PROTECT MARINE LIFE FROM ARCTIC SHIPPING

Friend, Each year, legions of sea animals migrate through the icy waters of the Bering Sea into the Arctic Ocean. Bowhead and gray whales, belugas, ice seals, Pacific walruses and an estimated 12 million seabirds travel through the narrow Bering Strait to stay with retreating sea ice—just as they’ve done for millennia. But a huge jump in commercial ship traffic is making this epic migration more deadly than ever. Between 2008 and 2012, vessel traffic in the U.S. Arctic more than doubled, and is expected to grow even more in years to come. Every year, marine wildlife faces bigger risks: ship strikes, ocean noise and oil spills. The U.S. Coast Guard can help protect Arctic wildlife by designating key hotspots as “areas to be avoided,” and by supporting speed restrictions in waters used by imperiled species. We have until August 18th to send the Coast Guard a message. Tell the U.S. Coast Guard: Protect marine life from Arctic shipping. Almost the entire western Arctic population of endangered bowhead whales and Pacific walruses migrate through the Bering Strait each year. Barely 50 miles separate Russia and Alaska through the Bering Strait. Seasonal sea ice, strong currents and violent storms make it a hazardous bottleneck. Given the region’s ecological and cultural importance, remoteness and lack of response resources, the consequence of an accident could be catastrophic. The U.S. Coast Guard must act. Send them a message now to protect marine wildlife in the Arctic. Thank you! Andrew Hartsig Director, Arctic Program Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization as described by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Ocean Conservancy are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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