April 2007 |
  |
This month’s enewsletter is a study in contrasts. On the one hand we have the truly incredible victory in California, securing a first-ever network of MPAs to protect the Golden State’s storied Central Coast. And on the other hand, there is continued bad news for right whales and some developments to keep an eye on with regard to manatees. A little of the good and the bad, but a clear demonstration of the positive impact we can have when we get behind an idea and why our work continues to be so important.
California MPA Network: A Watershed In Ocean Conservation
The California Fish & Game Commission has formally adopted a visionary plan for marine protected areas (MPAs) that will safeguard several hundred square miles of biologically rich ocean habitat along the scenic Central Coast from Half Moon Bay to Point Conception (north of Santa Barbara). This historic event is the culmination of seven years of relentless work by the Ocean Conservancy and our conservation partners, plus thousands of hours of volunteer work by marine scientists, fishermen, recreational interests, and others since the passage of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) in 1999. California is the first state to adopt such a plan and the MLPA will serve as a model for other ocean states as they work toward similar ocean protections. Read more about the California MPA network >>
Manatees May Lose Protections
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced recently the results of a five-year status review of the West Indian manatee—a species found mainly in Florida that is protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—and concluded that the species no longer fits the definition of endangered. "It's not on the brink of extinction," said Dave Hankla, field supervisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. FWS recommended reclassification of manatees to “threatened,” a move that would remove or lessen a number of measures meant to safeguard the species. Hinkla sees the reclassification as a success story. Last year, however, speeding boaters killed 86 manatees, a 43 percent increase over the number killed 10 years before. In all, 416 manatees died in 2006, that from a population estimated to be no more than 3500. Learn more about manatees >>
Right Whale Calf Entangled On Its First Journey North
A male right whale calf died before it could complete its first journey north to the feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine. He was found on Saturday, March 31, off the North Carolina Outer Banks. Scientists examining the whale found evidence of entanglement, with rope marks around the whale’s left flipper and tail, though the ultimate cause of death could not be established for certain. This is the second right whale to die with entanglement-related injuries in 2007. With only about 350 right whales in the entire North Atlantic, the survival of each calf is critical. Sign our right whale petition to help save these endangered creatures >>
Join Summer Sailstice To Promote Ocean Conservation
Join the Ocean Conservancy and Summer Sailstice in a virtual circumnavigation of the globe this June 23rd and 24th. Summer Sailstice, the global holiday in celebration of sailing, has named Ocean Conservancy as its charitable partner. Our goal is for all participating boats to sail a combined total of 26,000 miles, the equivalent of a complete circumnavigation of the Earth, to raise awareness for ocean conservation. “Just imagine, with 2,600 boats sailing ten miles each on Summer Sailstice weekend—June 23rd and 24th—sailors can come together to sail a combined lap around the world,” notes John Arndt, founder of Summer Sailstice. “If each boat raises just $1 per mile, sailors will be contributing $26,000 to the valuable programs of the Ocean Conservancy.” Visit http://www.summersailstice.com/ to register and pledge to the Ocean Conservancy for each mile you sail.
Tell Us Why You Love The Ocean
To help us celebrate World Ocean Day on June 5th, we are asking members and others who love the ocean to complete a simple survey. As World Ocean Day approaches, we will post inspirational quotes to a special webpage, “Why we love the ocean.” Complete our World Ocean Day survey >>
Once again, thank you for your continued support.
|
Vikki N. Spruill |  |
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up to receive e-mails from Ocean Conservancy.
No comments:
Post a Comment