Ocean Zone News Blog

WASHINGTON (Oct. 8, 2009)–In her latest book, published by National Geographic, world-famous marine scientist Sylvia Earle, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, tells how 50 years of destructive — and ever increasing — oceanic change is threatening the very existence of life on Earth.

(Media-Newswire.com) – WASHINGTON ( Oct. 8, 2009 )–In her latest book, published by National Geographic, world-famous marine scientist Sylvia Earle, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, tells how 50 years of destructive — and ever increasing — oceanic change is threatening the very existence of life on Earth.

Public News Service – CA
October 2009

October 9, 2009
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Saturday marks the tenth anniversary of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). It was the first state law that mandated the creation of a state-wide network of marine protected areas, with the goals of better protection for marine habitats and replenishing fish and wildlife populations. They’re often called the “Yosemites of the sea.”

Former California Assemblyman Fred Keeley was the Act’s original author and says, by the mid-1990s, it was clear the pressure on the Pacific had grown and that new public policy based on sustainability was needed.

Macdonald | Medill News Service McClatchy
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s Ocean Policy Council is calling for a coordinated approach to restoring fragile ocean areas, many of which have been damaged by decades of piecemeal management decisions by the federal government.

According to Larry Crowder, a professor of marine biology at Duke University, dividing ocean management among multiple agencies has taken a heavy toll on marine ecosystems and economies. “There were 20 different federal ocean science agencies trying to enforce 140 different ocean laws.”

Published: October 05
News Blaze

Today legendary underwater explorer and ocean ambassador Sylvia Earle teamed up with IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas to send individual letters to 106 world leaders inviting them to join Sylvia in her wish to better protect the world’s oceans. Watch exclusive coverage of this event online at The Underwater Channel.

Sylvia Earle is one of three recipients of the coveted 2009 TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Award which grants awardees a ‘wish to change the world’. Sylvia’s one wish is to establish more ‘hope spots’ – Marine Protected Areas – to support ocean life, people and the natural unseen systems on which our day-to-day lives depend.

The following is a statement from Sally Yozell, Director of Marine Conservation, East Coast at The Nature Conservancy, on today’s announcement by the Obama Administration to establish an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force:

“The Nature Conservancy applauds today’s announcement from the Obama Administration to establish an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that will lead an effort to better protect the health of our oceans with a focus on more efficient ocean planning. This is a critical step in ensuring that as demands on our oceans continue to grow, all stakeholders in the ocean – from industry and energy to conservation and recreation – have a seat at the table. This coordinated process increases transparency and accountability as decision-makers come together to proactively discuss and plan for how to use our oceans’ resources in a sustainable way.