http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/ocean_policy/ International policies and protection of the oceans and ocean life. Read scientific studies on the effect of various policies. en-us Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:05:01 EST Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/ocean_policy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124152803.htm Popular thinking about how to improve food systems often misses the point, according to the results of a three-year global study of salmon production systems. Rather than pushing for organic or land-based production, or worrying about simple metrics such as "food miles," the study finds that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements production and distribution. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124152803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111114910.htm Fossil carbon dioxide emissions increased by 40 percent from 1990 to 2008, according to new findings. Coal has bypassed oil as the largest source of CO2 emissions. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111114910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119135636.htm New DNA barcoding shows that nearly a third of the tuna plated in sushi restaurants was bluefin -- even if it was not labeled bluefin on the menu. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119135636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116131714.htm Plans to be discussed at the forthcoming UN climate conference in Copenhagen to cut deforestation in developing countries could save some species from extinction but inadvertently increase the risk to others, scientists believe. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116131714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142129.htm Studies conducted in California and elsewhere provide support for the use of marine reserves as a tool for managing fisheries and protecting marine habitats. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm A recent assessment finds some positive trends among indicators of biodiversity loss in China -- notably, growth in forest coverage and improvements in marine ecosystems. However, other indicators, such as the rate of discovery of invasive species, are worsening. Many animals are under growing threat. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141128.htm While carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas and the focus of climate treaties, other pollutants that stay in the atmosphere for only days or months also contribute to global warming. Researchers argue that policymakers should plan a summit now to look at these pollutants, which range from soot to ozone and methane, because they will be more complicated to regulate than is the case with carbon dioxide. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026123944.htm For years, international policy on the environment and biodiversity has not just been the concern of governments. Countless other organizations and their mutual strategic alliances also play a significant role. Without them there would be no sustainable fish in the supermarket and no FSC wood at the DIY center. However, a Dutch researcher has discovered that only a small proportion of these 'partnerships' make a substantial contribution to biodiversity. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026123944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124729.htm A team of Spanish scientists from a variety of fields has analyzed the effects of human activity on the peridunal lagoons in the Doñana National Park. Results show that the lagoons are in the process of regressing, largely due to the extraction of underground water for the Matalascañas tourist resort (Huelva). Moreover, the natural effects of the ecosystem itself are further aggravating the situation. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922112209.htm A geographer is researching how people define sustainability with the hope that this will later help civic and business leaders in rural communities make more informed decisions about sustainability. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922112209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204459.htm A new study indicates most of the world's low-lying river deltas are sinking from human activity, making them increasingly vulnerable to flooding from rivers and ocean storms and putting tens of millions of people at risk. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090920204459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091833.htm A new report by leading food and sustainability scientists calls for Europe to take a new approach on food security, prioritizing health and sustainability in research and using a holistic view when making policy. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911095358.htm The world faces a compounding series of crises driven by human activity, which existing governments and institutions are increasingly powerless to cope with, a group of eminent environmental scientists and economists has warned. Pointing to global action on ozone depletion (the Montreal Protocol), high seas fisheries and antibiotic drug resistance as examples, they call for a new order of cooperative international institutions capable of dealing with issues like climate change -- and enforcing compliance where necessary. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911095358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915192232.htm Health experts warn that failure to agree radical cuts in carbon dioxide emissions at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen this December spells a global health catastrophe. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915192232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911191721.htm Scientists have warned that UN negotiations aimed at tackling climate change are based on substantial underestimates of what it will cost to adapt to its impacts. The real costs of adaptation to climate change are likely to be two-to-three times greater than estimates made by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the researchers say. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911191721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907162320.htm Aquaculture, once a fledgling industry, now accounts for 50 percent of the fish consumed globally, according to a new report by an international team of researchers. And while the industry is more efficient than ever, it is also putting a significant strain on marine resources by consuming large amounts of feed made from wild fish harvested from the sea, the authors conclude. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907162320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110016.htm Targeted investments in climate science could lead to major benefits in reducing the costs of adapting to a changing climate, according to new research. The study shows that investments made now, can lead to as much as 10-20 percent improvement in climate predictions for the UK and Europe in the coming decades, and up to 20 percent across the rest of the globe. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133625.htm What do abrupt changes in ocean circulation and Earth's climate, shifts in wildlife populations and ecosystems, the global finance market and its system-wide crashes, and asthma attacks and epileptic seizures have in common? According to new research, all share generic early-warning signals that indicate a critical threshold of change dead ahead. Sat, 05 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902133625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104846.htm Hot on the heels of the Royal Society's Geoengineering the Climate report, September's Physics World contains feature comment from UK experts stressing the need to start taking geoengineering -- deliberate interventions in the climate system to counteract man-made global warming -- more seriously. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901104846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112119.htm Investing in restoration and maintenance of the Earth's multi-trillion-dollar ecosystems -- from forests and mangroves to wetlands and river basins -- can have a key role in countering climate change and climate-proofing vulnerable economies. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105412.htm The future of the Earth could rest on potentially dangerous and unproven geoengineering technologies unless emissions of carbon dioxide can be greatly reduced, the latest Royal Society report has found. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901150953.htm A new report gives clear guidelines on how the government can help businesses "go green." Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901150953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828150735.htm New research shows that ecological restoration in areas of environmental degradation can help reverse global biodiversity losses, as well as promoting recovery of ecosystem services. However the research also showed that measures of biodiversity and ecosystem services are higher in pristine land, freshwater and marine systems than in restored systems. Examples of ecosystem services include improved water quality and increased carbon storage, services which benefit human well-being. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828150735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825171626.htm Scientists from the U.S. have teamed up with Israeli and Jordanian researchers to protect the Gulf of Aqaba, a strategic waterway whose fragile marine ecosystem is vital to both Israel and Jordan. Participants in the NATO-funded project say they are bridging the Arab-Israeli political divide for the sake of science, peace and environmental conservation. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825171626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826215020.htm Finding economical and practical solutions for conserving endangered carnivores is a continuous challenge for conservationists. In a new paper, a team of Brazilian researchers define global conservation priorities that encompass socioeconomic and life-history factors for endangered carnivores. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826215020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813083333.htm Young people working on conservation projects are often coerced into "grunt" activities like digging holes or picking up litter and gain little from environmental volunteering, according to research at the University of Exeter. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813083333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185722.htm If the federal government implements a 2007 legal interpretation of the Endangered Species Act, the likely result will be a reduction in the number of species listed for protection, scientists say. Researchers analyzed potential effects of a legal memorandum issued in March 2007 by the Department of the Interior, which, among other points, advised the US Fish and Wildlife Service that only an endangered species' current range need factor into whether the species is listed for protection. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601111948.htm Changes in ocean chemistry -- a consequence of increased carbon dioxide emissions from human industrial activity -- could cause US shellfish revenues to drop significantly in the next 50 years, according to a new study. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601111948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618084302.htm The British Climate Act is flawed and comprised of unrealistic and unobtainable targets, according to one expert. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618084302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124810.htm Weak enforcement combined with fishermen facing serious economic hardships are leading to widespread violations of fisheries regulations along the Northeastern United States coast. This pattern of noncompliance threatens the success of new fisheries management measures put in place to protect and restore fish stocks, according to a new study. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528135248.htm Settling the growing debate over ownership of Arctic Ocean resources is complicated by the fact that the various countries involved have different understandings of the geography of the place, one researcher argues. Sun, 31 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528135248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527105713.htm Most polluted or damaged ecosystems worldwide can recover within a lifetime if societies commit to their cleanup or restoration, according to a new analysis. Thu, 28 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527105713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172208.htm Should environmental scientists be advocates for environmental policy? To a wildlife ecologist and an environmental ethicist, the answer is a resounding yes. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519075847.htm Environmental organizations have succeeded in influencing the EU to set long term climate goals. However, in practical politics, the industry is the winner of the climate battle so far, according to new research. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519075847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090517152601.htm Local and regional government websites represent a significant privacy concern for the electorate, according to a new article. However, research suggests that a standard privacy policy could address concerns over fair use of information. Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090517152601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513130953.htm Coral reefs could disappear entirely from the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean by the end of the century, threatening the food supply and livelihoods for about 100 million people, according to a new study. Averting catastrophe will depend on quick and effective global action on climate change coupled with the implementation of regional solutions to problems of over-fishing and pollution. Thu, 14 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090513130953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506110156.htm Unlike the post-election disappointment that has followed many election outcomes, the Obama presidency will likely break through a structural bias in American politics favoring the status quo and bring about significant changes in policy. This prediction is made by a new study grounded in a scientific theory of politics. Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506110156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420182203.htm Researchers have found that currently scheduled water deliveries from the Colorado River are unlikely to be met if human-caused climate change reduces runoff in the region. Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420182203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422132832.htm Researchers from the United States and Canada have found a fossil skeleton of a newly discovered carnivorous animal, <em>Puijila darwini</em>. New research suggests Puijila is a "missing link" in the evolution of the group that today includes seals, sea lions, and the walrus. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422132832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422191722.htm Conservation experts from 24 world-leading organizations including the WWF, Conservation International and Birdlife International have identified one hundred key scientific questions that, if answered, would help conserve global biodiversity. Scientists say if the questions are answered swiftly, it could stem massive biodiversity loss. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422191722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090418075752.htm Overpopulation is the world's top environmental issue, followed closely by climate change and the need to develop renewable energy resources to replace fossil fuels, according to a survey of the faculty at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090418075752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133835.htm With the first climate change-related relocation of an Inuit village already underway, some 400 indigenous people and observers from 80 nations are convening in Alaska for a UN-affiliated conference to discuss ways in which traditional knowledge can be used to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409142252.htm Since Congress lifted a moratorium on offshore drilling last year, federal lawmakers have grappled with the issue of how best to regulate US ocean waters to allow oil, wave and wind energy development, while sustainably managing critical fisheries and marine animal habitats. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409142252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192437.htm Scientists have completed the first study of microbes that live within the plumbing of deep-sea mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions may resemble those in extraterrestrial environments and early Earth. The study was conducted in an area where clusters of seafloor vents spew mud, oil, brine and gases that support food chains independently of the Sun. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406192437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326150554.htm Climate change will seriously impact public health, but the United States has yet to allocate adequate research funding to understand and prepare for these impacts. A new report suggests that the current knowledge gap is putting multitudes at risk and calls for a major expansion of research to tackle this problem. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326150554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326100716.htm Specific measures to tackle climate change, such as emissions trading, will only be successful if they are coherently supported by other government policies addressing economic and social issues, says a new report. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326100716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317095450.htm According to the estimates of climate scientists in a newly published expert survey, there is more than a 50% chance of major changes in the global climate system if global warming proceeds at the current rate. Should average global temperature increase by more than 4 degrees Celsius, one or several parts of the climate system could tip to a new state. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317095450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319102309.htm Two decades after the Exxon Valdez oil spill devastated Alaska's coast, governments and industry in the Arctic would be unable to manage a large oil spill, according to a new report by World Wildlife Fund. WWF renewed its call for a time-out on new offshore oil development in the Arctic until technologies improve to ensure adequate clean-up of an oil spill and called on President Obama to permanently protect Alaska's fish-rich Bristol Bay from drilling. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319102309.htm