The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council announced its intentions to allow U.S. fishermen to fish in U.S. Pacific Federally Managed Marine Protected Areas at its 206th meeting this week.
Read MoreCoastal Upwelling and the Cordell Bank
A healthy upwelling system is not just an ecological marvel; it is an economic powerhouse. California’s ocean economy generates tens of billions of dollars annually. However, the integrity of this system is currently at a crossroads. Newly proposed groundfish rules under the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) threaten to damage fragile marine habitat and alter the balance of species within these protected zones. Perhaps more concerning is the shadow of proposed oil exploration offshore.
Read MoreTell NOAA No to Weakening Blacknose Shark Protection
Add your voice to the public record telling NMFS no weakening protection for the Blacknose sharks. Specifically ask for boat and bag limits to remain unchanged: Alternative D1: Keep the current recreational retention limits for sharks. – No Action
Read MoreSupport Science Not Fear: The SHARKED Act
We, the undersigned—a coalition of divers, surfers, kayakers, fishermen, swimmers and ocean recreationists write to express our urgent concern regarding the SHARKED Act (H.R. 207 / S. 2314). While the bill is framed as a research initiative to address “shark depredation,” we fear it serves as a legislative “Trojan Horse” for the recreational fishing lobby to roll back decades of shark conservation.
Read MoreSupport Pacific Island Marine Sanctuaries
In the next three years we have our sights on increasing marine protection in US waters through the creation of two new National Marine Sanctuaries: one in California with the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, and one in Hawaii with the creation of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Creating the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary within the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary (PRINMS). These Sanctuary designations will provide stricter protection and can avoid challenges from future administrations stripping marine and cultural protection for resource extraction.
Read MoreNOAA Considers New Rule to Increase Protection Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
In a public hearing August 20-21 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted hearings seeking comments on a proposed rule to extend protective regulations for threatened oceanic whitetip sharks under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act. The public can submit comments on the rule until Sept. 15.
Read MoreRESPECT FOR HAWAII FISH- NO AQ COLLECTION
Act now to permanently end commercial aquarium collection in Hawaii
A group of native Hawaiian and marine protection groups recently filed a formal petition with Hawaiʻi’s Board of Land and Natural Resources to enact a rule to prohibit collection of reef wildlife for the aquarium pet trade.
Read More“Depredation” US Representatives Introduce SHARKED Act
The SHARKED Act sponsors widely represent the fishing industry including fishing guides and tournament organizers, who decry the partial or loss of their catch to a shark. The evidence that there is an increase in shark’s taking fish is anecdotal and not quantified.
Tell the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries to base decisions on Science and Management, Not Emotion.
NOAA seeks public comment on Chumash Heritage sanctuary draft proposal
Following input from tribal nations, state and federal agencies, conservationists and the public, NOAA has released a proposal to designate a 5,617-square-mile area offshore of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties in central California as Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
Read MoreGear Changes in Pacific Fleet Shine Ray of Hope for Critically Endangered Sharks
An announcement in 2020 by the Hawaii Longline Association to ban the use of wire leaders in the tuna fleet’s fishing equipment paved the way to help save the imperiled oceanic whitetip shark from extinction.
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