Featured – Southern Fried Science

The evolution of the International Whaling Commission – from whaling quotas to whale conservation

June 10, 2026June 10, 2026 Chris Parsons No Comments

For decades, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) was defined by a single, highly polarized debate: the battle between pro-whaling and anti-whaling nations over commercial catch quotas. Today, however, the landscape of the IWC has radically evolved. For the current IWC Commissioners, conservation-related topics (such as sustainable whalewatching, marine pollution, and protected areas) hold an equal, … Read More “The evolution of the International Whaling Commission – from whaling quotas to whale conservation” »

Isn’t ironic, don’t you think: dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative on World Oceans Day

June 9, 2026June 9, 2026 Southern Fried Science No Comments

Climate change, Featured, Policy, Science

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is pulling the plug on the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), systematically dismantling one of the world’s most advanced deep-sea monitoring networks. This aggressive “descoping” plan means hundreds of high-tech instruments are actively being hauled out of the water. The timing of this infrastructure rollback carries a painful, bitter irony. The … Read More “Isn’t ironic, don’t you think: dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative on World Oceans Day” »

“Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.

June 8, 2026 David Shiffman No Comments

Conservation, Education, Featured

I am thrilled to announce that “Why Sustainable Seafood Matters,” my second book, is now available for preorder through my publisher Johns Hopkins University Press! Use code HWSSM for 30% off your preorder! Preorders are important because they help signal to booksellers how much interest there is in a book, so please consider ordering a … Read More ““Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.” »

Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”

April 22, 2026 David Shiffman

Conservation, Education, Featured

I am pleased to announce that I’ll be leading a symposium at the upcoming 8th International Marine Conservation Congress in Scotland! We’ll be discussing new developments and emerging trends in the field of ocean science and conservation communication, and will produce a multi-coauthor peer reviewed scientific journal manuscript. Here’s how to sign up to present. … Read More “Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”” »

Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 Angelo Villagomez

Featured, Science

Abstract submissions are now open for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8), taking place November 13–17, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland—and we’re excited to announce an open symposium on deep‑sea mining. Titled “Between a Rock and a Deep Place: Science and Deep Sea Mining Policy,” this session will examine the science, ethics, and governance shaping … Read More “Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement” »

Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!

March 24, 2026March 24, 2026 Angelo Villagomez

Conservation, Featured, News

I hope that you will join me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice this June 2-3 in Washington, DC. Please register today. Due to popular demand, Upwell is moving to a larger venue this year and we are adding a second day. We are holding this year’s event at the Martin Luther King Jr. … Read More “Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!” »

How close did the world’s first deep-sea mining come to the dredging the world’s largest cold-water coral reef?

March 17, 2026March 18, 2026 Andrew Thaler

Conservation, Exploration, Featured

The Blake Plateau, off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, is one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the United States. It is home to the world’s largest cold water coral reef, a coral complex larger than the state of Vermont, which may be the single largest contiguous ecosystem in the continental US. … Read More “How close did the world’s first deep-sea mining come to the dredging the world’s largest cold-water coral reef?” »

Here are some ocean conservation technologies that I’m excited about

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 David Shiffman

Conservation, Featured

“Is there any technology the left is excited about?” This question was asked on social media this week by a supporter of AI who was frustrated by criticisms of that technology. It’s led to some interesting discussions on Bluesky, and I wanted to answer it from my perspective as an ocean conservation scientist and policy … Read More “Here are some ocean conservation technologies that I’m excited about” »

Walking Backwards Into the Future: Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Deep Sea Mining

February 5, 2026 Angelo Villagomez

Conservation, Featured, Policy

The Trump administration argues that opening America’s seafloor to deep sea mining is essential for strengthening our economy and securing our energy future. But from a Pacific Islander perspective, this rush to extract metals from the ocean – especially near the Mariana Trench and American Samoa – ignores hard-earned lessons and risks repeating past mistakes. … Read More “Walking Backwards Into the Future: Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Deep Sea Mining” »

The Urgency Does Not Exist: My statement on Deep-sea Mining to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 Andrew Thaler

Featured, Policy

This week, I was invited to testify in front of Congress on the environmental and social impacts of deep-sea mining for the House Natural Resources Committee hearing Deep Dive: Examining the Regulatory and Statutory Barriers to Deep Sea Mining. In my opening statement, I touched on three critical points: the lack of urgency to access … Read More “The Urgency Does Not Exist: My statement on Deep-sea Mining to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources” »