Human impacts on the environment have reduced populations of wild species to dangerously low levels. Nowhere is this more apparent than in worldwide fisheries, where thanks to overfishing and habitat destruction, countless species and populations of fish are on the brink of disappearing forever.

On June 28 the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a project that will help seven countries[1]in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, to manage fisheries resources and reduce poverty through the sustainable development of marine resources.

Watching the ebb and flow of populations of fisheries around the world can provide some insight into understanding the effects of global warming on our planet, according to a group of researchers writing in the summer 2007 issue of Natural Resource Modeling. The fact that fisheries are closely tied to human health and species health across the globe adds to their significance.

The success of science based management in Alaska is emphasized in a newly released report. "Conserving Alaska's Oceans," was prepared by Natural Resources Consultants, a research organization based in Seattle, Washington and released by the Marine Conservation Alliance.