Issue 90 - November 2022

2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report Reveals Widespread Losses of Birds in All Habitats

In 50 years, birds have increased overall in wetlands, a singular exception that shows the way forward for saving birds and benefiting people.

Black Rail by Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock

A newly released State of the Birds report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people. But data show birds in the U.S. are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans.

Published by 33 leading science and conservation organizations and agencies, the 2022 U.S. State of the Birds report is the first comprehensive look at the nation’s birds since a landmark 2019 study showed the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada in 50 years.

Findings included in the 2022 State of the Birds report:

More than half of U.S. bird species are declining.
U.S. grassland birds are among the fastest declining, with a 34 percent loss since 1970.
Waterbirds and ducks in the U.S. have increased by 18 percent and 34 percent, respectively, during the same period.
Seventy newly identified Tipping Point species have each lost 50 percent or more of their populations in the past 50 years and are on track to lose another half in the next 50 years if nothing changes. These species, none of which are currently listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, including beloved gems such as the Rufous Hummingbird, songsters such as the Golden-winged Warbler, and oceanic travelers such as the Black-footed Albatross.
Hawai‘i’s ten most endangered species are collectively represented by fewer than 5,500 individual birds.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper by Betty Rizzotti

The report advises that meeting declining birds’ tremendous needs will require a strategic combination of partnerships, incentives, science-based solutions, and the will to dramatically scale up conservation efforts. In a companion document, there are three key conservation policy priorities listed to help Tipping Point species recover.

“Everyone can make a difference to help turn declines around,” said Mike Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “Everyone with a window can use simple solutions to prevent collisions. Everyone can help green their neighborhood and avoid using pesticides that harm birds. Everyone who lives in a neighborhood can bring the issues and solutions to their community and use their voice to take action.”

Decisive and collaborative action is particularly needed in the case of Critically Endangered Hawaiian forest birds, of which several are at risk of going extinct within the next few years. Their biggest threat is avian malaria, carried by invasive mosquitos brought to the islands by humans.

“Building upon successes in human health, there is hope and the opportunity to use naturally occurring bacteria to reduce mosquito populations, break the disease cycle, and allow the forest birds to thrive,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director at ABC. “The Birds, Not Mosquitoes partnership is dedicated to developing and implementing this technique to save our remaining forest birds.”

Chestnut-collared Longspur by All Canada Photos/Alamy Stock Photo

The State of the Birds report used five sources of data, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count, to track the health of breeding birds in habitats across the U.S.

“From grassland birds to seabirds to Hawaiian birds, we continue to see that nearly all groups of birds and types of bird habitat have declined significantly,” said Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). “The one group that is seeing an increase in population size is wetland-dependent birds, including waterfowl.”

“While a majority of bird species are declining, many waterbird populations remain healthy, thanks to decades of collaborative investments from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited. “This is good news not only for birds, but for the thousands of other species that rely on wetlands, and the communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood protection.”

The report suggests that applying that winning formula in more habitats will help birds and natural resources rebound.

“The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Federal Duck Stamp Program, grants from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and regional Joint Ventures partnerships are all part of a framework that has a proven track record with restoring and protecting wetland-dependent species,” said Williams of the FWS. “Now we want to use that precedent to work with our partners to restore bird populations, conserve habitat, and build a foundation for how we respond to the loss of other bird groups.”

Data show that the biggest population declines are among shorebirds, down by 33 percent since 1970, and grassland birds, down by 34 percent. Conservation must be stepped up to reverse these losses. Everyone can play a role in saving these species by making their voices heard in support of bird-saving legislation.

“Urgent action and funds are needed to halt biodiversity loss in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Cipolletti, Director of Conservation Advocacy at ABC. “Federal funding sources such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act can help fill the massive gap in funding for conservation programs managed by states, territories, and tribes. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures can play a vital role as the nexus among these organizations, bringing partners together to facilitate effective delivery of these funds for the greatest conservation success.”

Least Tern by Dennis W. Donohue/Shutterstock

Recognizing the need to work at bigger, faster scales, 200 organizations from across seven sectors in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Indigenous Nations are also collaborating on a Central Grasslands Roadmap to conserve one of North America’s largest and most vital ecosystems — grasslands, which span hundreds of million acres.

“People have changed our grassland landscape and people are key to its future,” said Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and a representative of the Central Grasslands Roadmap partnership. “Collectively, we are working to make a movement to save our grasslands and the people and wildlife that depend upon them. Together we can ensure Tribal sovereignty, private property rights, food security, resilient landscapes, and thriving wildlife populations.”

The report emphasizes the need for proactive conservation across habitats and species due to widespread declines in bird populations.

“Despite best hopes and efforts, 70 Tipping Point bird species have a half life of just 50 years — meaning they will lose half their already dwindling populations in the next 50 years unless we take action,” said Dr. Peter Marra, Director of The Earth Commons — Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability. “What we’ve outlined in this State of the Birds is a recipe for how conservation biologists can work with communities and use surgical precision to solve environmental problems — blending new technology and data to pinpoint the cause of losses and to reverse declines while we still have the best chance — now before more birds plummet to Endangered.”

Rufous Hummingbird by mbolina/Shutterstock

The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds report was produced by a consortium of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives led by NABCI (North American Bird Conservation Initiative). Read the report at StateoftheBirds.org.

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Issue 90 - November 2022

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – November 2022 – Issue 90

SEVENSEAS cover magazin for November 2022 issue

Feature Destination

Eco-Luxury Boutique Beach Resort Announces Amazing Experiences for Discerning Travelers

Located on the remote east cape of Los Cabos, The White Lodge is a secluded gem offering an eco-wellness retreat that stands alone overlooking the Sea of Cortez. With just 10 luxury, Zen-chic cottages, many with private plunge pools or rooftop patios, White Lodge is the ultimate resort to get away from the daily grind. Read more…

Feature Destination: What You Can Do When Visiting Los Cabos

Los Cabos is an easy-to-reach and welcoming destination that feels wonderfully secluded. Here, you can experience everything from laid-back relaxation to high-adrenaline outdoor adventure to inspirational arts and culture. Get out on the water on a charter boat, and go snorkeling and diving in the “aquarium of the world.” Read more…

Newsroom

Green Fins in Egypt Took a Leap Towards Independence & Being Sustainable

The Reef-World Foundation—the international coordinator of UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative—has successfully trained and certified three new Green Fins trainers from the Green Fins Egypt national team. They are now qualified to train new Green Fins assessors in the country, building capacity for the initiative’s continued expansion in the country. Read more…

How Oil Spills Impact Coastal Communities?

Oil spills are some of the most devastating man-made disasters. We’ve all seen the images and videos of thick black oil infesting our oceans. Chances are, you’ve even seen images of animals and sea life getting impacted by those spills. It’s often difficult to watch. There’s something innately human about recognizing how terrible these spills are and how much damage they can do to our natural world. Read more…

Taking a Deeper Dive into The Plastic Pollution Lifecycle

While images of plastic-strewn beaches are OpenOceans Global’s way of creating awareness of the ocean plastic crisis, another more invisible threat from plastic is emerging: plastic’s contributions to climate change. As coal-fired power plants close and petrochemical infrastructure expands in the U.S. Read more…

Storied Seas: The Names and Tales of Sanctuary Places

We humans like to name things, placing monikers on everything around us—cliffs, coves, bays, anything of geographic significance. We renamed as new cultures evolved from older ones and colonists displaced native peoples, using different names in different languages. Read more…

Celebrate 50 Years of Spectacular National Marine Sanctuaries!

Nearly fifty years ago, a new era of ocean conservation was born by creating a system of national marine sanctuaries. Since then, the National Marine Sanctuary System has grown into a nationwide network of 15 national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments. Read more…

SAWFISH NEWS: New Video Provides Guidelines for Interactions with Endangered Sawfish in the United States

The U.S. Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery team has released a new video titled “RESPECT – RELEASE – REPORT: Guidelines for Interactions with Endangered Sawfish in the United States” to give anglers, divers, and boaters information about what to do if they catch or see an endangered sawfish. Read more…

Oakland Zoo Assists in PETA’s Largest Animal Rescue Operation from a Roadside Zoo

Oakland Zoo staff made the long drive back to Oakland on October 16, 2022, with a dozen reptiles rescued from Tri-State Zoological Park in Cumberland, Maryland. These reptiles were a part of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) five-day rescue operation. Read more…

2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report Reveals Widespread Losses of Birds in All Habitats

New Guy Harvey Program Boosts Marine Biology Education

The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has received a $99,500 grant from The St. Joe Community Foundation to fund professional training for teachers in Bay County in the Florida Panhandle that allows more than 7,500 students in Bay County to benefit from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation educational curriculum. Read more…

Something’s In The Air: It’s Nano Plastic Pollution

The tiny bits of plastic that wear off bottles, plastic bags, automotive parts and even cosmetics get into the soil and the water supply. They disrupt chemical cycles, throw off ecosystem health and pollute environments both marine and terrestrial. They eventually also get into the air, where they can damage lungs much more effectively. Read more…

Global Warming at Least Doubled The Probability of Extreme Ocean Warming Around Japan

In the past decade, the marginal seas of Japan frequently experienced extremely high sea surface temperatures (SSTs). A new study led by National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) researchers revealed that the increased occurrence frequency of extreme ocean warming events since the 2000s is attributable to global warming due to industrialization. Read more…

Fall Foliage & Solitude: 7 Vacation Ideas

Brisk weather, brightly colored foliage and destinations free from crowds make fall the perfect time to travel. Here are 7 vacation ideas for the weeks ahead, ranging from the mountains of Montana and Nepal to the Galapagos Islands. Read more…

Blind Spots in the Monitoring of Plastic Waste

Plastic Makes Up 81% of Trash Recorded in National Parks

The 5 Gyres Institute and partners reveal findings from Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz, a community science project tracking plastic pollution in U.S. national parks. According to data submitted by volunteers, plastic is the most prevalent material found across national parks and federal lands, making up 81 percent of all trash recorded. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanups

In August 2022 CleanUp, we picked up over 80 kilogram of plastic, pieces of glasses, tractor tyre, and fishing nets from the beach in Krabi, Long Beach or Pan Beach. Of course, we would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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Issue 90 - November 2022

Blind Spots in the Monitoring of Plastic Waste

By Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

KIT researchers and partners suspect that much more plastic is transported in flowing waters than previously assumed and are developing new modeling approaches

The researchers used river models filled with plastic waste for their study. Credit: Daniel Valero / KIT

Whether in drinking water, food, or even in the air: plastic is a global problem – and the full extent of this pollution may go beyond what we know yet. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and partners from the Netherlands and Australia have reviewed conventional assumptions for the transport of plastic in rivers. The actual amount of plastic waste in rivers could be up to 90 percent greater than previously assumed. The new findings should help improve monitoring and remove plastic from water bodies. Publication in Water Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.119078

Rivers play a key role in the transport of plastic into the environment. “As soon as plastic enters a river, it is transported rapidly and can spread throughout the environment,” says Dr. Daniel Valero from the Institute of Water and River Basin Management at KIT and lead author of a new study on plastic transport. “But, depending on its size and material, plastic can behave very differently. It can sink, be suspended in the water, remain afloat or be stopped by obstacles.” However, current methods for estimating plastic pollution in rivers are mainly based on surface observations. “This is the only way to monitor large rivers from bridges effectively. However, what happens under the water surface has not been sufficiently verified so far,” says Valero.

Plastic particles are transported very differently

Together with his research partners, Valero now investigated the behaviour of over 3,000 particles in the size range from 30 millimetres to larger objects such as plastic cups in flowing waters. In laboratory models, each individual particle was tracked in 3D with millimetre precision using a multi-camera system, whereby the entire water column – from the water surface to the bottom – was recorded. With this experiment, the researchers statistically proved that plastic particles behave very differently depending on where they are located in a river. Plastic that is transported below the water surface behaves as predicted by common models for turbulent flows. “The particles are dispersed like dust in the wind” says Valero. As soon as plastic emerges the water surface, however, the situation changes radically: “On contact with the water surface, the particles are caught by the surface tension like flies in a spider’s web. Then they cannot escape easily.” This adhesive effect is just as relevant for surface transport in rivers as the specific buoyancy of a plastic particle.

Better models for visual monitoring

On the one hand, the results of the experiment show that it is not enough to consider only floating plastic on the surface to estimate the amount of plastic in rivers. “The bias is significant. Suppose the turbulent character of the transport of plastic particles under the water surface is not considered. In that case, the amount of plastic waste in rivers can be underestimated by up to 90 percent,” says Daniel Valero. On the other hand, the results confirm that existing knowledge about the behaviour of particles in turbulent flows is relevant for the transport of plastic in rivers and can help estimate the total amount more realistically. To this end, the researchers have quantified the ratio between concentrations of plastic particles at the water surface and at greater depths with different transport conditions. On this basis, monitoring can still be carried out by visual observation of the water surface and the actual transported quantity can be calculated relatively accurately. In addition, the results can help in a very practical way, namely in developing new approaches for plastic removal: “If you can estimate where the most plastic is, then you also know where a clean-up is most effective,” says Valero. (mhe)

Experimental flume. A Side view, B sketch and main dimensions, C granulometry of the sand plates (and median grain size, ), D channel view from downstream (dry channel), E observation window and ArUco markers for automatic camera referencing, F front cameras arrangement and G fixation of a frontal camera. Front cameras are fixed in a different side channel (1.53 m apart), and are separated 34 to 43 cm from the central one. Upper cameras (F) are at the free surface level (H).

Original publication

Daniel Valero, Biruk S. Belay, Antonio Moreno-Rodenas, Matthias Kramer, Mário J. Franca: The key role of surface tension in transporting and quantifying plastic pollution in rivers. Water Research, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119078

More information: https://www.klima-umwelt.kit.edu

About KIT

Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible social, industry, and science tasks by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.

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Issue 90 - November 2022

Plastic Makes Up 81% of Trash Recorded in National Parks

Contributed by Trashblitz

PLASTIC ITEMS MAKE UP 81 PERCENT OF WASTE FOUND ACROSS U.S. NATIONAL PARKS
Results from Community Research Project Underscore Urgent Need to Address Single-Use Plastic in National Parks

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA — The 5 Gyres Institute and partners reveal findings from Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz, a community science project tracking plastic pollution in U.S. national parks. According to data submitted by volunteers, plastic is the most prevalent material found across national parks and federal lands, making up 81 percent of all trash recorded.

Food and drink-related items made up the bulk of waste found, comprising 45 percent of total trash recorded. Cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles, bottle caps, and textiles were the most common items found. Repeatedly topping the list of top corporate plastic polluters in the world, Coca-Cola, Nestle, and PepsiCo were among the top 10 brands identified, along with Camel, Marlboro, Nature Valley, Gatorade, Crystal Geyser, Parliament, and Kirkland.

Project partners mobilized volunteers across the country to organize cleanups from July through September and input their findings into the TrashBlitz research platform. More than 500 volunteers participated in cleanups at 44 sites around the country, including national parks and federal lands like urban parks, forests, and monuments managed by the National Park Service. TrashBlitz volunteers also sampled data at Yosemite Facelift, an annual, five-day cleanup event in Yosemite National Park during which 1,300 volunteers collected 14,780 pounds of trash.

The data from Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz underscores an urgent need for policy change and legislation that addresses single-use plastic in national parks. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced an order to phase out the sale of single-use plastic on federal lands by 2032, but these results show that the plastic issue requires swifter action. In addition to moving up the 10-year timeline, the National Park Service can implement improvements at parks, like increasing access to refill stations and requiring reusable foodware for on-site dining.

A bill introduced last year by Representative Mike Quigley would ban the sale and distribution of several top items found during the TrashBlitz project, including single-use plastic bottles, straws, and packaging. If passed, the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act is the quickest way to address single-use plastic pollution in national parks.

“I’ve been lucky enough to visit seven national parks during my time in Congress. Each visit emphasizes the importance of protecting these national treasures from all threats,” said Congressman Quigley. “These visits have also taught me that plastic pollution in our parks causes serious damage to many fragile ecosystems. We must pass the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to ensure the health and beauty of our national parks for generations to come.”

The full report from Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz can be found here.

Nonprofit and brand partners supporting Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz include 5 Gyres, Azulita Project, Ban SUP Refill, Beyond Plastics Seattle, Break Free From Plastic, ChicoBag Company, Community Environmental Council, Gnarwhal Coffee Co., Inland Ocean Coalition, Klean Kanteen, MOM’s Organic Market, Natracare, Oceana, Oceanic Global, Oceanic Preservation Society, Plaine Products, Plastic Free Future, Plastic Free July, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Port Arthur Community Action Network (PACAN), prAna, Preserve, ProGrade Digital, Resilient Palisades, Sarama Inc, Shark Stewards, Story of Stuff Project, Surfrider San Francisco, Sway, The Bay Foundation, The Last Plastic Straw, Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Zero Waste Washington.

Quotes from Partners:

“Every piece of trash documented by volunteers is incredibly valuable in helping us understand the plastic pollution trends unique to national parks and federal lands. As a result of the nationwide Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz, we have solid data that shows single-use plastic items make up the majority of trash escaping the waste stream and ultimately harming the health of our people, wildlife, and waterways in our most cherished landscapes. We must take immediate action to reduce plastic pollution at its source – by eliminating the sale, distribution, and usage of all single-use disposable plastics and investing in reuse infrastructure and sustainable packaging choices.”
Alison Waliszewski, Policy Director, 5 Gyres Institute

“The recent TrashBlitz report makes the case for speeding up the timeline for which the Department of the Interior has already agreed to stop the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items in our national parks and on federal land. Solutions to plastic pollution exist. Allowing this crisis to continue counters critical efforts to protect our planet. It also disrespects Earth’s original stewards, Indigenous peoples, from which the land used to establish national parks was violently and unjustly stolen. The DOI can and must do better by implementing zero-waste systems and solutions in our national parks and on federal land as soon as possible.”
Jackie Nuñez, Advocacy & Engagement Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Founder, The Last Plastic Straw

“While the Department of the Interior’s plans to phase out plastic in our national parks has set a clear direction of travel, the results of the TrashBlitz study press home that we must accelerate the timetable. The department needs to work aggressively with park concessionaires to ensure we’re shifting away from the sale of single-use plastics in parks. If we are to tackle the plastics crisis — our national parks must lead the way for how we can model a zero-waste future.”
Sam Pearse, Lead Campaigner, The Story of Stuff Project

“This timely TrashBlitz citizen science audit of National Parks and federal lands demonstrates why it is critical to stop selling and distributing single-use plastics in these treasured and shared places. Alternatives are well-identified and available to make this shift today, we don’t have to wait 10 years. A community across the nation of organizations, solution-providers and advocates are ready to support the DOI in this meaningful effort, which will inspire other institutions and agencies to follow suit. #SolutionsExist”
Cassia Patel, Director of Programs, Oceanic Global

“Citizen science has spoken: Plastic pollution is a problem in our national parks, and single-use plastic tops the charts of waste collected. Our parks and wildlife can’t wait 10 years to reverse this pollution crisis — the Department of the Interior must phase out single-use plastics quickly so it can uphold its commitment to protect these special areas.”
Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director, Oceana

“Our National Parks and beaches are becoming overwhelmed by plastic harmful to wildlife and human health, but the power of our community and data provided by Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz will help us turn the tide on toxic trash.”
David McGuire, Founder & Director, Shark Stewards

“Mountains of plastic bottles and single-use plastic burden wildlife, create greenhouse gases, pollute our waters, and cost taxpayers to haul away. As crowds return to record levels following the pandemic, a tsunami of plastic waste will again swamp our parks. The Biden administration has pledged to address this issue over the next ten years. Yet national parks can start going plastic-free right now.”
Colleen Teubner, Litigation and Policy Attorney, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)

About TrashBlitz

TrashBlitz is a data collection platform and community-focused research project created by The 5 Gyres Institute. The community-based project is designed to engage local stakeholders in measuring plastic pollution and other trash across various cities – from shorelines to riverbeds to urban neighborhoods – and utilizing data to generate relevant action plans. TrashBlitz provides robust research protocols, a web-based platform that identifies problem products and brands, and a network to bring diverse stakeholders together to co-create solutions to stop plastic pollution at the source.

About The 5 Gyres Institute

The 5 Gyres Institute is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with more than 10 years of expertise in scientific research and engagement on plastic pollution issues. Since 2009, the team has completed 19 expeditions, bringing more than 300 citizen scientists, corporate executives, brands, and celebrities to the gyres, lakes, and rivers to conduct first-hand research on plastic pollution. Through this research, 5 Gyres engages diverse stakeholders in understanding the science to drive impact as well as conduct community outreach and citizen science to implement data-driven solutions. With over 1,400 Ambassadors in 66 countries, 5 Gyres supports and is supported by community members with information, tools and connections to help drive local change to fight this global crisis.

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