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Greetings!
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The Ocean Project provides this e-newsletter as a
free service to our contacts at zoos, aquariums, museums, conservation organizations, schools,
agencies, and others involved in our Partner network. We hope you will find it inspiring and useful in your work and life.
Please forward widely and encourage colleagues andfriends to subscribe (through the link in left column).
In this issue...
- Feature of the Month: GoodSearch.com
- News and Updates :
Seas The Day - Int'l Year of the Sea Turtle Protected Area Created - Global Network of Marine Reserves -
Disappearing Birds - Post-Katrina Summary - Quebec Pesticide Ban - World's Ecological Footprint -
Consumer Awareness Campaign - Vanity Fair's Green Issue
- Resources :
Social Marketing - Kilowatt Ours - Healthy Lawns - Information Enchange -
Ocean Adventure Series - Ocean-Themed Children's Book - Save the Oceans -
State of the Sanctuaries - Eat for the Earth!
- Events :
National Wildlife Week - Migratory Bird Day - Great Annual Fish Count - Preserve America Grants -
Coastal Society's 20th Int'l Conference - World Ocean Month - IZE Conference -
Int'l Council for Exploration of the Seas Conference - Int'l EcoHealth Association Conference
- Thanks to Supporters
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World's Third Largest Marine Protected Area Created
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The Republic of Kiribati announced the creation of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), the largest marine protected area in the Pacific Islands and the third largest in the world. Surpassed in size only by Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Northeastern Hawaiian Islands, the PIPA represents 8 percent of all marine protected areas on Earth and helps safeguard more than 73,000 square miles of nearly pristine marine wilderness. More than 120 species of coral and 520 species of reef fish have been identified in the area, as well as dolphins, sea turtles, and healthy seabird populations. It contains a near pristine coral archipelago with abundant marine and bird life, and is the first marine protected area in the region with deep-sea habitat, including underwater mountains. The PIPA is the result of a partnership with the New England Aquarium (NEAq) and Conservation International (CI). A management plan being developed by the partners aims to include careful zoning, to allow for subsistence harvesting and other sustainable economic opportunities, and for capacity building to allow enforcement of regulations. Kiribati will be compensated for its investment through a unique endowment system, demonstrating the potential economic return of choosing conservation efforts over extractive industries. CI's Global Conservation Fund will finance the implementation phase and initiate the endowment. Pew Fellow Greg Stone has led the NEAq's efforts, with the legal help of Pew Fellow Peter Shelley. Stone's first expedition to the Phoenix Islands occurred during and was supported, in part, by his Pew Fellowship (1997-2000). More recently, a Collaborative Initiative Fund from the Pew Fellows Program allowed Stone and Shelley to combine their expertise and help the Kiribati MPA become a reality.
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Roadmap to Recovery: A Global Network of Marine Reserves
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Callum Roberts and fellow scientists Leanne Mason and Julie P. Hawkins have written a new report with Greenpeace International called 'Roadmap to Recovery: A global network of marine reserves.' The report, which presents a design for a global network of high-seas marine reserves, brings together many different kinds of biological, physical and oceanographic data, and identifies places that are hotspots for large and vulnerable species. The report used data on the distribution of different biological areas, depth zones, seabed sediment types and ocean trenches to represent the variety of habitats and their variation across the globe. The report pays particular attention to highly sensitive deepwater habitats, using maps of seamount distribution and of the seafloor to identify places vulnerable to harm by bottom fishing.
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Disappearing Birds May Point to Bigger Problems
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“Researchers in the Pacific Northwest are trying to figure out why sea birds seem to be disappearing. These are
birds that normally would travel from California to Canada. Some birds are starving to death, some are not
reproducing, and some have simply vanished...Scientists are worried that this mysterious disappearance of birds may point to a larger problem.”
listen to the story.
SOURCE:
National Public Radio (NPR), Morning Edition
April 17, 2006
Deirdre Kennedy
Contact NPR for the full transcript.
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As many readers know, Hurricane Katrina dealt a significant blow to many Ocean Project Partners along the Gulf of Mexico coast, including New Orleans-based Audubon Nature Institute’s museums and parks dedicated to nature. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas lost over 95% of its collection when back-up power systems failed; Audubon Zoo and Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species suffered wind damage to roofs, trees and fences; and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center—located in devastated New Orleans East—stood in 5’ of floodwater for several weeks.
As New Orleans and the region recovers, the Zoo, Aquarium and parks are more important than ever because they offer residents clean safe, environments for spending time with their families. Audubon is playing a vital role in New Orleans’ rebirth as it works to reopen Louisiana’s most popular attractions. Audubon Zoo now welcomes guests five days a week; Audubon and Woldenberg Parks are open; and Research Center scientists are back in their labs. The Aquarium and Entergy IMAX Theatre will reopen Summer 2006.
Because Audubon relies on proceeds from admissions, catering, gift shop sales, concessions and programs to
operate its educational attractions, every day that a paid-admission facility is closed to the public means that no
revenue is earned—but critical daily functions like feeding and caring for over 1,500 animals continue. Financial
support from compassionate people everywhere helps Audubon provide outstanding care for its animals until its
facilities are fully operational. Learn how you can be part of Audubon’s recovery by visiting their website today. Learn more about and help other Ocean Project Partners affected in the Gulf region.
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A new era in pesticide use has begun in Quebec with the banning of many domestic products that have chemicals considered toxic to humans and the environment. The third and final phase of Quebec's Pesticide Management Code, first introduced in March 2003, went into effect yesterday. With its ban on 20 active ingredients, 210 lawn-care products are now off the market, giving Quebec the toughest standards in North America. Home gardeners may no longer use such popular herbicides as Green Cross Killex, C-I-L Tri-Kill and Weedex that contain 2,4-D to rid lawns of dandelions and other weeds. Insecticides such as Sevin that include Carbaryl are also banned.
Don Cerone, merchandiser at its head-office nursery, said the ban means gardeners will have to get back to basics. "To have a healthy lawn, you need good soil, add lots of grass seed, and use fertilizer to put nutrients in your soil. "The basic principle is "the more dense your grass, the less room there is for weeds," he said.
Read the full article.
The Montreal Gazette
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
By Irwin Block
Find out how to take action on this issue with the Safe Lawn Door-Hanger campaign, coordinated by Ocean Project Partner, Beyond Pesticides.
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Humanity’s ecological footprint exceeds the Earth’s biological capacity by nearly 40% according to a new Footprint of Nations report by Redefining Progress, an Oakland based policy institute. The ecological footprint is a measure of the amount of nature it takes to sustain a given population over the course of a year. By comparing a population’s footprint with its biological capacity, ecological footprint analysis suggests whether or not that population is living within its ecological means. If a population’s footprint exceeds its biological capacity, that population is said to be engaging in unsustainable ecological overshoot. According to the new Footprint of Nations report, humanity’s footprint is 57 acres per person while the Earth’s biological capacity is just 41.
Read the full press release.
Learn more about urban and ecological footprints: The Global Development Research Center website provides access to resource materials, including: footprint calculators and tools; standards; carrying capacity; examples of urban footprints from around the world; etc.
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A new three-year national consumer awareness campaign focusing on global climate change has been launched in the United States by the Ad Council, Environmental Defense, and the Robertson Foundation. The national campaign is intended to educate the public about the urgency of addressing climate change and the existence of solutions. The campaign consists of TV, radio, print, and web ads. The ads are intended to create a visceral sense of urgency, educate people about the issue, and create engaging and easy ways for citizens to get personally involved in solutions. The website includes summaries of the science, the dangers, tips about how to reduce emissions, a special section for the press, a personal kit, and more. Jane Lubchenco, a member of the Board of Trustees of Environmental Defense, says the fact that the Ad Council has taken on this topic "is a powerful statement. The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization that delivers critical public service messages to the American public. This campaign is the most compelling effort to date to engage the public in this critically important issue. The campaign does not have lots of hype and scare tactics, but real facts, real consequences and real solutions." She also points out that the campaign can be used as a point of departure to draw attention to related ocean issues.
SOURCE:
SeaSpan, April 1, 2006
website link: http://www.fightglobalwarming.com
Read the full article.
The Montreal Gazette
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
By Irwin Block
Find out how to take action on this issue withLearn more about how you can conserve energy to help stop global warming.
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The magazine Vanity Fair is releasing its first “Green Issue,” this month, beginning an “increased commitment to reporting on the threat to our precious environment,” says editor Graydon Carter. The May cover features high-profile environmentalists Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Al Gore, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney. Articles inside address environmental issues such as global warming, mountain top mining, and a Green Guide offers up 50 simple things you can do in your daily life to help save the planet. This is a great step towards environmental lifestyles becoming “main stream”!
Visit Vanity Fair to learn more.
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Community-based social marketing has been recognized as a very effective method for promoting behavior
change for social, personal, and environmental benefits. The approach emphasizes the reduction of barriers to
taking the desired actions, direct contact among community members, the use of proven tools of change, and
continuous program improvement.
In collaboration with the Tools of Change Educational Institute, Cullbridge Marketing and Communications
provides popular social marketing workshops and presentations that are based on the Tools of Change,
cbsm.com and Turning Point/CDCynergy materials.
Click here for your free social marketing toolkit.
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Safe Lawn Door Hanger
Spring has sprung and those little yellow pesticide caution signs are appearing on lawns everywhere. The Safe Lawn Door-Hanger is a tool to help spread the word about the dangers of lawn pesticides and the ever-increasing availability of alternatives. It’s an easy, non-confrontational way to approach neighbors you suspect are using pesticides.
Order up to 50 free copies by sending an email to egunn@beyondpesticides.org with your address and number of hangers you would like. If you represent an organization, put a 1 x 2 5/8 label in the designated area on back of the hanger with contact information. Here are some ideas for getting the hangers out in the community:
• Put a copy of the PDF on your website for others to download
• Distribute them at fairs and events such as World Ocean Day
• Ask local health centers, doctors and veterinarians to distribute them
For more information, visit the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns.
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The monthly e-newsletter, the Information Exchange for Marine Educators, shares information pertinent to the marine educator community. The update includes information about marine education programs and activities, professional development opportunities, and funding sources. It also includes a section for educators to post requests for information.
Read the current newsletter and look through the archives.
Subscribe by sending a blank message with “subscribe infoexchange” in the subject field.
Contact, Phyllis Dermer, the editor, directly.
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The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were recently featured in the new Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventure series. Stay tuned for a special 2-hour feature on "America's Underwater Treasures" in Fall 2006. Learn more about the series and explore the online resource for educators here.
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Joel Harper’s new children’s picture book, “All the Way to the Ocean”, deals with the problem of non-point source pollution, also known as urban runoff. The book is intended for K-3rd graders, however the book has the potential to have an impact on people of all ages.
Click here to preview the book. For further information and discounted book rates for educators, please feel free to email or call Joel Harper at 909.414.1487.
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The book entitled "50 Ways to Save the Oceans" focuses on practical, easily implemented actions to protect and conserve the ocean. It also addresses issues such as toxic pollutant runoff; protecting wetlands and sanctuaries; saving reef environments; and replenishing fish reserves. For details and ordering information, visit the book’s website.
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TNOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries “State of the Sanctuaries” report is a review of the annual accomplishments of the sanctuary program. It includes 120 vignettes on the different types of science, resource protection, education and community involvement activities that were accomplished throughout the sanctuary system in 2005. Check it out here.
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May is "Conscious Consumption" month at www.SeasTheDay.org. Learn about what you can do and how your visitors and members can get involved. Visit the "Eat for the Earth" web page.
Also, check out a funny but sobering Web-toon, The Meatrix II, and learn about where meat and animal products come from and the implications for our environment and regional economMeatrix, check it out here.
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1) National Wildlife Week is April 22-30
This April, the National Wildlife Federation is encouraging everyone to “Get outside and explore your community” during National Wildlife Week. Their website includes a marketing toolkit and a list of great activities for you to get involved. Check out the opportunities here.
2) International Migratory Bird Day is May 13th
International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. The event encourages bird conservation and increases awareness of birds through hikes, bird watching, information about birds and migration, public events, and a variety of other education programs. This year’s theme celebrates the Boreal Forest: Bird Nursery of the Americas. The website includes press kit fact sheets covering different facets of the theme, including the importance of the boreal forest to breeding birds, and threats to the forests, including habitat loss and climate change. Check out the website for more information.
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3) Great Annual Fish Count Coming to Your Neck of the Ocean
Event registration and planning for the upcoming Great Annual Fish Count has begun! 2006 marks the 15th year for this annual marine conservation citizen science event. All events must be registered online and received no later than June 15, 2006 in order to guarantee inclusion on the website calendar, media releases, and other publicity. All diving/surveying aspect of any activities must take place during the month of July. Other related events – Fish ID classes, Kick-off parties, BBQs, etc. – can take place any time leading up to or during July. All Fish ID classes must be offered for free. The website includes inclusive information for organizers, links to learning resources, a fundraising challenge and more.
Check it out!
4) Preserve America Grant Proposals Due May 19th
If you are eligible, don’t miss the upcoming deadline for the next round of Preserve America grant proposals. Proposals are due May 19, 2006 and there will be $1.5 million available. For the application, click here.
5) The Coastal Society's 20th International Conference is May 14-17
The conference, also know as TCS 20, will be held next month in St. Pete Beach, FL. The conference is entitled "Charting a New Course: Shaping Solutions for the Coast." Information about all the events and a preliminary schedule of the concurrent sessions is posted and online registration is now open. Simply go to the conference website here.
6) Making Waves: Celebrating World Ocean Day Month
Making Waves is a project created through coordination between Patagonia and The Ocean Project. In order to increase ocean awareness along the northeastern seaboard, Making Waves is designed as a kayak paddle from Newport, RI to Freeport, ME. Two Patagonia employees, Sarah Miller and Kali Garbaczeski, will undertake this ambitious endeavor. They are working with The Ocean Project to further progress in protecting and revitalizing our international waterways by focusing on increasing public participation with local ocean- related non-profits in the communities they visit throughout the month of June. Celebrate our Ocean: Make every day World Ocean Day is the Seas the Day calendar and website theme for the month. For Sarah and Kali, they will literally be doing so. Please contact them if your organization is interested in connecting with them. Through events, seminars, and clean ups, Making Waves will enhance the relationships between communities and their local non-profit organizations to promote healthier lifestyles for ourselves and for our ocean.
For more information on how you can get involved please email Sarah and Kali or visit their website.
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 7) IZE Conference is October 9-14
The International Zoo Educators’ Association conference will be hosted by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa from 9-14 October 2006. This is the first time that this conference will be held in Africa and promises to be a memorable and informative event. For more information email or visit their website.
8) International Council for Exploration of the Seas Conference
This Conference will be held September 19-23, 2005 in the Netherlands. Abstracts are due April 24th. Symposia and theme sessions for 2006 include harmful algae bloom dynamics; large-scale changes in the migration of small pelagic fish; Census of Marine Life; biodiversity in marine benthic habitats; operational oceanography; human health risks and marine environmental quality; evolutionary effects of exploitation on living marine resources; environmental and fisheries data management, access, and integration; technologies for monitoring fishing activities and observing catch; spatiotemporal characteristics of fish populations; and use of data storage tags to reveal fish behavior. For more information, click here.
9) International EcoHealth Association Conference
The first biennial conference of the International EcoHealth Association is scheduled for October 7-10, 2006 in Madison, Wisconsin. The theme of the meeting is Promoting Global Health -- Sustaining Natural Resources. Session topics will include: Ecology and Health in Marine Systems, Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health, and Conservation and Ecosystem Sustainability. Visit the Ecohealth website for details.
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Here’s a free and easy way to help us help you! The Ocean Project has partnered with GoodSearch.com to take advantage of an exciting new opportunity whereby you can help us raise money just by searching the Internet at GoodSearch.com. The GoodSearch.com search engine is powered by Yahoo! and each time you use it to search the Web, funds are generated to help us keep bringing you cutting edge tools and information. Here's how it works:
• Go to www.goodsearch.com; type “The Ocean Project" into the "I support" box and click "verify."
• Search the Internet just like you would with any search engine.
• Since GoodSearch shares its advertising revenue with charities, every time you search the Internet at GoodSearch, you'll be earning money for us.
• GoodSearch also has a toolbar you can download so that you can search right from the top of your browser. You can download the GoodSearch toolbar and start helping us raise funds today!
GoodSearch estimates that each search will generate approximately $0.01 for the designated organization. So, for example, an organization with 1,000 supporters searching twice a day would receive an estimated $7,300 per year. The Ocean Project is a low overhead operation so your contribution will help significantly! The more people who use the site, the more money we'll earn, so please spread the word and encourage your colleagues and friends to download the GoodSearch toolbar today!
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Thank You for Your Support
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The Ocean Project would like to thank the following private foundations for recent generous support for our core costs and particularly for the Seas the Day initiative:
- The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation
- The Keith Campbell Foundation
- The Henry Foundation
- An Anonymous Foundation
Contributions from Partners help us continue our work with and for you. The Ocean Project would especially like to thank our following Sustaining Partners for very generous support:
- Landry’s Restaurants, Inc.
- New York Aquarium/WCS
We would also very much like to thank our newest Supporting Partners for their significant contributions:
- Disney’s Animal Programs
- Eques, Inc.
- Geyrhalter Design
- SeaWorld
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Ocean Project also thanks the many individuals who have made contributions directly or through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Each year individuals, particularly through the CFC, contribute approximately 10% toward our annual operating costs. Every single contribution does make a difference! Additionally, The Ocean Project would like to thank Wolcott Henry, for donating use of his spectacular images for the Seas the Day calendar, website, and throughout this newsletter. You can learn more about him through his website.
Please contact Bill Mott directly for more information on how your institution, organization, business, or foundation can help. You can also make an individual donation directly at our secure donation page.
The Ocean Project
Phone: +1.401.709.4071
PO Box 2506
Providence, Rhode Island 02906 USA
www.TheOceanProject.org – learn more
www.SeastheDay.org – take action today
www.WorldOceanDay.org – celebrate our ocean.
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