Conservation and protection of marine life is becoming more important as we better understand the importance of the oceans and our impacts on them. Learn about conservation issues, current events and threats to marine life, ways to help the ocean and how to become an ocean activist.
The Census of Marine Life is a 10-year project to study life in the oceans. Learn about the Census of Marine Life, goals of this marine life study and when results will be released.
A brief history of Atlantic cod fishing, from early fishing using dories and handlines to the modern factory ships used today.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of volunteers gather to clean the coastline during the International Coastal Cleanup, which was started over 20 years ago by the Ocean Conservancy. Learn about the International Coastal Cleanup, why to do beach cleanups and how you can sign up for the International Coastal Cleanup.
To aid in shark conservation and demonstrate the importance of sharks to the U.S., the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 was introduced. Over 70 million sharks are killed annually, and many shark species are considered overfished. Sharks are fished for sport, caught as and hunted for their fins in a practice called shark finning. Overfishing of sharks could be drastic to the ocean food web.
Shark finning is the process of cutting a fin off a shark. The rest of the shark's body is cast into the sea, sometimes still alive. Even though the fins do not have any taste, they are a sought-after commodity for shark fin soup, which is a delicacy in Asian cultures and a dish served at special occasions.
Learn about marine conservation, threats and issues facing marine life and what you can do to help protect marine life.
Marine conservation is the protection of marine species and ecosystems in oceans and seas worldwide. It involves protection and restoration of species, populations and habitats and mitigating human activities such as overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, whaling and other issues that effect marine life and marine habitats.
Turtle excluder devices (TEDs) were created to protect sea turtles from getting caught in shrimp nets. The TED is attached to a shrimp trawling net and is a grid of metal bars that has an opening at the top or bottom, creating a hatch that allows sea turtles and larger fish to escape. Small animals such as shrimp go between the bars and are caught in the end of the trawl.
Entanglement in fishing gear is one of the major threats to whales today. Learn about whale entanglements in fishing gear, and how whales are rescued.
This year, the United Nations officially declared June 8 of each year World Oceans Day, a day to celebrate the oceans. Learn about the history of World Oceans Day, why the oceans are important and what you can do to protect the oceans.
The ocean is downstream of everything, so all of our actions, no matter where we live, effect the ocean and the marine life it holds. Those who live right on the coastline will have the most direct impact on the ocean, but even if you live far inland, there are many things you can do that will help marine life.
Even if you don't live near a coastline, there are many things you can do to protect marine life. Share the ways that you help protect marine life, from simple behavior changes at home to volunteering or working with marine life or doing hands-on projects to protect the marine environment.
Ocean acidification is the process by which the pH of the oceans is lowered due to absorption of carbon dioxide. The oceans have helped the global warming problem for thousands of years by absorbing carbon dioxide. Now the basic chemistry of the oceans is changing because of our activities, with devastating consequences for marine life.
Do you love seafood but worry about the environmental impacts of what you’re eating? Here are some ways you can learn more about seafood choices and what you need to know to ask the right questions when you purchase, whether it’s at the grocery store, a fish market or in a restaurant.
Coral bleaching happens when coral polyps, the animals that build corals, shed the algae - zooxanthellae - that give them their color, and which are necessary for their survival. The coral is then bleached, or white in appearance.
Whaling ended its popularity in the U.S. in the 18th century, so some are surprised to find out it still occurs in the world. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) put a pause in whaling, or a moratorium, in place in 1982, and it became effective in 1985-86. If a country wants to hunt whales these days, there are three ways it can do so.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on November 12, 2008 that the U.S. Navy could continue using high-powered sonar as part of its training exercises, possibly at the expense of whales and other marine mammals. Sonar has been demonstrated to cause hearing and organ damage, and symptoms similar to the "bends" in whales, and also disrupts their ability to find prey, breed and navigate.
Countries around the world are the recipients of unwanted visitors each year – invasive species. Invasive species can be plants, animals or other organisms such as microbes. They are introduced into new habitats primarily by humans. Learn what an invasive species is and how they effect the environment.
Learn about the pros and cons of aquaculture, or fish farming, including whether it can meet the huge demand for seafood.
NOAA is charged with managing fisheries, protecting marine species and conserving marine habitat in the U.S. Visit the NOAA site to learn about marine regulations, careers and the work of NOAA.
The IUCN evaluates animal and plant species and reports on their taxonomy, distribution and status. The Red List classifies the species of most concern to help further their conservation.
Ocean Conservancy's mission is to promote healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and oppose practices that threaten ocean life and human life. Visit this site to learn about the Ocean Conservancy's efforts to inform, inspire and empower people to help the oceans.
As our global population expands so too does the amount of trash we produce. A large portion of this trash then ends up in the world's oceans. Due to oceanic currents much of the trash in the sea is carried to a number of areas where the currents meet.
MarineBio is a non-profit organization that describes itself as "an evolving online tribute to ocean life, an introduction to marine biology and what you need to know about marine conservation." Visit this site for information on marine species, careers, conservation information and more.
Love seafood? Concerned about the environment? There are many seafood choices that are more eco-friendly. You can visit this site from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and print out your own sustainable seafood guide.
The American Cetacean Society,founded in 1967, protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.
The International Whaling Commission provides for the conservation of whale stocks and management of whaling. On this site, you will find lots of information on whales, but updates on what is going on with whaling and hunting regulations around the world.
The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a national coalition that promotes the long-term sustainability of marine fish. Its members include environmental organizations, fishing associations, aquariums and marine science groups. Learn about current legislation regarding marine fish, conservation issues and different marine fish species.
