NGO Report Ranking Coastal States For Marine Protection Places TX Dead Last; HI First, CA Second
AUSTIN - Texas ties for last place in working to protect state ocean waters, according to a report released today by Environment Texas, the Marine Conservation Institute and Mission Blue. The SeaStates report is the first national ranking of coastal states’ efforts to protect their ocean waters with ‘no-take’ Marine Protected Areas, the best tool to help oceans thrive.
“Despite the stunning views off South Padre Island and rare glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles that so many of us love, Texas is tied for last place for ocean protection,” said Luke Metzger, Director for Environment Texas. “None of our coastal waters are currently protected by no-take marine protected areas.”
Free from fishing, oil drilling, and other extractive uses, no-take MPAs allow areas to thrive and recover their former abundance and health. As our oceans and coastal areas face the threats of overfishing and water pollution, MPAs deliver important benefits, like preserving the biodiversity and increasing the numbers of fish and wildlife. “Our oceans are in deep trouble. We need to act now to increase protections,” Metzger continued
Overfishing, habitat damage and pollution threaten the diversity and productivity of our oceans leading to the rapid loss of marine wildlife including over 40 percent of fisheries which have crashed or are overfished. Dozens of studies show that no-take MPAs provide important protection not offered by other less strict MPAs, and often provide an overflow of marine life to waters outside their boundaries.
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http://www.thevindicator.com/news/article_fd14f172-d1ec-11e2-8e7c-001a4bcf887a.html
