Rolling Back Ocean Protections

Our executive director’s lates op-ed in the LA Times observes: The Trump administration is pursuing an aggressive shift in U.S. ocean policy, prioritizing oil and gas extraction while moving to roll back offshore wind, coastal protections and marine conservation. The administration has committed billions in taxpayer money to persuade companies to abandon offshore wind projects and is pushing new offshore drilling in the West Coast and Alaska. It is also challenging California’s authority to enforce coastal protections.

Science and Conservation Under Threat

The administration has also targeted federal ocean science and conservation programs. It attempted to shut down the $386-million Ocean Observatories Initiative and has significantly reduced staffing at NOAA, while opening national marine monuments to commercial fishing. At the same time, officials are fast-tracking deep-sea mining and pursuing policies that could weaken protections for endangered species and increase greenhouse gas emissions and mercury exposure in seafood.

A Vote for the Ocean

David argues that these policies come at a particularly dangerous moment, as marine heat waves and other climate-related disasters intensify. With the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, voters have an opportunity to make ocean health part of their decisions. Helvarg urges Americans to research candidates’ records on ocean and climate issues and support leaders who recognize the connection between healthy oceans, strong economies, cultures and communities.

You can read the full article by David on the LA Times.