Focus Area: Oceans

Mar 07, 2019

The Year Ahead in Washington: CLF’s Federal Ocean Policy Priorities

The 2018 midterms brought a Democratic majority to the House, giving us new and exciting opportunities for environmental legislation. This Congressional session, CLF’s Oceans team is focused on protecting special places in New England’s ocean, effectively addressing threats facing the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and promoting sustainable fisheries.

Mar 05, 2019

Offshore Wind and Right Whales Can Coexist. Here’s How.

It’s an exciting time for offshore wind in New England, with multiple projects moving forward over the next decade. Developers can move the clean energy industry forward while protecting North Atlantic right whales by following these best practices.

North Atlantic right whale
Jan 23, 2019

Getting Offshore Wind Right for New England’s Right Whale

As offshore wind projects move forward off of New England’s coast, it’s important to bring this clean energy online while maintaining a healthy ocean. Part of that balance is ensuring that offshore wind development does not harm our iconic – and severely endangered – North Atlantic right whales. CLF and our partners reached landmark agreement with offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind to make sure that this exciting source of clean energy doesn’t come at the expense of our treasured right whale.

Right whale "Nauset" and calf
Jan 23, 2019

Vineyard Wind, Conservation Groups Reach Historic Agreement to Protect Right Whales

“As we ask more of our oceans, we must ensure that we balance the critical need for clean energy with the protection of our majestic right whales and other marine species,” added Dr. Priscilla Brooks, Director of Ocean Conservation at CLF. “This agreement marks a significant step forward in responsible development of offshore wind energy.”

Jan 14, 2019

Environmental Groups Call on NOAA to Fix Failing Monitoring Program

“Too many of New England’s fisheries are still in crisis,” said Peter Shelley, senior counsel at Conservation Law Foundation. “Without knowing how many fish are actually being caught and being discarded at sea without being reported, the agencies are managing the fishery in the dark. This irresponsible management isn’t tolerated anywhere else in the country, and it’s unacceptable in New England as well.”

Jan 05, 2019

Restoring Maine Alewives

Alewives are critical to Maine’s fisheries but collapsed due to laws keeping the fish from spawning ground. CLF took action to save the species.

Maine alewives