MediaStorm--a group worth checking out

So I recently found about this group. They work on creating/packing the type of multimedia projects that I think we want. I plan to contact them this next week, but in the meantime, I'd be interested to hear what you guys think of their work! It's pretty cool.

Britain Creates World's Largest Marine Reserve

By Juliet Eilperin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 2, 2010

The British government on Thursday announced the creation of the world's largest marine reserve, designating a group of 55 islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean off-limits to industrial fishing and other extractive activities.

This Story
'Biological gem' becomes largest marine reserve
Britain creates world's largest marine reserve in the Indian Ocean
The Chagos Islands are home to roughly half of the Indian Ocean's healthy coral reefs, along with several imperiled sea turtle species and 175,000 pairs of breeding seabirds. The new preserve covers 210,000 square miles -- an area larger than California and more than twice the size of Britain -- and will shelter at least 76 species classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Just two-tenths of 1 percent of the world's oceans are protected, compared with 6 to 11 percent of the world's land mass; the Chagos Islands addition will increase it to roughly three-tenths of 1 percent. The new protected area will surpass the Papahânaumokuâkea Marine National Monument in the waters of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, set aside by President George W. Bush in 2006, as the biggest marine reserve.

"Its establishment will double the global coverage of the world's oceans under protection," Britain's foreign secretary, David Miliband, said in a statement. "This measure is a further demonstration of how the U.K. takes its international environmental responsibilities seriously."

Jay Nelson, who directs the Pew Environment Group's global ocean legacy initiative, called the decision "a historic victory for global ocean conservation."

"It's really a biological gem," Nelson said of the Chagos Islands.

He noted that because the corals live at greater depths in the area they are less vulnerable to bleaching, and that the large-scale fishing prohibition should protect both tuna and the 60,000 sharks caught each year accidentally by tuna fishermen. "It should give the tuna some breathing room," Nelson said. "And it's good news for sharks, too."

Sea Shepherd Crewmember Indicted in Japan

I stumbled upon this article while looking for the background on parks. Its titled "Rethinking the Galapagos Islands as a Complex Social-Ecological System: Implications for Conservation and Management" I thought it could maybe be relevant.

http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol13/iss2/art13/main.html

'Sea party' protest in Florida against regulation

March has been a month of fishing protests in the U.S.

Chafing against stricter government regulation of Snapper, Florida fisherman held a 'sea party protest' against tighter fishing limits. Days later in Washington D.C., hundreds gathered outside the Capitol to rally against increased government management of saltwater fisheries.

Here's a good reminder that we are all connected and facing similar issues trying to balance environmental needs with needs of those who depend on resources.

It's an issue relevant to us, happening now.

Maybe the link will work here?

also, remember that you need to get to this one through AU. you cant get to it if its not.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6N-4XJ17K9-1&_user=986260&_coverDate=02/28/2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000049872&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=986260&md5=5ba275ced83a112eb656eb39e3bee025

Shark Fins and Raids

Looks like their patrols are finding success, but at what cost to the community?

How the Sea Shepherd came to Galapagos

Apparently, the Sea Shepherd crew first came to the islands back in 2006, so they have been there for four years! I wonder what stories they might have to share about illegal fishing activities? Or how their presence has impacted marine conservation efforts?

Pete Bethune, Captain of the Sea Shepherd's Ady Gil, being held in Tokyo by Japanese Authorities

Food

Hi all

I was a little bored, so I decided to look up some things about travel in Ecuador found this great article about food. Thought it would be great to share. Also there is a new Anthony Bordain No Reservations special on Ecuador, check it out if you can. What the article doesnt talk about which i found saddening was a lack of info about Ecuador's stews. Personally I love stews, and I think they are found in almost any culture. The biggest reason this is, is because they are very affordable, using whatever is available. Hopefully we will be able to try some while we are down there.

Meals on Wheels

Galapagos Sea Shepherd to be funded by Dutch Government

About four weeks ago the Sea Shepherd received an additional 1.5 million Euros from the Dutch National Post Code Lottery specifically for the boat that patrols the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

According to the article, the money was donated in recognition that illegal poaching in the reserve continues despite set limits.

Saving Splashy Pants, a 3 minute breakdown of social media movements

This TED talk is awesome and is excellent food for thought. A reminder that movements are created in many ways.

We should keep this in mind when we're thinking about how to best convey our message!

Trey's Interview

This is an interview of Trey Lewis conducted by Susie Vulpas.

I just really dont like that there arent any posts in here, so I'm changing that.