Budget for Marine Sanctuaries Slashed

by Linda Hunter, executive director

In February, Upwelling revealed details about the failing grade that the Bush Administration received on a report card issued by the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative. The Initiative is a collaborative effort led by Admiral James D. Watkins and the Honorable Leon E. Panetta, chairs of the U.S. Commission and Pew Commission, respectively. The primary goal of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative is to accelerate the pace of change that results in meaningful ocean policy reform.  In the category of funding: Joint New Funding for Ocean Policy and Programs – the Administration received an F grade. Continued >>

 

Sharing the Waterways with Whales

Gray whales periodically enter the San Francisco Bay during their long migrations north to the Bering Sea in Alaska, returning from their breeding grounds in the lagoons of Baja California. Unfortunately, because these whales migrate so close to shore, they often end up in shipping lanes. On Thursday, April 20, a dead gray whale was discovered floating in the Bay. It had been shipstruck, but whether that was the cause of death is not known. Continued >>

 

Sanctuary Explorers Camp: Project Insight

Project Insight, a division of the San Francisco's Recreation and Parks program, and FMSA have carried on a partnership for several years which has made it possible for hearing and visually impaired students to take part in Sanctuary Explorers Camp. Campers visit environments throughout the Sanctuary, learning about ways they can protect the animals who claim it as their home. Continued >>

In the News: Magnuson-Stevens Act

According to the Marine Fish Conservation Network, only 13% of all federally managed fish stocks are at healthy population numbers. Yet earlier this month, the House Resources Committee considered revisions to the nation's primary fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery and Conservation Management Act that would allow continued overfishing against scientific advice. So why would members of Congress support the slashing of requirements that ensure ending fishing at unsustainable rates, the rebuilding of depleted fish populations, and protection of essential fish habitat? Continued >>

 

Wildlife Spotlight: Great and Snowy Egrets (Ardea albus and Egretta thula)

Great and snowy egrets, some of the most beautiful and bizarre birds found in America, were stalked by hunters for their long, soft breeding feathers to satisfy a nineteenth century fashion trend. In the 1890’s, outraged by the resultant destruction of the egret hunts, a group of Boston society women began gathering over tea to discuss what steps should be taken to save the birds and their habitat. From these talks the modern Audubon Society was born. Continued >>