 million
square miles of sea ice reported. Sea ice is important because it reflects solar
radiation back into space, helping to maintain the planet’s temperature and
also influencing the circulation of both the atmosphere and ocean. A warming
ocean is to blame for the sea ice, which creates a positive feedback where less
sea ice is created each subsequent winter. Read the full article here…
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7. International conference unveils 136 new ocean conservation
initiatives
90 different countries recently took part in a two-day
conference geared towards raising capital for ocean conservation. The event reviled
136 new initiatives that will take on ocean challenges related to climate
change and over-fishing. Participants committed more than $5.3 billion dollars
to support the initiatives and help create 40 new marine sanctuaries around the
world. You can read more about the efforts here…
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Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.
