Congress Is One Step Closer to Expanding a System That Keeps Shorelines Pristine

Audubon News — The Coastal Resources Barrier Act protects 3.5 million acres of bird habitat and saves taxpayers billions—but it uses decades-old, hand-drawn maps.

Environment, Oceans, WildlifeEmily J GertzNovember 21, 2018

Empty seats: Trump’s top science jobs vacant; others tied to industry

Reveal/Center for Investigative Reporting—Seven months into his presidency, Donald Trump has yet to fill dozens of science leadership roles at federal agencies. Of Trump’s 12 nominees and appointees, six have worked for the industries they would regulate or award contracts to.

Vertical ocean farms that can feed us and help our seas

TED Ideas—Bren Smith wants to create thousands of decent jobs, transform how we harvest food from the oceans, and blunt the effects of climate change and marine degradation — all at the same time. His big idea: small-scale marine farms.

Climate, Oceans, FoodEmily J GertzJuly 26, 2017TED Ideas

We’ve Thrown Away 75% of Plastic Ever Made – and It’s Still Polluting

Oceans Deeply—Imagine the weight of 80 million blue whales, the largest animal to ever roam the planet. That’s how much plastic has been produced over the past seven decades, growing from 2 million metric tons in 1950 at the dawn of the era of petroleum-based plastic, to more than 400 million metric tons annually in 2015.

Environment, Oceans, ScienceEmily J GertzJuly 20, 2017Oceans Deeply

Scientists: Big Marine Reserves Fight Climate Change, Save the Ocean

Oceans Deeply—An international study finds that protecting huge swathes of the ocean offers the best chance to save coral reefs, marine life and coastal areas vital to human health from the impacts of global warming.

Climate, Environment, Science, Wildlife, OceansEmily J GertzJune 8, 2017Oceans Deeply

That’s a Wrap for One Weird Arctic Winter

Arctic Deeply – Strangely warm temperatures are sending the Arctic Ocean's sea ice on a downward spiral that could have far-reaching implications for the region's people and wildlife. The strange winter of 2016-17 has closed with air temperatures over the Arctic Ocean still several degrees above freezing, and sea ice poised to set a record low not seen over nearly four decades of satellite tracking.

Arctic, Climate, Oceans, ScienceEmily J GertzMarch 22, 2017Arctic Deeply

A Vast Arctic Marine Wilderness Moves One Step Closer to Protection

TakePart—A 40,000-square-mile marine wilderness will be off limits to oil and gas drilling.

Arctic, Indigenous Peoples, Oceans, WildlifeEmily J GertzJune 10, 2016TakePart

See How Close Oil Drilling Will Get to Arctic Whales This Summer

TakePart—Environmental advocates say no safety requirements can measure up to the tough weather conditions in this remote area or prevent a potential oil spill from harming wildlife.

Arctic, Climate, Energy, Oceans, WildlifeEmily J GertzMay 13, 2015TakePart

Nine things you need to know about polar sea ice

The Guardian—If the total amount of ice on the planet’s surface remains the same, does it really matter where it is? Short answer: Yes.

Arctic, Climate, Oceans, Science, WildlifeEmily J GertzDecember 11, 2014Guardian

Does 'The Ocean Cleanup' Stand Up To Peer Review?

PopSci — Dutch engineer Boyan Slat has a plan to cull millions of tons of animal-killing plastic debris out of the world's oceans, called “The Ocean Cleanup.” But marine scientists have serious concerns about the project.

Image: Carol Meteyer, USGS

Environment, Oceans, Science, Technology, WildlifeEmily J GertzJuly 16, 2014Popular Science

Cat Parasite Found In Arctic Beluga Whales

Popular Science—As ice barriers melt, pathogens expand their ranges and find new hosts in the formerly inaccessible Arctic.

Arctic, Climate, Oceans, WildlifeEmily J GertzFebruary 18, 2014Popular Science

Fewer Reindeer, More Wildfires: Welcome To The Arctic In 2013

Popular Science—The Arctic's "new normal" includes more plants, less snow.

Arctic, Climate, Science, Oceans, WildlifeEmily J GertzDecember 13, 2013Popular Science