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, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 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/2012/02/120209172810.htm Half of fishermen would not give up their livelihood in the face of drastically declining catches, according to new research. A new report challenges previously held notions about poverty and adaptation by investigating why fishermen in developing countries stick with their trade. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121930.htm Americans’ knowledge of facts about the polar regions of the globe has increased since 2006, but this increase in knowledge has not translated into more concern about changing polar environments, according to new research. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201105227.htm Tropical cyclones will cause $109 billion in damages by 2100, according to researchers in a new paper. That figure represents an increased vulnerability from population and especially economic growth, as well as the effects of climate change. Greater vulnerability to cyclones is expected to increase global tropical damage to $56 billion by 2100 -- double the current damage -- from the current rate of $26 billion per year if the present climate remains stable. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201105227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171913.htm Two decades after the United Nations established the Framework Convention on Climate Change in order to "prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system", the Arctic shows the first signs of a dangerous climate change. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151945.htm The fate of the world's great whale species commands global attention as a result of heated debate between pro and anti-whaling advocates, but the fate of smaller marine mammals is less understood, specifically because the deliberate and accidental catching and killing of dolphins, porpoises, manatees, and other warm-blooded aquatic species are rarely studied or monitored. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm Biodiversity is declining rapidly throughout the world. The challenges of conserving the world's species are perhaps even larger than mitigating the negative effects of global climate change, experts say. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212211.htm When scientists reported that bacterial blooms had consumed almost all the deepwater methane plumes after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon oil spill, some were skeptical. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109212211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155712.htm By combining detailed chemical measurements in the deep ocean, in the oil slick, and in the air, NOAA scientists and academic colleagues have independently estimated how fast gases and oil were leaking during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The new chemistry-based spill rate estimate, an average of 11,130 tons of gas and oil compounds per day, is close to the official average leak rate estimate of about 11,350 tons. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm Many of the animal species at risk of extinction in the United States have not made it onto the country's official Endangered Species Act list, according to new research. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115252.htm New discoveries in "marine forensics" will allow federal seafood agents to genetically test blue marlin to quickly and accurately determine their ocean of origin. The test is needed to ensure that the blue marlin sold in US seafood markets were not taken from the Atlantic Ocean. Regulation of Atlantic blues reflects overfishing and a troubling drop in population. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49 percent in the last two decades, according to the latest figures by an international team of scientists. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133035.htm A new study predicts severe negative impacts, including loss and alteration of habitats, smaller and less-diverse fish stocks, and coral bleaching, and urges prompt action to help fisheries prepare. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121151548.htm When the dinner menu includes endangered species, human nutritional needs must contend with efforts to manage wildlife resources, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that a loss of access to bushmeat as a source of food would lead to a 29 percent jump in the number of children suffering from anemia. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121151548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113142747.htm Policies to protect the global climate and limit global temperature rise offer the most effective entry point for achieving energy sustainability, reducing air pollution, and improving energy security, according to a new article. By adopting an integrated perspective on energy and climate policy, one that simultaneously addresses three of the key objectives for energy sustainability, major synergies and cost co-benefits can be realized. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111113142747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm The number of species recognized as endangered is ever increasing and a new study reveals the unanimity among conservation scientists of expectations of a major loss of biological diversity. The survey also shows a growing acceptance of controversial strategies such as ‘triage’ -- a decision to prioritize resources and not to intervene to save some highly threatened species. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108195128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm Scientists investigated how California's interconnected San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Bay-Delta system) is expected to change from 2010 to 2099 in response to both fast and moderate climate warming scenarios. Results indicate that this area will feel impacts of global climate change in the next century with shifts in its biological communities, rising sea level, and modified water supplies. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104091650.htm Much less attention is paid to conservation of freshwater fish and shellfish species that to marine species, although freshwater species may be relatively more threatened. Awareness and certification schemes that have had some success raising awareness of threats to marine fishes could be adapted for the benefit of freshwater species, according to a new article. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104091650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm As the global media speculate on the number of people likely to inhabit the planet on October 31 an international team of population and development experts argue that it is not simply the number of people that matters but more so their distribution by age, education, health status and location that is most relevant to local and global sustainability. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021135014.htm The American people assign an estimated total economic value of $33.57 billion for the coral reefs of the main Hawaiian Islands. The findings came from survey of 3,100 households -- from all US residents, not just Hawaii or coastal residents. Survey allowed the public to express its preferences and values for protection and restoration of the coral reef ecosystems around the main Hawaiian Islands. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021135014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132056.htm Researchers have developed a computer program that enables regulators to evaluate the ecological and economic trade-offs between marine mammal conservation, whale watching and marine transportation activities in the Saint Lawrence Estuary. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm When a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, the public trust doctrine -- the principle that government must conserve natural resources for the public good -- should guide state management of wildlife, scientists say. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921142029.htm People living in coastal areas in Africa can rarely utilize their entire fishing zones as their simple boats only allow them to fish near the coast. The United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea allows foreign fishing fleets to utilize the zones further out at sea, justifying this position by stating that there is a surplus of fish in these areas. However, new research shows that the migration of fish stocks is significant to fish management. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921142029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913122039.htm Europeans face greater risk of illness, property damage and job losses because of the impacts of climate change on the seas around them, a new report suggests. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913122039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913092424.htm California beach towns could face hefty economic losses caused by sea level rise in the next century, according to a new state-commissioned study conducted by economists. The study forecasts the economic impact of sea level rise on five communities: Ocean Beach in San Francisco; Venice Beach and Malibu in Los Angeles; Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County; and Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego County. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913092424.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912152858.htm Experts suggest using game theory and a scalable method of rewards and punishments (called linear compensation) to help develop strategies that encourage all nations to participation fully in greenhouse gas mitigation programs. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912152858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm When the government of Tanzania established Saadani National Park in 2005, it enhanced protection of the coastal mangrove ecosystem from further degradation. A new study found that the new park caused a short-term negative effect on the livelihood of those who harvest mangrove trees for fuelwood but a long-term benefit to their local communities from increased fishing opportunities. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104007.htm Factoring health and related costs into decision making is essential to confronting the nation's health problems and enhancing public well-being, says a new report from the U.S. National Research Council, which adds that a health impact assessment (HIA) is a promising tool for use by scientists, communities, and government and private sector policymakers. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828205556.htm Billions of people owe their lives to nitrogen fertilizers -- a pillar of the fabled Green Revolution in agriculture that averted global famine in the 20th century -- but few are aware that nitrogen pollution from fertilizers and other sources has become a major environmental problem that threatens human health and welfare in multiple ways, a scientist reports. Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828205556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm A new report presents a framework for incorporating sustainability into the US Environmental Protection Agency's principles and decision making. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718201520.htm Small-scale fisheries could pose a more serious threat to marine life than previously thought. Research shows that tens of thousands of turtles from across the Pacific are being captured through the activities of small-scale fisheries. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718201520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714190900.htm According to a new study, 28 percent of cod products in Ireland are mislabeled, as compared to 7 percent in the UK. Using a DNA barcoding technique (COI barcoding gene), scientists from Ireland genetically identified 226 cod products purchased from supermarkets, fishmongers and take-away outlets across Ireland (131) and the UK (95), and compared the results against the product labels. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714190900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705103547.htm New research shines new light on the little studied but politically vital practices of climate policy evaluation in Europe. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110705103547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112859.htm The threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes community may be politically controversial, but pales in comparison to the costs and danger of continuing to wring hands over established facts. It's time, a fisheries expert says, to let science drive policy and put knowledge into action. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630112859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627143831.htm New article examines the impact of sharks on coastal economies and the importance of including conservation efforts in long term management plans. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627143831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627122947.htm Could a multi-million dollar prize spur the next big innovation in sustainable climate technology? A law professor suggests that prize-based incentives could do just that. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627122947.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624083519.htm Biologists emphasize the importance of biodiversity and conservation in the Middle East. A recent article highlights the importance of the future of conservation in the region and biodiversity of the largest island of Arabia, Socotra. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624083519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617110624.htm Fish catches in Madagascar over the last half-century are double the official reports, and much of that fish is being caught by unregulated traditional fishers or accessed cheaply by foreign fishing vessels. Seafood exports from Madagascar often end up in a European recipe, but are a recipe for political unrest at home, where two-thirds of the population face hunger. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617110624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121137.htm New research focusing on the Houston area suggests that widespread urban development alters wind patterns in a way that can make it easier for pollutants to build up during warm summer weather instead of being blown out to sea. The international study could have implications for the air quality of fast-growing coastal cities in the United States and other midlatitude regions overseas. The reason: the proliferation of strip malls, subdivisions, and other paved areas may interfere with breezes needed to clear away smog and other pollution. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601131759.htm Honor and shame work equally well in encouraging social cooperation, according to a new study. New research has shown that the threat of shame and promise of honor each increased cooperation by as much as 50 per cent, providing insights into potential future strategies for tackling global issues such as overfishing and climate change. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601131759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601111408.htm Young adults from Montreal, Halifax and New York City have very specific ideas about what it takes to build a more sustainable world. And they are willing to make the necessary changes to their lifestyles to make such a world a reality. This is the conclusion drawn from a survey sponsored by the United Nations Environment Program, which surveyed 400 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601111408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527162500.htm Estimates that are based on current, static population data can greatly misrepresent the true extent -- and the pronounced variability -- of the human toll of climate change, researchers say. Fri, 27 May 2011 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527162500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527080329.htm Low-cost catfish fillets sold as expensive sole fillets or cod caught in the North Sea but declared as originating from the Baltic Sea are both examples of types of fraud in the fisheries sector. A new report shows how molecular technologies - based on genetics, genomics, chemistry and forensics - can provide clear answers to questions such as "what species does this fish product come from....where was this fish caught....is it wild or farmed?" Fri, 27 May 2011 08:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527080329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141410.htm Coastal communities hard hit by ocean acidification hotspots have more options than they may realize, says an interdisciplinary team of science and legal experts. Experts make the case that communities don't need to wait for a global solution to ocean acidification to fix a local problem that is compromising their marine environment. Thu, 26 May 2011 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141402.htm New research casts doubt on a widely publicized study that concluded that a bacterial bloom in the Gulf of Mexico consumed the methane discharged from the Deepwater Horizon well. Thu, 26 May 2011 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110526141402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525141538.htm The Pacific Northwest has the diverse feedstocks, fuel-delivery infrastructure and political will needed to create a viable biofuels industry capable of reducing greenhouse gases and meeting the future fuel demands of the aviation industry. Creating an aviation biofuels industry, however, will depend upon securing early government policy support to prioritize the aviation industry in US biofuel development. Wed, 25 May 2011 14:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110525141538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516111700.htm A warming planet could mean a rising ocean and more storm activity, but seaports are not prepared for the expensive construction they will need to protect themselves, according a global survey of ports. Researchers have just created a computer model that will help ports with their planning. Mon, 16 May 2011 11:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110516111700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512150717.htm By 2050, humanity could consume an estimated 140 billion tons of minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass per year -- three times its current appetite -- unless the economic growth rate is "decoupled" from the rate of natural resource consumption, warns a new report. Citizens of developed countries consume an average of 16 tons (ranging up to 40 or more tons) of those four key resources per capita. By comparison, the average person in India today consumes four tons per year. Thu, 12 May 2011 15:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512150717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512082949.htm Nuclear desalination uses the excess heat from a nuclear power plant to evaporate sea water and to condense the pure water. A research team from India and Italy argues that despite public concerns, the low energy costs and convenience of this latter process make it the preferred option. Thu, 12 May 2011 08:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512082949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110506093116.htm A panel of some of the world's leading climate and glacier scientists has issued a report commissioned by the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences citing the moral imperative before society to properly address climate change. Fri, 06 May 2011 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110506093116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505142617.htm A draft plan to conserve habitat for endangered and threatened fishes in the California Bay-Delta while continuing to divert water for agricultural and personal use in central and southern California has critical missing components, including clearly defined goals and a scientific analysis of the proposed project's potential impacts on delta species, says a new report from the National Research Council. Thu, 05 May 2011 14:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505142617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505142600.htm A group of leading scientists, economists and farmers is calling for a broad shift in federal policies to speed They say current policies focus on the production of a few crops and a minority of farmers while failing to address farming's contribution to global warming, biodiversity loss, natural resource degradation and public health problems. Thu, 05 May 2011 14:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505142600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425114240.htm Researchers in Spain report that although the dune ecosystem is unusual, fragile and is protected by the "habitats" directive of the network Natura 2000, its conservation is very vulnerable to the proliferation of car parks, nearby buildings and inadequate boardwalks installed for protection or beach access. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425114240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419101239.htm Most Americans now agree that climate change is occurring, but still disagree on why, with opinions about the cause of climate change defined by political party, not scientific understanding, according to new research. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419101239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418084003.htm Inappropriate conservation policies may be implemented as a result of scientists failing to sufficiently acknowledge the uncertainty of their models, according to a UK researcher. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418084003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415154736.htm A new paper suggests that people, governments, and institutions that shape the way people interact may be just as important for determining environmental conditions as the environmental processes themselves. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110415154736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201726.htm Current UK and European policies on biofuels encourage unethical practices, says a new report. Policies such as the European Renewable Energy Directive are particularly weak when it comes to protecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding human rights violations in developing countries. They also include few incentives for the development of new biofuel technologies that could help avoid these problems. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412201726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406091736.htm A wide-ranging group of experts has published a set of 40 key environmental questions to help align scientific research agendas with the needs of natural resource decision makers. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406091736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122340.htm The long-standing conflicts over nuclear power and the risks of radiation exposure are nothing new -- in fact, the debate over the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant in Japan are similar to arguments happening between scientists, governmental agencies and the public since 1945, according to an expert on the history of science. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405113258.htm A search team has located the wreckage of Air France Flight 447 some 3,900 meters, or nearly 2.5 miles, below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil's northeastern coast. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405113258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142215.htm Conservationists may need to change their approach to protecting animals and plants from extinction if they are to successfully shield key species and habitats from the effects of global climate change, according to a new review. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142215.htm