Wondering what went right this week in the conservation world? We’ve got you covered with our Conservation Optimism Round-Up! We are collating stories of optimism from around the globe so that you never miss your dose of weekly motivation. (Featured Image: Scarlet Macaw taken by Taras Bains)

1. Massive marine sanctuary the size of Yosemite created in the South Atlantic Ocean

” Argentina has announced the creation of Patagonia Azul Provincial Park, a vast marine sanctuary in the southern province of Chubut. Spanning an incredible 729,000 acres (300,000 hectares) – an area roughly the size of Yosemite National Park – this is Chubut’s very first marine provincial park, and it’s set to protect one of the most wildlife-rich corners of the South Atlantic Ocean. “

2. How Mexico’s Fishing Refuges Are Fighting Back Against Poaching

” Following inaction from the government, fishing communities and conservationists are taking it upon themselves to set up and monitor no-catch zones to combat species depletion caused by overfishing. “

In the end it's up to us. People making a difference in #Mexico is my news to me good news for May 5 #OceanOptimism, #EarthOptimism #BeyondTheObituaries www.wired.com/story/this-i...

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— Nancy Knowlton (@nancyknowlton.bsky.social) May 5, 2025 at 4:52 PM

3. Marine rewilding project in the UK sees ‘remarkable’ results

“A marine rewilding initiative to restore an underwater kelp forest in West Sussex is celebrating “remarkable” results, a wildlife trust has said. Celebrating its fourth anniversary, Sussex Kelp Recovery Project (SKRP) researchers have reported positive signs of recovery, including an increase in the populations of lobster, brown crab, angelshark and short-snouted seahorse. “

4. Nearshore ocean conservation is making a different in the USA

” This report showcases examples of successful conservation policies from across the country and provides recommendations about how other states and the federal government can follow suit. “

Good news alert: Nearshore ocean conservation is working. A new report from @americanprogress.bsky.social highlights state & local wins that are restoring coasts, protecting biodiversity & boosting community resilience. Here’s a thread 🧵 on what you need to know: #OceanOptimism

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— Ocean Hoptimism (@oceanhoptimism.bsky.social) May 5, 2025 at 8:21 PM

5. Hand-raised chicks boost Guatemala’s critically endangered macaws

” Since 2011, WCS has released 131 scarlet macaw chicks to the wild, representing 36% of all chicks recorded in Laguna del Tigre National Park within the Maya Biosphere Reserve over the past 14 breeding seasons. “By increasing fledgling survival rates and supplementing the wild population, our work has helped stabilize numbers in key nesting areas. Additionally, community involvement and ongoing monitoring efforts continue to support long-term conservation outcomes,” García-Anleu said.”

Scarlet macaw chicks that may have otherwise died in the wild are getting a second chance at life through a hand-rearing program managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Guatemala.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) May 7, 2025 at 6:35 AM

6. Annual ocean conference nets $9.1 billion for initiatives, despite US absence

” Delegates announced 277 new commitments totaling around $9.1 billion for initiatives across the conference’s six main target areas: the ocean-climate nexus, marine pollution, MPAs, sustainable fisheries, the blue economy and maritime security. Notable commitments at this year’s conference included Panama moving to increase fisheries transparency, $6 billion in funding for blue economy initiatives and more pledges to ratify the high seas treaty. “

The 10th annual Our Ocean Conference took place in Busan, South Korea, April 28-30. Delegates announced 277 new commitments totaling $9.1 billion for initiatives across 6 main target areas: the ocean-climate nexus, marine pollution, MPAs, sustainable fisheries, the blue economy & maritime security.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) May 7, 2025 at 2:17 AM

7. Outlook improves for wattled crane in South Africa

” “Today their population has increased to above 250 mature individuals and it is continuing to increase, so it is now listed as Endangered,” Christie Craig, conservation scientist at the International Crane Foundation (ICF). In a press release, the ICF said that in 2015, researchers had recorded about 267 individuals in an aerial survey mostly covering the province of KwaZulu-Natal, considered a stronghold for the species in the country. In 2024, the survey estimated 304 individuals. However, the ICF cautioned in its statement that “despite this positive trend in KwaZulu-Natal, the global population (including, but not limited to, South Africa) remains on the decline and urgent conservation attention is required to safeguard populations outside of KwaZulu-Natal.” “

In what’s being hailed as a conservation success, the wattled crane has seen its conservation status in South Africa improve from critically endangered to endangered.

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— Mongabay (@mongabay.com) April 15, 2025 at 7:14 AM

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