Exploring national and international efforts to protect broad swathes of the world’s oceans to preserve the biodiversity of the seas from overfishing, pollution and climate change. https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/marine-protected-areas/rss en Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:40:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/08/15/could-the-high-seas-be-closed-to-fishing https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/08/15/could-the-high-seas-be-closed-to-fishing As the United Nations prepares to begin negotiations next month on a high seas biodiversity treaty, some scientists and advocates say a spate of recent research supports banning commercial fishing in international waters to protect remote ecosystems. Climate Change Coral Reefs Marine Protected Areas Mon, 30 Jul 2018 07:30:00 +0000 Jessica Leber https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/07/30/a-tiny-snails-overlooked-role-in-a-downward-death-spiral-for-corals https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/07/30/a-tiny-snails-overlooked-role-in-a-downward-death-spiral-for-corals New research shows that snails that prey on coral play a bigger role than realized in coral health. But the good news is that reducing fishing can help keep snail populations in check. Coral Reefs Fisheries Marine Protected Areas Wed, 11 Jul 2018 08:51:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/07/11/study-do-coral-reef-reserves-protect-ocean-life-yes-but https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/07/11/study-do-coral-reef-reserves-protect-ocean-life-yes-but With data from 1,800 tropical coral reefs, new research weighs in on an ongoing conservation debate: whether it’s better to preserve marine areas that are still pristine or those that need the most protection. Fisheries Marine Protected Areas Technology Wed, 27 Jun 2018 13:00:00 +0000 Erica Cirino https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/27/scientists-track-elusive-giant-manta-rays-as-poaching-threats-grow https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/27/scientists-track-elusive-giant-manta-rays-as-poaching-threats-grow Researchers hope tagging efforts will yield new insights into mantas’ life cycle and behavior, including their migration from what could be the first confirmed nursery for juveniles in the Gulf of Mexico. Fisheries Marine Protected Areas Tue, 26 Jun 2018 07:30:00 +0000 Heather Welch, Jennifer McHenry https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/26/follow-the-fish-why-marine-protected-areas-should-be-mobile https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/26/follow-the-fish-why-marine-protected-areas-should-be-mobile Marine mammals, sea turtles and other species don’t always stay within the boundaries of ocean reserves. Two scientists say marine preserves should be designed with enough flexibility to extend protections to where animals migrate. Climate Change Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Thu, 21 Jun 2018 03:10:00 +0000 Whitley Saumweber, Roberta Elias https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/21/trump-takes-u-s-ocean-policy-in-the-wrong-direction https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/21/trump-takes-u-s-ocean-policy-in-the-wrong-direction We must reorient our ocean management to adapt to new climate realities, say Whitley Saumweber, former ocean and coastal adviser to President Obama, and Roberta Elias of the World Wildlife Fund. Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Paul Tullis https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/19/sharp-fall-in-australian-fish-stocks-stokes-fight-over-marine-reserves https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/19/sharp-fall-in-australian-fish-stocks-stokes-fight-over-marine-reserves A hotly debated study that found a big decline in fish populations over the past decade comes as the government proposes to open up some marine protected areas to recreational and commercial fishing. Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Fri, 15 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Jessica Leber https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/15/why-famed-ocean-advocate-sylvia-earle-is-looking-south https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/15/why-famed-ocean-advocate-sylvia-earle-is-looking-south A coalition hopes to achieve a network of marine protected areas in the vast Southern Ocean by 2020. Earle argues that the health of the planet itself is at stake. Biodiversity Climate Change Fisheries Marine Protected Areas Solutions Thu, 07 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Kimberley Davies https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/07/how-new-fishing-rules-could-save-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/07/how-new-fishing-rules-could-save-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales The need for new protections for North Atlantic right whales in Canada’s Gulf of St. Lawrence underscore these animals’ dire situation – and how little we still know about them. Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Wed, 06 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Erica Cirino https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/06/a-grass-roots-movement-to-create-marine-protected-areas https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/06/06/a-grass-roots-movement-to-create-marine-protected-areas On the Greek isle of Santorini, fishers, divers, scientists, government officials and environmentalists have devised their own plan to preserve the marine ecology of the waters surrounding an island dependent on fishing and tourism. Biodiversity Coral Reefs Marine Protected Areas Fri, 01 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Jessica Leber https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/01/exploring-a-new-zone-of-deep-sea-coral-life-hidden-in-plain-sight https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/06/01/exploring-a-new-zone-of-deep-sea-coral-life-hidden-in-plain-sight A 2016 expedition near Bermuda found new species and biological communities thriving on the seabed relatively near shore. Alex Rogers, science director of the Nekton Oxford Deep Ocean Exploration Institute, says the discovery shows how little we know about marine life. Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Mon, 21 May 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Alastair Bland https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/21/the-high-stakes-battle-over-obamas-atlantic-ocean-national-monument https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/21/the-high-stakes-battle-over-obamas-atlantic-ocean-national-monument A lawsuit challenging the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument could undo a decade of ocean protections. But environmentalists say the Trump administration – which is defending the monument in court – is the bigger threat to the unique ecosystem. Climate Change Coral Reefs Marine Protected Areas Wed, 16 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Amelia Urry https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/16/scientists-race-to-decode-disease-devastating-florida-coral-reefs https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/16/scientists-race-to-decode-disease-devastating-florida-coral-reefs As a mysterious but persistent pathogen threatens the last remaining healthy coral ecosystem in the continental United States, researchers are struggling to understand how the disease spreads and to devise ways to stop it. Biodiversity Climate Change Marine Protected Areas Mon, 07 May 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Matthew O. Berger https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/07/report-marine-protected-areas-offer-no-protection-from-climate-change https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/05/07/report-marine-protected-areas-offer-no-protection-from-climate-change Scientists modeled projected increases in ocean temperatures through the end of the century and found that even the largest and well-protected marine reserves will not blunt the impact of climate change on biodiversity. Biodiversity Governance Marine Protected Areas Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Erica Gies https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/27/does-size-matter-debating-the-role-of-marine-protected-areas https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/27/does-size-matter-debating-the-role-of-marine-protected-areas As the world’s marine ecosystems face increasing threats, scientists disagree on whether the trend toward huge, remote reserves is a promising new development or a worrisome distraction. Coral Reefs Governance Marine Protected Areas Thu, 12 Apr 2018 08:50:00 +0000 Amelia Urry https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/12/can-the-gulf-of-mexicos-largest-coral-reef-survive-a-massive-new-port https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/12/can-the-gulf-of-mexicos-largest-coral-reef-survive-a-massive-new-port Environmentalists in Mexico have fought the recent relocation of a coral reef to make way for bigger ships in the Port of Veracruz. They worry about the ecosystem impacts of the port expansion and the precedent it sets for uprooting corals. Coral Reefs Governance Marine Protected Areas Solutions Thu, 29 Mar 2018 07:40:00 +0000 ‘Aulani Wilhelm https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/03/29/to-save-the-worlds-coral-reefs-bigger-and-smaller-are-better https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/03/29/to-save-the-worlds-coral-reefs-bigger-and-smaller-are-better Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems, but time is running out to protect them from climate change. The only way to stave off a coral catastrophe, says ‘Aulani Wilhelm of Conservation International, is to scale up marine protected areas – and fast. Coral Reefs Marine Protected Areas Solutions Fri, 09 Mar 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Ian Evans https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/03/09/debt-for-dugongs-a-new-tool-for-ocean-conservation https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2018/03/09/debt-for-dugongs-a-new-tool-for-ocean-conservation The Nature Conservancy’s Rob Weary explains how the group brokered an innovative financing deal that could serve as a model for ocean protection in island developing nations. Coral Reefs Governance Marine Protected Areas Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:20:00 +0000 Matthew O. Berger https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/03/08/study-sharks-bounce-back-when-coral-reefs-are-strictly-protected https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/03/08/study-sharks-bounce-back-when-coral-reefs-are-strictly-protected With more nations considering creating shark sanctuaries, new research shows that strict fishing bans can help predator populations recover rapidly, as has been the case on a remote Australian reef. Biodiversity Climate Change Marine Protected Areas Mon, 05 Mar 2018 07:20:00 +0000 Erica Cirino https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/03/05/drones-help-find-massive-penguin-colonies-hiding-in-plain-sight https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/03/05/drones-help-find-massive-penguin-colonies-hiding-in-plain-sight While changing ocean and sea ice conditions are hurting some of Antarctica’s Adelie penguins, a newly discovered “supercolony” of 1.5 million offers new information to guide marine conservation. Marine Protected Areas Solutions Technology Tue, 30 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matthew O. Berger https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/01/30/how-a-scientist-counted-the-fish-in-a-huge-marine-reserve-in-just-8-days https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/01/30/how-a-scientist-counted-the-fish-in-a-huge-marine-reserve-in-just-8-days Sound not vision: Hydroacoustics allowed a single researcher to survey the fish population of a 17,600-acre preserve in Mexico in days. The technology could help small island states that are creating big marine protected areas but lack the resources to monitor them. Blue Economy Governance Marine Protected Areas Tue, 16 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Jessica Leber https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/01/16/oceans-deeply-talks-outlook-2018 https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/01/16/oceans-deeply-talks-outlook-2018 Oceans Deeply talks with three experts in the fields of marine conservation, aquaculture and shipping about the big issues on their plate for the coming year. Biodiversity Blue Economy Fisheries Governance Marine Protected Areas Plastic Pollution Wed, 27 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Jessica Leber https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/12/27/a-deep-dive-into-the-year-in-oceans-2017 https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/12/27/a-deep-dive-into-the-year-in-oceans-2017 The ocean may cover more than 70 percent of the planet, but it doesn’t get covered nearly enough in the news. Oceans Deeply launched in June to help fill that gap. Catch up on our coverage during a busy year for ocean health. Marine Protected Areas Wed, 06 Dec 2017 09:02:40 +0000 Matthew O. Berger https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/12/06/why-mexicos-new-marine-reserve-is-a-model-for-ocean-protection https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/12/06/why-mexicos-new-marine-reserve-is-a-model-for-ocean-protection The Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park puts 57,176 square miles of the Pacific Ocean off limits to commercial fishing – and comes with funding to enforce the ban. But patrolling an area the size of Illinois, which is rich in unique marine life, will be a challenge. Coral Reefs Governance Marine Protected Areas Fri, 06 Oct 2017 00:00:21 +0000 Jessica Meeuwig https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2017/10/06/scientists-speak-out-on-plan-to-slash-protections-for-marine-parks https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2017/10/06/scientists-speak-out-on-plan-to-slash-protections-for-marine-parks More than 1,200 scientists from 45 countries have signed a petition calling on the Australian government to reverse a proposal to allow commercial fishing in marine protected areas, calling the action scientifically flawed. Biodiversity Fisheries Marine Protected Areas Wed, 20 Sep 2017 06:40:50 +0000 Taylor Hill https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/20/see-it-save-it-using-images-of-deep-sea-life-to-preserve-the-seabed https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/20/see-it-save-it-using-images-of-deep-sea-life-to-preserve-the-seabed Conservationists are deploying ROVs to capture photos and videos of unknown deep-ocean animals off Southern California in an effort to build support to put 16,000 square miles of the seafloor off-limits to destructive fishing practices. Biodiversity Marine Protected Areas Solutions Tue, 12 Sep 2017 08:12:15 +0000 Matthew O. Berger https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/12/as-big-marine-reserves-proliferate-a-new-focus-on-enforcement https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/12/as-big-marine-reserves-proliferate-a-new-focus-on-enforcement Scientists and policymakers say it’s not enough to create huge marine protected areas – ocean reserves must effectively limit fishing and other human activities to avoid becoming ‘paper parks.’ Marine Protected Areas Fri, 08 Sep 2017 13:45:26 +0000 David Obura https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2017/09/08/what-kenya-can-do-to-protect-and-benefit-from-ocean-resources https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/community/2017/09/08/what-kenya-can-do-to-protect-and-benefit-from-ocean-resources Kenya’s marine resources are declining, but they could be one of the nation’s most valuable assets as long as it follows through on its sustainable development commitments, writes David Obura of the University of Queensland. Biodiversity Deep Sea Mining Governance Marine Protected Areas Technology Wed, 06 Sep 2017 06:38:55 +0000 Todd Woody https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/06/seabed-mining-the-24-people-who-could-decide-the-fate-of-the-deep-ocean https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2017/09/06/seabed-mining-the-24-people-who-could-decide-the-fate-of-the-deep-ocean As the International Seabed Authority moves to permit the mining of unique deep-sea habitats, calls grow for it to disclose secretive deliberations about the environmental consequences of extracting valuable minerals from the ocean floor. Arctic Biodiversity Climate Change Marine Protected Areas Thu, 24 Aug 2017 03:12:03 +0000 Brad Badelt https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/08/24/behind-the-plan-to-protect-the-serengeti-of-the-arctic https://www.newsdeeply.com/arctic/articles/2017/08/24/behind-the-plan-to-protect-the-serengeti-of-the-arctic Canada’s forthcoming Lancaster Sound conservation area would ban resource extraction while allowing local Inuit communities to benefit from hunting, fishing and tourism.