With ice in retreat, U.S. regulators ban fishing in Arctic
US ban on fishing in the Arctic. In what is being viewed as a landmark decision, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council from Anchorage, Alaska has voted unanimously to ban commercial fishing in the entire Arctic Ocean, from Canada to the Bering Strait. The Council spent two years creating a management plan that would control the influx of fishing fleets to protect this fragile ecosystem from potential harm, especially in light of global warming effects that could yield more marine life in the region.

Our most sincere thank you, North Pacific Fishery Management Council, for your leadership in protecting our oceans and the lives within them. We pray noble actions such as yours will inspire many more for the sustainable future of our shared global home.


New Zealand town is in the dark - and proud of it
Preserving the night sky to harmonize with nature. The small town of Tekapo, New Zealand turns down its night lights to minimize light pollution in order to better observe the stars in the sky. As part of a tradition that has been ongoing since 1965, the town of 830 people have implemented extra measures such as low-energy lamps and dimmed residential lights. Already attracting tourists, Tekapo hopes to become a UNESCO approved “Starlight Reserve.”

What a lovely practice, people of Tekapo! May the star-filled nights gently illuminate your town and all of Earth for us to treasure always.

Climatologists teach global warming survival skills on USVI
US Virgin Islands set to counter climate change. In light of observed climate change effects such as drier weather, more intense hurricanes and rising sea levels, internationally acclaimed climatologists are encouraging policies to protect both people and the environment. These include establishing early warning systems, raising awareness on climate issues and enhancing land use practices.

Climatologists and policymakers, we are grateful for your united efforts to curb the effects of climate change. With Heaven’s grace, may the lovely people of the US Virgin Islands flourish in the safety of practices that protect our irreplaceable environment.

Christopher de Leon goes green
Christophe de Leon joins marine conservation. The highly celebrated award-winning Philippine actor has become a valued team member of Conservation International Philippines, working to protect the diverse ecosystem of the Verde Island Passage and other national ocean sites. Mr. de Leon, a lover of marine life, recently participated in the release of an endangered green turtle and is also working with the local government in Lobo, Batangas, to establish a marine sanctuary in the area.

Mr. de Leon, we laud your involvement in protecting the wonderful beings of the sea. May your shining star continue to illuminate a way of gentle care for our magnificent ocean-dwelling co-inhabitants.