Twenty-seven miles west of San Francisco lies a group of islands that few people know exist:  the Farallons.  Yet it is a true wilderness area, with an extraordinary variety of wildlife on and around the islands.

SAN FRANCISCO - World-renowned marine scientist and deep-sea dive record-holder Dr. Sylvia Earle will lead an Oceanic Society expedition to Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll, Belize, to foster public awareness regarding the importance of marine protected areas and to discuss potential solutions for preserving oceanic biodiversity. Worldwide oceans face increasing threats from higher water temperatures, rising sea levels, overfishing and escalating ocean acidity. Yet, there is reason for hope.

In Cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oceanic Society is producing a film, Farallon Islands Past, Present and Future, to raise public awareness and foster a conservation ethic about the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.. Produced as a DVD to allow widespread distribution, it will emphasize the importance of continued protection of this important and sensitive habitat.

OS -  May 10, 2008:  Cascadia Research is partnering with Oceanic Society to
establish the California Whales Research Project, sand seeks public participation.  This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in an important conservation and research project.

California is leading the nation by creating a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) -- underwater state parks that partially or fully protect ocean life and habitat so it can recover and thrive. Learn about this important process whose key component is stakeholder involvement http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/

Today the Oceanic Society launched its new website, which will provide a new level of information and service to its members and the public.

Birgit Winning, Oceanic Society Executive Director, says "Our members and the public have been asking us for more information and easier access to services, and we are pleased to now be able to do this".

April 25, 2008 - AMERICAN CHRONICLE

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/59778