Program Term Archive
Marine Wildlife
US Proposes Ban on Imports, Exports of Banggai Cardinalfish
Press ReleaseAugust 15, 2023Endangered Species, Marine WildlifeThe National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced a proposed rule to ban the import and export of threatened Banggai cardinalfish, following a 2021 petition from conservation groups. “Far too many of these gorgeous little...
The “Blackfish” Legacy: Captive Marine Mammal Industry Continues Decline
Press ReleaseJuly 19, 2023Marine WildlifeA decade after the documentary “Blackfish” examined the ethics and consequences of keeping orcas in captivity, marine theme parks and aquariums that feature cetaceans are struggling to remain relevant. According...
President Biden Declines to Embargo Products from Mexico for Vaquita Violation
Press ReleaseJuly 18, 2023Endangered Species, Marine WildlifePresident Biden announced yesterday that he will not embargo products from Mexico despite its failure to halt the illegal wildlife trade threatening the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The decision responds to the...
AWI Welcomes Halt to Iceland’s Whaling Season Due to Welfare Concerns
Press ReleaseJune 20, 2023Marine WildlifeThe Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) welcomes Iceland’s decision Monday to stop fin whale hunting until August 31, 2023. Svandís Svavarsdóttir, Iceland’s minister of food, agriculture and fisheries, based her decision on...
Protecting Ocean Biodiversity Through the New High Seas Treaty
Marine WildlifeIn March 2023, after nearly 20 years of planning and negotiations, governments of the world agreed to the final text of the High Seas Treaty (HST). The treaty establishes important...
Ray Surveys in the Mesoamerican Reef
Marine WildlifeTropical rays occupy important roles in benthic ecosystems, as their foraging behaviors contribute to soft sediment turnover, which makes food available and creates microhabitats for other species. The Mesoamerican Reef...
David Kirby
Marine Wildlife1960–2023 David Kirby, an award-winning investigative journalist, died on April 16 at the age of 62, after a series of health setbacks that began in late January after a fall. ...
Advancing Animal Welfare Through Appropriations
Companion Animals, Equines, Marine Wildlife, Terrestrial WildlifeAWI has been working with members of the House of Representatives and Senate to raise the profile of animal welfare issues and to secure members’ support for stand-alone animal welfare...
Correcting Course on Right Whales
Marine WildlifeIn February, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced the RESCUE Whales Act (HR 1213). This bill would repeal harmful language included in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus funding package that significantly...
Improving Welfare of Captive Wild Animals
Marine Wildlife, Terrestrial WildlifeIn a surprise move, the US Department of Agriculture published a notice that it was considering changes to its Animal Welfare Act regulations to improve the handling of wild and...