Deep Dives
Thought-provoking research providing extensive learning opportunities

Anthropogenic pollution in deep-marine sedimentary systems -- A geological perspective on the plastic problem

Ian Kane & Andrea Fildani, Geology Plastics & Pollution

A new focus article in the May issue of Geology summarizes research on plastic waste in marine and sedimentary environments.

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Energy Transition

Vivan Sorab, CREO Energy Solutions

The need to decarbonize the global economy together with a drop in prices of renewable power have accelerated the energy transition, though its magnitude remains its greatest hurdle.

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More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean

Meijer, L.J.J. et al, Science Advances Plastics & Pollution

Plastic waste increasingly accumulates in the marine environment, but data on the distribution and quantification of riverine sources required for development of effective mitigation are limited.

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The Blue Wave: Investing in BlueTech Clusters to Maintain Leadership and Promote Economic Growth and Job Creation

The Ocean Foundation and TMA BlueTech

The Ocean Foundation and TMA BlueTech have joined to co-sponsor this white paper calling for a U.S. Apollo-style “Blue Wave Mission,” focused on innovative technology and services to promote sustainable usage of the ocean and freshwater resources.

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‘Aquafeed 3.0’: creating a more resilient aquaculture industry with a circular bioeconomy framework

Stefanie M. Colombo & Giovanni M. Turchini, Reviews in Aquaculture Fisheries & Aquaculture

As aquaculture continues to grow, so does the requirement for environmentally sustainable and cost‐effective aquafeed. With an expected increase in aquafeed demand, it is important (now more than ever) to investigate and utilize new aquafeed ingredients that do not deplete natural resources and, instead, may have positive impacts to help control climate change.

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COP26 and the ocean-climate nexus

World Ocean Initiative, The Economist Group

An open letter by Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, to Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC

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CREO Investment Report Release: Aquaculture Value Chain

Gracie White & Maggie Fried, CREO Fisheries & Aquaculture

Learn about each segment of the sustainable aquaculture value chain in the U.S. and Europe, including growth catalysts, risks, capital needs, and considerations for driving investment impact.

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The Second World Ocean Assessment (Volume II)

United Nations Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

The Second World Ocean Assessment (WOA II) is the major output of the second cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the States of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects. It is the newest outcome of the only integrated assessment of the world’s ocean at the global level covering environmental, economic and social aspects.

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The Second World Ocean Assessment (Volume I)

United Nations Energy Solutions Fisheries & Aquaculture Plastics & Pollution Shipping & Ports Tourism

The Second World Ocean Assessment (WOA II) is the major output of the second cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the States of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects. It is the newest outcome of the only integrated assessment of the world’s ocean at the global level covering environmental, economic and social aspects.

Read more → (more than an hour read)


Cities Confront Climate Challenge: How to Move from Gas to Electricity?

Jonathan Mingle, Yale Environment 360 Energy Solutions

Ending the use of fossil fuels to heat homes and buildings is a key challenge for cities hoping to achieve net-zero emissions.

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The Potential of Zero-Carbon Bunker Fuels in Developing Countries

Englert, D. et al., The World Bank Energy Solutions Shipping & Ports

Across the maritime industry, there is general agreement that shipping must undergo a rapid energy transition. This implies a shift from fossil bunker fuels, such as the predominant heavy fuel oil (HFO), to a new generation of alternative bunker fuels.

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A case for seaweed aquaculture inclusion in U.S. nutrient pollution management

Racine, P. et al., Marine Policy Fisheries & Aquaculture

Seaweed aquaculture is capable of removing large quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus from coastal ecosystems, yet seaweed has gained little traction for its potential role in targeted nutrient assimilation.

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A Safety Net for Ocean Fisheries: The Case for Stronger Protection of Essential Fish Habitat Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act

Brad Sewell & Molly Masterton, NRDC Fisheries & Aquaculture

NRDC conducted a detailed review, including geospatial analysis and mapping, of how each of the eight federal regional management councils (councils) have implemented the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s requirement to designate and minimize harms from fishing to “essential fish habitat” or EFH.

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Animal welfare risks of global aquaculture

Franks, B. et al., Applied Ecology Fisheries & Aquaculture

The unprecedented growth of aquaculture involves well-documented environmental and public-health costs, but less is understood about global animal welfare risks.

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In Hotter Climate, 'Zombie' Urchins Are Winning And Kelp Forests Are Losing

Lauren Sommer, NPR Fisheries & Aquaculture

They're purple, spiky and voracious, and just off the West Coast, there are more of them than you can count.

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Pandemic Pollution: The Rising Tide of Plastic PPE

Ocean Conservancy Plastics & Pollution

Volunteers removed 107,219 items of personal protective equipment (PPE) from beaches and waterways worldwide in second half of 2020. 

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Coast-wide evidence of low pH amelioration by seagrass ecosystems

Ricart, A.M. et al., Global Change Biology

Global‐scale ocean acidification has spurred interest in the capacity of seagrass ecosystems to increase seawater pH within crucial shoreline habitats through photosynthetic activity. 

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Gauging Economic Consensus on Climate Change

Peter Howard & Derek Sylvan, Institute for Policy Integrity Energy Solutions

Thousands of economists have spent years or decades studying the interaction between climate change and the economic systems that underlie modern life. The views of these experts can help clarify how climate change will likely affect our society and economy, and how policymakers should approach greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts.

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A 20-year retrospective review of global aquaculture

Naylor, R.L. et al., Nature Fisheries & Aquaculture

The sustainability of aquaculture has been debated intensely since 2000, when a review on the net contribution of aquaculture to world fish supplies was published in Nature. This paper reviews the developments in global aquaculture from 1997 to 2017, incorporating all industry sub-sectors and highlighting the integration of aquaculture in the global food system.

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Exploring the future of fishery conflict through narrative scenarios

Spijkers, J. et al., One Earth Fisheries & Aquaculture

Disruptive changes in our global ocean and fisheries have sparked warnings of an increase in fishery conflicts. However, such environmental changes have not yet been considered in tandem with other critical social, economic, and political trends for mapping out possible future trajectories for fishery conflict.

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