On April 17, President Trump issued an executive order would open large U.S.- marine protected areas to commercial fishing. The order authorized the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service to implement US-based fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The proclamation threatens Pacific Island heritage, endangered species, and some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the world.
Read MoreDivers Saving Sharks
On April 17, President Trump issued an executive order would open large USA marine protected areas to commercial fishing in the Pacific. The order instructs the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to implement US-based fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The proclamation threatens endangered species, sharks, and some of the healthiest coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the world.Protected under federal law since 2009, the proclamation violates the Antiquities Act, the law used to create the Monument.
Read MoreCelebrate Sharks on World Oceans Day
June 7, 2025 Revitalization: collective action for the ocean The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other […]
Read MoreEndangered Species Day, ESA Act at Risk
A change in the ESA could reverse critical environmental safeguards and over 50 years of important species protection. Allowing habitat destruction could be the death knell for imperiled species across the United States and beyond, including great hammerhead sharks, green sea turtles and short tailed albatross.
This month we are campaigning the US Congress to support endangered marine life and marine protection.
Defend the Endangered Species Act
The Trump administration is trying to undermine language in the Endangered Species Act to make it easier for developers and industry. It would loosen restrictions on industrial activities like coastal development and oil exploration that might damage an endangered animal’s habitat, even if the animal itself is not directly harmed.
Read MoreTell BOEM No Coastal Oil Drilling
As a concerned citizen I am writing in strong protest for the proposed opening of federal waters to oil development, exploration off California and in our National Marine Sanctuaries. These areas of high productivity and biodiversity are highly vulnerable to ocean noise, disturbance and risk of spill associated with exploration and oil and gas extraction.
Read MoreTrump Opens Door for Commercial Fishing in Protected Marine Monuments
President Trump signed an executive order that opens up commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage National Marine Monument, covering about 490,000 square miles of ocean southwest of Hawaii. The removal of protected status under Executive Order has been proved in court under the last Trump Administration to violate the Antiquities Act. New litigation from environmental groups is pending in response to the Executive Order.
Read MoreThe Gnashing of Teeth, or the Clack of Jaws. Do Sharks Speak?
Sharks are often called the Silent Killer, but are they really silent? Communication can include many senses, and sharks have senses that few other species possess.
Contrary to popular belief, sharks can produce sounds. Various species of sharks are known to create noises using a variety of methods.
Do Shark’s Pee?
How do shark void their waste products? There is a common misconception that sharks do not excrete their urine but instead void it through the blood and gill system. While partially true, sharks, like other vertebrates also urinate.
Read MoreHonoring Women’s History Month: Carmen Koepfer
This week, following 45 days of Congress in session, the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary has become our 18th National Marine Sanctuary.
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