CONSERVATION NEWS

News, views and features from the front lines of conservation

© Kyle Obermann

Pacific island enacts bold new ocean protections

By Mary Kate McCoy

November 29, 2023
New Caledonia recently took a big step for ocean conservation by banning all industrial activities — such as fishing, mining and oil drilling — in 10 percent of its waters. The new protections safeguard marine habitats, as well as some of the healthiest coral reefs on Earth.
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Meet the startup that's making seaweed more sustainable

By Mary Kate McCoy

October 11, 2023
In the past decade, seaweed production has boomed as researchers and investors eye its climate potential. Yet alongside seaweed’s promise, there are pitfalls. A company in the Philippines is working to change that.
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‘Small rock’ making big ocean conservation impact

By Max Marcovitch

September 25, 2023
The small South Pacific island nation of Niue recently launched a first-of-its-kind sustainable funding initiative that enables anyone to sponsor a square kilometer of its ocean waters — a sanctuary for humpback whales, sea snakes and gray reef sharks.
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‘Disaster’ deferred: Deep-sea mining talks postponed

By Max Marcovitch

August 1, 2023
After intense negotiations, discussions on commercial deep-sea mining have been postponed — at least for now. Environmentalists view the decision as a hopeful step toward protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
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Study: Protecting the ocean benefits people and nature

By Will McCarry

June 22, 2023
Across the globe, marine protected areas help struggling fish populations and ecosystems recover and flourish. But what impact do they have on the people living nearby? A new study finds big benefits for both biodiversity and coastal communities.
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