Often when Alberto Jacinto looks out to the ocean from his home on Peru’s northern coast, the first thing he sees is a boat with a tightly woven net hung off its sides like wings. The shrimp trawler always stands out not just because of its size, but because of what it’s doing to local wildlife and marine habitats. “They drag … Read more
Aside from being the largest of all octopuses, the giant Pacific octopus is also recognizable by its typical reddish-pink color. The octopus is equipped with special pigment cells, called chromatophores, just below the surface of the skin that allow it to change color and blend in with rocky or coral-laden surroundings. Octopuses are actually mollusks—their … Read more
Manila – Sardines. Billions of them are caught, canned and consumed yearly. Here’s what you need to know to save these silver slivers of tastiness. Vast shoals of bullet-shaped sardines shoot through the world’s seas, frequenting its sunlit upper layers to gorge on wafting clouds of plankton. In turn, they are eaten by larger marine … Read more
State representatives gather for the first time in 14 years just days after scientific study reveals Mediterranean has lost one-third of its fish due to overfishing. Oceana calls for catch limits, tougher controls and protection of areas where fish breed and grow. Valletta, Malta – Ministers from Mediterranean countries and representatives from the European Union … Read more
At first glance, it might seem like the birds and the bees have nothing to do with the sustainability of sharks or sardines. But it turns out that how often and how early marine animals have sex — and how many babies they produce from their trysts — have a big bearing on whether or not these species … Read more
As we begin the new year, I wanted to share some good news. Even in the midst of troubling signs for the future of ocean policy in the United States – including the nomination of ExxonMobil’s CEO for Secretary of State – Oceana has continued winning victories for the seas. In 2016, working with our … Read more
Oceana successfully pushed for the reinstatement of Brazil’s “Red List,” which ensures the protection of 475 species. After months of suspension, Oceana’s efforts led directly to the judicial decision that reestablished the Red List. The species protected under the list include sharks, rays, groupers and other marine and freshwater fish.
December marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of seven protected areas along Belize’s barrier reef. Local celebrations for these coral atolls, mangrove forests and vibrant underwater landscapes are tinged with concern: These unique places face many manmade threats, and have been listed as ‘World Heritage in Danger’ since 2009. Now, armed with new legislation, sustainable … Read more
Glover’s Reef, a coral atoll in the south of Belize’s 300-kilometer (190-mile) barrier reef, is Janet Gibson’s favorite among the marine riches she’s helped to protect in her four-decade career. “I still remember the day that I went out there,” she said, speaking about her first trip in 1986. “It took my breath away.” “You … Read more
After a U.S. presidential election that shocked pollsters, pundits and observers around the world, so many of us are grappling with the question: what do we do now? The good news is that, for Oceana, it is clear what we will do next: we will fight hard and we will win victories for the oceans as … Read more
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We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.