Marine Protected Areas

Historic Oregon legislation passed to protect sharks

House Bill (HB) 2838 was introduced to the Oregon State Legislature on 11 January 2011 by Representative Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie) to prohibit the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of shark fins in Oregon. Western ports such as those in Oregon and California are major entry points for shark fin distribution in the United States.

The New Zealand blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a temperate marine fish of the family Pinguipedidae
The New Zealand blue cod (Parapercis colias) is a temperate marine fish of the family Pinguipedidae

Marine reserves increase the abundance and size of blue cod and rock lobster

These findings indicate that MR (Marine Reserve) protection can result in more and bigger individuals soon after the establishment of the MR. Focused comparison tests did not reveal any relationship between rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) or blue cod (Parapercis colias) size or abundance and either age or area of MRs.

Ningaloo Coast
Ningaloo Coast

Australia’s Ningaloo Coast Awarded World Heritage Status

After a seven-year campaign by Australian Federal and State governments, Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef has been awarded World Heritage status at UNESCO’s June meeting in Paris. Australian Environment Minister Tony Burke heralds the inscription as a major achievement. “The Ningaloo coast’s striking land and seascape tells a dramatic story about the formation of oceans, movement of continents and changes in our climate,” he said.