Via Phys.org
"The continent is considered to be a pristine wilderness compared to other regions and was thought to be relatively free from plastic pollution. However new findings by scientists from University of Hull and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have revealed that recorded levels of microplastics are five times higher than you would expect to find from local sources such as research stations and ships."
Via NOAA Fisheries
"Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, with concurrence from the White House, named Chris Oliver Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries. The Texas native assumed his new position on June 19, taking the helm from Acting Assistant Administrator Samuel Rauch who will return to his position as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs."
Via NOAA
"After analyzing satellite and model data, NOAA’s experts say coral reefs around the world may finally catch a break from high ocean temperatures that have lingered for an unprecedented three years, the longest period since the 1980s."
Via WWF
"This past winter, the rare ringed seals of Lake Saimaa received a lifeline via man-made snowbanks. The seals were struggling to find nests to give birth, so a group of volunteers, including WWF, went to work to create snow banks for them. Out of the 81 pups born months later, 91% were born in these man-made snowbanks."
Via The Hans India
"Environmentalists, activists of marine conservation and academics are demanding that octopus be included in the list of endangered species to stop its overexploitation for exports from Bay of Bengal. But the Andhra Pradesh government is in two minds about acceding to their request in view of the huge potential of exports."
Via Phuket News
"An official from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) has stated that protected areas will be introduced for dugongs following the death of one of the animals at the PMBC this morning."
Via Oceans Deeply
"At its core, Fish Forever helps local communities carve out two separate and specialized maritime zones. One provides exclusive fishing rights for local fishers, barring competition from poachers and industrial-scale fishing. The second reserve is strictly off limits to fishing of any kind, giving crucial habitats a badly needed respite from exploitation. That allows fish, coral and other marine life to rebound."
"Join us for an in-depth discussion of the recently-released Indonesian VMS data in Global Fishing Watch, led by Data Scientist Aaron Roan. Participants will learn how to interpret the VMS data, as well as the many new features offered in Global Fishing Watch beta 2.0, and have the opportunity to ask questions about our data."
Via FIS
"The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources announced a ban on fishing and trading all species of sharks, rays, parrotfish and sea urchins that inhabit the jurisdictional waters of the Dominican Republic."
Via F1000 Research
"We hear from Corina Logan and Clint Perry about their views of the ethics of publishing and the culture change that is needed."