Note from the Executive Secretary |
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Dr David Freestone
Executive Secretary
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Our thoughts continue to be with everyone affected by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To all of our partners and newsletter readers around the world, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well.
We are delighted to use this Newsletter to share some good news and announce the re-appointment by the Government of Bermuda of three Members of the Sargasso Sea Commission: Dr Tammy Warren (who will be serving a third term), Senator Wilfred Moore, and Mr Frederico Cardigos (who will each be serving a second term). We look forward to continuing to work alongside these dedicated individuals, the entire Commission, our Signatory governments, and partners in support of our mission to conserve the Sargasso Sea.
We are grateful for your continued interest and support of our mission to conserve the Sargasso Sea.
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Bermuda Government Re-Appoints Three Commissioners |
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In September 2020, the Bermuda Cabinet approved the appointment of three international experts to the Sargasso Sea Commission. The three incoming Commissioners are Dr. Tammy Warren, Senior Marine Resources Officer for the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources (serving a third term); The Honourable Wilfred P. Moore, former Canadian Senator (serving a second term); and Mr. Frederico Cardigos of the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs for the Government of the Azores (serving a second term). They will each serve a three-year term in their personal capacity, and will continue to work alongside current Commissioners Professor Howard Roe, Professor Stephen de Mora, Mr. Mark J. Spalding, and Mrs. Rochelle Newbold. |
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Major New Study of the Sargasso Sea |
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New research from the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences indicates significant ocean warming, with surface waters becoming saltier and ocean acidity increasing over the last decade in the Sargasso Sea. This study, published this month in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, uses data from Hydrostation 'S' and the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series, two of the longest continuous records of ocean data, with observations covering the past forty years. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences is a Collaborating Partner of the Sargasso Sea Commission, and was closely involved with the development of the initial summary science case published by the Sargasso Sea Alliance (the precursor to the Commission).
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NASA COVERAGE website launches |
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On 31 August 2020, the COVERAGE website celebrated its official public launch. COVERAGE, or the CEOS Ocean Variables Enabling Research and Applications for GEO initiative, is a NASA-led research and development project run by their Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Sargasso Sea Commission has been a key partner since the inception of the project, as the Sargasso Sea serves as one of the primary pilot study sites. COVERAGE is one of the Commission's Programmatic Partners, and Executive Secretary Dr David Freestone is a member of the Advisory Board. COVERAGE aims to utilize satellite remote sensing data to provide stakeholders with improved, seamless access to satellite data in support of a priority set of application use cases. Phase B has seen the assembly of a prototype system and associated pilot demonstration. Phase C beginning this winter will see the full implementation of the real time data access system.
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Commissioner Appointed Ambassador for Ocean Decade |
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Sargasso Sea Commissioner Stephen de Mora was appointed as the first Ambassador for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability (2020-2030) by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST). “The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability will bring together multiple disciplines, including science, education and socio-economics, to gain a holistic understanding of the oceanic environment. With an expected outcome to ensure better stewardship of this common heritage resource, key components ensure inclusiveness of the global community through widespread engagement and comprehensive outreach,” says Dr de Mora. As the Ambassador, Commissioner de Mora will promote the goals of the Ocean Decade and work alongside the IMarEST leadership team and members to incorporate these priorities into its work programme.
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In Memoriam: Biliana Cicin-Sain |
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The Commission and the SSC Secretariat would like to express our sadness at the untimely death of Biliana Cicin-Sain. The Commissioners remember particularly her unswerving advocacy and support for ocean and coastal management, in particular the establishment of marine protected areas; her unceasing efforts to raise the profile of the ocean and marine issues in international affairs – particularly the UN - through the ground breaking work of the Global Ocean Forum; and of course the outstanding work she did establishing regular Ocean Days at major meetings – notably the UNFCCC. We will see our ongoing work as part of her legacy. |
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IUCN Webinar Series
In June 2020, IUCN's Global Marine & Polar Programme held a three-part webinar series to build ambition for the UN Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. Executive Secretary Dr David Freestone was a speaker during the webinar focused on Area-Based Management Tools.
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The Science of Sargassum
On 21 July, the UN Environment Programme held a workshop alongside IOC-UNESCO and the Cartagena and Abidjan Regional Seas Conventions to discuss ongoing research on Sargassum and challenges in forecasting Sargassum occurrences. Speakers included Dr Mengqiu Wang of the University of South Florida, one of the Commission's Collaborating Partners.
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DOSI interview
SSPI Board President Kristina Gjerde recently was interviewed by the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative about her career path, her work to highlight the importance of high seas biodiversity in the BBNJ negotiations at the United Nations and with the general public, and advice for early-career scientists interested in deep-sea policy.
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Thank you for supporting our mission to protect the Sargasso Sea. We truly appreciate all of the donations and support that we have received over the years -- without which the Sargasso Sea Commission would not exist. |
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