December 16, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Task Force Releases Recommendations on Seafood Fraud, Sea Otters Critical to Healthy Marshes, and More
– Today, President Obama’s designated Task Force on tackling seafood fraud released their first set of recommendations for eliminating the issue. While many conservationists are hailing the recommendations—such as instilling better enforcement and encouraging collaboration among organizations—as a positive first step, they say there is still much work to be done. National Geographic
– After over two weeks of climate talks, the United Nations reached an agreement on tackling climate change to precede the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris next year. The agreement calls for nations to set climate targets that exceed “current undertakings,” that developing nations support “vulnerable” developing nations, and more. BBC
– The first North Atlantic right whale sighting of the southeastern U.S. breeding season occurred over the weekend when a survey plane spotted the whale off the coast of Georgia. This particular whale is 24 years old and has been spotted with five calves in previous years. WJCL News
Long Read:
– The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than most other ocean environments on the planet, and this pattern is causing many species historically endemic to the area to disperse to cooler water. In this article, The New York Times explores how climate change is not only impacting ecosystems in the area, but taking a tremendous toll on fishermen’s livelihoods. The New York Times
– Sea otters aren’t just awfully cute, but they play important roles in balancing marine ecosystems. In this article, NPR hones in how crucial sea otters are to maintaining healthy marshes. NPR