Ocean Conservancy

Results: 2006 Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Ocean Conservancy engaged in a years-long effort to secure reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), the federal law that governs our fisheries. Our focused strategy was to “end overfishing now” and when MSA was reauthorized in late 2006 the lone conservation provision of the bill that grew much stronger was a requirement to end overfishing immediately. Ocean Conservancy played a critical role in improving the bill as it wended through Congress and helped ward off a stiff challenge by getting a harmful sanctuaries provision removed from the bill. Shrimp Moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico Shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico discard four pounds of unwanted fish (“bycatch”) for every one pound of shrimp they catch. Shrimp fishing has historically been “overcapitalized”—there are too many boats in the fishery causing negative environmental and economic impacts. Ocean Conservancy notched a major victory when it secured a moratorium capping federal shrimp permits at 2003 levels in the Gulf. The win effectively ends the “open access” nature of the fishery and is the crucial first step toward a comprehensive solution to conservation problems that have plagued the Gulf. Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Plan After three years of work by a federal recovery team, the smalltooth sawfish became the focus of the first-ever recovery plan for a US marine fish under the Endangered Species Act— a plan prompted by a petition from Ocean Conservancy. And, as part of a larger effort to highlight the myriad problems faced by endangered ocean fish, Ocean Conservancy worked with eBay to halt the sale of endangered smalltooth sawfish parts and products via auctions. eBay acceded to use reporting, monitoring tools, and information from Ocean Conservancy to enforce and remove listings that violate its sawfish policy. Ocean Conservancy Named Deputy Chair of IUCN’s Shark Specialist Group Ocean Conservancy plays a critical and leading role in safeguarding the world’s biodiversity. Sonja Fordham, shark conservation program director for Ocean Conservancy, was asked to serve on the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission as Deputy Chair of its Shark Specialist Group (SSG). The Species Survival Commission is an international network of volunteer experts working to achieve the vision of “A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity.” Among other duties, the SSC publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species ™ and sets species Action Plans. The IUCN’s Red List is the world’s most authoritative guide to the status of biological diversity. New Regulations for New England Cod and Groundfish In New England, where such matters are highly contentious, Ocean Conservancy secured new fishing regulations for cod and other groundfish. These measures will keep stock rebuilding on track based on scientific findings. The action was prompted by an Ocean Conservancy lawsuit that asserted that the original plan was not meeting its goals.

Geographic areas served: National, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, Caribbean, South, Western, Pacfic, North Pacific, Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, New England, Maine

Programs: Communications & outreach - ocean conservancy educates the public through various communication channels including websites, e-mail, direct mail, social media, paid advertising, public service announcements, reporter outreach, written reports, blogging and more. Ocean conservancy has more than 130,000 members, international coastal cleanup volunteers numbering around 800,000 each year and a social media audience of more than 800,000. We also engage in various efforts to provide strategic advice, messaging and digital assets to the broader ocean community.

marine debris education & prevention: for more than 30 years, ocean conservancy has been bringing together passionate ocean lovers who have the common goal of trash free seas. We mobilize the international coastal cleanup - the world's largest volunteer effort to clean up waterways and the ocean. We research and share key details about what is trashing our ocean with the public, scientific community and decision-makers. We are also bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia through the trash free seas alliance to lead to innovative solutions that stop trash and plastic at the source.

ocean policy science and governance - ocean conservancy translates threats into sound practical policies that protect our ocean and improve our lives. We recognize that real leadership means real cooperation between governments, businesses, scientists, policymakers, conservation organizations and citizen advocates. We seek to achieve this by advocating for improvement in quality and quantity of ocean research and monitoring, reform of ocean governance and planning for various ocean uses like fishing, fish farming, and other types of resource development. Thanks to improved management practices and restoration of nursery habitat, many of our nation's fisheries are producing sustainable yields that fuel a strong economy, support well-paying jobs, provide for ample recreational opportunities and supply americans with healthy seafood.