On Monday, July 25, the public comment period closed for the draft Northeast Ocean Plan. The summer saw an expansive public outreach effort by the plan creators, the Northeast Regional Planning Body (RPB), with public meetings held in each coastal New England state. It’s a safe assumption that many are wondering, “What’s next for the…
Aug 12
2016
2016
Jul 7
2016
2016
Ocean Immersion in a Land-locked Town: Creating a Mini Cashes Ledge
The quiet hum of the chiller and protein skimmer can be heard in the halls of Hanover High School in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a large 100-gallon “Educational Aquatic Ecosystem” sits near the windows of the large cafeteria in the middle of the building. The tank’s glass bears the unmistakable green tinge of a new phytoplankton…
Apr 6
2016
2016
Where Is Our Ocean Champion in New England?
I have had the privilege of seeing Senator Ed Markey lead on tough environmental issues in the House, in the Senate, here in Massachusetts, and at the recent Paris Climate talks. On both climate change and ocean conservation, he has been our champion. So when new research announced last week by prominent scientists from the…
Feb 5
2016
2016
Right Whales and Cashes Ledge: How to Make a Good Thing Last
In late January, North Atlantic right whales scored a big win when the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded the critical habitat for the endangered whale from 4,500 square nautical miles to 28,000 square nautical miles. The original area included only a portion of Cape Cod Bay and an area east of Nantucket near the Great…
Dec 11
2015
2015
Five Questions for: Dr. Sylvia Earle
In August, Dr. Sylvia Earle, world-renowned conservationist, oceanographer, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, and founder/chairman of Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue, launched a dive expedition to Cashes Ledge, the underwater mountain range 80 miles off the coasts of Portland. Dr. Earle joined the expedition to amplify the efforts of CLF and Mission Blue, as well as scientists, business leaders, environmental groups, and faith leaders, in calling for the White House to declare Cashes Ledge a Marine National Monument.
Nov 6
2015
2015
Governor Baker: The People Have Spoken, and They Want a Marine National Monument
The people of New England, and especially Massachusetts, have spoken – and they want a Marine National Monument in the Atlantic. More than 160,000 people have signed their name in support of a monument designation, including over 10,000 from Massachusetts alone. We’ve received public letters of support from coastal businesses, faith-based organizations, and aquaria. And…
Oct 29
2015
2015
The Death of Atlantic Cod: The Convenience of Denial
Atlantic cod’s future in New England is overshadowed with existential dread. With so many opinions flying around about what the “science” says or what the fishermen “see,” trying to make sense of what is going on with Atlantic cod with any precision seems a fool’s errand. However, we must not fall victim to the convenience…
Oct 23
2015
2015
This Week on TalkingFish.org – October 19-23
October 20 – Fish Talk in the News – Tuesday, October 20 – In this edition of Fish Talk in the News, WSJ covers the Maine lobster boom; Eileen Sobeck has a message about at-sea monitors and observers; the market divide between Maine crab and lobster is growing; 18 local fishermen receive safety training; and local…
Oct 9
2015
2015
This Week on TalkingFish.org – October 5-9
October 6 – Fish Talk in the News – Tuesday, October 6 – In this edition of Fish Talk in the News, President Obama announces the first new marine national sanctuaries in 15 years; President Obama says he will protect more U.S. waters; new research shows many young fish are moving north as ocean waters warm;…
Oct 7
2015
2015
Call Your Senators Today to Save Ocean Treasures!
Please, call your Senators today with this urgent message. Just a few minutes of your time could help create a remarkable legacy of protected areas for future generations.