2. Seagrass Restoration Initiative Heads to Florida House Floor

There is a new proposal bill called HB 1181 that is being proposed to build a strong partnership between ” nursery restoration practitioners and top marine and genetic scientists to generate a sustainable source of genetically resilient and naturally reproducing Florida seagrasses.” Seagrasses provide habitat and food to numerous species, stabilize the ocean bottom, maintain water quality and help support local economies…”.

As threats could cause regional die-offs and affect aspects of human life, this bill will introduce species that will be more viable to help replant seagrass. This initiative would include a partnership between the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of Florida. Overall it includes a ten year “Florida Restoration Plan” to implement these tools and technologies that will be funded through $2 million in general revenue annually from 2023-24 and 2027-28.

4. Chevron, ExxonMobil Ditch Natural Gas, Oil Drilling Permits Offshore BC

A natural gas and oil fortune has been abandoned offshore of British Columbia (BC) after Chevron Corp. and ExxonMobil retired Pacific seabed drilling rights following decades of successful environmental opposition. The integrated producers voluntarily gave up exploration licenses to an area rated as harboring up to 40 Tcf of natural gas and 10 billion bbl of oil by the Geological Survey of Canada.

The withdrawals removed industrial defendants from a protest lawsuit in BC. The announcement followed talks with the federal government, said Chevron Canada President Christopher Mazerolle in explaining its retirement of 19 drilling permits on 5,700 square kilometers (2,280 square miles) offshore central BC. “Chevron is continually assessing its portfolio and has been in communication with Natural Resources Canada since 2020 on the opportunity to contribute to the Government of Canada’s international marine conservation targets,” said Mazerolle.

5. Proposed Bering Sea Marine Sanctuary Draws Pushback From Fishing Industry

A proposed marine sanctuary in the Pribilof Islands has drawn major pushback from the commercial fishing industry, ever since the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration accepted the nomination last June. The Aleut Community of St. Paul, the tribal government for the Pribilof Island community of around 500 people says the sanctuary designation would give it greater authority to protect the region’s vast ecosystems and resources, including rich fishing grounds and habitat for the federally protected northern fur seal.

The national marine sanctuary would be named Alaĝum Kanuux̂, or Heart of the Ocean and if approved, it would be the first of its kind in Alaska, possibly creating a new precedent for resource management in the state. Commercial fishing representatives railed against the proposed sanctuary during an April 6 meeting in Anchorage, which NOAA hosted to clear up confusion within the industry.

6. Police Arrest Man Accused of Beating Shark With a Hammer

Police in South Carolina have arrested a man who was accused of beating a shark with a hammer in a video that went viral on social media. The man has been charged with animal cruelty and faces up to five years in prison if convicted. The video showed a man using a hammer to repeatedly hit a shark on the head, while another person could be heard laughing in the background. The incident sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who called for the man to be held accountable for his actions.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources launched an investigation into the incident and worked with local police to make the arrest. The shark’s condition after the incident is not known. The shark in question was a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), which the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed as a “vulnerable” species. A well-known species in the nearby Bahamas, they breed at specific nursery sites and return to these areas frequently. This species is often found in shallow subtropical waters, including Florida.

7. Some Species Are Thriving in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Scientists have found dozens of species of coastal invertebrates organisms thriving Oscar the Grouch style in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Roughly 620,000 square miles long, or twice the size of Texas, the floating garbage heap is located between Hawaii and California. Five large spinning circular currents constantly pull trash towards the center of the patch, and it is considered the largest accumulation of ocean plastic on Earth.

These creatures found thriving in the trash like crabs and anemones are normally found along the coasts, but a study says that dozens of species have been able to survive and reproduce on the plastic garbage. Organic matter in the ocean decomposes within a few years at most. But plastic debris lasts significantly longer, thus giving the animals a place to live and procreate.

8. Underwater Meadow of Largest Seagrass Bed in the UK Found off Cornish Coast

One of the largest seagrass beds in the UK has been discovered off the coast of Cornwall. A recent report has revealed that St Austell Bay supports the largest known sub-tidal seagrass bed in the county. At 359.1 hectares (887 acres) the seagrass bed is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Seagrasses are the only flowering plants able to live in seawater and pollinate while submerged.

They often grow in large groups giving the appearance of terrestrial grassland – an underwater meadow. Seagrass beds are deemed vital for the planet’s ecosystems as they have the potential to sequester and store huge amounts of carbon dissolved in our seas – this is known as ‘blue carbon’. “Seagrass is one of the largest carbon sinks we have globally, despite covering only 0.1 percent of the ocean floor.

9. Landmark Law Saved Whales Through Marine Industries Change

The drive to protect vanishing whales has brought profound impacts to marine industries and those changes are accelerating as the Endangered Species Act approaches its 50th anniversary. On a breezy spring day, scientists and conservationists conducted experiments near 15 North Atlantic right whales that occasionally spouted and surfaced in a bay south of Boston. The pod of adults and calves is about 4% of the worldwide population of a marine mammals that almost disappeared from the planet after many decades of commercial whaling.

There now are only a few hundred of the behemoths, which can weigh 70 tons and subsist on small ocean organisms. Although right whale numbers are dwindling, conservationists attribute their continued survival to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The landmark federal law has forced the fishing and commercial shipping industries to take important steps to help protect critically endangered whales.

10. Environmental Advocates Lodge ACCC Complaint Over ‘Ocean Plastic’ Products

Environmental advocates lodged a complaint with Australia’s competition watchdog about the terms “ocean plastics” and “ocean-bound plastics”, alleging they are a greenwashing marketing tactic. If your favourite yoghurt tub, bank card, rubbish bags or shampoo bottle is claiming to be made of recycled ocean plastics, you might think it was created from plastic recovered from the sea. Environmental advocates believe the supply chain of products labeled as ocean or ocean-bound plastics is impossible to verify and the term may mislead consumers.

Those terms can be used interchangeably to include plastics collected as far as 50 kilometers from the coast. An environmental organization has lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, alleging the terms are used to “greenwash products” which is when statements misrepresent the extent to which a product is environmentally friendly, sustainable or ethical.

11. Plastic Action or Distraction? As Climate Change Bears Down, Calls to Reduce Plastic Pollution Are Not Wasted

Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are just a few problems that need addressing to maintain a healthy blue planet. Everyone must get involved – but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Of course, we can start with the obvious – making sure we reduce, reuse and recycle. Yet, given the scale of the challenge, these small, relatively simple steps are not enough.

So, how can we encourage people to do more? However, our new research found promoting small and relatively easy actions, such as reducing plastic use, can be a useful entry point for engaging in other, potentially more effective actions around climate change. Here are four ways to help achieve this: Remind people of the small actions they already take; Connect the dots between plastic and climate; Provide clear calls to (climate) action; Know your audience.

12. United Kingdom and Faroe Islands Fisheries Consultations: Agreed Record for 2023

Delegations from the United Kingdom, and the Faroe Islands, met in London in December 2022 and in Tórshavn in February 2023, to consult on mutual fisheries relations for 2023. The Delegations agreed to recommend to their respective authorities the fishery arrangements for 2023 as outlined in this Agreed Record, including Annex 1.

They reiterated their determination to cooperate, in their mutual interest, in securing continued responsible fisheries and ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources. In addition, they restated the importance of cooperating on scientific research with regard to marine biology and the marine environment. Finally, they agreed to meet during 2023 as part of an annual intercessional process, to ensure the successful implementation of this Agreed Record and to deepen the strategic relationship between the Parties.

13. G7 Members Vow to End Plastic Pollution by 2040

On Sunday, a declaration was issued following meetings in Sapporo, Japan, where environment and climate ministers vowed to end new plastic pollution in their nations by 2040. “We are committed to ending plastic pollution, with the ambition to reduce additional plastic pollution to zero by 2040,” it said. Previously, Germany, France, Canada, Britain, and the European Union were the only ones who pledged to the 2040 commitment, but this year Japan, the United States, and Italy-the remaining Group of Seven members-have committed as well.

According to the statement, they hope to achieve this phase-out by “promoting sustainable consumption and production of plastics, increasing their circularity in the economy, and environmentally sound management of waste”. Moreover, the G7 expressed commitment to ending fossil fuel use as soon as possible. Sadly, there were no new dates for stopping the use of coal and other polluting power sources.

14. Experts Doubt Mexico’s Pledge to Protect Endangered Porpoise

Experts have raised concerns about Mexico’s ability to fulfill its commitment to safeguard the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, whose population has dwindled to fewer than 10 individuals. Mexico has promised to increase enforcement and take other measures to protect the species from illegal fishing and other threats.

However, experts doubt that these promises will be kept, given the country’s history of inadequate enforcement and corruption in the fishing industry. The vaquita porpoise is native to the Gulf of California and is the world’s most endangered marine mammal. Its decline has been attributed to illegal fishing for the totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are considered a delicacy in China and can fetch high prices on the black market.

15. New Study Reveals That Water Scarcity May Limit Renewable Energy Production

According to a new study, water scarcity could pose a significant challenge to the production of renewable energy, as many renewable technologies require large amounts of water for cooling and other purposes. The study recommends that policymakers consider the water requirements of renewable energy technologies when planning energy systems to avoid exacerbating water scarcity issues.

The researchers found that in many areas, renewable energy technologies are being developed without sufficient consideration of water availability, potentially leading to conflicts with other users and ecosystems. The study suggests that a more integrated approach to water and energy planning is needed to ensure the sustainable development of both sectors.

16. Wildlife and Humankind are Alarmed by Plastic Debris

Plastic debris is a growing threat to wildlife and human health, according to a video released by Marine Insight. The video highlights the impact of plastic waste on marine life, including entanglement and ingestion, as well as the broader environmental and public health risks associated with plastic pollution.

The video calls for urgent action to reduce plastic waste, including improving waste management systems, promoting alternative materials, and increasing public awareness of the issue. The effects of plastic pollution are not limited to marine ecosystems but also affect terrestrial ecosystems, including wildlife and human communities. The video urges viewers to take action to reduce their plastic footprint and support efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis.

17. New Research Shows Potential for Sustainable Farming Practices to Mitigate Climate Change

A new study published in Nature suggests that sustainable farming practices, such as cover cropping and reduced tillage, could help mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil. The study found that these practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration in soil by up to 78%. The researchers suggest that sustainable farming practices could be a key strategy for reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and promoting climate resilience. The study also highlights the need for policies that support the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as financial incentives and technical assistance.

18. New Jersey Offshore Wind Funds Will Pay for Whale Detection, Seal Study

Funds from New Jersey’s offshore wind program will be used to support a study of seal and whale populations in the region, as well as the development of technologies to prevent collisions between marine animals and wind turbines. The study will inform efforts to protect these species while promoting the growth of renewable energy.

The offshore wind program is a key component of New Jersey’s plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. The state has set a goal of installing 7.5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035. The study of seal and whale populations will be conducted in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a non-profit organization that works to protect marine mammals in the region.

19. Scottish Labour Calls for HPMAs to be Scrapped Despite Manifesto Pledge

Scottish Labour has called for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) to be scrapped, despite the party’s manifesto pledge to establish them. HPMAs are designated areas of the ocean where all human activity is banned in order to protect marine biodiversity. Scottish Labour’s move has been criticized by environmentalists, who argue that HPMAs are necessary to preserve marine life and tackle the climate crisis.

The party claims that HPMAs are “draconian” and would negatively impact the fishing industry. However, experts have noted that the fishing industry only operates in a small fraction of Scottish waters, and that HPMAs would have little impact on their livelihoods.

20. Lagos Nigeria: Waste Management Authority Restates Commitment to End Plastic Pollution

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has restated its commitment to end plastic pollution in the Nigerian state. LAWMA aims to achieve this by promoting sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and proper disposal of waste. The authority has also launched a campaign to encourage residents to reduce their use of single-use plastics.

According to LAWMA, plastic pollution is a major environmental challenge that has serious health implications for both humans and marine life. The authority is calling on residents to take responsibility for their waste and make conscious efforts to reduce their plastic consumption. LAWMA has also pledged to continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that Lagos becomes a cleaner and healthier city.

21. China Fishing in Philippines’ Pingtan Marine Exclusive Economic Zone

China has been accused of fishing in the Pingtan Marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, in violation of international law. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that it had intercepted several Chinese fishing vessels in the area, and that they had seized large quantities of fish and other marine resources.

The Pingtan EEZ is located in the northern part of the Philippines, and is home to a diverse range of marine life. The incident has raised tensions between China and the Philippines, who have been in dispute over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippine government has called on China to respect its sovereignty and abide by international law, and has vowed to take action to protect its marine resources.