October 28, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Penguin Chick Survivorship Influenced by Weather, Norway Cuts Seal Hunting Subsidies, and More
– New research shows that weather and climate patterns play a big role in influencing the weight of Adélie penguin chicks, native to the West Antarctic Peninsula. Penguin chicks that were exposed to elements like high wind and cooler air temperatures weighed less at the time of fledging, which increases chances of survivorship. EurekAlert
– Norway’s 2015 budget includes a roughly $1.8 million budget cut in seal hunting subsidies, which contributes to about 80 percent of Norway’s hunting businesses. The news come after the World Trade Organization announced earlier this year that it would recognize the European Union’s ban on seal meat, fur, and other products. The Dodo
– Late last week, the Western Australian government confirmed that it had officially withdrawn its application for the shark culling program to proceed—a plan that involving killing large sharks along popular beaches over the next few years. Part of a new agreement, however, allows Western Australia to capture any shark that poses “imminent shark threat” without federal approval. The Guardian
– The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reopened the Pacific whiting fishery last week after they temporarily closed it after it was discovered that the fishery reached in incidental take quota of Chinook salmon. NMFS reopened it after implementing the Ocean Salmon Conservation Zone, which closes off part of the fishery area. Undercurrent News
– Yesterday, the Philippines passed a bill strengthening its laws against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing so that it can still import fishing products to the EU. Changes to the law include heftier fines and penalties for illegal activities. Europe Online Magazine