Protecting the Pacific

Important Pieces of the Regional Conservation Puzzle

Protecting the Pacific

Protecting the Pacific: Important Pieces of the Regional Conservation Puzzle© Thinkstock

Palau

The Pacific, Earth’s largest ocean, is a complex ecosystem that supports life both at sea and on shore. Protecting this biodiversity is vital, which is why The Pew Charitable Trusts takes a comprehensive approach to ocean conservation in the Pacific region. Our goals include securing sustainable management for tuna populations, ending illegal fishing, protecting sharks, conserving biodiversity on the high seas, and ensuring a lasting ocean legacy by safeguarding some of the most special places in the ocean.

Although there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to marine conservation, effective options are available that, with the right mix, can help create and sustain a healthy ocean. In every region, catch limits and gear regulations are essential management tools for fisheries. Closing off large areas to commercial activities can protect biodiversity, regenerate life, maintain a healthy balance within the ecosystem, and build resilience to change. New technologies can help fisheries managers with limited resources fight illegal fishing more effectively and monitor the health of coastal and marine ecosystems more efficiently. Equally important is the closing of loopholes in domestic and regional regulations that allow illicit fishing to go undetected and undeterred.

The economic, environmental, and food security that comes from a vibrant ocean requires strengthened fisheries management, elimination of illicit practices, and designation of new sanctuaries and marine reserves. Pew is working with countries across the Pacific to put in place the necessary measures needed to help shape a sustainable ocean future that best secures the region’s short- and long-term needs. These are critical pieces needed to complete the ocean puzzle.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?