Motion 035 is seeking the “Protection of Mesopelagic Ecosystem Integrity” and advocating for the protection of this zone by taking actions such as increasing regulations for extractive activity (fishing and mining) that would impact this zone, establishing marine protected areas to preserve the biodiversity, and improving our understanding of this zone by expanding research and monitoring programs.

Sea turtles have become a global symbol of marine conservation. From quotes like skip a straw, save a turtle to anti- plastic bag campaigns- they are the poster child of what happens to marine life when pollution is unregulated.

Human intervention has led to the extinction and decline of many shark species around the world. Around 35% of the 536 species assessed by the IUCN were said to be threatened. There is low data availability for many species who are predicted to also be threatened, meaning the severity of the issue can be higher than current data reflects.

Hudson Canyon is a proposed National Marine Sanctuary, currently being reviewed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Let’s break down what a proposed sanctuary is, how it becomes an official sanctuary, and why Hudson Canyon is so important.

The High Seas Treaty, opened for signature in 2023, was developed by the United Nations as a way to protect the oceans outside of national jurisdiction. These areas are not regulated by any country, therefore, 60 countries must sign onto the High Seas Treaty to put it into action.

The high seas treaty has four components including: creating a system for sharing marine genetic resources, establishing MPAs, conducting Environmental Impact Assessments, and coordinating a system for marine technology sharing. You can ready more about these components and the United States’ involvement here.

Contacting your representatives is empowering, but can also leave you feeling like a drop in the ocean with their ever-growing inbox. Hosting your own letter writing party gives you a sense of community, strengthens your advocacy skills, and amplifies your message. Follow these simple steps to make a difference in your community.

NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, experienced layoffs of around 800 employees earlier this year. With the federal government determined to slash budgets and environmental regulations across federal agencies, we must speak up to keep NOAA’s programs operational.