Ocean Conservation

Everyone knows that the world's oceans are vital to the continued survival of our species, but perhaps never before has the topic of marine conservation risen to such high levels since the Deepwater Horizon disaster in April this year. Following the catastrophe which saw 11 tragically lose their lives and an as-yet untold amount of damage to the ecosystem, the world has turned its attention to the topic of ocean conservation en masse. As it so often does, the blogosphere reflects this trend and there are a vast number of sites, both old and new, discussing key issues in real time. We've turned our attention to the best of them in our Ocean Conservation blog award category in the hopes of promoting their fine work and, in some small way, offering thanks for what is generally a selfless, dedicated and ongoing fight.

• MarineBio Blog

  marinebio.org/blog/

  Excellent global coverage and succinct, knowledge-packed articles come together to create this blog with a strong biology focus.

• CLF Scoop

  www.clf.org/blog/

  The New England-based CLF Scoop serves up very regular updates and information from the Conservation Law Foundation. The 'Tips' section is not to be overlooked for anyone keen to promote best environmental practice, both on land and off.

• R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program

  www.rjd.miami.edu/blog/

  The R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program is an extremely strong conservation effort promoted in part through a regular blog covering their pioneering research, outreach activities and student experiences.

• RTSea Blog

  rtseablog.blogspot.com/

  Seminal reading which effectively raises our collective consciousness on marine preservation. Much of the writing is straight and to the point, and is a good way of finding out how you too can get involved.

• MPA Blog

  blog.protectplanetocean.org/

  A critical, incisive blog which regularly posts news and opinions on marine protection around the world. The scope of the subject matter discussed is huge yet brilliantly documented.

• Ocean Champions

  www.oceanchampions.org/blog/

  The Ocean Champions blog follows the political movements of the group in their mission to help Congress preserve and protect our oceans. Unbiased and always leaves readers in a positive, motivational state of mind.

• Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice & Sunsets

  coralnotesfromthefield.blogspot.com/

  A strong, personal effort in the world of ocean conservation and one which never fails to discuss key issues with a killer sense of humor.

• The Ocean Project blog

  www.theoceanproject.org/resources/blog.php

  The Ocean Project is an extremely active (and effective) conservation network and their associated blog comes highly recommended as a springboard for discussion.

• WaterNotes

  www.seanursery.com/

  A passionate yet breezy writing style makes the WaterNotes blog one of the most accessible and certainly enjoyable blogs on the subject. A must read.

• Lesley Rochat - Shark Warrior

  www.lesleyrochat.com/news-and-blog/

  When high grade writing and unparalleled photography meet, blogs such as Lesley Rochat's are the result. Highly recommended reading (unless you're mortally terrified of sharks, of course).