October 31, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Nations Fail to Reach Agreement on Antarctic Marine Reserve, Norway Planning Large Whale Meat Shipment, and More
– For the fourth time, countries deciding upon the proposed largest marine reserve in the world around Antarctica failed to reach an agreement. The area would span 517,000 square miles, but all involved countries must first agree on a plan for the area to be recognized. The Associated Press
– Vietnamese shrimp exports have reached nearly $3 billion USD so far in 2014, nearly a 50 percent increase from last year. Most of the imports continue to be to the U.S. Fish Info and Services
– A NOAA research team pulled up 57 tons of derelict fishing nets and tiny plastic garbage pieces during a month-long trip around Hawaii’s Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. About 7,000 marine species and extensive coral reef habitat occupy these islands. The Weather Channel
– Newly-obtained documents show that Norway is planning a massive shipment of whale meat to Iceland, though it violates an international agreement with the U.S. under which Norway can’t trade whale meat internationally. Organizations are calling on other countries to interfere before the whale meat is shipped. The Dodo
Long Read:
– When it comes to renewable energy, ocean-based sources lag behind wind and solar, but one company is pushing for tidal-lagoon power—a more efficient version of traditional dam-based hydropower—off Wales. If it does get built, the company behind its construction says it could provide Britain with 10 percent of its power in 10 years. The New York Times