Published by Ocean Conservancy June is National Ocean Month, and it’s our favorite time of year because we can put the spotlight on the ocean we all adore and the programs that protect it. It is a time to join together to celebrate successes and make a difference for the wonderful communities that depend on it […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Being born and raised in New Jersey, nothing was better than going down the shore and exploring the ocean and bays. Kayaking through Barnegat Bay and spotting all the wildlife remains one of my favorite things to do. Nestled between mainland New Jersey and the barrier islands on the Atlantic, Barnegat Bay […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy What would you do if you came face-to-face with a deep-sea lizardfish? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer probably includes running, screaming and/or fainting. With their massive, protruding teeth and dark eyes, these guys don’t exactly seem inviting. But these deep-sea dwellers are definitely worth learning more about! And who knows, […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … special adaptations to help animals thrive in the ocean! Marine critters have evolved some pretty unique techniques to survive and thrive in our oceans. Read on to learn about some special ocean superpowers. Camouflage with chromatophores © Jon Churchill Ever wonder how octopuses can change […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy If you’ve never encountered or learned about horseshoe crabs before, I have a treat for you. One of my absolute favorite marine species, these oddly charming marine arthropods get their name from their horseshoe-shaped exoskeleton, called a carapace. I’ve always thought that the exterior appearance of these animals was one of their […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy This week, I am excited to be a part of the official launch of Blue Paper 14: Integrated Ocean Management by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. The report outlines six opportunities to improve ocean governance around the world, including the importance of local context in decision making, the value […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy While the natural beauty of Florida leaves me in awe in countless ways, one aspect of its natural glory tends to leave me speechless: the Everglades. From the graceful herons, cranes and egrets gliding through the slightly salty air to the calming vision of manatees making their way along coastal mangroves, there’s […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Every time American Wetlands Month rolls around, my head swims with images of mangroves silhouetted against the fading light as Spanish moss swings softly to the warm spring breeze. I’m reminded of Cajun music and crawfish boils—driving out to the seafood market with my dad as he determined which catch would make […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Last month, researchers discovered a new species that might be the longest animal in the world: a 150-foot siphonophore. If you are thinking, “a what?”, you’re not alone! Siphonophores (si·pho·no·phores) might not be the most popular critters in the sea, but these long invertebrates are incredibly cool. Here at Ocean Conservancy, we […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Last week, the President signed an Executive Order (EO) intended to promote the competitiveness and growth of the American seafood industry. Unfortunately, this EO falls short of this important goal. Instead, the EO is a distraction from the needs of our nation’s fishermen, who are currently experiencing unprecedented losses of revenue due […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Whether you live on the coast or in a land-locked state, odds are you’ve heard about wetlands. But how much do you know about wetlands really? In honor of American Wetlands Month, which occurs each May, we’re celebrating these vital ecosystems—starting with a crash course in Wetlands 101! What are wetlands? Fortunately, […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Brown bears. Bald eagles. Sea otters. These iconic Alaskan species that we all know and love deserve admiration, but this blog is not about them. This blog is about four of the lesser-known creatures that reside and thrive in Alaska’s vast lands and seas. Coral reefs © Albert Linder/NOAA Okay, so maybe coral […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Lately, a lot of ocean and climate change news talks about how our coral reefs are in trouble. Scientists estimate that almost all coral reefs will die off by the end of this century if we don’t take action to slow climate change and rising ocean temperatures. But just the other week, […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy We’re in the midst of our “new normal” with COVID-19, and, for many of us, that means mandatory shelter-in-place orders from our cities or states. Even if it’s not required, hopefully, those who can stay at home are doing so, to help flatten the curve and to alleviate the pressure on our […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy In recent weeks, the kitchen has become a place of respite for many of us. And many of us have been trying our hands at developing new cooking skills and testing out new dishes. For Earth Day, Ocean Conservancy hosted our first-ever virtual cooking demo working with our partners from Super Bowl […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy This blog was written by Sophie McCoy, a marine scientist who studies ecological responses to pollution and climate. Sophie is a Lang Early Career Fellow of the Phycological Society of America and a Steering Committee Member of NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Acidification Network (GCAN). The past few weeks have been […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy Did you know that this week is National Children’s Book Week? While children are experiencing a very different school year than usual, it’s all the more important to ensure they have access to literature that help them learn and grow. © Megan Montemurno We’ve researched the top-rated ocean books and solicited feedback from […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy This blog was written by Captain Benny Blanco, a fishing guide in the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. He lives in South Florida with his wife and three daughters. As the sun rose over Taylor Slough in Everglades National Park, familiar sights filled the car’s window. Wading ibis moved to their favorite […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy I don’t know about you, but every time I hop on social media to try and connect with friends and family, my feed is often flooded with upsetting stories on the rippling effects of COVID-19 around the world. And there is a lot to be upset about, from losing loved ones to […]
Published by Ocean Conservancy One silver lining to this new state of being is we get to see everyone’s pets. They flop on laps while we are making important points or stroll into the background to the delight of all of our coworkers. Man’s best friend has become the entire office’s best friend, bringing a little […]