Dramatic Declines In Wild Salmon Populations Linked To Exposure To Farmed Salmon

Comparing the survival of wild salmonid populations in areas near salmon farms with unexposed populations reveals a large reduction in survival in the populations reared near salmon farms. Since the late 1970s, salmon aquaculture has grown into a global industry, producing over 1 million tons of salmon per year. However, this solution to globally declining fish stocks has come under increasing fire. In a new study Jennifer Ford and Ransom Myers provide the first evidence on a global scale illustrating systematic declines in wild salmon populations that come into contact with farmed salmon.

Previous studies have clearly shown that escaped farm salmon breed with wild populations to the detriment of the wild stocks, and that diseases and parasites are passed from farm to wild salmon. However, until now, there has been no assessment of the importance of these impacts at the population level and across the globe. Here, Ford & Myers compared the survival of salmon and trout that swim past salmon farms to the survival of those fish that never pass a salmon farm.

In five regions around the world, Ford and Myers find a significant decline in the survival of wild salmon populations that are exposed to salmon farms. This decline took place as farmed salmon production increased in each region. Combining these regional estimates, the authors find that wild populations suffer a reduction in survival or abundance of more than 50% when associated with farmed salmon.

These new results suggest that salmon farming could seriously compromise the persistence of the world's salmonid populations.

Citation: Ford JS, Myers RA (2008) A global assessment of salmon aquaculture impacts on wild salmonids. PLoS Biol 6(2): e33. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060033

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
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Large-Scale Fish Farm Production Offsets Environmental Gains, Assessment Finds

ScienceDaily — Industrial-scale aquaculture production magnifies environmental degradation, according to the first global assessment of the effects of marine finfish aquaculture (e.g. salmon, cod, turbot and grouper) released Oct. 27, 2010. This is true even when farming operations implement the best current marine fish farming practices, according to the findings.

Dr. John Volpe and his team at the University of Victoria developed the Global Aquaculture Performance Index (GAPI), an unprecedented system for objectively measuring the environmental performance of fish farming.

"Scale is critical," said Dr. Volpe, a marine ecologist. "Over time, the industry has made strides in reducing the environmental impact per ton of fish, but this does not give a complete picture. Large scale farming of salmon, for example, even under even the best current practices creates large scale problems."

The fish farming industry is an increasingly important source of seafood, especially as many wild fisheries are in decline. Yet farming of many marine fish species has been criticized as causing ecological damage. For instance, the researchers' found that the relatively new marine finfish aquaculture sector in China and other Asian countries lags in environmental performance.

Dr. Volpe added, "The fastest growing sector is Asia, where we found a troubling combination of poor environmental performance and rapidly increasing production."

With support from the Lenfest Ocean Program, Dr. Volpe and his team developed GAPI, which uses 10 different criteria to assess and score environmental impacts. Incorporating information such as the application of antibiotics and discharge of water pollutants, GAPI allows researchers to gauge which farmed species and countries of production have the best or worst environmental performance. The researchers examined the environmental impact of marine fish farming per ton of fish produced and the cumulative environmental impact for each country producing a major farmed species.

"GAPI provides a valuable tool for developing environmentally responsible fish farming. Governments can use GAPI to inform policies and regulations to minimize the environmental footprint of fish farming. Farmers can use it to improve production practices. And buyers can use it to compare and select better, more environmentally friendly seafood options," said Chris Mann, senior officer and director of the Pew Environment Group's Aquaculture Standards Project, which collaborated on the work.

For further information on GAPI, including a summary of the methodology and findings, please visit www.lenfestocean.org.

The GAPI 2010 report released Oct. 27 is based on 2007 data, the most recent year for which data for all aquaculture indicators are available. GAPI analysis will be updated periodically as additional data becomes available. For additional information, updated research and analysis, please see the GAPI Web site (www.gapi.ca).

The Lenfest Ocean Program supports scientific research aimed at forging solutions to the challenges facing the global marine environment. The program was established in 2004 by the Lenfest Foundation and is managed by the Pew Environment Group.

The University of Victoria, located in Victoria, British Columbia is a national and international leader in the study of the oceans, with expertise as far-ranging as ocean-climate interactions, ocean observation systems, physical and chemical oceanography, marine ecology, coastal resource management and ocean engineering.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101027092201.htm

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
Visit our official website:www.oceanicdefense.org
Follow us on Twitter:www.twitter.com/OceanicDefense

“I Can Make a Difference for the Ocean”

  
Oceanic Defense's "Education and Activation Weekend" Essay Contest Winner: Megan Ely

Spiritualist Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” For anyone to make a difference, these must be the words lived, breathed, and acted upon. The world is ultimately mute in the scheme of things, and more people need to believe they can speak on her behalf. Largely the problems originate from the greatest of her ebbing life sources—the cascading falls and wondrous oceans. Such a mammoth task cannot be perfected as simply as it is written on paper.

Effort starts in the home—a shorter shower here, more water-saving technologies there. Information is passed from conscientious parent to child, or vice versa. These households fall into the category of unsung heroes. Individually, modestly, they make their statement ring clear to those unaware of the situation.

I am not one of those to sit back and watch the degeneration. Making a difference is nothing; I strive to make a greater impact than that. The oceans can only push and pull. There is no garbage disposal or button for it to press to be cleaned. Keeping that in mind and reality in check, the only obvious way to help the oceans is, as often as possible, to rid the bays and shores of debris.

Raising awareness of the wildlife at stake and promoting volunteer activities are merely stepping stones. Change undoubtedly stems from understanding. Imagine planting one small seed in a person can cultivate a forest of mindfulness enduring for generations. I wish to inspire others through my actions and lead by example a group of those willing to join arms in the long-term battle. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and our oceans cannot be fixed in one.
~ Megan Ely, MAST Academy Student 
(selected by Captain Pete Bethune and Samantha Whitcraft)

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
Visit our official website: www.oceanicdefense.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OceanicDefense

OCEAN EDUCATION AND ACTIVATION WEEKEND with Pete Bethune

Hello Aquatic Army, Florida!

Here's the full listing of all the exciting public events/activities coming up this weekend in Miami...
________________________________________________________
OCTOBER 14-17, 2010, MIAMI FL

Oceanic Defense is proud to host four days of community awareness, education outreach, and celebrations to promote the idea that protecting our oceans takes an army of individuals working together.

“Educate. Activate!”

VIP GUESTS, each an example of how to make a difference for our oceans: 

Captain Pete Bethune, champion of eco-awareness featured on Animal Planet’s Whale Wars series, captained  Earthrace, the wave-piercer that set a world record for the fastest global circumnavigation and promoted the use of cleaner burning, alternative biofuels. 

Trevor, the nine year-old boy from Washington State who started the Let Lolita Live Campaign to free the longest-held orca in captivity and reached out to his hero, Pete Bethune to help him.

Cynthia Aguilar, South Beach Ocean Lifeguard, record-setting endurance paddle-boarder, featured in the up-coming documentary “Dream Big – Inside All of Us Lives Hope” about her challenge to solo paddle from Cuba-to-Key West.

___________________________________________

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Thurs, October 14, 2010 – Japan Dolphin Day Rally. A worldwide, peaceful gathering addressing the fishery, slaughter, and international dolphin trade as depicted in the Academy Award winning documentary The Cove and Animal Planet series Blood Dolphins.

Where: Consulate-General of Japan, 80 SW 8 Street, Miami FL 33130
When: noon -2:00pm

Hosted by SaveJapanDolphins.org, Oceanic Defense, SaveLolita.com and KeepPaddlin.org. Pete Bethune and Ric and Lincoln O’Barry will all be there. Join us!

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Fri, October 15, 2010 (DAY) – Youth Outreach. Captain Pete Bethune will speak to 600+ students from MAST Academy and other local schools; and announce the winners of an essay contest entitled “I Can Make a Difference for the Oceans”

Fri, October 15, 2010 (NIGHT) – Community Forum, University of Miami – RSMAS Graduate School

Where: UM-RSMAS, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami FL 33149
When: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Pete Bethune will speak about his experiences in becoming an environmental advocate. Open to students and the community. (Limited seating)

___________________________________________

Sat, October 16, 2010 (DAY) – Pete Bethune will speak to the youth IMPACT group in person and via a virtual-life interface.

Where: Miami Science Museum, 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami FL 33129
When: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Sat, October 16, 2010 (NIGHT) –  
Celebration-Fundraiser! 
“One Person Can Make A Difference for our Oceans”
hosted by KeepPaddlin.org and Oceanic Defense is an opportunity to meet leading environmental advocates working together to form an 'Aquatic Army' for the oceans.

Where: The Florida Room, The Delano Hotel

1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33139
When: 7:00pm-11:00pm

Featured speakers include Pete Bethune, Cynthia Aguilar, champion paddle-boarder, Shelby Proie of SaveLolita.com, and Samantha Whitcraft, Marine Biologist with Oceanic Defense.

Tickets: $25/door includes beer and rum cocktails, door prizes and raffle 

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 Sun, October 17, 2010 – Community Rally for Let Lolita Live Campaign

Where: The Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami FL 33149 (outside ONLY)
When: noon – 2:00 pm

Hosted by Oceanic Defense, SaveLolita.com, and KeepPaddlin.org. Nine-year old Trevor, Let Lolita Live Campaign founder, guided by his mentor, Captain Pete Bethune, leads this rally to raise awareness about marine mammal captivity everywhere. Come be inspired; come be heard!
_____________________________________________________

A group discount rate ($85/night including parking) is available 25 mins south of Key Biscayne, by car, at:

Hotel Indigo
MIAMI DADELAND
7600 N. KENDALL DRIVE
MIAMI, FL 33156 UNITED STATES
http://www.miamidadelandhotel.com/
Hotel Front Desk: +1-305-595.6000 | Hotel Fax: +1-305-279.6988
Booking CODE: OCEANIC DEFENSE
______________________________________________________

Hope to see you there!

For the oceans,
Shelby, Samantha, and Kendra

SaveLolita.com
OceanicDefense.org
Keeppaddlin.org

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
Visit our official website: www.oceanicdefense.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OceanicDefense

Fury at Kyoto Aquarium Plan

                                                           Photo credit: Adam Hart-Davis

Editorial in Japan Today
By Michael Lambe

The construction of a mammoth aquarium in a much-loved public park in Kyoto is stirring up discord in the ancient “city of peace and tranquility.”

Umekoji Park was established 15 years ago in the heart of Japan’s old imperial capital for the benefit of local citizens. A stone’s throw from Kyoto Station, it includes woods, meadowland, a stream and a steam locomotive museum. On any given day, you will find joggers, dog walkers, families, sports clubs and pensioners enjoying the park. Some people come for a chat with their neighbors, others simply want to take in some fresh air and sun.

News that the city administration had given the go-ahead to build an aquarium here has been greeted with incredulity. How could they take away public land to build something so inappropriate? Yet despite strong public opposition, the plans have gone ahead. Construction of the aquarium began in July, and Orix, the corporation behind the scheme, is planning to open its doors in 2012.

The story is not over yet, though. An anti-aquarium network of local, environmental groups continues to meet, demonstrate and fight the city in the courts. And now concerned foreign residents have also decided to lend their support to the cause. Over the past few weeks, I have met with several other foreign residents in order to discuss the planned Kyoto Aquarium. We all agree that this controversial scheme has not received nearly enough attention in the foreign press. We believe strongly that the decision to give the aquarium the go-ahead was misguided and out of keeping with this city’s character.

Our arguments against the aquarium are as follows:

• The loss of public green space: City parks are essential for people’s physical and mental well-being and Umekoji Park is very popular with the local public for sports and recreation. It is an oasis of natural beauty and also a precious resource; it cleans the air and helps to regulate the city’s temperature. Any loss of parkland here is a great loss to Kyoto.

• It is not suitable for Kyoto’s local economy: A world-class aquarium, The Kaiyukan, exists only an hour away, in Osaka, and draws nearly 2.5 million visitors a year. Kyoto officials have claimed that the aquarium will bring in more tourists and revitalize the local economy but Kyoto is an inland city with no maritime associations. It makes more sense to support those businesses that take advantage of Kyoto’s existing assets: restoring “machiya,” improving existing museums and educating people about Japan’s traditional arts.

• The plan is environmentally unsound and sends children the wrong message: The aquarium will release 5,400 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. A variety of marine wildlife will be captured and confined in a highly artificial environment. Dolphins will be kept for entertainment purposes in constricting conditions. The stress these creatures endure will undoubtedly shorten their life spans significantly.

• The decision was made behind closed doors between the city administration and private business: This is public land but public opinion has been ignored.

For these reasons, we stand with local residents in opposing the Kyoto Aquarium project. It is bad for the local environment, bad for Kyoto’s children, bad for the city’s public image and is highly unlikely to succeed in Kyoto’s economy. We demand that local government listen to public opinion and that construction be halted immediately. If you agree with us, then please sign our petition to “Stop the Kyoto Aquarium!” and let both Orix Corporation and Kyoto Mayor Kadokawa know that not only local, but world opinion is opposed to this aquarium.

The English petition "Stop Constructing the Kyoto Aquarium" is addressed to Kyoto Mayor, Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa and ORIX Real Estate Corporation President, Mr. Yoshiyuki Yamaya and is sponsored by Institute for Biodiversity - Japan. Please sign and share it.

Michael Lambe is chief writer and editor at DeepKyoto.com.

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
Visit our official website: www.oceanicdefense.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OceanicDefense

South Florida, is your neighborhood "safe for sharks"?

                           Photo credit: newscientist.com

TAKE ACTION to protect sharks using this simple list of restaurants that serve shark fin soup.

Follow these three easy steps...

1. Scroll down the list, below, and find your nearest neighborhood restaurant.

2. Call them; explain politely that neither you nor your friends nor your family would ever consider eating at a restaurant that serves shark fin soup. Explain that shark populations have declined by 90% globally and that the shark fin trade is one of the main reasons. Tell them you'd rather have a healthy ocean than a bowl of soup. Pick the next restaurant on the list and repeat.

3. Forward this list to your friends and family and ask them to do the same.

FORT LAUDERDALE

Hong Kong City
5301 N. State Road 7
Tamarac, FL 33319
(954) 777-3832

Silver Pond Restaurant
4285 N. State Road 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
(954) 486-8885

Uncle Tai's
5250 Town Center Cir #143
Boca Raton, FL 33486
(561) 368-8806

Yeung's Mandarin House
1201 N. Federal Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 561-1888 

MIAMI

Mr. Chu's Hong Kong Cuisine

890 Washington Ave.

Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 538 8424

Red Lantern Chinese Restaurant

3176 Commodore Plaza

Miami, FL 33133-5818

(305) 529-9998

South Garden Chinese Restaurant

10855 SW 72nd St

Miami, FL 33173

(305) 274-9099

Tony Chan's Water Club

1717 N. Bayshore Drive

Miami, Florida 33132

(305) 374-8888

Tropical Chinese Restaurant

7991 Bird Rd

Miami, FL 33155

(305) 262-1552

Yeung's Chinese Restaurant Inc

954 W 41st St

Miami Beach, FL 33140

(305) 672-1144

To more find lists of restaurants serving shark fin soup in other cities, go to Animal Welfare Institute

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About Oceanic Defense
We are an international non-profit organization with members in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission; healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Oceanic Defense teaches people to protect our oceans by acting responsibly as consumers and by making smart decisions in our daily lives. Whether we are buying groceries, commuting to work, planning a vacation or advocating within our own communities; each action we take or decision we make either helps or hurts our oceans. We empower people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem and work together to protect our blue planet.

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OceanicDefense
Visit our official website: www.oceanicdefense.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OceanicDefense