Marine Conservation – International Efforts (Selected Examples)

1. Marine Conservation – International Efforts (Selected Examples) • Earliest Examples: International Fur Seal Treaty (1911) between U.S., Russia, Japan, and Canada; International Halibut Commission (1924) between U.S. and Canada • International Whaling Commission (IWC) established in 1948; whaling banned in 1986; Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary established 1994 • World Heritage Convention (1972): designated sites for protection include Great Barrier Reef and Galapagos Islands • The London Convention (1972) and Annexes: regarding oil spills and ocean dumping (including radioactive wastes) • MARPOL (1973) and Annexes: regarding pollution, incl. sewage • Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (1982): 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) established; preceded by U.S. Truman Proclamation(1945) • Rio Earth Summit (1992): biodiversity and climate change addressed • World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002, Johannesburg): focused on overfishing and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas • Stockholm Convention (2001): focused on persistent organic pollutants

2. Marine Conservation – National Efforts (Selected Examples) • National Environmental Policy Act (1969): legacy of first Earth Day; instituted requirements of “environmental impact statements” and “worse case analysis” before awarding Federal funding • Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972): in response to “Save the Whales” movement in America; all marine mammals in U.S. waters protected • National Marine Sanctuary Act (1972): first marine sanctuary designated at Monitor (Civil War) shipwreck; 13 sanctuaries today and one Marine National Monument (Papahānaumokuākea: 140,000 square miles around the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, established 2006) • Endangered Species Act (1973): species listed as endangered require protection of habitat; threatened listing if “forseeable” risk of extinction (ex. polar bear) • Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (1976, most recent reauthorization in 2006): mandates management of overfished stocks, reduction of bycatch • Coral Reef Conservation Act (2000):monitoring, restoration, and education • The Oceans Act (2000): established Federal Commission on Ocean Policy

3. Figures 17-1 and 17-2

4. Marine Conservation – Personal Efforts • Citizen Groups and Non-profit Organizations: often plaintiffs in environmental lawsuits; vital role in ensuring enforcement of existing environmental laws; membership typically includes magazine or newsletter • Examples: The Ocean Conservancy (largest and most lobbying-influence regarding oceans), The Nature Conservancy (purchases critical habitat, including coastal wetlands) • Letters (to political officials, editors): see example • Clean-up efforts at local beaches and estuaries • Restoration Projects: coral reefs • Demonstrations/Protests: peaceful (video clip example) or not (ex. Sea Shepherd Foundation)

5. Marine Science Careers • Marine Biology and Oceanography: Bachelors Degree generally required for government employment (ex. Department of Fish and Game); Masters Degree or Ph.D. generally required for college employment • Selected Marine Science Programs: CSU Long Beach, Humboldt State, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Diego (Scripps Institution of Oceanography); several colleges and universities in Florida, VIMS, Texas A&M, Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution • Ocean Engineering: including marine architects • Related Fields (college degree not necessarily required) • Aquaculture, photographer or filmmaker, fishing or boat operator, travel writer or agent, aquarist, watersports, animal trainer, resort operator, submarine pilot, oil platform worker, U.S. Navy or Coast Guard

6. Figures 17-11 and 17-12