The oceans are the world’s lifeline. Within them reside species whose food chains support each other and the world’s populations. Besides using them for food, commerce and transportation, we have used them as a dumping ground for generations.
All our human practices are taking their toll on the oceans, from the human-based activities contributing to climate change to the build-up of trash and pollution affecting marine life. This June, we celebrate not only World Oceans Day but the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, an organization dedicated to the protection, improvement and mitigation of challenges to the Gulf’s ecosystem.
In this issue of the Times you will find stories about different aspects of our region: extreme weather and its effects on the Gulf of Maine, a Great Waters Initiative that will further advance efforts to protect the Gulf, a New Hampshire project that recycles fishing gear to keep it from becoming dangerous debris, as well as stories about the anniversaries of other organizations doing their parts to improve research and education around the Gulf to ensure that the future will be brighter — and more.
We hope you enjoy this second online-only edition and that you will continue to support the Times and encourage your friends and colleagues to subscribe. Look for monthly updates as well.
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