23 Sep 2025
Photo by Jakob Owens A landmark UN treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity on the high seas has reached the critical threshold of 60 ratifications needed to enter into force, clearing the way for it to take effect in January 2026. Morocco and Sierra Leone became the 60th and 61st parties to ratify the Agreement on Friday, triggering […]
16 Sep 2025
Photo by Stepan Ivanov A new study using baited underwater cameras has revealed the richness of marine life around the Isles of Scilly, highlighting the benefits of strong protection and well-managed fisheries. The University of Exeter, working with the Isles of Scilly Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and Natural England, found “vibrant marine life” including […]
08 Sep 2025
Photo by NOAA Scotland has announced new restrictions on bottom trawling across offshore Marine Protected Areas, representing what officials describe as a “major milestone” in marine protection, though environmental groups have criticised the measures for deliberately leaving the most heavily fished areas open. The fisheries management measures, coming into effect from 16th October, cover twenty MPAs […]
02 Sep 2025
Photo by Ben Wicks Marine Protected Areas significantly enhance kelp forest recovery following severe marine heatwaves, according to new research that provides evidence for ocean protection as a climate adaptation strategy. Satellite analysis reveals protection benefits UCLA researchers analysed four decades of satellite imagery comparing kelp forests inside and outside 54 Marine Protected Areas along California’s […]
19 Aug 2025
Photo by Link Bekka A comprehensive new study has developed a standardised method for assessing how highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) could displace commercial fishing activity, providing crucial insights as the UK Government considers expanding its marine protection network beyond the three pilot sites designated in 2023. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine […]
12 Aug 2025
Photo by Luke McKeown A federal judge in Hawaii has overturned the Trump administration’s attempt to allow commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage marine national monument, ruling that commercial fishing remains illegal in the federally protected area in the central Pacific Ocean. Judge Micah WJ Smith’s Friday decision reverses an April letter from […]
05 Aug 2025
Photo by SpaceX Groundbreaking research using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence has provided the first comprehensive evidence that strictly protected marine reserves successfully deter illegal fishing, offering new hope for ocean conservation efforts worldwide. The peer-reviewed study published in Science analysed 1,380 marine protected areas (MPAs) globally and found that 78.5% had no commercial […]
29 Jul 2025
Photo by Anthony Aird The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to environmental compensatory measures for offshore wind developments. The consultation, which opened on July 22 and closes on September 2, 2025, aims to gather feedback on a more flexible and pragmatic approach to […]
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