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This month's newsletter features the work of many UN Atlas partners: the World Maritime Organization news on shipping and trade; the Census of Marine Life information on reefs; the International Maritime Organization call for action against piracy; and the Food and Agriculture Organization projects on global information exchange.
The variety and richness of material found in the UN Atlas of the Oceans comes in part from the fact that it operates under the authority of UN-Oceans. This interagency coordination mechanism on oceans and coastal issues lies within the United Nations system. It strengthens and facilitates the coordination and cooperation of UN activities related to the oceans. Together we can promote the priorities contained in the Millennium Development Goals, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and of the governing bodies of all members of UN-OCEANS.
But contributions are needed from all members. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active Member of the UN Atlas today.
Thank you,
The UN Atlas of the Oceans Editors
Visit the UN Atlas of the Oceans Web site
Comments? Please write to UN-Atlas-Oceans-Project@fao.org
- Northeast Australian Shelf – Great Barrier Reef LME : An overview of the Northeast Australian Large Marine Ecosystem
- Coastal Ecology and Conservation in French Guiana : Nature reserves of the French Guiana coast
- Cyclone Larry Prevents Coral Bleaching : Cyclone Larry has helped save the Great Barrier Reef from a major bleaching event by lowering the water temperatures.
- Climate Change and Biodiversity : Climate Change and its effects on different ecosystems with contributions to marine habitats.
- Inferior boatbuilding undermines tsunami recovery : Many post-tsunami boats "sub-standard," will need replacing
- Prawn Farmers Devastated by Cyclone Larry : The $65 million dollar prawn farming industry has been devastated by Cyclone Larry, in Far North Queensland, Australia. Australian Prawn Farmers Association Executive Officer Mr Scott Walter said today that at least 6 farms and 4 hatcheries had been heavily hit. Together these farms produce around 40% of the total farmed prawn production in Australia.
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority : Contact details for the management authority of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
- Key Marine Species of the Northern Planning Area, Australia : A description of the key marine species groups including their status, habitat and distribution, regional significance, threats and information gaps.
- Torres Strait Regional Authority Management Strategy : Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait
- IMO: Security Council urges action over piracy off the coast of Somalia in line with IMO Assembly resolution : The United Nations Security Council has urged Member States to use naval vessels and military aircraft in the fight against piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia.
- Overfishing alert system: a challenge for electronic communication: FAO-EU meeting on new frontiers and projects in global knowledge exchange : Working to bring information closer to the people who really need it is one of the aims of a meeting at FAO headquarters from 20 to 22 March 2006 involving 65 experts in the field of knowledge technology and communications from universities, research institutions and industry partners across Europe.
- Huge Polar Initiative Announced : Next year (2007), thousands of scientists from around the world will begin the most intensive period of research on the polar regions in half a century.
- Sustainable use of wildlife by Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders : An overview of sustainable resource methods used by traditional peoples.
- Reef Check Australia : The largest community-based coral reef monitoring program in Australia.
- TOUGH TIMES AHEAD FOR ILLEGAL FISHERS: HIGH SEAS TASK FORCE ANNOUNCES GLOBAL ACTION : World Conservation Union will help establish global database on high seas fishing vessels and promote greater transparency in high seas fisheries activities
- Implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries : An international conference on "Implementing the ecosystem approach to fisheries" will be held in Bergen (Norway) from 26 to 28 September 2006. Following-up on the Rekjavik Conference on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem (2001), the conference will review experiences made and constraints encountered so far in order to identify strategies and best practices that will facilitate further implementation in practical fisheries management. The conference is organized by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Governments of Iceland and Norway, with FAO's technical assistance.
- Implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries : Website regarding the Conference on the "Implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries" (September 2006)
- Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef : An overview of Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef
- Fact sheet: Climate Change, Coral bleaching and the Great Barrier Reef : Fact sheets:Climate Change, Coral bleaching and the Great Barrier Reef
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) : Website of the GBRMPA, the principal adviser to the Commonwealth Government on the care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Environmentally-friendly anchors : Results of a competition to find an environmentally-friendly anchor for use in scientific research.
- Wider use of fishing rights needed to safeguard fishery resources : Pressure on finite ocean resources growing - future catches depend on better management