It's not difficult to become disheartened at the recent tide (sorry) of bad news regarding the state of our oceans and rivers. Half the U.S. marine fish catch is under threat, coral reefs are being withered by toxic sunscreens, and the north Californian wild salmon industry has collapsed. There's plenty to be concerned about.

So let's not forget the power of conservation. A 5-year fishing ban around Lundy Island of the coast of southern England has allowed lobsters to recover dramatically - they're now 7 times more abundant than in surrounding unprotected waters. The BBC has the full story here. As with the remarkable recovery of the Eastern Arctic Bowhead Whale, it's further proof that if we take the heat off, our biosphere can bounce back remarkably quickly - giving us a beautiful, sustainable and sustaining natural resource.

And it's happening worldwide. Take the development of India's first marine protection zones in the Lakshadweep island chain. Here, the geographical density of giant clams is being used as an indicator of the health of the marine ecology. For the local fishermen, it's a simple equation: healthy seas, healthy catch. Read the full story at the Deccan Herald. Or how about the work of Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete, who disovered the breeding waters of the largest creature on our planet, and is seeking conservation status for this undeniably precious stretch of sea?

So close your ears to nay-sayers and keep up your support for charities like the MCS and AMCC - because it is possible to make a difference.

Image: jurvetson

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