With increases in energy developments offshore, governments are responding with new protections and strategies for mitigating marine environmental impacts. This past month, the US and Australia both released plans and partnerships to improve the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale and the Southern right whale. Additionally, the Government of Canada released a draft ocean noise strategy to study the ongoing effects of ocean noise better and develop appropriate mitigation plans to lessen any burdens to marine life.
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) announced that three emerging observing networks have joined the community. The Fishing Vessel Observing Network (FVON), Surface Ocean CO2 Observing Network (SOCONET), and Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) Subsea Cables will contribute to improving ocean data that is interoperable, accessible, and fit for purpose.
Headlines for marine carbon storage and ocean alkalinity persisted through the month of August. Researchers are delving into air-sea carbon exchanges and how hydrothermal vents are contributing to deep carbon storage. This month, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) announced ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) field trials will be pushed to summer 2025. OAE is a potential climate solution that scientists believe could remove large amounts of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These field trials will assess the effectiveness and environmental impact of OAE.
Spaces we’re watching: ocean carbon, marine instruments, biodiversity protections
You’ll find news and insights on all the above in the “Water Column”— exclusive editorial dedicated to giving our readers an alternate, bird’s eye view of the most significant happenings across the marine science, industry, and policy space. To keep abreast of all the latest developments, access Water Column in print editions of eco magazine, nestled among the pages of Environmental Policy news, and in a monthly circulating digital edition found on LinkedIn and our website.
