U.S, Indonesia in $35M debt for nature swap deal

These underwater networks of sea life not only help keep the coral reefs and greater ocean healthy, but they also provide food security, storm surge protection, livelihoods and economic opportunity for the region. Read more here.

Conservation of endangered right whale faces ‘serious setback’ as US drops proposed rule

A recent decision by the U.S. government to drop a proposed rule aimed at protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales is “incredibly disappointing” to a Massachusetts-based conservationist. Read more here.

Indonesia seeks international marine conservation collaboration

The management of marine conservation areas in Indonesia—which is home to 23 percent of the world’s mangroves, 18 percent of coral reefs, and 15 percent of seagrass—would have implications for the global community, he said. Read more here.

India’s fisherfolk mark ‘monumental milestone’ for whale sharks

More than 1,000 whale sharks accidentally entangled in fishing nets along the coasts of Gujarat and Kerala have been successfully freed and released over the last 12 months, marking what the marine conservation organisation the Wildlife Trust of India has called a ‘monumental milestone’ that “underscores the compassion of India’s fishing communities” and a stark contrast to their somewhat brutal historic relationship. Read more here.

Why are hundreds of endangered sea turtles washing up on the shores of East India dead?

It’s not been witnessed in over two decades, and it has environmentalists and conservationists concerned as to what is causing it to happen again: hundreds of endangered sea turtles are washing up on the shores of east India dead, and everyone is asking why. Read more here.