Category: News

Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale

Posted on By Southern Fried Science No Comments on Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale
Conservation, News, Science

On March 31, 2026, the federal Endangered Species Committee (previously dubbed the “God Squad”) met for the first time in three decades to do exactly what their name suggests: deciding the fate of an entire species. In a record-breaking 15-minute meeting (barely enough time to order a latte), the committee voted unanimously the committee granted a … Read More “Playing God – How the ESA “God Squad” just voted for the extinction of a uniquely American whale” »

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

Posted on By 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!” »

Bipartisan Concern Expressed Over Deep Sea Mining at Congressional Hearing

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News, Policy

On January 22, 2026 the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing titled “Deep Dive: Examining the Regulatory and Statutory Barriers to Deep Sea Mining.”  The hearing revealed significant bipartisan resistance to deep-sea mining in the US Pacific territories, including a unified position from Republican members Radewagen of American … Read More “Bipartisan Concern Expressed Over Deep Sea Mining at Congressional Hearing” »

Beyoncé is Right: History Can’t Be Erased

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Featured, News, Policy

“My family lived and died in America, hmGood ol’ USA (good ol’ USA), shitWhole lotta red in that white and blue, huhHistory can’t be erased, ooh-ohAre you lookin’ for a new America? (America)Are you tired, working time and a half for half the pay?” – Ya Ya lyrics, Beyonce The Trump administration is attempting to … Read More “Beyoncé is Right: History Can’t Be Erased” »

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
News, Policy

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition have united in support of American Samoa’s right to protect its ocean and seabed from destructive deep seabed mining. The organizations have drafted a petition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, backed by residents and diaspora from the five U.S. Territories: American Samoa, … Read More “Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining” »

Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez 1 Comment on Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station
Conservation, Education, News, Uncategorized

The Friends of the Mariana Trench extend heartfelt congratulations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and local leaders from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) on the momentous occasion of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mariana Trench visitor contact station. This important milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing public understanding … Read More “Friends of the Mariana Trench Congratulate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Local CNMI Leaders on the Ribbon-Cutting of the Mariana Trench Visitor Contact Station” »

2025 Our Ocean Commitments Reveal Disparity in Global Ocean Priorities

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Featured, News, Policy

“Show me your budget and I’ll tell you what your values are” — President Joseph R. Biden The 10th Our Ocean conference ended on April 30, 2025 and touted its success in securing 277 new ocean conservation commitments totaling $9.1 billion in pledged support across the conference’s areas of action. Despite the primacy of 30×30 … Read More “2025 Our Ocean Commitments Reveal Disparity in Global Ocean Priorities” »

Understanding the Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining and Critical Minerals: Part 2, what is in the Executive Order?

Posted on By Andrew Thaler
Featured, News, Policy

Last night, the President signed an Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining. The order directs primarily NOAA and DOI to develop an expedited permitting process for mining in both the US EEZ and, chaotically, the high seas beyond US jurisdiction. I provide a brief overview of the industry here: Understanding the Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining … Read More “Understanding the Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining and Critical Minerals: Part 2, what is in the Executive Order?” »

Understanding the Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining and Critical Minerals: Part 1, what are we talking about?

Posted on By Andrew Thaler
Conservation, Featured, News

Late yesterday afternoon, the President signed and executive order on Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources. This order accelerates the US’s expansion into the nascent deep-sea mining industry, asserts its claims over minerals of the US outer continental shelf, and reasserts its claims over mineral deposits in the high seas, with some interesting caveats. … Read More “Understanding the Executive Order on Deep-sea Mining and Critical Minerals: Part 1, what are we talking about?” »