Good morning Pod!
Iām sad to let you know that this will be the last edition of Baleen. Itās been a tough decision but, while itās been amazing to see so many of you reading and engaging each week, I no longer have capacity to create a regular newsletter on top of full-time freelancing.
Itās been great finding, vetting and collating the best marine conservation stories for you this year but the newsletter has reached a tipping point where I would need to scale up or shut down. Unfortunately, I just donāt have the time or budget to do it justice anymore so have had to choose the latter (and, also, I really miss weekends!).
Itās been wonderful having you all as part of the Pod this year and I hope youāve found Baleen useful and interesting. If youāve enjoyed it, please consider leaving a virtual tip.
But firstā¦ I have one last roundup of conservation news for you. Plus, ways you can help fight the climate crisis AND where to go now to keep updated.
š³š¦ Sharks & whales
Shark depredation: researchers find anglers whose trophy fish has been eaten by a shark before they can reel it in are more likely to target sharks (Phys.org)
Entanglement: Californiaās commercial crabbing season has been delayed to protect humpback whales (Guardian)
Mak-o break: a ban on the retention of endangered North Atlantic shortfin mako sharks has been adopted (Shark Trust)
š Marine life
Relationship breakdown: the climate crisis is causing an increase in albatross ādivorcesā (Guardian)
Animal welfare law: report recommends octopus, squid, cuttlefish, crabs and lobster are listed as sentient beings (LiveScience)
Youāve got crabs: roads closed as the huge annual migration of red crabs takes place in Western Australia (Metro)
š£šÆ Threats
Climate change consultation: could a wet wipe ban be coming to the UK? (The Times)
Phoenix Islands Protected Area: Kiribati to open one of the worldās largest marine protected areas to commercial fishing (Guardian)
New wave of sewage pollution: UK water companies discharged sewage into coastal swimming waters over 5,500 times in the last year (Guardian)
Biggest offender: of these, Southern Water is said to be responsible for nearly 2,000 discharges (BBC)
šš Ecosystems
Living time machines: Remote marine wildernesses are sustaining fish stocks better than some of the worldās best marine reserves (WCS)
Ocean highway: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama launch a new marine protected area (Nat Geo)
Reef recovery: stunning photos of Great Barrier Reef corals spawning (Sky News)
š° How you can help
Plant a tree: with my Ecologi referral link
Push for a ban on bottom trawling: by signing this petition
Support Greenpeaceās petition: for Shell to stop hiding behind carbon offsetting while continuing its climate-wrecking business as usual
Become a citizen scientist: to help WWF find walrus from space
š® What now?
If youāre not ready to say goodbye to regular conservation news, I recommend checking out:
The Green Fix: sharing information and free practical resources to help fight the climate crisis and build a greener world
Inkcap Journal: a publication about nature and conservation in Britain
š Keep in touch
If youāre working in the conservation, sustainability or charity sectors and need communications support, hop on over to my website for more information about how I can help you with PR strategy, consultancy and copywriting.
I currently have a minimum waiting time of 2 months for new clients but Iād love to hear from you if youād like to discuss your requirements and join the waiting list.
Or, connect with me onĀ LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram for general updates on what Iām up to (and pictures of my cats).
Thanks again for reading and being part of the Pod this year!
Melissa
Sorry to see the newsletter end but glad you have more time to focus on your exciting work projects! Thank you for all the work you've put in :)
Sorry to read this Melissa - you have provided a most informative and entertaining newsletter, for which many thanks. I also produce a monthly blog, https://www.charlesbarker.club/coronavirus-coronagrump - and I know just what hard work it is and how time consuming. Mine is more political satire and environmental, usually with specific focus on oceans, sustainability issues and marine conservation. There's also a novel on the subject - The Maritime Betrayal - which may be of interest - same link as above.
All the best and good luck!
Charles