Marine biodiversity is eroding a rapid rate due in part to the overharvesting of marine resources. There is a great need to raise more awareness and understanding of the serious threats to our oceans, seas and coastal areas. There is also a great need to promote standards and best practices for the sustainable harvesting of marine resources.

The following Earthmind worksite contain a wide array of documents and links on valuing marine and coastal biodiversity:

  earthmind.net/marine

From 2001 through 2007, Francis Vorhies served on the Board of the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) including positions as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. MAC 's mission "MAC's mission is to conserve coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by creating standards and certification for those engaged in the collection and care of ornamental marine life from reef to aquarium."

  www.aquariumcouncil.org

Francis Vorhies has also helped IUCN conceptualise a campaign to raise awareness in Europe on the crisis of overfishing. The proposal was to work directly with public aquariums across the country. Support for this work came from the Oak Foundation and it is now going forward within the conservation community.

earthmind.net/fish

Password-protected worksites

earthmind.net/kuoni

earthmind.net/ylng