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Archive for the ‘Commentary’ Category

Gulf oil spill as large as Hawaii…and continues to grow

Posted by Scott A. On May - 10 - 2010

Having trouble getting a perspective on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf coast?  Well, Paul Rademacher developed a unique utility that works with Google Earth to overlay the size of the spill as it appeared on May 6th with well-known geographical locations…and customizable to include your own hometown.

As I just returned from the Big Island of Hawaii, I thought it appropriate to share a screenshot of just how bad the problem was last week.   

Deepwater Horizon spill as big as Hawaii

And if you’re interested in keeping track of the devastation as it continues to grow and consume the marine ecosystem, PBS has created a widget displaying how much oil has leaked and how much continues to flow into the Gulf of Mexico . Unfortunately a mere widget does not do justice to this ecological disaster.

Talking Ocean Conservation with The Reef Tank

Posted by Scott A. On April - 29 - 2010

InterviewWhile exploring the coral reefs of Hawaii’s Big Island I just couldn’t completely pull away from checking the occasional email.  I was actually coming along quite well until a few work calls popped through and forced me to open Pandora’s box.  But amongst the work craziness I can always find email solace with those pertaining to my wildlife and ocean conservation activities.

And it just so happened that awaiting my attention was an email from Ava over at The Reef Tank.  It was a request for an interview and to say the least I’m flattered.  So upon my return from island paradise I caught up with Ava to talk a little about Thriving Oceans and marine conservation.

So hop on over to The Reef Tank and check out the community blog, forums, photos and of course my interview.

Cheers!

Speaking out with bluefin tuna art

Posted by Scott A. On April - 28 - 2010

Conservation, like expression, comes in many forms and a topic such as declining bluefin tuna is no different.  I recently received a digital copy of the following piece of art from Susan S., which was created in response to the latest failures to protect bluefin tuna.  The original is pastel and collage so enjoy yet heed its warning. 

Bluefin Tuna Pastel and Collage

A belated Thanks in order!

Posted by Scott A. On April - 27 - 2010

Research Blogging Awards 2010 Finalist
It is sad but most definitely true that I was completely in the dark.  And I am hoping that the first thing that pops to your mind is not ocean or wildlife conservation.  But before we all start throwing out a potential subject matter, I’ll let you know.  Thriving Oceans was one of 400 reader nominations for Seed Media Group’s Research Blogging Awards 2010 honoring the outstanding bloggers who discuss peer-reviewed research.  And I am even more humbled to discover that out of all the nominations Thriving Oceans was a finalist for the Best Conservation or Geophysical Blog.  What an honor!

Briefly, the reason I found myself in the shadows is an ongoing landlubber conservation effort for burrowing owls.  Yes, with my alter ego I find myself routinely wandering areas out of the salty water, but still working to spark conservationism.

Thanks to everyone for the nomination and all the votes.  So let’s get going with some research blogging, a little ocean conservation, and by all means “Let’s Get Ocean Responsible.”

Cheers to the other finalists and winner…what a great list to be connected with in 2010.

Winner: Highly Allochthonous

Finalists:

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: Conservation Thwarted by Profits

Posted by Scott A. On March - 18 - 2010

Photo: Captive bluefin tuna inside a transport cage.  Credit: Gavin Newman / European Pressphoto Agency

An organization that delegates [tries to] policy without any foreseeable recourse at their disposal is simply a Think Factory.  They ‘THINK’ they can get offenders to comply merely on the basis of suggestion.  Perhaps this tactic works in the world of science fiction when the wave of a Jedi’s hand is all that is needed to persuade the weak minded to act in accordance, but on this blue planet it’s the greenery that ‘s the driving force.

As per PhilBee’s recent comment  on the posted video “A Ban on Bluefin Tuna?”,

Therein lies the major problem with the whole system: if a country wants to catch a particular species, it knows it can do so without fear.  Japan’s done it for years with whales, and intends doing it with Atlantic bluefin tuna until stocks are gone.

When you combine short term philosophies with big profits now, we find ourselves constantly hovering on the brink of a catastrophe.  Yet we dismiss the blatant warning signs in an inane refusal to admit a problem is brewing because wallets continue to grow.  And this global trend of denial spans Wall Street, the housing market, whales, salmon, bluefin tuna, sharks, and the list goes on and on.  Are we so short sighted that we cannot make the historical connections?  The age old saying describing those who do not  learn from history are condemned to repeat it is not just a cleaver witticism is it?

Well, we again find ourselves nodding in shame that organizations designed to protect global resources have managed to fall short of garnering enough protections to ensure sustainability.  But, it is not the sole fault of the United Nations or the International Whaling Commission to eradicate the problem.  It is the consumer behind the iron mask that is completing the profitable circle, continuing to order fish species plagued by depleted stocks, and are thus responsible for contributing to the overharvesting problem .  Making responsible choices is of the utmost importance and is quite necessary for conservation.  And of course that does not let negligent industries, businesses, and nations off the hook who continue to practice and promote unsustainable fishing and poaching practices.

So what we end up with is a lack-of-action scenario that is aptly manifested by an AP quote in “UN rejects export ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna”:

“Let’s take science and throw it out the door,” said Susan Lieberman, director of international policy with the Pew Environment Group in Washington. “It’s pretty irresponsible of the governments to hear the science and ignore the science. Clearly, there was pressure from the fishing interests. The fish is too valuable for its own good.”

Those concerned for ocean conservation must continue to educate friends and family, spread the word, make responsible consumer choices, and continue advocating sustainability.   While we fight for better legislation and protections, it doesn’t hurt to hit them where it hurts…their pocket books.

 

Photo: Captive bluefin tuna inside a transport cage. Credit: Gavin Newman / European Pressphoto Agency

Where did Thriving Oceans Go?

Posted by Scott A. On March - 11 - 2010

Just where have I been and what has happened to Thriving Oceans?  Well, I managed to find myself preoccupied within the world of burrowing owl conservation.  It has consumed quite a bit of my time and to be honest it is a long story that has many twists, turns, and hopefully a few surprised endings to come.  If you are at all interested in some landlubber conservation efforts check out JournOwl.com for details on my plight to save burrowing owls.

But, I have made a promise to myself to get back on the ocean wagon starting tomorrow… Although my last self-made promises managed to slip by without action as the calendar hit February 1st and then March 1st,  I figure I should publicize the event in an attempt to hold my feet to the flames.

So here it is, hold me to it, and check back tomorrow for the reinstatement of Thriving Oceans!


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