Maine and Vermont ban plastic bags
Governors in Vermont and Maine signed bills on the same day that will ban plastic bags in their states in 2020.
Ocean health
Canada passes legislation ending the import and export of shark fins
“The overhauled Fisheries Act has the potential to be one of the most transformative things that has happened for our oceans in many years,” says Josh Laughren, Executive Director, Oceana Canada.
Canada to ban single-use plastic as early as 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will ban single-use plastics, which could include bags, straws and cutlery, in Canada in 2021.
Canary Wharf is now the world’s first plastic free commercial center
Canary Wharf, the Estate at the heart of London’s capital, has become the first commercial center in the world to be awarded a ‘Plastic Free Community’ status.
U.K. creates “Blue Belt” marine protected area twice the size of England
An area nearly twice the size of England will become a “blue belt” of protected waters after the government created 41 new marine conservation zones.
Tanzania bans the use of plastic bags
In a historic conservation move the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has announced the ban on plastic bag use beginning June 1, 2019.
Canada bans deep-sea mining, oil and gas drilling in marine protected areas
The decision, which also prevents waste dumping and bottom trawling, helps inch Canada closer to its international commitment to protect 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas by 2020.
Bali bans single-use plastics
Bali Governor Wayan Koster announced that the Indonesian province of Bali is officially banning single-use plastics. The country produces 3.2 million tons of plastic annually.
Bali to impose ‘tourist tax’ for plastic pollution
Bali is facing a plastic pollution crisis, producing over 3,800 tonnes of waste every day and has now drafted a bylaw on tourist contributions for the environment and cultural preservation. The ‘tourist tax’ will involve a fee of $10 for overseas visitors to the island.
Scientists report that coral reefs in West Hawaii are now recovering from bleaching
“We surveyed over 14,000 coral colonies at 20 sites along the West Hawaii coast from Kawaihae to Keauhou and were thrilled to see that many of the area’s reefs have stabilized, which is the first step toward recovery.”