We are all connected by the ocean

Rock Islands of Palau

Pioneering island conservation at 11 sites in Micronesia               The mystical seascape of Micronesia connects more than 600 islands across one million square miles of the western Pacific Ocean. Roughly 150,000 people live on … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Mexico will ban shark fishing as global sanctuary movement grows

Mexico will ban shark fishing as global sanctuary movement grows (The New York Times) “Conservationists estimate that about 73 million sharks are slaughtered each year mainly for acquiring their fins, and they fear that the uncontrolled and illegal fishing of … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Salmon are smarter than they appear

Sorry hungry fish predators, the salmon are on to you (BBC) Dr. Laura Roberts, co-author of the study said, “It’s the predator’s diet- not just its own smell- that’s alerting the salmon.” “The salmon’s ability to sense these chemicals helps … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Will jellyfish inherit the Earth or at least the oceans? (let’s hope not)

Will jellyfish inherit the Earth, or at least the oceans? (let’s hope not) (MSNBC) “A study released Thursday found that the spineless creatures are becoming the dominant predator in areas where fish species are being reduced by overfishing and habitat destruction. It’s not … Continue reading

Fuel efficient stoves in the developing world can help save lives, forests and the environment (Q&A)

More than half a billion households around the world cook with inefficient stoves that are unhealthy to cook with and bad for the environment. Countries such as Haiti and Uganda have been devastated by deforestation, partly due to fuelwood consumption for open pit stoves. … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Coral reef winners and loser (which to try to save?)

Coral reef winners and losers (Science Mag) “Scientists have just made the job of those trying to save the world’s coral reefs a bit easier. A new map published today pinpoints the reefs that can still be saved—and those that … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Oregon bans the sale, trade and possession of shark fins

Oregon bans the sale, trade and possession of shark fins (Oceana) “While shark finning is illegal in the U.S., current federal laws banning the practice do not address the shark fin trade. As a result, fins are being imported to … Continue reading

Coral reefs are hotspots for biodiversity but they face many threats (Q&A)

“If we lose the Coral Triangle, we lose the most marine biodiversity the world has to offer.” Mike Henley, is an animal keeper and aquarist at the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Invertebrate Exhibit.  As a keeper for the last five years, … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Reserves alone cannot stop biodiversity collapse

Reserves alone cannot stop biodiversity collapse (Earth Times) Scientists are finding reserves are not enough to avoid the sixth mass extinction. We need to consume less and control population more. Our current reserve rates are two low (6 percent of … Continue reading

Notes from a rare planet: Tiger populations are up 20% in India but concerns remain

Tiger populations are up 20 percent in India, but habitat loss continue to be a problem (World Wildlife Fund) “Despite the good news, the detailed report warns that tigers are still in danger due to an overall 12.6 percent loss … Continue reading