Finding Endangered Life on eBay
Finding Endangered Life on eBay avatar

eBay’s history is dotted with carcasses of endangered and vulnerable species.  In 2000, the Sea Turtle Conservancy announced that a large selection of illegal hawksbill turtle shell products were available on the online auction site. “On Jan. 6, about about 50 genuine tortoise shell items were listed for sale through ebay, said Gary Appelson, advocacy . . . → Read More: Finding Endangered Life on eBay

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Will marine conservation miss out at the next CITES meeting?
Will marine conservation miss out at the next CITES meeting? avatar

CITES is the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, to which 175 nations are signatories.  Along with the IUCN Red List, it’s one of the main ways that the international conservation status of a species is recognised (IUCN) and regulated (CITES).  The main mechanism for this at CITES is through listing of a . . . → Read More: Will marine conservation miss out at the next CITES meeting?

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A San Diego 5th grader is trying to end shark finning, will you help?
A San Diego 5th grader is trying to end shark finning, will you help? avatar

Shark finning is the capture of sharks expressly for the removal of their fins, which are used to make shark fin soup, a popular status symbol in many Chinese communities.   I could understand and accept this practice if the fins were taken from animals that were harvested sustainably and for which markets existed for the . . . → Read More: A San Diego 5th grader is trying to end shark finning, will you help?

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The Story of Sushi
The Story of Sushi avatar

The Story of Sushi from Bamboo Sushi on Vimeo. Hat tip to Gizmodo. Broadcast Spawn!Tweet#call_to_action h4{padding:0px 5px;}The Story of Sushi from Bamboo Sushi on Vimeo. Hat tip to Gizmodo. Broadcast Spawn!Tweet

Red sea sharks at risk from political upheaval, but to what degree?
Red sea sharks at risk from political upheaval, but to what degree? avatar

The Arab Spring has been on of the most amazing social movements of this generation; the images of brave citizens fighting for democracy (and unfortunately sometimes losing their individual battles), are encouraging and inspiring.  While far-reaching in its regional and global social and political implications, the Arab Spring would seem pretty removed from issues of . . . → Read More: Red sea sharks at risk from political upheaval, but to what degree?

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Laura Bush, Advocate for the Gulf of Mexico
Laura Bush, Advocate for the Gulf of Mexico avatar

“When we do more to preserve our marine resources and wildlife habitats, we have a firm foundation to provide better access for all people to enjoy our beautiful Gulf of Mexico.” These words were penned by former First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, in a well-written and moving letter in the Houston Chronicle. . . . → Read More: Laura Bush, Advocate for the Gulf of Mexico

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I Got 99 Problems and a Ship Ain’t One
I Got 99 Problems and a Ship Ain’t One avatar

When I say I am going on research cruise, I get two responses. 1. “Well that sounds nice, do they serve cocktails and is there shuffleboard?”  2. “How much a day does a ship cost?” In response to one, I do enjoy working at sea. If I didn’t I would be on fast track to . . . → Read More: I Got 99 Problems and a Ship Ain’t One

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Open Letter to My Bros at British Petroleum
Open Letter to My Bros at British Petroleum avatar

Dear British Petroleum, WTF I hear you wanna be called Beyond Petroleum, now? Do you think you’re some kind of rap star or something?? Haha! Whatevs, let’s just go by our ole grade school nickname for you, BP. I know its been a while since I last wrote. It’s not like I was neglecting you . . . → Read More: Open Letter to My Bros at British Petroleum

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New Oil Skimmer Design Wins X-Prize
New Oil Skimmer Design Wins X-Prize avatar

Story at NPR: A breakthrough in oil cleanup technology allows crews to skim spilled oil off the water’s surface at a much faster rate. The new device wasn’t developed by Exxon, BP or any of the major oil companies — it’s the work of Elastec/American Marine, based in Illinois. And the design won the company . . . → Read More: New Oil Skimmer Design Wins X-Prize

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Deep Trouble for the Deep Sea
Deep Trouble for the Deep Sea avatar

The deep sea is home to an estimated 10 million species, most of which have yet to be scientifically-documented. While this marine biodiversity rivals the world’s richest tropical rainforests, these fragile deep-sea habitats, which have taken centuries to grow, are being destroyed by trawlers dragging enormous weighted nets that, in a single pass, scrape . . . → Read More: Deep Trouble for the Deep Sea

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