December 17, 2006

12/18 -  Shame for China:  The white-fin river dolphin of the Yangtze goes extinct

The white-fin dolphin that inhabited China's Yangtze River for 20 million years is gone.  No more.  Adios.  Into the Extinct Species Hall of Fame.    

abu03_01.jpg
There could still be one or two surviving, but with the Yangtze becoming one big oxygen-depleted dead zone, the odds are slim.

Posted by Randy Olson at 11:13 PM

December 12, 2006

12/12 - Big Victories for U.S. Oceans:  An ocean double play last week in Congress

As most years go, this one has been relatively good for the oceans in congress.  In addition to defeating the #1 enemy of the oceans (California Representative Richard Pombo) last week congress reauthorized the major fishery bill (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and blocked attempts to reverse the national moratorium on new offshore oil and gas drilling.  The folks at Ocean Champions have a good summary of the victories.

capitol.jpb.jpg
There is hope for the oceans

Posted by Randy Olson at 10:37 AM

December 05, 2006

12/5 - Fish Wars:  A compelling new documentary: "One More Dead Fish"

Very few films have tried to capture the drama of lost livelihoods due to fisheries collapse.  Here's a new documentary, "One More Dead Fish," about the struggles of a group of Canadian fishermen in 1996 which looks excellent.  And here's where to order it.  

omdf.jpg
The future of commercial fishing?

Posted by Randy Olson at 06:10 AM