Published by Ocean Conservancy Ahupua‘a are traditional Native Hawaiian land management systems for self-sustaining communities. Each ahupua‘a delineates a strip of land from the mountains to the ocean, and contains nearly all the resources needed for survival. The upland forest area of the mountains is called wao akua, “the realm of the gods.” It is believed […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy The Arctic region is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular ecosystems our natural world has to offer. Home to rich indigenous cultures and birds and animals who live nowhere else on earth, it’s without a doubt that this place is worth protecting. From seabirds to pinnipeds to cetaceans and more, these six […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Each time the Trump administration takes another action that hurts the environment, many of us find ourselves returning to the same set of questions: Why is the administration doing this? Who stands to benefit? What are the implications of this decision? Last spring, then-EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt proposed new regulations on “strengthening […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy In the middle of Rosario Strait, as we paddle our kayak away from the calm waters of Bellingham Bay, I turn in alarm at the sound of a huge splash next to my boat. An enormous sea lion crashes into the water. He does it again and again, seemingly cavorting in and […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Paul Williams grew up on the shoreline. As a child, he would spend hours poking around in tidepools and digging for clams, fascinated by everything the ocean had to offer his inquisitive mind. “I think that early exposure to the ocean was very impactful,” he tells me, a slight smile on his […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy This year, we want to simmer down that summer heat by introducing you to some of the coolest sharks around during #ArcticAugust. These are all sharks that live in the Arctic, as defined in U.S. law, which includes the Bering Sea. Spiny Dogfish Shark © Monterey Bay Aquarium Like their namesake suggests, the […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Talking about water quality isn’t most people’s idea of the ideal ice breaker. In the Lowcountry (loosely defined as coastal South Carolina and Georgia), folks typically find common ground discussing the region’s warm weather, great food, vibrant culture and remarkable history. But water quality is quickly becoming the talk of the town […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy The ocean remains one of the few places on Earth that has yet to be fully explored. More people have been into space than have been to the bottom of the Mariana trench, and scientists are discovering new aquatic species all the time. Breitling has always supported the explorers of the world. […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy As the Casco Baykeeper, Frignoca sums up her job as the “eyes, ears and voice of the bay.” When I ask her how she started on the path to becoming a marine advocate, she tells me that she just knew it was her calling, “I’ve always been a water person. I’ve just […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy This blog was written by Chelsea Rochman, a professor at the University of Toronto that researches the sources, fate and effects of plastic pollution in our ocean. They say 80% of all plastic in our ocean and lakes comes from land. Do you live upstream? This doesn’t mean you are immune to […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Small, but mighty—the Arctic tern is a truly impressive bird (and one of my favorites). Despite their small size—only weighing 0.22 pounds, about a foot long and having a wingspan of about two and a half feet—these birds are capable of amazing things! Their small size gives them excellent agility to snatch […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Earlier this summer, we asked you to submit your best photos featuring our most-favorite topic, the ocean and all its wonders. We had an impressive number of entries this year. The beautiful (and sometimes heartbreaking) images you captured, expressed the myriad of feelings our ocean inspires. Thank you for taking the time […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy The North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the most critically endangered populations of large whales in the world. Currently, North Atlantic right whale populations are estimated to be less than 440 individuals. Though these whales have been studied for years, plenty of mysteries remain about these creatures of the sea. What […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Sonja Fordham directed Ocean Conservancy’s shark conservation work from 1991 to 2009. She’s now based just up the block from our DC headquarters, running Shark Advocates International, a non-profit project of The Ocean Foundation. Sonja is live-tweeting during several Shark Week programs; follow @SharkAdvocates for conservation tidbits and more ideas for helping […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Eugenie Clark was a pioneer in shark biology—and she inspired a generation of ocean advocates—including myself. This is why I’m especially happy to learn that a new species of shark, that was identified from the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic Ocean, has been named after her. Squalus clarkae, also known as […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Imagine a tropical shark, effortlessly cruising through clear blue water in search of her dinner. Smaller fish flee or try to sneak by unnoticed by this tough top predator. But is this shark really as tough as she seems? Surprising new research shows that ocean acidification, invisible and silent, has the ability […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy If you’re reading this, chances are you already know that our oceans are being overwhelmed by marine debris, particularly an ever-increasing amount of mismanaged plastic waste. This is a global problem that affects all of us, polluting otherwise beautiful beaches, entangling and suffocating hundreds of species of ocean wildlife, and disrupting the […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Every time I go to New York City, I can’t leave until I have had a slice of cheese pizza. After my last trip, I’m adding another NYC tradition: I can’t head home before visiting New York’s resident sharks. Earlier this month the New York Aquarium opened their much-anticipated exhibit Ocean Wonders: […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy It’s no doubt that sharks seem to have proven themselves one of the most iconic ocean species over the years. Perhaps it’s the mysterious fin that breaks the surface briefly that draws in our swift and immediate attention; maybe it’s the prowess and power and captivating tenacity of these creatures that draws […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Remember working on group projects for school? In the rare occasion you actually got along with everyone in the group, it was always a struggle to coordinate and get everything done before your deadline. And sometimes, you were left waiting on something or someone. Imagine that you’re back in school and you’ve […]