Image: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
By: Kristin Kleisner and Sarah Swain
The mesopelagic zone, one of the most important parts of the ocean’s most important climate-regulating system, is under threat just as we’re beginning to understand its true value. With IUCN members preparing to vote on Motion 035 this October, we have a narrow window to protect this climate-critical ecosystem before industrial exploitation of the mesopelagic zone begins. Read More
By Tommy Clay and Gemma Carroll
Some of the ocean’s most charismatic species are among its most vulnerable. From sharks and whales to sea turtles and albatrosses, many species of ‘marine megafauna’ traverse vast distances, crossing ocean basins between feeding and breeding grounds. As they undertake these epic migrations, they play vital roles in ocean ecosystems—regulating food webs, recycling nutrients, and connecting distant habitats. Read More
By: Fenjie Chen and Shems Jud
A ground-breaking shift in Japan’s fisheries management is happening. It is aiming to restore fish stocks and recover harvests to achieve sustainable management and utilization. But many fishers have been unaware of how these reforms impact their daily operation. They have limited understanding of how they can contribute to the reform process and, therefore, have shown resistance and delays in reform implementation. Environmental Defense Fund staff worked directly with fishers to find out why. Read More
Open ocean aquaculture in the U.S. has the potential to create diverse local jobs, build a more climate-resilient domestic seafood supply, and minimize impacts on the climate and environment. However, achieving these benefits hinges on practicing aquaculture the right way. Read More
By Jacqui Vogel (EDF) and Dr. Sarah Glaser (WWF)
Oceans are under immense threat from climate change. Around the world, oceanographic changes like melting sea ice, warming waters, sea level rise and shifting fish populations make access to marine resources more uncertain and less secure.
Climate change threatens to disrupt the communities, supply chains and food systems that rely on marine systems that are now rapidly changing. An impact of climate change is conflict in the ocean, including conflict over shifting and shrinking natural resources. Fisheries conflicts have increased 20-fold over the last 40 years, and 23% of all fish stocks are expected to shift in distribution by 2030. But scientists are working on a solution.
Graphic courtesy of Climate Champions.
The world is gathered in Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties under the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention, otherwise known as COP28. Over a two-week span, government delegations come together to negotiate what actions the world needs to take to achieve a future under 1.5 degrees. This will set the tone for government action and help guide policies to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. Read More
