Oceana Sues Federal Fishery Managers for Failure to Protect Alaska’s Seafloor Habitats
July, 2024
New England Cod Nursery Protected from Proposed Scallop Dredging
Oceana won protection for an important cod nursery on Georges Bank in New England. With our allies, Oceana beat back an attempt by the U.S. scallop fishery to open this protected area to the dragging of heavy dredges along the seafloor to catch scallops, which would damage habitat and scoop up other non-target marine life. Oceana persuaded the New England Fishery Management Council that this type of fishing is in direct conflict with preserving the area for spawning, growth, and feeding of Atlantic cod, American lobster, and Atlantic herring.
Oceana won protection for an important cod nursery on Georges Bank in New England. With our allies, Oceana beat back an attempt by the U.S. scallop fishery to open this protected area to the dragging of heavy dredges along the seafloor to catch scallops, which would damage habitat and scoop up other non-target marine life. Oceana persuaded the New England Fishery Management Council that this type of fishing is in direct conflict with preserving the area for spawning, growth, and feeding of Atlantic cod, American lobster, and Atlantic herring.
June, 2024
Canada protects 93% of Underwater Mountains off British Columbia with Support from First Nations
Canada has designated 133,017 square kilometers (more than 51,000 square miles) of underwater mountains – known as seamounts – off the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia as its newest and largest marine protected area (MPA). Named Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is, this protection will prevent activities such as bottom-contact fishing, dumping, and oil and gas exploration and development, safeguarding marine life and ocean ecosystems from irreparable damage. Co-managed by Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht, and Quatsino First Nations, this new MPA contributes to Canada’s commitment to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030. Oceana Canada campaigned for this protection beginning in 2018, including conducting a deep-sea expedition to the area in partnership with the Haida Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Ocean Networks Canada. During the expedition, the team identified centuries-old forests of red tree corals and glass sponges, crucial habitats for diverse marine species including sea lilies, basket stars, octopuses, and long-lived rockfish. By permanently safeguarding these ecologically vital seamounts, Canada is supporting ocean health and helping rebuild abundant, healthy wild fisheries that coastal communities, our economy, and the planet all depend on.
Canada has designated 133,017 square kilometers (more than 51,000 square miles) of underwater mountains – known as seamounts – off the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia as its newest and largest marine protected area (MPA). Named Tang. ɢwan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is, this protection will prevent activities such as bottom-contact fishing, dumping, and oil and gas exploration and development, safeguarding marine life and ocean ecosystems from irreparable damage. Co-managed by Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, Pacheedaht, and Quatsino First Nations, this new MPA contributes to Canada’s commitment to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030. Oceana Canada campaigned for this protection beginning in 2018, including conducting a deep-sea expedition to the area in partnership with the Haida Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Ocean Networks Canada. During the expedition, the team identified centuries-old forests of red tree corals and glass sponges, crucial habitats for diverse marine species including sea lilies, basket stars, octopuses, and long-lived rockfish. By permanently safeguarding these ecologically vital seamounts, Canada is supporting ocean health and helping rebuild abundant, healthy wild fisheries that coastal communities, our economy, and the planet all depend on.
Oceana Slams the Supreme Court’s Decision on the “Chevron Doctrine”
Oceana Welcomes New Legislation to Improve U.S. Fisheries Management
June, 2024
European Union Adopts Nature Restoration Law, Including New Protections for Marine Habitats
A new biodiversity law in the European Union— the first in 30 years — requires EU Member States to implement restoration measures for at least 20% of EU seas by 2030, and for all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This legal framework establishes targets, timelines, and plans for countries to restore Europe’s degraded ecosystems. The targets include restoring 30% of specific marine habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. Thanks to campaigning by Oceana and our allies, the law requires countries in the EU to find joint solutions when there is a conflict between marine restoration goals and destructive activities like bottom trawling in areas fished by neighboring countries. The law also empowers the European Commission to act with emergency measures in the absence of such joint solutions.
A new biodiversity law in the European Union— the first in 30 years — requires EU Member States to implement restoration measures for at least 20% of EU seas by 2030, and for all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This legal framework establishes targets, timelines, and plans for countries to restore Europe’s degraded ecosystems. The targets include restoring 30% of specific marine habitats by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. Thanks to campaigning by Oceana and our allies, the law requires countries in the EU to find joint solutions when there is a conflict between marine restoration goals and destructive activities like bottom trawling in areas fished by neighboring countries. The law also empowers the European Commission to act with emergency measures in the absence of such joint solutions.
Governor Kotek Holds Ceremony Celebrating Oregon’s Investment in Ocean Conservation
