Eight new deep-sea species of marine sponges discovered

Even though the Mediterranean Sea is the most explored sea on Earth, a study by Díaz et al. (2024) reveals the presence of new sponge species and new records in unexplored habitats such as underwater caves or mountains around the Balearic Islands. Read more here.

Canada bans bottom trawling near its only pacific coral reef

Canada has closed its only known live coral reef in the Pacific Ocean to all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fishing, including midwater trawling. The indefinite closure came into effect on February 14, 2024, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Read more here.

Inaugural event focused on Indigenous Pacific conservation

This year, the launch event will host two international experts who are advocates for Indigenous culture and sustainability in Papua New Guinea. Read more here.

Oceana lauds plastic ban in Sierra Madre protected area

An international ocean protection and conservation group lauded recent efforts to ban single-use plastics in Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP), the largest protected area in the Philippines, a significant step in addressing the escalating plastic crisis in the country’s protected areas. Read more here.

Bottom contact fishing banned near rare Central Coast coral reef

Federal authorities have closed Canada’s only known live coral reef in the Pacific Ocean to all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fishing. Read more here.