Collapsing Oceans and the Rising Tide of International Cooperation

Greed and bad governance have contributed to a crisis in the oceans. The journal Nature reports that every species of fish worldwide has fallen by at least 90 percent. Within 20 years, around one billion people in developing countries will face shortages of fish, their primary source of protein, according to a separate study by the Malaysia-based WorldFish Center. The Pew Oceans Commission reports similar findings in U.S. waters, where there is unprecedented pressure on our marine ecosystems. Worldwide, more vessels are chasing fewer fish, creating frequent at-sea violence and increasing international tension. While threats to our world oceans seem overwhelming, there are ways that oceans can be protected for future generations. The panelists on this program will discuss these issues, as well as make the case for international cooperation to sustain the world’s marine ecosystems. Keynote Speaker Leon Panetta, Chair, Pew Oceans Commission Panelists Richard Charter, Environmental Defense Xan Augerot, Wild Salmon Center Larry Merculieff, Bering Sea Council of Elders Igor Mikhno, Committee of Fisheries of the Chukotka Regional Administration (Russia) Moderator David Gordon, Pacific Environment $15 For tickets, please call 415/978-2787, or buy on-line at www.YerbaBuenaArts.org. Presented by Pacific Environment Oakland-Nakhodka Sister City Association World Affairs Council of Northern California For more information, www.pacificenvironment.org Pacific Environment 1440 Broadway, Suite 306 Oakland, California 94612 Sponsoring Organizations: Bay Area International Development Organizations (BAIDO), Coral Reef Alliance, Ocean Conservancy