This release can be found in the USGS Newsroom at: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2397.
News Release
January 28, 2010
Mark Fornwall 808-984-3724 mark_fornwall@usgs.gov John Mosesso 703-648-4079 john_mosesso@usgs.gov Ron Sepic 703-648-4218 ron_sepic@usgs.gov
January 21, 2010
Seeming to follow a pattern that is emerging in this country, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell told his fellow citizen’s in his State of the State Address that the Federal Government is prohibiting Alaska from developing and growing and using its resources according to the needs of her people. Parnell cited history stating that Alaskans believed when they joined the Union that they would be free to develop resources.
Stating opposition to a plan that would set aside an area of land the size of California to protect polar bears, Parnell said the federal government and others have abused the Endangered Species Act to exert governmental power and take away state sovereignty.
Published by http://www.maritime-executive.com
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/white-house-release-interim-framework-coastal-and-marine-spatial-planning/
Written by U.S. Army Corps, Norfolk District Public Affairs
Friday, 15 January 2010
Virginia Beach, Va. — January 15, 2010 — The Army Corps of Engineers Lynnhaven Oyster Restoration Project Team received the 2009 Coastal American Partnership Award Jan. 14 for their efforts to restore a 60-acre network of oyster reefs in the Lynnhaven River.
These are permanent sanctuaries – free from fishing – creating the second largest such network in the world. This network functions as a Marine Protected Area benefiting the ecosystem with increased oyster larval production throughout the river, improved juvenile fish habitat, and better water quality. The team will continue to collaborate between federal, state, local governments, academia and local non-profit organizations to expand the sanctuary to an additional 40 acres.
The ocean is wilderness at our doorstep. Standing on the beach looking seaward is an untamed environment. It may be difficult to directly observe and explore, but it is rich with life.
From a fish’s point of view, not every place in the ocean is created equal. The sea floor varies with ridges and plateaus, gravel banks, boulder piles, and broad muddy basins. Oceanography and geography combine to make some locations “hot spots” for marine life to feed or breed. Conditions change. Fish move around, fishermen follow the fish in a dynamic environment.
