Conservation Projects

Conservation Projects

Gray Whales in San Francisco Bay

New Whales in the Bay Website to be launched end of May

 For three years (1999-2002) the Oceanic Society collected opportunistic sightings and conducted surveys of San Francisco Bay,  and found that gray whale use appeared to be increasing, whales are residents from February through May with occasional sightings throughout the year.  We also learned  that living in SF Bay can be dangerous. In  2012-13, our e

Ulithi Reef Project

Project description coming soon ...

Ulithi Sea Turtle Project

Micronesia Outer Islands: Ulithi Sea Turtle Project

Biological Significance: 

Ulithi Atoll is a cluster of low islets just north of the equator in the western portion of the Pacific. As one of the outer island groups within the state of Yap, Ulithi is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Yap State stretches from 6 to 10 degrees North Latitude and 137 to 148 degrees East Longitude.

Threats: 

Yap State has been identified as a major nesting and foraging area for green turtles. Since people have occupied islands in this region, turtles have been harvested for subsistence purposes as part of traditional practices. However, locally people report that turtles are no longer seen nesting or foraging where they were once abundant.

Solutions: 

In 2007, Oceanic Society initiated an integrated program to help foster conservation, strengthen cultural traditions, and promote alternative sustainable livelihoods.

Please Help Make a Difference: 

The Ulithi Sea Turtle Conservation Project, sponsored by Oceanic Society and chiefly funded by the Joint Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, has established long-term research and monitoring goals for Ulithi Atoll in consultation with key partners.

Turneffe Atoll Biodiversity

Turneffe Atoll is the largest and most biologically diverse coral atoll in the Western Hempisphere. Located 25 miles east of Belize City and isurrounded by deep oceanic waters, Turneffe is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide.

Biological Significance: 
The islands, some larger than 5,000 acres, are covered by at least 77 different vegetation types. Mangrove forests are interspersed with brackish lagoons, covering most of the low-lying areas. A reef crest and magnificent shallow coral buttresses is followed by reef rim on the outer reef drop-off.
Threats: 

Until 2000, commercial development at Turneffe consisted of small-scale dive resorts and a fishing resort. However in recent years, transfer of land from public to private ownership has escalated deforestation of prime natural habitats.

Solutions: 

In spite of the escalating development pressure, Turneffe is finally on the verge of realizing actual habitat protection and on-site conservation management:

Please Help Make a Difference: 
  • Land Purchase - Oceanic Society has identified key nesting beaches for crocodiles and sea turtles, intact samples of littoral forest sites, manatee habitats, and important nesting and roosting sites for seabirds that require protection.