What is Nitrogen Pollution?

This blog was written by Kassidy Troxell, a Ph.D. candidate at Florida international University and intern with Ocean Conservancy. Kassidy is a lead scientist executing the nitrogen fingerprinting discussed in this blog. 

Florida’s beautiful water bodies, like Tampa Bay, are essential for our enjoyment and the health of our environment. Unfortunately, these waters are facing a significant threat called nitrogen pollution. But now, scientists conducting cutting-edge “fingerprinting” research hope to reveal nitrogen hot spots to curb pollution contributing to seagrass losses, manatee deaths and ecosystem decline.

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Nitrogen is a nutrient that, in excessive amounts, can cause harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems, leading to issues like algal blooms and the decline of important underwater plants. But what exactly is nitrogen pollution, and why should we be concerned? Let’s break it down and explore how we can work together to protect our precious coastal waters.

Nitrogen is a natural and essential component of our environment and is vital for the growth of plants and animals. However, when too much nitrogen enters our waterways, it can upset the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. The main culprits behind nitrogen pollution are human activities such as sewage discharge, agriculture and stormwater runoff. These activities release excess nitrogen into our rivers, lakes and coastal waters, harming aquatic life and water quality.

Nitrogen pollution has various negative impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems. One major consequence is the growth of harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating “dead zones” where fish and other marine life struggle to survive. Additionally, excessive nitrogen can lead to poor water quality and the decline of seagrasses, which are the main food source of threatened manatees. Seagrasses are the aquatic equivalent of lungs, generating dissolved oxygen essential for the survival of fish and other species. When seagrasses disappear, the balance of the entire ecosystem is disrupted, affecting the health and productivity of our waterways. The loss of seagrasses in recent years is behind the steep increase in manatee deaths, resulting in a population decline of more than 25% since about 2017. 

Scientists with Florida International University, the University of Florida and Florida State University are partnering with Ocean Conservancy to undertake an innovative nutrient fingerprinting study in Tampa Bay. This method aims to identify the specific sources of nitrogen pollution in our water bodies. By analyzing water samples, experts can determine whether the nitrogen comes from human waste, agricultural activities or other sources. This information is crucial for policymakers and communities to take targeted actions to reduce pollution and restore water quality. Nutrient fingerprinting could potentially be a new and powerful tool in Florida’s water quality-monitoring toolkit. 

The fight against nitrogen pollution requires collaborative efforts involving individuals, civic organizations and policymakers. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce nitrogen pollution and protect Florida’s water resources:

1. Convert and maintain septic systems: Explore financial assistance options for converting from septic to sewer systems potentially available through your local government. If conversion is not possible, ensure proper maintenance of your septic tanks to prevent pollution and extend their lifespan.
2. Reduce fertilizer use: When fertilizing your lawn or garden, follow recommended guidelines of avoiding fertilizer use in the wet season and avoid over-application in the dry season. This helps prevent excess nitrogen from washing into nearby water bodies.
3. Clean up after your pet and remove leaves and grass clippings: Water from rains can create stormwater that picks up things like these that contribute to excess nutrition’s when they wash into storm drains.
4. Stay informed about local water quality issues and participate in community efforts to protect and restore our water resources.

Nutrient fingerprinting can potentially take our efforts to improve Florida’s water quality to a new level by identifying the largest contributing nitrogen sources and guiding pollution reduction efforts critical to restoring the health of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Everyone, whether residing along the coast, by a canal or inland, plays a crucial role in controlling nitrogen pollution. Just as Disney’s Finding Nemo reminds us, all waterways ultimately lead to the ocean, and our actions on land have far-reaching consequences for marine life. Let’s come together as stewards of the environment and work towards cleaner, healthier waters for the sunshine state. You can take action now to help put the manatee back on the endangered species list.

The post What is Nitrogen Pollution? appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

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Championing Ocean Climate Action at COP28

Responding to the climate crisis is undeniably urgent. Rising temperatures are disrupting ecosystems around the world, with 2023 witnessing some of the most extreme weather events to date, including the hottest day and month ever recorded and drastically reduced Antarctic ice. The planet has accumulated as much heat in the past 15 years as it did in the previous 45 years; the ocean has absorbed the majority of this excess heat. The global average sea surface temperature hit an all-time record high in July and these unprecedented ocean temperatures show that the ocean is heating up more rapidly than experts previously realized—posing a greater risk for sea-level rise, extreme weather and the loss of marine ecosystems. Scientists have consistently warned that the continued burning of fossil fuels is heating the planet, including the ocean. 

Amid this backdrop, Ocean Conservancy delegation is heading to the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai to partake in negotiations working to address these critical issues. This year’s conference is particularly significant because it will mark the completion of the first “Global Stocktake”—a comprehensive evaluation of the progress made globally in combating climate change since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. The UN’s synthesis report from September 2023 indicates that, despite some advancements, the world is still woefully offtrack in reducing emissions sufficiently to maintain safe temperature levels. And as it currently stands, ocean and ocean-based climate solutions are largely absent from the Global Stocktake. 

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Now is a critical time for our ocean, which has long protected us from the worst impacts of climate change by absorbing much of the excess heat produced by the continued burning of fossil fuels. Ocean Conservancy will be championing the inclusion of ocean-based climate solutions in national climate strategies, with an emphasis on clean ocean energy as a crucial ocean-based climate mitigation solution by advocating for a responsible, rapid and just transition to clean ocean energy. This includes advancing the deployment of offshore wind with a net-positive impact on biodiversity, promoting the phase-out of offshore fossil fuels and urging countries to align reducing plastic pollution and combating climate change.

COP28 represents a crucial juncture for global leaders, policymakers and industry. The conference presents an opportunity for decisionmakers to commit to bold actions, such as phasing out fossil fuels, funding climate resilience in vulnerable countries and accelerating clean energy production. Additionally, they must demonstrate accountability for previous climate commitments. Their response to the findings of the Global Stocktake will be instrumental in determining whether the world effectively confronts the climate crisis or continues to suffer the consequences of inaction. 

As an ocean conservation organization preparing to attend COP28, the context framing this year’s Presidency is significant. The United Arab Emirates, known for its substantial oil and gas industry, is hosting COP28 and has positioned itself as a proactive nation on climate action. It was the first in the Gulf region to set a 2050 net zero goal and announced absolute emission cuts at COP27. However, the UAE’s strategy includes a notable expansion of oil and gas production, at odds with the goals of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius​​.

Given this scenario, the presence of conservation organizations like ours at COP28 is vital to ensure that ocean health is prioritized during climate discussions, especially in a setting where the host country is balancing its role as a major oil producer with its commitments to climate action. Being at the table allows us to influence international policy negotiations, ensuring that ocean conservation and ocean-based climate solutions become a priority in national climate action plans. Our goal is to ensure the ocean is better included in the Global Stocktake process, that there is increased ambition to phase out fossil fuels and reduce the use of petrochemicals such as plastics, and a commitment to finance clean ocean energy deployment in developing countries. We are ocean diplomats on a mission to ensure the ocean and coastal communities have a voice at climate negotiations. Our team will collaborate with partners to address pressing ocean issues and propose equitable climate solutions in the lead-up to, during and after COP28. You can find us at these events on the ground. Follow our newsroom and blog for more updates as the weeks continue. 

The post Championing Ocean Climate Action at COP28 appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

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What is a Glass Sponge?

The temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic have taken a sharp turn this month, which means I’ve pulled out my winter coats from storage… and found multiple things in my pockets that I was certain were lost forever. Finding something I’ve lost is truly one of the greatest feelings. So, imagine scientists’ surprise when they discovered living glass-sponge reefs—which they thought became extinct 40 million years ago. 

Glass sponges have a long and interesting history. In fact, they’re some of the longest-living ocean creatures. While they may not have mouths nor eyes, they are living animals. These deep-sea dwellers are named for their skeletal-like structures that resemble glass, and their tissues contain particles, called spicules, which are made of silica. Some glass sponge species produce large spicules that become fused together and form what can only be described as “glass houses.”

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The majority of glass sponges are commonly found deep beneath our ocean’s surface, firmly attached to the sea floor or other hard surfaces. They have thousands of tiny holes all over through which water constantly flows, and they feed on plankton and bacteria filtered from this water flow.

Often, these glass-house structures serve as homes for other ocean creatures. As they grow, glass sponges connect to and gain support from one another, creating strong configurations known as reefs. Even after the sponges die, their structures remain intact. Some reefs have even grown as high as a six-story building! 

When it comes to reproduction, glass sponges release miniscule larvae, or “babies,” into the water. These larvae are carried by currents and once they land on a hard surface, like a rock, reef or another glass sponge, they grow into a small imitation of their “adult.”

Thought to be extinct, glass sponges first appeared more than 570 million years ago, even before dinosaurs, while the first glass sponge reefs were formed around 220 million years ago. They appeared to die out about 40 million years ago … that is, until 1987 when a team of scientists made an incredible discovery on the ocean floor of the Hecate Strait in Canada, becoming the first-ever humans to see a living glass sponge reef. They likened the discovery of the 9,000-year-old reefs to “finding a herd of dinosaurs wandering around on land.” Prior to this unearthing, humans’ only knowledge of glass sponge reefs were from fossil cliffs found across Europe. This ancient stretch of fossilized reef is considered the largest known animal-made structure ever created. 

There’s no doubt that glass sponges are fascinating creatures, and there are many actions you can take through Ocean Conservancy’s Action Center to protect glass sponges and other marine wildlife for years to come. BONUS: it takes less time to add your name than it does to make a cup of coffee! 

The post What is a Glass Sponge? appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

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Ocean Justice Requires Climate Action for All

For ocean advocates like me who have been tracking the $1.5 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) rollout, the need for this long overdue investment in climate resilience is crystal clear. The law earmarks $50 billion for improving critical water infrastructure, like drinking water, stormwater and wastewater systems that are essential for maintaining safe, functioning communities and ecosystems. In coastal counties, which are home to about 40% of the United States’ population, critical water infrastructure is growing more vulnerable to climate change and faces a host of compounding hazards such as sea level rise and flooding, heavy precipitation and extreme storm surges. While swift implementation of climate funds is important, it’s vital that decision-makers are careful to deliver on President Biden’s Justice40 promise, a whole-of-government framework that instructs federal agencies to more equitably deliver climate investments to under-resourced communities. 

Ocean Conservancy’s Justice40 interim report dives into research conducted in Florida at the nexus of failing water infrastructure, climate risk, and federal infrastructure investments in disadvantaged communities. Florida, one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the country, received a C rating or lower for water infrastructure types assessed by the American Society of Civil Engineers, signaling that robust investments from the BIL are essential. 

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Despite its importance for our communities and the environment, critical water infrastructure across the United States is increasingly aging and failing. In 2023 alone, countless instances of climate-related water system failures have made headlines. In South Louisiana, record-low water levels in the Mississippi River, coupled with rising sea levels in the Gulf of Mexico, are causing saltwater to creep north up the river, damaging drinking water pipes and water intake systems. Communities living in southern parishes that tend to be low-income have had to rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking since June to avoid the adverse health impacts of consuming saltwater. A deteriorating wastewater treatment plant in San Diego near the U.S.-Mexico border is causing sewage overflows to contaminate beaches and waters in Southern California. This crisis became considerably worse when Hurricane Hilary inundated the area with heavy rains in August. In low-lying Southeast Florida, residents are constantly plagued by severe floods that engulf roadways and destroy property. Each time I visit Miami during the rainy season, I am struck by the height of floodwaters, rising up onto sidewalks and spilling out from retention ponds. Further communicating the need for upgrades to stormwater infrastructure, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has continued to document instances of record high-tide flooding from coast to coast. Without significant efforts to prepare critical water infrastructure for worsening climate impacts, the well-being of coastal communities and the health of our ocean will continue to be jeopardized.

Not all coastal populations bear the same burden from water infrastructure failure and other impacts. Communities of Black and Indigenous peoples, other people of color and those experiencing intergenerational poverty are often disproportionately overburdened by climate change, environmental degradation and under-funded infrastructure. Nearly 60% of the population living in coastal cities identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color, so these historically neglected groups near the coast should benefit the most from the BIL and other resources to cope with climate impacts, keeping in line with the administration’s Justice40 vision.

To better understand the nature of critical water infrastructure risk and funding disparities at a localized scale, we conducted a geospatial analysis studying systemically disadvantaged communities exposed to the cumulative effects of failing water systems, water pollution and coastal climate impacts. This research focused on the cities of Jacksonville and Orlando and Miami-Dade County in Florida. A funding gap analysis uncovered that, despite being the most impacted by failing critical water infrastructure, overburdened Black and brown communities received fewer infrastructure dollars from two Environmental Protection Agency clean water and drinking water funding sources that received once-in-a-generation investments from the BIL in 2021. This phase of the study also highlighted major challenges associated with leveraging federal infrastructure dollars from the perspectives of local decision-makers and community residents. Some challenges identified include limited capacity to complete funding applications, a lack of transparency regarding funding availability, and competing funding priorities that often leave out disadvantaged communities. The methodology and results of this study could be duplicated in other locations to support community advocacy and identify areas in need of climate investments.

Being a lead researcher on this study, I’ve had an opportunity to carefully observe the implementation of Justice40 and the BIL over time. One of my biggest takeaways is that, as resources continue to be rolled out by the government, members of the public must be attentive and work together to ensure that our decision-makers do not repeat longstanding legacies of leaving the most impacted communities behind. Here are some important first steps to get informed and spread knowledge to mobilize our peers. Ask yourself and your network: 

• “Who is disproportionately impacted and what infrastructure projects do they want for their communities? 
• What money is available and where is it being allocated? 
• What are the best ways to hold state and local decision-makers accountable? 
• How am I positioned to help?”

We must treat this time of historic investment as an all-hands-on-deck moment, especially as climate justice and clean water access continue to emerge as central to today’s movement for human rights and planetary healing. Check out our new Justice40 interim report to learn more.

The post Ocean Justice Requires Climate Action for All appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

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Here Comes the Hatchetfish

If you’ve ever doubted just how inhospitable and unforgiving the deep sea can be, dive down and meet another fascinating animal surviving and thriving the dark depths of the ocean: the deep sea hatchetfish. These scrappy fish have two particular attributes worthy of a closer look—their appearance and their ability to counterilluminate.

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Appearance

First off, the hatchetfish’s name is due to its shape, which bears resemblance to the blade of a hatchet, a tool used for chopping wood. This oddball fish has several more unique qualities, but the most recognizable one is its “anguished” facial expression. The gaping, downturned mouth and large, protruding eyes give it the appearance of being permanently shocked. Perhaps hatchetfish are surprised to still be alive in the tough conditions challenging the deep sea? 

In addition to withstanding the crushing pressure of the water they live in, hatchetfish are recognizable due to their small stature. Ranging from 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) to 4.7 inches (12 cm,) they are the definition of “bite size”.

Counterillumination

The hatchetfish has an interesting defense in the presence of predators: counterillumination. At this point, you  most likely have heard of bioluminescence, the ability for sea creatures to emit their own light. Hatchetfish possess the organs needed for bioluminescence which lie in rows along their bellies and shine blue. Counterillumination takes this a step further, allowing hatchetfish the ability to adjust the intensity and color of its light. 

In the top zone of the sea, where there is still some sunlight, many predators hunt by looking above for the silhouettes of these fish. When its lights are projected, the hatchetfish becomes invisible from below. 

This light also helps to camouflage the hatchetfish at deeper depths with no sunlight.. When light is thrust upon them in the darkness, their photophores funnel it outward, scattering it in a pattern that conceals them.

It’s great that despite their vulnerability, size and short life span (less than a year) the deep-sea hatchetfish is not currently at risk. Hatchetfish populations are found across temperate and tropical seas worldwide in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. 

Help Ocean Conservancy keep our ocean healthy and trash free, so the hatchetfish and all beleaguered fish have one less problem confronting them! 

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Why are Oarfish Known as Doomsday Fish?

Throughout our ocean, there are some marine species that are so massive or unique looking that they just might explain ancient legends of sea monsters. The giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne) is a quintessential example of just that. This strikingly large, odd-looking fish is known for its distinctively long, ribbon-shaped body that enables the species to float inconspicuously throughout the water column. Oarfish can grow to more than 30 feet, which makes them quite the sight to behold.

These animals aren’t just unique because of their size, however. Oarfish are filter feeders and primarily eat krill, plankton and other small crustaceans. Other than their long, ribbony appearance, the species also boasts large eyes and foreboding red spines that stick out to form a crown-like cluster. They are deep-sea dwellers, thriving most often in the zone least explored by scientists to date: the mesopelagic zone (waters down to 1,000 meters). Floating vertically through these dark waters, their silvery, reflective bodies help oarfish blend into their surroundings if they do happen upon patches of light. This type of camouflage may be simple, but it is certainly effective!

See more wonderful ocean animals!

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There are a few theories on the origin of the oarfish’s name. One guess is that their long, flat bodies simply resemble oars; another suggests the name could have come from the “rowing” motions they make as they swim in such a peculiar way through the water. However, oarfish also have another much more alarming nickname: the doomsday fish. In some areas of the world, these creatures are seen as being harbingers of bad news, particularly disasters or destruction. The legend is that if you see an oarfish, it is a warning sign from higher powers that disasters such as earthquakes are soon to occur. According to numerous news reports, before Japan’s 2011 earthquake (one of the most catastrophic in history) a total of 20 oarfish washed ashore.

While many legends may surround these creatures, it is unusual for humans to encounter oarfish. They primarily reside within the deep sea, so if one is spotted close to the surface, it typically indicates that the creature is sick, dying or at least disoriented.

Setting aside what we currently know about oarfish and the lore surrounding the species, it’s crucial to remember that current knowledge of oarfish behavior and their conservation status is limited. While this is unsurprising given that they thrive in one of the most unexplored areas of our ocean, it doesn’t mean we can’t still work to protect them. Scientists are learning more each day about the ever-growing plastic pollution crisis and its detrimental impacts on all marine ecosystems, including the deep sea. The full implications of this crisis may not be completely understood yet, but what has never been clearer is that we must take action.

Fortunately, we know where to begin when it comes to solving this problem: we must make less plastic. Based on nearly four decades of data from our International Coastal Cleanup®, Ocean Conservancy has charted a course to plastic-free beaches by calling for source-reduction policies for the most common items polluting our shorelines and waterways around the world. Eliminating the production of these items would decrease about 1.4 million tons of plastics produced annually in the United States alone, preventing that much plastic from becoming pollution in our ocean in the first place.  Like all our ocean species, the ability for deep-sea animals like oarfish to live in a safe, trash-free habitat depends on whether or not we decide to take action. Act now and help Ocean Conservancy turn the tide on the plastic pollution crisis.

The post Why are Oarfish Known as Doomsday Fish? appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

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Record-Breaking Ocean Temperatures

All over the world we are witnessing record-breaking temperatures and longer-lasting periods of extreme heat. These abnormally high temperatures and persistent heatwaves are becoming such common occurrences that it can sometimes feel like this is Earth’s “new normal.” And without more ambitious and rapid climate action, it might be. 

When we think about how hot it is, we tend to think about the air temperature, and sometimes the ground temperature (think about a parking lot on a hot day), because that’s typically what we experience in our daily lives. But these extreme heat events are not isolated to those of us on land. The ocean is also experiencing record-breaking temperatures and more frequent marine heatwaves. 

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Up to this point, the ocean has been our greatest guardian against extreme heat and catastrophic climate changes. It has absorbed roughly 90% of the excess heat caused by carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases that humans have emitted. Unfortunately for life in the ocean, that means that 90% of all global warming is occurring in our ocean. In comparison, the land has absorbed only 6% of that excess heat, and the atmosphere has absorbed only 1%. The top few meters of the ocean store as much heat as Earth’s entire atmosphere. And as the ocean continues to absorb all of the human-caused excess heat, it is forcing marine species to adapt or die.

Over the past 10 years, the highest average annual ocean temperatures ever recorded have occurred. In addition to the continual increase in global ocean temperatures (ocean warming), global warming has resulted in more frequent periods of extreme regional warming in the ocean, known as marine heatwaves. These are similar to the regional heatwaves experienced on land. 

However, there is no air conditioner to help cool down the ocean. Instead, the ocean relies on global ocean-circulation systems, involving both surface and deep ocean currents, to bring the cooler deep-ocean waters up to the surface. But as the ocean warms, these crucial ocean currents are changing. And the wind patterns that are responsible for creating surface water currents are also shifting with climate change. 

These unusual disruptions to ocean currents are resulting in unprecedented weather and more frequent and more extreme marine heatwaves. The warmer ocean temperature and windless weather team up to create conditions that form hot air islands that hover over the sea, allowing the unimpeded sun to further bake the ocean, making the heatwaves even worse.

As marine heatwaves become more frequent and extreme, they are pushing marine ecosystems beyond the point of no return, with long-lasting impacts to marine biodiversity, food security, and the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on a healthy ocean. 

Marine species that can leave are moving poleward to escape the heat, while sessile or immobile species, such as corals, sponges and anemones are being cooked alive in the warming waters. Marine food webs are collapsing due to the heat and the lack of nutrient upwelling impacted by shifting ocean currents, leading to mass starvation events. 

The ocean cannot continue to protect us from ourselves. To limit ocean warming we must act now. The more emissions we can reduce now, the more options we have available to adapt and survive the impacts of climate change. Our team at Ocean Conservancy is hard at work promoting the best ocean-based climate solutions, from reducing emissions in the shipping industry to ensuring a 100% clean-energy future for our ocean. You can take action today to support our climate work and call for emissions reductions in the United States and around the world. Join us in protecting our global ocean. 

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What Does It Take to Rebuild a Fish Stock?

The Gulf of Mexico is famous for its seafood, and residents and tourists alike value the opportunity to catch—or eat—delicious red snapper. But it wasn’t that long ago that red snapper had all but disappeared from dinner plates and fishing lines. Overfishing and mismanagement drove red snapper to critically low levels in the early 1990s. Today, while there are still some lingering issues to address, the stock is on the path to recovery. 

This is a good story of how scientists, managers, fishermen and conservation groups—including Ocean Conservancy—came together to tackle big conservation challenges is a fascinating tale about what it takes to go from “unsustainable” to “sustainable.” In our new feature, “Bringing Red Snapper Back from the Brink,” we explore the inner workings of the fishery management system. 

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Red snapper management is complex, but it can be broken down into key phases, each addressing a sustainability challenge. This story will show you the path from reducing shrimp bycatch, to modernizing the commercial sector, to improving opportunities for charter fleets, and finally to tackling the impacts of millions of individual anglers. And the story is not over—we end with recommendations for where managers need to focus efforts to ensure we keep our momentum and keep rebuilding on track.

Solving the sustainability issues in red snapper has taken generations of people—a whole community of fishermen, scientists, managers and conservationists—coming together to repair the past to create a better future. Stories like these are the reason Ocean Conservancy is dedicated to rebuilding all our fish stocks. Despite the challenges, it is possible to have healthy ecosystems, abundant populations of fish, and vibrant coastal communities with commercial and recreational fishing opportunities—it just takes hard work.

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