Chile Approves Management Plan for Juan Fernández Marine Protected Area
Chile approved a management plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” multi-use marine protected area, a biodiverse location with many rare marine species found nowhere else in the world. This is the first management plan to be approved under Chile’s new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service Law. Oceana campaigned alongside members of the local community and other allies to strengthen sustainable development that benefits the community, and ensure the continued responsible fishing of the Juan Fernández lobster, which has supported local livelihoods on the islands for more than 100 years.
Chile approved a management plan for the “Mar de Juan Fernández” multi-use marine protected area, a biodiverse location with many rare marine species found nowhere else in the world. This is the first management plan to be approved under Chile’s new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service Law. Oceana campaigned alongside members of the local community and other allies to strengthen sustainable development that benefits the community, and ensure the continued responsible fishing of the Juan Fernández lobster, which has supported local livelihoods on the islands for more than 100 years.
August, 2024
New Rules for California Set Gillnets Will Help Prevent Wildlife Entanglements
Following campaigning by Oceana, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted new rules to reduce the entanglement of whales, sea lions, and other animals in nets used to catch halibut and white seabass. Called “set gillnets,” these are long fishing nets weighted to the ocean floor that catch nearly everything swimming in their path. For the first time, there will be limits on the time set gillnets can be left in the water before being retrieved, increasing the likelihood that animals inadvertently caught in the nets — like sea lions, sharks, and seabirds — will survive. The new rules also limit the height of the gillnets and require all of them to have unique gear markings so they can be identified in the event they entangle a whale or other threatened species.
Following campaigning by Oceana, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted new rules to reduce the entanglement of whales, sea lions, and other animals in nets used to catch halibut and white seabass. Called “set gillnets,” these are long fishing nets weighted to the ocean floor that catch nearly everything swimming in their path. For the first time, there will be limits on the time set gillnets can be left in the water before being retrieved, increasing the likelihood that animals inadvertently caught in the nets — like sea lions, sharks, and seabirds — will survive. The new rules also limit the height of the gillnets and require all of them to have unique gear markings so they can be identified in the event they entangle a whale or other threatened species.
July, 2024
The United Kingdom Commits to No New Oil and Gas Drilling
The United Kingdom government was elected on and adopted a new policy of no new oil and gas licensing throughout the country. This victory follows campaigning by Oceana and our allies to stop the expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling in U.K. waters and end the chronic oil pollution that wreaks havoc on marine life and the environment.
The United Kingdom government was elected on and adopted a new policy of no new oil and gas licensing throughout the country. This victory follows campaigning by Oceana and our allies to stop the expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling in U.K. waters and end the chronic oil pollution that wreaks havoc on marine life and the environment.
July, 2024
United States to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics across the Federal Government
Oceana and our allies successfully campaigned to get the United States government to go single-use plastic-free. The Biden administration committed that the federal government will phase out single-use plastics from its food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027 and in other operations by 2035. Plastics are having a devastating impact on the world’s oceans and are one of the greatest contributors to climate change. As the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, the U.S. government’s purchasing decisions can have a global impact. A nationwide poll released by Oceana in 2023 showed that 82% of U.S. voters support reducing the federal government’s use of single-use plastic. Oceana will continue to campaign for the swift implementation of the phase-out and additional policies to reduce the production of single-use plastics.
Oceana and our allies successfully campaigned to get the United States government to go single-use plastic-free. The Biden administration committed that the federal government will phase out single-use plastics from its food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027 and in other operations by 2035. Plastics are having a devastating impact on the world’s oceans and are one of the greatest contributors to climate change. As the world’s largest purchaser of goods and services, the U.S. government’s purchasing decisions can have a global impact. A nationwide poll released by Oceana in 2023 showed that 82% of U.S. voters support reducing the federal government’s use of single-use plastic. Oceana will continue to campaign for the swift implementation of the phase-out and additional policies to reduce the production of single-use plastics.
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
Florida Bans Balloon Releases, Protects Marine Life
Following campaigning by Oceana and our allies, Florida banned the intentional release of balloons. The new law, which passed with bipartisan support, also classifies released balloons as litter. Balloons and their plastic ribbons can be easily ingested by endangered sea turtles, seabirds, and other ocean wildlife. Studies show balloons are one of the deadliest types of plastic for marine wildlife. Oceana is continuing to campaign for state lawmakers to build on this progress by reducing the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastic.
Following campaigning by Oceana and our allies, Florida banned the intentional release of balloons. The new law, which passed with bipartisan support, also classifies released balloons as litter. Balloons and their plastic ribbons can be easily ingested by endangered sea turtles, seabirds, and other ocean wildlife. Studies show balloons are one of the deadliest types of plastic for marine wildlife. Oceana is continuing to campaign for state lawmakers to build on this progress by reducing the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastic.
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.
