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.
Marine conservation
Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and support the food, climate, and biodiversity systems that billions of people depend on. This archive tracks real progress in marine conservation — from expanding protected areas and restoring coral reefs to reducing plastic pollution and rebuilding fish populations. Each story focuses on what’s working and who is making it happen.
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.
Cape Verde’s sea turtle conservation efforts prove to be a resounding success
According to the West African country’s environment ministry, last year’s nest numbers are at nearly 200,000, a huge leap from the 10,725 nests accounted for in 2015.
Four tuna species recovering after decade of fishing quotas
In IUCN’s Red List update, the seven most commercially fished tuna species were reassessed. Four moved in a positive direction thanks to countries enforcing more sustainable fishing quotas and successfully combatting illegal fishing.
Endangered Southern Resident orcas get new protection from U.S. government
The National Marine Fisheries Service on Friday finalized rules to expand the Southern Resident orca’s critical habitat from the Canadian border down to Point Sur, California, adding 15,910 square miles (41,207 square kilometers) of foraging areas, river mouths and migratory pathways.
Thailand bans coral-damaging sunscreens in marine parks
The Thai Department of Conservation said four ingredients commonly found in sun creams were shown to destroy coral larvae, obstruct coral reproduction and cause reef bleaching.
Saudi Arabia to create the world’s largest coral garden in the Red Sea
The Shusha Island Coral Park will cover 100 hectares and become a global center to showcase innovations to protect and restore coral reefs and accelerate conservation solutions.
Gabon passes landmark measures to manage and protect sharks and rays
The first new law fully regulates shark and ray catch in Gabon’s fisheries. Special authorization will now be needed to target sharks and rays in fisheries.
Major firms sign ambitious deal to cut plastic waste in the Pacific
Called the ANZPAC Plastics Pact, the agreement aims to drastically reduce plastic waste from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific by 2025. Among the signatories are big brands like Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Woolworths.
Community coral planting restores Belize’s expansive reefs
So far, 85,000 corals have been planted in the area and the coral cover of the seafloor in the park increased from 6% to 50% between 2010 to 2017.