[Update: On Jan. 4, 2018, the Trump administration announced a new five-year plan that would open up most U.S. continental shelf waters, including protected areas of the Arctic and the Atlantic, to oil and gas drilling. CLF joined 63 other groups in opposing this plan. Read the full joint statement here.] Over the past year, we’ve…
Jan 4
2018
2018
Dec 5
2017
2017
Celebrating One Year of Regionwide Ocean Planning in New England
The ocean contributes $352 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and supports 3.1 million jobs nationwide – and it’s continuing to grow. Commercial shipping traffic is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Offshore wind energy is booming off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and small new aquaculture businesses are cropping up left and right.…
Nov 29
2017
2017
All Hands on Deck to Save the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale
2017 has been a heartbreaking year for anyone following the news about the shocking number of North Atlantic right whale deaths. With fewer than 460 remaining, right whales are one of the most endangered whale species in the world, so even one death threatens the species’ existence. Tragically, the number of right whale deaths this year now…
Nov 21
2017
2017
A Fish or a Plant? Rockweed Identity the Central Question in Maine Court Case
When you walk around the shores of Downeast Maine at low tide, you’re sure to see rockweed covering much of the coastline. This critical habitat for shellfish, seabirds, lobsters, and crabs is a vital piece of Maine’s ecosystem – but is it really a plant, or rather, is it a fish? This is the central…
Nov 13
2017
2017
We Have an Opportunity to Build Stronger, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations
The MSA has worked in rebuilding fish populations. Now, it should be strengthened to ensure we’re able to save and restore still-struggling species like the iconic Atlantic cod – before it’s too late. Consider these three facts: New England’s commercial fisheries brought in $1.2 billion in revenue in 2012, up from $691 million in 2003…
Nov 8
2017
2017
One Year Down: Fighting Back and Fighting On for New England
We’re not giving in. Yes, approaching a year after President’s Trump’s election, he seems intent on undermining decades of work to protect public health and the environment and fostering an ideology that denies and denigrates the basic facts of science. But we’ve been here before. In the 1970s, oil companies were intent on drilling for…
Pushing for a Strong Federal Fisheries Law
Building stronger, more sustainable fisheries in New England.
Oct 26
2017
2017
Secretary Ross Submits Secret Recommendations for Marine Monuments
“Our natural treasures are resources that belong to all of us, and concealing these recommendations sends a strong message that public interest comes second to political expediency,” said Priscilla Brooks, CLF Director of Ocean Conservation. “The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is the only ocean monument in the Atlantic, protecting a vibrant ecosystem full of scientific potential. Withholding recommendations that could decimate this monument’s protections is a slap in the face to New Englanders and to all Americans.”
Oct 24
2017
2017
National Seafood Month: Chef Bun Lai Pioneers Sustainable Sushi
Bun Lai is the James Beard-nominated chef of Miya’s Sushi in New Haven, CT. Miya’s is known for being the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the world. To celebrate National Seafood Month, I spoke to Chef Bun Lai about forging a new path, and why it’s important to think of the environment when choosing seafood. …
Oct 16
2017
2017
You Can Help Safeguard the Future of Menhaden, the Most Important Fish in the Sea
Commonly hailed as “the most important fish in the sea,” Atlantic menhaden could soon be managed a bit differently, as the body that regulates the species hosts an important discussion next month. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will meet November 13-14 with a historic opportunity to solidify the importance of menhaden’s role in…