Dr. Earle Celebrates the Sargasso Sea Hope Spot!
Dr. Sylvia Earle Celebrates
New Hope Spot Champions of the Sargasso Sea
What is now the Sargasso Sea Commission began in 2009 as an initiative to protect the iconic North Atlantic high seas ecosystem. This was a challenge, as the only way the Sargasso Sea could be protected was to push complex international agreements for ocean conservation, often not designed with high seas systems in mind, to their limits.
The Sargasso Sea was first named a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2011, and is now recognized with the Commission as its Champion. The Hope Spot Champion’s next step is to conduct an Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis utilizing two major grants to inform the development of a long-term conservation strategy – the first of its kind.
Mission Blue Launches Partnership with Iron Horse Vineyards
in Sonoma County, California
Mission Blue is thrilled to announce a partnership with Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol, California with their 2018 Ocean Reserve, a vintage Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine. The 2018 Ocean Reserve is a special, limited edition production. This is a giving wine and a portion of the sales of this Ocean Reserve will support Mission Blue.
Dr. Sylvia Earle says, “I want to thank Iron Horse Vineyards for their support of Mission Blue and our goal of increasing protection for the ocean. All of us need water; the fabric of our lives. All of us need a planet that works, and all of us have the power to do something about it. I salute Iron Horse for doing their part.”
If you would like to enjoy this bottle at home and support Mission Blue, you may purchase from the Iron Horse website.
Three Cheers are in Order!
Wonderful news! Last week, Max Bello (right), Mission Blue's Global Ocean Policy Advisor, was honored by the Panamanian government for his dedication to protecting the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. A big congratulations to Max – well deserved! Max is pictured with H.E. Erika Mouynes, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
FWC Approves "Limited Recreational Harvest" of Goliath Grouper in Florida State Waters
There has been a disappointing development in the conservation of the majestic goliath grouper fish. Earlier this month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the recreational harvest of goliath grouper fish in state waters, starting in 2023. The stated policy allows the recreational harvest of up to 200 goliath per year, allowing 50 from Everglades National Park. Goliath groupers are recognized as a “Critically Endangered” species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The fishing of goliath grouper is purely for sport; the fish are not eaten by humans as their methylmercury levels are too high. If the goliath grouper was represented at the meeting, they surely would not have voted for this outcome. The FWC will meet again in the future, and we will keep you up to date with developments.
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Job Opportunities in
Ocean Conservation
Have you been wanting to get involved with marine conservation? Our partner SEVENSEAS Media hosts a robust and always-growing list of job openings all over the world! SEVENSEAS Media is a free, public resource that promotes marine conservation through community engagement, career opportunities, creative media, and eco-tourism. Check them out!