Ocean Roundup: UN Urges Mangrove Protection, Warming Pacific Waters Could Unlock Layer of Methane, and More - Oceana USA
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December 12, 2014

Ocean Roundup: UN Urges Mangrove Protection, Warming Pacific Waters Could Unlock Layer of Methane, and More

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– Authorities are concerned that oil from a two-mile long oil slick in New Jersey’s Sandy Hook Bay could threaten an endangered population of seals that migrate through the area each winter. Officials are still investigating the cause of the spill. NBC

At the UN climate talks this week, experts discussed the benefits of safeguarding mangroves, citing that their protection could reap economic, environmental, and social benefits. Mangroves are important breeding and nursery grounds for many fish species, protect shorelines, and help trap carbon emissions. Planet Ark

Mexico published regulations that monitor its geoduck fishing industry in federal waters off the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California coast. Geoduck has high commercial value, and demand is said to be increasing with the majority of exports going to China, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. The Fish Site

– A new study found that warming waters off the Pacific coast have the potential to unlock a layer of methane that sits frozen under the seafloor. In the worst case warming scenarios, scientists estimate that the amount of methane released by 2100 would quadruple Deepwater Horizon oil spill’s amount. Scientific American

Long Read:

As the White House prepares to release draft regulations on combatting seafood fraud, NPR takes a look at illegal fishing worldwide. Not only does illegal fishing take a toll on ocean ecosystems, but it costs consumers and honest fishermen. NPR