Scientists warn ocean-based climate fixes lack rules and oversight

While many projects and ideas may be well-intentioned, they’re generally not subject to strong governance or oversight, and they often pose risks of social and ecological harm, according to a new paper. Read more here.

Ukraine joins the historic agreement on ocean protection

On August 29, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev signed the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) at UN Headquarters in New York, joining the global framework for protecting ocean ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources in international waters, the ministry reported on its website. Read more here.

Sperm whales of the Sargasso embolden ocean sanctuary claim

Campaigners have amplified calls for the Sargasso Sea to become an ‘ocean sanctuary’ under the Global Ocean Treaty after the presence of pygmy sperm whales as well as other vulnerable and near-threatened species were detected. Read more here.

San Antonio Zoo to get a new ocean conservation lab focusing on coral reefs

The lab, which will be 937 square feet, will focus on coral conservation, research, restoration and education, according to the zoo. Read more here.

The Philippines protects one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine regions

Today, the Philippines officially declared the waters surrounding Panaon Island a Protected Seascape, preserving some of the most vibrant and biodiverse coral reefs on the planet. Read more here.