Indonesia and Malaysia to hold joint patrols against illegal fishing
The patrols are expected to beef up maritime security against illegal fishers in the Malacca Strait and the North Natuna Sea, as well as protect the rich marine biodiversity there.
Marine conservation
Cuba bolsters conservation efforts with new 271 square mile Marine Protected Area
The MPA will protect mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs, and boost the nation’s overall marine protected coverage to 28.5% of its marine continental shelf.
Hawaii becomes first U.S. state to ban shark fishing
Hundreds of shark species worldwide are threatened by extinction due to over-fishing. A new bill makes it illegal to knowingly capture, entangle, or kill a shark in Hawaii’s marine waters.
Lighted fishing nets dramatically reduce bycatch while making fishing more efficient
LED-illuminated nets reduce #bycatch of sharks and skates by an incredible 95 percent while maintaining catch rates of target species, according to a new study.
First IVF corals successfully spawn on Great Barrier Reef
According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, coral IVF uses modern technology to breed and distribute corals so they have the highest chance of survival.
IKEA to phase out plastic packaging by 2028
The shift will happen progressively over the coming years, and mainly be focusing on paper as it is both recyclable, renewable, and widely recycled across the world.
Indonesia declares largest manta ray sanctuary in the world
Indonesia, a nation that has been the world’s largest fishery for sharks and rays for decades, has announced legislation that will fully protect all manta rays within its nearly 6 million square km exclusive economic zone.
Ecuador will expand the marine reserve encircling the Galápagos Islands
The current Galápagos Marine Reserve covers 133,000 square kilometers. The extension protects an additional 60,000 km2, protecting an important migration route for hammerhead sharks and leatherback turtles.
First whale sanctuary in North America to open in 2023
The sanctuary is planned for Port Hilford Bay in Nova Scotia and will include 110 acres of habitat for the whales.
Four Latin American countries join forces to form huge marine reserve
Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Costa Rica announced the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, a fishing-free corridor that will cover more than 200,000 square miles.