Category: Fisheries

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government proposes to extend ban on destructive bottom trawling
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Government proposes to extend ban on destructive bottom trawling

Government proposals to ban bottom trawling in more vulnerable marine habitats aim to protect important and rare underwater life.
Under the sea.

Bottom trawling – a fishing method that involves dragging large nets along the sea floor – could be banned across more vulnerable areas of English seas.

The government is committed to protecting our oceans and today (Monday 9th June) has outlined plans to ban the destructive practice in more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The measures would help protect rare marine animals, as well as the delicate seabeds on which they rely, from indiscriminate and potentially irreversible damage.

A consultation will invite marine and fisheries stakeholders to share their views and evidence on the prohibition of destructive bottom-towed fishing gear that could affect approximately 30,000km2 spanning 41 MPAs.

The measures would protect marine habitats ranging from subtidal sandbanks to gravels to muds, and support important marine species such as lobster, clams, soft corals and langoustines.

A ban on bottom trawling in these areas would help conserve valuable and rare marine life, and allow seabeds to recover from damage caused by destructive fishing practices.

Such regeneration will produce healthier marine ecosystems across English waters, supporting greater biodiversity in our seas for the enjoyment of everyone, as well as preserving vulnerable underwater life that is essential for nature to heal and thrive.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

Bottom trawling is damaging our precious marine wildlife and habitats.

Without urgent action, our oceans will be irreversibly destroyed – depriving us, and generations to come, of the sea life on which we all enjoy.

The Government is taking decisive action to ban destructive bottom trawling where appropriate.

Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts Joan Edwards said

For too long damaging activities have been allowed to continue within many of our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which are supposed to protect the seabed.

The Wildlife Trusts have been campaigning for a long time for better management of our MPAs and therefore welcome the news today of a consultation to ban bottom-towed trawling in over 40 offshore sites.

Removing this pressure is a great step forward towards protecting not only the wildlife and fish stocks within those sites, but also the carbon stored in the seabed muds beneath. Following this consultation, we hope that these measures will be put in place rapidly to enable recovery of these sites, a win-win for both nature and the climate.

Executive Director of Oceana UK Hugo Tagholm said:

Destructive bottom trawling has no place in marine protected areas. These proposals provide a golden opportunity to safeguard these vital marine sanctuaries from the most damaging fishing practices.

If these whole-site bans are fully implemented, this could provide an invaluable and urgently needed lifeline for England’s seas, which are so crucial for wildlife and climate resilience.

The proposed measures would add to the approximately 18,000 km2 of English seabed already protected from bottom-towed fishing gear, and form part of the government’s ambitious programme to protect all English MPAs from harmful activity where needed.

The design of the measures and choice of MPAs has been based on detailed assessments into the impacts of fishing on sensitive seabed habitats and species at risk of damage by bottom-towed fishing gear.

The consultation will be launched by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in partnership with Defra, and run for 12 weeks from Monday 9th June to Monday 1st September.

Elsewhere at the United Nations Ocean Conference, the government pledged a further £4 million to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs to help protect this vital marine habitat, bringing the UK’s total contribution to the fund up to £40 million.

It also announced £2.8 million investment into the Outrigger Technical Assistance Fund to support sustainable blue economies in small island developing states, and reiterated its commitment to agree an ambitious, legally binding plastic pollution treaty when negotiations resume in Geneva this August.

This government is committed to protecting and restoring our ocean to good health, delivering on our commitment to protect 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.

Last month, the government announced its £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund to modernise Britain’s fishing fleet and support the seafood sector in the face of changing global pressures.

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Published 9 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 9, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prevent you and your loved ones getting life-threatening listeriosis
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety wants people to take some practical steps to avoid a rare and life-threatening but preventable foodborne illness.

“While rare, every year people die from listeriosis – a disease caused by the bacterium Listeria – and the effects are tragic for their families,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Listeriosis can be prevented and there are simple steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick. We are working to help some of those most at risk – pregnant and older people – better understand the risks of listeriosis and what to do to decrease them.”

Listeriosis is a result of eating or drinking food that has high levels of Listeria, a bacterium which is widespread in the environment. Listeria is invisible, has no odour and, unlike most bacteria, can grow when food is refrigerated.

Listeriosis is rare in New Zealand and cases are usually not connected, whereas cases recorded in other countries are predominantly due to outbreaks.

In New Zealand, there were 7 deaths in 2023, with 40 people hospitalised in the past year.

“Infections in healthy adults are unlikely to be severe, but listeriosis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour, stillbirth, or disease in the newborn baby,” says Mr Arbuckle.

“As you age – and particularly over 65 – your immune system gets weaker. This means foods you safely ate in the past may no longer be safe for you to eat.

“Some people may not be aware of this. So, we’re highlighting higher-risk foods while sharing some food-safety advice on how to make them safe to eat.”

Higher-risk foods include:
- ready-to-eat meat products, like deli meats and pâtés
- smoked seafood (especially cold smoked fish)
- soft cheeses (like brie and camembert)
- uncooked paneer cheese
- unpasteurised dairy products (like raw milk and cheese)
- soft serve ice-cream
- leafy greens and bagged salad (like mesclun and spinach)
- uncooked sprouts (like alfalfa and mung beans) and enoki mushrooms
- uncooked frozen vegetables
- some refrigerated foods with a long shelf life
- pre-prepared sandwiches and salads.
To lower the risk of getting listeriosis, you can:
- choose safer foods
- cook food thoroughly
- only eat fruit and vegetables that have been washed and dried thoroughly
- only eat food that was recently prepared
- refrigerate leftovers quickly
- preheat food to steaming hot (more than 70°C) before eating
- avoid eating leftovers that won’t be reheated
- wash and dry your hands thoroughly and follow good food hygiene practices.
“Saturday 7 June was World Food Safety Day, and this year’s theme is Science in Action. Good science remains the foundation for our food safety system,” says Mr Arbuckle.

World Food Safety Day

“All of our food safety advice is backed by evidence from scientific research. It helps us with the range of work we do from understanding the prevalence of different foodborne illnesses, to ensuring we are giving consumers the most effective and accurate advice possible.

“Science also informs our regulations around food businesses managing food safety risks. New Zealand Food Safety requires food businesses to manage Listeria in the processing environment and have measures in place to eliminate its presence in products.

“If something goes wrong, we support businesses with their consumer-level food recalls. Last year there were 3 consumer recalls due to the possible presence of Listeria.

“But there’s also something you can do to protect yourself and others. If you make or buy food for vulnerable people, or are perhaps vulnerable yourself, sign up to our food recall alerts

“And look out for our campaign so you can share it with people who may not know the life-threatening risks of listeriosis.”

Find out more

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
June 9, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Curious Kids: Why do dolphins jump out of the water?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharina J. Peters, Lecturer in Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong

Will Falcon/Shutterstock

Why do dolphins jump out of the water?

Charlize, age 8, Melbourne

Have you ever seen images of dolphins jumping out of the waves and performing impressive acrobatics in the air? Or maybe you’ve seen it in real life?

When a dolphin jumps, it can launch its whole body out of the water. While it looks like fun, it must also be hard work!

So, why do dolphins jump out of the water? There are several possible reasons. Let’s jump in and explore them.

A dolphin can launch its whole body out of the water.
Paulphin Photography/Shutterstock

To stay in touch

Dolphins are social animals and live in groups. But it’s hard to see long distances underwater. So, they use the power of sound to stay in contact with each other.

Sound travels much farther underwater than through the air. When dolphins jump, the slap of the landing makes a loud noise, and would be heard some distance away.

Some species, such as spinner dolphins, use jumping to communicate their location to other group members, especially at night. This helps them keep track of each other.

As an aside, spinner dolphins are very skilled jumpers. As the name suggests, they spin up to seven times in the air before landing back in the water!

Spinner dolphins are the acrobats of the sea.

The need for speed

Have you ever tried to walk underwater? You will have felt how hard it is. That’s because water is more dense than air, which creates a “drag”, or resistance.

Dolphins have streamlined bodies to reduce drag, but they still feel it. So, if they want to travel quickly – for example, if they are trying to escape a predator or hunt fish – they sometimes jump.

While in the air, they travel faster than they would through water, and also save energy.

To gather food

Some dolphins weigh less than 50 kilograms, such as the Hector’s dolphin. Others weigh several tonnes, such as an orca.

Either way, when a dolphin crashes back into the water, you can be sure it makes quite a noisy splash.

Some dolphin species, such as dusky dolphins, use this noise to herd fish at the surface to make them easier to capture.

Shaking off hitchhikers

Fish called remoras can attach themselves to dolphins using a sucker on their head. This is good for the fish, because it can keep them safe and they have plenty to eat, such as small parasites and old bits of dolphin skin.

While the remoras don’t hurt the dolphin, they probably slow it down. So dolphins may try to get rid of the little hitchhikers by jumping to dislodge them.

A dolphin calf jumping to remove remoras.

Fighting and frolicking

Dolphins are highly intelligent animals. They have big brains and can learn tricks and solve puzzles. With intelligence also come other traits: playfulness and social behaviour.

Sometimes, that social behaviour can end in a “fight”. Dolphin experts say two dolphins jumping around together might be actually trying to hit each other!

Dolphins also love to frolic – not just with each other but with other marine mammals such as whales and sea lions, with turtles – or even just a piece of seaweed! So they might jump as some sort of “game”.

As you can see, dolphins may jump for a range of reasons – sometimes just because it’s really fun!

Katharina J. Peters does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Curious Kids: Why do dolphins jump out of the water? – https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-dolphins-jump-out-of-the-water-256462

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Northern Territory Police Force – King’s Birthday Honours 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Congratulations to former member Commander Daniel Bacon who has been named today as a recipient of the Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Australian Honours List.

Commander Bacon’s distinguished 38-year career with Northern Territory Police Force spans frontline service across Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Kulgera, Timber Creek, Katherine and Darwin. Since joining as a cadet in 1987 and graduating as a constable, he has progressed through a wide variety of operational roles, culminating in his promotion to commander in 2015.

Commander Bacon officially retired from the NT Police Force in April 2025 and throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly whilst overseeing the Greater Darwin Command.

Known for his compassionate leadership style, Commander Bacon was a steadfast advocate for officer welfare, fostering open communication and supporting career development.

Commander Bacon’s service record includes a significant United Nations deployment to East Timor in 2001 and leadership in managing major emergencies and critical incidents. He also spearheaded Strike Force Lyra, targeting high-risk domestic and family violence.

This honour is a testament to Commander Bacon’s career in policing and recognises his unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the Northern Territory community.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Matthew Hollamby APM said, “We are fortunate enough to have had Mr Bacon as part of the NT Police for such an expansive time.

“He was a respected colleague by the entire agency and is a deserving member of such a prestigious award.

“I wish to personally thank Danny for his service, and his family for their support across a successful career.”

*MEDIA NOTE: Mr Bacon is currently unavailable for any media interviews as he is travelling.*

MIL OSI News –

June 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week

Source: US State of Alaska Governor

WHEREAS, the scenic mountains, meadows, rivers, and coastal bays of Alaska are prized for their diverse and abundant wild plants, fish, and wildlife, drawing more than two million visitors annually ; and

WHEREAS, we rely on native flora and fauna, cultivated crops, and local livestock to feed our families, preserve cultural and traditional practices, sustain sectors of our economy, and support food security; and

WHEREAS, when non-native harmful species, known as invasive species, are introduced to public and private lands and State waters, they alter the balance of healthy ecosystems by disrupting food webs, displacing and preying upon desirable indigenous species, reducing biodiversity, and altering ecosystem balance; and

WHEREAS, invasive species cause environmental disturbances that threaten the sustainability of native species, harm the health and value of crops, fuel wildfires, interfere with recreation, and alter water systems, leading to floods and erosion, and invasive species are most often introduced to Alaska through human activity, including the transport of materials, machinery, and supplies; and

WHEREAS, the most cost-effective, efficient, and responsible approach to protect our lands, waters, and native organisms is to prevent the spread of invasive species when possible, and when impossible to practice early detection and strategic rapid response for control and eradication; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Public Facilities work cooperatively with stakeholders to support the unique and undisturbed ecosystems of Alaska by preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in the many environments where they cause harm; and

WHEREAS, the active involvement of informed Alaskans who report observations and support State government in the monitoring and management of invasive species are essential to safeguarding the sustainability of Alaska’s way of life.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 8 – 14, 2025 as:

Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans and visitors to learn about, report, and contribute to the prevention of invasive species in our State.

Dated: June 8, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ocean-friendly changes on Chinese island bring double benefits – ecological and economic

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

HANGZHOU, June 8 (Xinhua) — On a beach in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, 68-year-old Wang Zhongfu bends down to pick up discarded plastic bottles and torn fishing nets.

Wang Zhongfu is one of thousands of participants in the Blue Circle marine plastic recycling program, which launched in 2020 and uses blockchain and the Internet of Things to track the full life cycle of marine plastic waste, from collection to remanufacturing and resale.

The Blue Circle program, developed by the Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Ecology and Environment and Zhejiang Lanjing Technology Co., Ltd., is the largest of its kind in the country.

In 2023, the program won the United Nations /UN/ Champions of the Earth 2023 Award for Entrepreneurial Vision for its efforts to combat marine plastic pollution. According to the UN Environment Programme, the award is the UN’s highest environmental honour.

“We are reducing the amount of plastic waste in the ocean and helping people earn extra income from collecting trash,” said Kong Chen, who runs the Blue Circle plastic waste collection station, known as Little Blue Home, located on Dachen Island, about 29 nautical miles off the coast of Taizhou. He noted that the station has removed more than 20 tons of marine waste in 2024.

Blue Circle pays 0.20 yuan (almost 3 US cents) for each plastic bottle collected, a price several times higher than the market average, in an effort to supplement the incomes of many local residents.

“This initiative motivates people to participate in environmental protection and increase their income. People who fish can consciously collect plastic waste while working in the sea,” said Kong Chen, noting that participants like Wang Zhongfu can earn about 1,000 yuan a month this way.

People can trace the path of recycled plastic by scanning QR codes on products such as car parts, suitcases and phone cases made from certified ocean-bound plastic. Plastic waste is cleaned and processed into pellets for industrial use at Veolia Huafei Polymer Technology /Zhejiang/ Co., Ltd.’s plant in Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

“Since 2022, we have recycled tens of millions of plastic bottles collected through the Blue Circle program,” said Fu Xianwei, the company’s chief operating officer. He added that certified marine plastic pellets can sell for more than 1.3 times the price of regular recycled plastic, and products made from these pellets have higher added value.

“Once fishermen make a profit and businesses are motivated, marine plastic waste management enters a virtuous cycle,” said Ye Zongsen, an official with the Jiaojiang District branch of Taizhou City’s Ecology and Environment Bureau.

The initiative has expanded to all coastal areas of Zhejiang, and to date, about 1,360 residents, 10,000 vessels and seven recycling companies have joined in. In Zhejiang alone, the program has collected 15,000 tons of marine waste, including more than 2,900 tons of plastic waste. It has also expanded to seven other provinces, including China’s southernmost island province of Hainan.

Dachen Island in Jiaojiang District is a model of green development. Dozens of wind turbines on the island’s mountain ridge generate an average of 60 million kWh of electricity per year, five times the island’s consumption, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 45,000 tons.

Excess electricity is sent to the mainland via undersea power cables, according to Jiang Weijian, director of the Dachen power station of State Grid Zhejiang Power Co.

Green energy has led to many changes, including all-electric buses, electric oxygen and ice production in fisheries, and the gradual introduction of electric stoves in guest houses on the island.

In addition, thanks to Dachen’s low-carbon solid waste treatment plant and sewage treatment plant, the proportion of high-quality water in coastal areas has reached 98%.

As the island’s environment improves, tourism is booming. Last year, Dachen welcomed 200,000 tourists and earned 170 million yuan in revenue.

“As the situation improves, our hotel business is booming,” said Dachen resident Kong Qinglei, who opened his business on the island in 2020. In 2024, his revenue exceeded 1 million yuan.

The island also benefits from its marine resources. The island, famous for its pink salmon plantations, has 14 pink salmon farms, and its output reached 10,005 tons last year, worth more than 1.1 billion yuan. The fishing industry has created jobs for nearly 300 people.

Local authorities are currently encouraging the development of the sea travel and souvenir industry. Some guest house owners are even combining their business with yellow croaker farming.

The island is also a pioneer in trading “blue carbon” and forest carbon. “The funds were channeled into a common prosperity fund to protect the marine environment, as well as for the island’s marine farmers and residents,” said Yang Haifei, a spokesman for the island’s administration. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 9, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese island’s ocean-friendly changes deliver dual gains in ecology, economy

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

HANGZHOU, June 8 — On a stretch of beach in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Wang Zhongfu, 68, bends to pick up discarded plastic bottles and tattered fishing nets.

Wang is one of thousands participating in Blue Circle, a marine plastic recycling program that, initiated in 2020, utilizes blockchain technology and the Internet of Things to track the full life cycle of marine plastic waste — from collection to remanufacturing and resale.

Developed by Zhejiang Province’s Department of Ecology and Environment and Zhejiang Lanjing Technology Co., Ltd., Blue Circle is the country’s largest program of its kind.

In 2023, it received the United Nations 2023 Champions of the Earth award in the category of Entrepreneurial Vision for its efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution. According to the UN Environment Programme, the award is the UN’s highest environmental honor.

“We reduce plastic waste in the ocean and help people get additional income from waste collection,” said Kong Chen, who oversees a Blue Circle plastic waste station known as Little Blue Home, located on Dachen Island, some 29 nautical miles from Taizhou’s coast. He noted that the station transported over 20 tonnes of marine waste in 2024.

Blue Circle pays 0.20 yuan (almost 3 U.S. cents) for every plastic bottle collected — a price several times higher than the market average. This is designed to supplement the incomes of many locals.

“The initiative motivates people to join in on environmental protection and improve their incomes. People out fishing can consciously collect plastic waste while working on the sea,” Kong said, noting that participants like Wang can earn some 1,000 yuan this way each month.

People can trace the journey of recycled plastic by scanning QR codes on goods, such as car parts, suitcases, and phone cases, made from certified plastic collected from the ocean. The plastic waste is cleaned and processed into granules for industrial use at Veolia Huafei Polymer Technology (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. in Anji County, Zhejiang’s Huzhou City.

“Since 2022, we have processed tens of millions of plastic bottles from Blue Circle,” said Fu Xianwei, the company’s operations director. Fu added that certified marine plastic granules can sell for over 1.3 times the price of regular recycled plastic, and products made from these granules have higher added value.

“Once fishermen can profit and businesses are motivated, marine plastic waste management enters a virtuous cycle,” said Ye Zongsen, an official of the Jiaojiang district branch of the Taizhou Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.

The initiative has expanded across Zhejiang’s coastal areas, with approximately 1,360 residents, 10,000 vessels and seven recycling companies joining to date. In Zhejiang alone, the program has collected 15,000 tonnes of marine waste, including over 2,900 tonnes of plastic waste. It has also spread to seven other provinces, including China’s southernmost island province of Hainan.

Dachen Island in Jiaojiang District is a model of marine-friendly development. Dozens of wind turbines atop the island’s ridge generate an average of 60 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is five times the amount the island consumes, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 45,000 tonnes.

Surplus electricity is delivered to the mainland via undersea power cables, according to Jiang Weijian, director of the Dachen Power Supply Station of State Grid Zhejiang Power Co., Ltd.

Green power has spurred many changes, including all-electric buses, electric oxygen and ice production in fisheries, and the gradual use of electric stoves in guesthouses on the island.

Additionally, Dachen’s low-carbon solid waste treatment station and wastewater treatment plant have increased the top water quality proportion in nearshore areas to 98 percent.

As its environment improves, the island is seeing a tourism boom. Last year, Dachen welcomed 200,000 tourists and raked in 170 million yuan in related revenue.

“As the scenery improves, our B&B business is thriving,” said Dachen resident Kong Qinglei, who started his B&B business on the island in 2020. Its revenue exceeded 1 million yuan in 2024.

The island is also capitalizing on its marine resources. Famous for its yellow croaker, the island has 14 yellow croaker farming companies and its production hit 10,005 tonnes last year — an amount worth over 1.1 billion yuan. The industry has created fishing jobs for nearly 300 people.

Local authorities are now encouraging the development of maritime leisure travel and souvenir industries. Some guesthouse owners are even combining their businesses with yellow croaker farming.

The island is also pioneering the blue carbon and forest carbon trade. “Funds have been directed to a common prosperity fund for marine protection, and to marine farmers and island residents,” said Yang Haifei, a township official on the island.

MIL OSI China News –

June 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Filmmakers gear up for China’s summer film season

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

The China Film Administration gathered domestic and international filmmakers at a Beijing launch event on June 6 to promote upcoming summer releases, aiming to boost audience interest and inject new vitality into China’s film market.

Film authorities and industry executives announce the summer film lineup and new initiatives at a launch event in Beijing, June 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The summer season, the year’s longest film release window, draws major attention from industry professionals and audiences nationwide. More than 60 domestic and international films are slated for release during the season.

Domestic films this summer span a range of genres, including historical dramas, suspense thrillers, action films, comedies and animated features, offering a variety of choices for audiences.

Among the most anticipated projects is “Dong Ji Island,” which tells the story of fishermen from the Dongji Islands who resisted Japanese invaders during World War II while undertaking a perilous international maritime rescue mission inspired by the Lisbon Maru incident. Another highly awaited title is “The Lychee Road,” which follows a minor Tang dynasty official’s arduous journey to deliver lychees to the imperial court as a royal fruit envoy.

Chinese filmmakers introduce their summer releases at a launch event in Beijing, June 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The lineup also includes “She’s Got No Name,” which is based on a high-profile Shanghai murder case. Meanwhile, the romantic drama “Love List” follows the relationships and personal development of three couples. Suspense titles such as “Malice” and “Unspoken” offer psychological thrills with intricate, mind-bending narratives.

Several animated films are set to debut this summer. Titles include Shanghai Animation Film Studio’s “Nobody,” adapted from a popular web series, and Light Chaser Animation’s “Curious Tales of a Temple,” inspired by Pu Songling’s “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.” Franchise sequels such as “The Legend of Hei 2” and “Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf: Bright New Dawn” are also scheduled for release, targeting younger audiences.

Executives from the Chinese branches of major Hollywood studios also unveiled their summer film lineup. High-profile imported titles include upcoming tentpoles such as “Superman,” “F1: The Movie,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” “Elio,” “The Smurfs” and “Better Man.” Current theatrical releases include “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” and “The Karate Kid: Legends.”

Hollywood studio representatives present their summer releases at a launch event in Beijing, June 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Channel]

The event also introduced initiatives to promote summer moviegoing and film-themed cultural tourism. The China Movie Channel launched a nationwide “Film Week” campaign under the guidance of the China Film Administration, appointing directors Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang, along with actors Wu Jing and Zhang Yi, as ambassadors. Thirty-four filmmakers representing all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, shared stories about their cinemas to kick off the tour.

Marking the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, the campaign seeks to promote film culture and strengthen local economies through tailored strategies in each province. Under the “one province, one week, one plan” approach, filmmakers and communities will connect through film screenings, special events and creative collaborations.

Additional initiatives include field trips for filmmakers across China to conduct creative research. The event also introduced new activities as part of the ongoing “China Film Consumption Year” campaign, rolling out summer-specific public-benefit measures such as discounted tickets and expanded audience benefits.

MIL OSI China News –

June 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s message on World Oceans Day [scroll down for French version]

Source: United Nations – English

he ocean covers most of our planet – and sustains all of it.

Our ocean has not only shaped cultures, stirred imaginations, and inspired wonder across the ages. It supplies the air we breathe, the food we eat, the jobs we need, and the climate we count on.

But today, the ocean needs our help. The distress signals are clear – from plastic-choked waters to collapsing fish populations and loss of marine ecosystems, from rising temperatures to rising seas.

We must sustain what sustains us.

The illusion that the ocean can absorb limitless emissions and waste must end.

We must invest massively in science, conservation, and the sustainable blue economy – and extend far greater support to coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples and Small Island Developing States already bearing the brunt of climate change.

And we must protect marine biodiversity, reject practices that inflict irreversible damage, and deliver on the promise of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

The United Nations Ocean Conference that begins tomorrow will be a crucial moment to advance these priorities and renew the world’s collective promise to the ocean.

I urge all governments and partners to deliver – with ambition, resources, and resolve.

***

L’océan recouvre la plus grande partie de notre planète et en assure la subsistance.

L’océan n’a pas seulement façonné les cultures, stimulé l’imagination et nourri l’émerveillement à travers les âges : il fournit l’air que nous respirons, les aliments que nous mangeons, les emplois qui nous sont nécessaires et le climat dont nous dépendons.

Aujourd’hui, toutefois, c’est l’océan qui a besoin de notre aide. Les signaux de détresse sont partout : eaux encombrées de plastique, effondrement des populations de poissons, disparition des écosystèmes marins, hausse des températures, montée des eaux…

Nous devons faire vivre ce qui nous fait vivre.

Il faut se défaire de l’illusion qui voudrait que l’océan puisse absorber une quantité illimitée d’émissions et de déchets.

Il nous faut investir massivement dans les sciences, la préservation du milieu marin et l’économie bleue durable et apporter un soutien beaucoup plus grand aux populations côtières, aux peuples autochtones et aux petits États insulaires en développement qui sont déjà les plus touchés par les effets des changements climatiques.

Il nous faut protéger la biodiversité marine, abandonner les pratiques qui causent des dommages irréversibles et tenir les promesses que recèle l’Accord portant sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la diversité biologique marine des zones ne relevant pas de la juridiction nationale.

La Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’océan qui s’ouvre demain offre une belle occasion de faire avancer ces priorités et de permettre au monde de renouveler les engagements qu’il a pris en faveur de l’océan.

Je demande à tous les États et à tous nos partenaires de tenir leurs promesses, de faire preuve d’ambition et de détermination et d’allouer les ressources voulues.

***

MIL OSI Africa –

June 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s message on World Oceans Day [scroll down for French version]

Source: United Nations secretary general

The ocean covers most of our planet – and sustains all of it.

Our ocean has not only shaped cultures, stirred imaginations, and inspired wonder across the ages. It supplies the air we breathe, the food we eat, the jobs we need, and the climate we count on.

But today, the ocean needs our help. The distress signals are clear – from plastic-choked waters to collapsing fish populations and loss of marine ecosystems, from rising temperatures to rising seas.

We must sustain what sustains us.

The illusion that the ocean can absorb limitless emissions and waste must end.

We must invest massively in science, conservation, and the sustainable blue economy – and extend far greater support to coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples and Small Island Developing States already bearing the brunt of climate change.

And we must protect marine biodiversity, reject practices that inflict irreversible damage, and deliver on the promise of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

The United Nations Ocean Conference that begins tomorrow will be a crucial moment to advance these priorities and renew the world’s collective promise to the ocean.

I urge all governments and partners to deliver – with ambition, resources, and resolve.

***

L’océan recouvre la plus grande partie de notre planète et en assure la subsistance.

L’océan n’a pas seulement façonné les cultures, stimulé l’imagination et nourri l’émerveillement à travers les âges : il fournit l’air que nous respirons, les aliments que nous mangeons, les emplois qui nous sont nécessaires et le climat dont nous dépendons.

Aujourd’hui, toutefois, c’est l’océan qui a besoin de notre aide. Les signaux de détresse sont partout : eaux encombrées de plastique, effondrement des populations de poissons, disparition des écosystèmes marins, hausse des températures, montée des eaux…

Nous devons faire vivre ce qui nous fait vivre.

Il faut se défaire de l’illusion qui voudrait que l’océan puisse absorber une quantité illimitée d’émissions et de déchets.

Il nous faut investir massivement dans les sciences, la préservation du milieu marin et l’économie bleue durable et apporter un soutien beaucoup plus grand aux populations côtières, aux peuples autochtones et aux petits États insulaires en développement qui sont déjà les plus touchés par les effets des changements climatiques.

Il nous faut protéger la biodiversité marine, abandonner les pratiques qui causent des dommages irréversibles et tenir les promesses que recèle l’Accord portant sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la diversité biologique marine des zones ne relevant pas de la juridiction nationale.

La Conférence des Nations Unies sur l’océan qui s’ouvre demain offre une belle occasion de faire avancer ces priorités et de permettre au monde de renouveler les engagements qu’il a pris en faveur de l’océan.

Je demande à tous les États et à tous nos partenaires de tenir leurs promesses, de faire preuve d’ambition et de détermination et d’allouer les ressources voulues.

***

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: TV interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC News Afternoon Briefing

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

Patricia Karvelas: Trade Minister Don Farrell is in Paris at the moment, meeting with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. I spoke to him a short time ago. Minister, welcome to the program.

Minister for Trade: Thank you, Patricia.

Patricia Karvelas: You’ve said talks have been positive. What’s different this time round?

Minister for Trade: The world has changed since the last time we had had negotiations with the Europeans. The fact that we’ve had the largest group of trade ministers meeting here in Paris this week, I think is a pretty good clue that most countries think that things have changed and that those countries that are committed to free and fair trade, as we are, need to do more to ensure that we make progress and show the rest of the world that we can in fact prosper by free and open trade. I think that’s the key thing that’s changed in the last 18 months, Patricia.

Patricia Karvelas: And has there been an escalation in the interest, the enthusiasm, essentially because of the Trump agenda that’s upended global tariffs and the global tariff war?

Minister for Trade: Look, I think certainly this week I’ve probably had more discussions with more countries in the space of two days than I’ve ever had in the past. Those countries that are interested in free and fair trade want to do more. You’ll recall one of our first interviews, Patricia, I was in Japan. We were renewing our trade relationship with Japan. We wanted to commit to diversifying our trading relationship and that’s exactly what we’ve done. We’ve got new trade agreements. We want to do more trade agreements. Every time we do one of those trade agreements, we improve the prosperity of our country. What we know is if you’re an outward facing company, then your profits are likely to be higher than one just selling internally. And secondly, and I think importantly, the wages of your staff likely to be higher. So, there’s lots of good reasons why we should trade, and other countries feel the same way.

Patricia Karvelas: Can you name any countries that look like they might be interested in perhaps changing the arrangements between us and them where the actual dial has changed significantly?

Minister for Trade: Well, you know, the European Union, that’s 27 countries just in one hit there. I had a very, very good meeting with the new Trade Commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič. Fortunately, he’s Slovakian and one of my staff speaks Slovakian, so that’s very good. He’s made it very clear that those 27 countries are interested in another crack at a free trade agreement. It was a very positive meeting. There was a lot of warmth in the room. We’ve sent our officials off today to Brussels to see if we can nut out the bones of an agreement. And if we can, we’re going to move very quickly on that one.

Patricia Karvelas: What sort of time frame are you thinking?

Minister for Trade: Look, I’m reluctant to set a timeframe because, of course, that creates expectations and, you know, if you don’t meet them, well, it looks like you’re not making progress. But both of us have agreed that we’ll move as quickly as we can. I had a very good meeting with my good friend, Trade Minister Goyal from India. He’s keen for a fresh trade agreement. We can do more with India. India, the largest country in the world now. A country where by 2030, they say that they’ll have 900 million people in what they describe as their middle class. And what we know is when people move into that middle class, their expectations of food and wine go up. And, of course, no country produces better food and wine than Australia.

Patricia Karvelas: Well, I think we can agree on that. Let me take you to the EU sticking points. In the past, we’ve obviously had disputes over the naming rights of things like Prosecco or feta. Does it look like they might be moving on those issues?

Minister for Trade: Look, it’s early, early days, Patricia. I’m hoping that with some goodwill and some tough bargaining, there’s still going to be plenty of tough bargaining to go on that, we can resolve all of the outstanding issues that were the impediments to getting an agreement last time. We have to be prepared to compromise. I think we have to make compromises if we’re going to get an agreement, but so do they. I think if we can, if we can reach a point where both of us feel that the agreement is in the best interest of both of our regions, then I think we can get there.

Patricia Karvelas: Ok. And the opposition has already said that you need to be playing hardball. And clearly, they’re kind of putting out the markers of what they would consider, indeed, a fair deal for Australia. Are you playing hardball?

Minister for Trade: I’m doing what I always do, Patricia, which is coolly and calmly negotiate these things through. I mean, you have to remember this opposition. When we came to government three years ago, we had $20 billion worth of trade impediments from China. That opposition didn’t get a single tariff removed, a single extra kilo of beef into China. Come last Christmas, we got the final impediments moved when we freed up crayfish sales back into China. And, you know, not only did we get that $20 billion worth of trade back, but when it did come back, we’re actually selling more than we were before the impediments were introduced. That’s certainly the case with a whole range of the products.

Patricia Karvelas: There have been improvements. Let me put this to you. The EU wants greater access to our skilled migrant scheme. Is that something that you’re willing to look at?

Minister for Trade: Look, these are all things that they can raise, and we’re raising issues too. As much as I’d like to do the negotiations on the ABC.

Patricia Karvelas: Ok, but is that a hard no for you or are you open to that concept?

Minister for Trade: Look, look, look, they are entitled to put issues on the table just as we are. And we’ll work through all of those issues. And I think my job is to come up with the best possible agreement that improves the prosperity of Australian businesses and Australian workers. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this process.

Patricia Karvelas: Now, you’ve also met with Jamieson Greer, that’s the US Trade Representative, on the sidelines there of this OECD meeting. I’m guessing you pretty much pressed the case on tariffs. Did you ask, Minister, for the same deal as the UK has on metals’ tariffs? Because we’ve got that 50 per cent tariff now. Have you asked for the 25 per cent tariff?

Minister for Trade: No, I’ve asked for a better deal, Patricia. I’ve asked for the removal of all tariffs on Australian products. And the reason for that is that, and I think we might have discussed this on a previous occasion, our trade relationship with the Americans roughly works this way. It’s worth $100 billion, $70 billion is what the Americans sell us, $30 billion is what we sell them. The trade relationship between Australia and the United States is overwhelmingly in the United States interest benefit. And so, I think that the best position that we can adopt is simply that we don’t accept that we should be subject to reciprocal tariffs when the trade relationship is so overwhelmingly in favour of the United states.

Patricia Karvelas: Sure, but the UK currently, though Minister, with respect, does have a better. I mean, it’s still a tariff, but it has a better rate of tariff than we do. So, you might have asked for something better, but currently the UK has the better deal. Have you been trying to press for a deal? Are we likely to get a deal with the US?

Minister for Trade: What we would like, Patricia, is for the United States to honour the free trade agreement that’s been in place now for 20 years which says that all of these products should be going into the United States tariff free. That’s our position, Patricia, and that’s what we want the Americans to do. And that’s what I’ll continue to press Mr Greer and Mr Lutnick for.

Patricia Karvelas: What reception did you get when you asked?

Minister for Trade: Look, he understood, and he acknowledged. In fairness to him, he acknowledged that the trade relationship between Australia and the US is very much in their favour. I mean, look, he’s a busy man let me tell you. What the Americans have done is tear up 80 post war years of trade agreements and said that they want to rewrite those trade agreements in the space of 90 days. Now, we’re already 60 days into that 90 days, and only one agreement has been released – reached – and that’s the one that you referred to with the United Kingdom. So, obviously –

Patricia Karvelas: Just to be clear, are you hopeful that we will get a deal just like the UK has now?

Minister for Trade: I want a better deal than the UK. I want America to honour its obligations under our free trade agreement and remove all of those tariffs: the 10 per cent tariffs on goods other than steel and aluminium and the 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Patricia Karvelas: But you have to accept that that’s unlikely given Trump’s agenda, right so that’s where the negotiation comes in. Right now we don’t have a deal at all.

Minister for Trade: Patricia, no, well that’s true, that’s true. We don’t have a deal. But Patricia, anybody who thinks that they know how this is all going to play out is kidding you. There’s still a long way to go out, to go in this process. Already we’ve seen pushback in the American legal system to the introduction of these tariffs decisions, overturning the tariffs. Sure, there’s a long way to go in the legal processes there. But look, we’re, we’re going to be staying calm. We haven’t retaliated. Some countries have retaliated. I met with the Chinese Trade Minister, Wang Wentao, that was my tenth meeting with him. He indicated to me what their response to the Americans was. I indicated to him that Australia was not going to retaliate. We didn’t retaliate when we were subject to tariff increases by China. We’re not going to retaliate against the United States. We have a very strong defence relationship with the United States. But, Patricia, we are going to press our arguments strongly for the removal of these tariffs.

Patricia Karvelas: You mentioned defence. I just need to check, are you linking the defence spending at all with this?

Minister for Trade: No. We are not two separate issues. We have an excellent Defence Minister in Richard Marles, and he’ll continue to progress the the AUKUS discussions. We’re not going to link the two. You might recall that Mr. Dutton was proposing to link the two I think –

Patricia Karvelas: I recall absolutely, which is why I’m checking. Minister, we’re out of time, but thank you so much for joining us all the way at a very different time from Paris. Appreciate your time.

Minister for Trade: Great to talk with you, Patricia.

MIL OSI News –

June 8, 2025
From innovation to inclusion: Empowering rural India through agriculture

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s agricultural landscape has undergone a historic transformation over the past decade. As the sector becomes more resilient and productive, the focus under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved beyond traditional methods to a broader vision—market access, diversification, climate-smart farming, and inclusive rural empowerment.

Infrastructure driving change

At the heart of this transformation is robust infrastructure development. The ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is supporting over 42,000 projects across India, including modern warehouses and food processing units. These facilities are key to reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ profits.

The PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, now numbering 1.8 lakh, serve as integrated agri-service centers, providing inputs, guidance, and market linkages. Simultaneously, the digital revolution in agriculture is taking root with the e-NAM platform connecting 1,473 mandis across 23 states and 4 union territories, enabling seamless trade worth ₹4 lakh crore. Mega Food Parks have surged from just two in 2014 to 41 in 2025, significantly boosting agro-processing and value addition.

Innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots

Innovation and women’s empowerment have emerged as defining features of this new era. The Namo Drone Didi initiative empowers 15,000 women-led self-help groups with drones, enhancing precision farming and creating new income streams. Meanwhile, the AgriSURE fund by NABARD, with a corpus of ₹750 crore, is backing high-potential agri-startups. Already, nearly 2,000 startups have scaled operations under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, integrating technology with grassroots farming.

Diversifying income sources for farmers

Diversification beyond conventional crops is reshaping rural livelihoods. India continues to be the world’s top milk producer, with indigenous milk production rising by 69 percent and providing sustenance to 8 crore individuals. The fisheries sector has nearly doubled in output, supported by renewed attention to inland and marine ecosystems. Food processing capacity expanded from 12 to 242 lakh metric tonnes, while exports have doubled to $9 billion. Beekeeping, another high-value activity, reached 1.42 lakh metric tonnes in honey production, with exports tripling. Under the “Sweet Revolution,” 167 women self-help groups are actively participating.

Towards sustainability and organic farming

Green energy and organic farming are driving the shift towards sustainability. The Ethanol Blending Programme has reached nearly 18 percent blending, ensuring better returns for sugarcane farmers and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The PM-KUSUM scheme is helping farmers adopt solar pumps and generate clean energy. Natural farming practices, promoted through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming, are gaining traction for being eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Reviving traditional grains and future foods

India has also emerged as a global leader in the millet renaissance. After the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, India rebranded millets as “Shree Anna” and began promoting them as a health and climate-resilient food option. This revival has reintroduced traditional grains into modern diets and markets, both domestically and internationally.

Strengthening the seed-to-market value chain

The entire agricultural chain—from seed to market—is now more robust than ever. The SMSP Scheme has enabled over six lakh seed villages, ensuring the supply of 530 lakh quintals of quality seeds. Digital tools like the SATHI Portal have brought transparency and traceability to seed distribution systems, empowering farmers with information and access.

Expanding reach through new schemes

To consolidate these gains, new schemes have been introduced. The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana targets productivity enhancement in 100 underperforming districts, impacting over 1.7 crore farmers. The One District One Product initiative encourages regional agri-specialties, promoting rural entrepreneurship. Additionally, the newly formed Makhana Board will strengthen the value chain and exports of this specialty crop from Bihar.

India’s agricultural journey today reflects more than just rising yields—it embodies a social and economic shift. From modernisation and digitisation to women-led innovation and renewable energy, the sector is poised to lead the way for rural prosperity. As the farmer transitions from food provider to growth driver, a new chapter in India’s development story is being written—one that is inclusive, entrepreneurial, and future-ready.

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Christine Lagarde: Stemming the tide: safeguarding our ocean and economy

Source: European Central Bank

Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco

Monaco, 7 June 2025

It is a pleasure to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.

In his 1857 poem “Man and the Sea”, Charles Baudelaire explored the deep kinship between the ocean and humanity.^[1] For Baudelaire, they were two forces drawn together by awe, fascination, and even conflict.

Today, that dynamic has taken on a new and troubling dimension. We rely on the ocean for climate stability and economic prosperity, yet we are fuelling a climate crisis that threatens to undermine the very system we depend on. We cannot let that happen.

Baudelaire described the sea as a “mirror” to the human soul. We now need to take a hard look in that mirror and ask ourselves: what can we do to stem the tide of this crisis, to safeguard our ocean and economy?

This morning’s two panel discussions will go a long way towards answering that question. But I would like to take this opportunity to open the plenary session with a few thoughts – about what is at stake, and what stakeholders can do about it.

The ocean’s importance for our climate and economy

The ocean is home to 95% of the planet’s biosphere.^[2] It spans environments as varied as sunlit coral reefs and pitch-black abyssal plains. And it supports an immense range of life, from countless microscopic organisms to the world’s largest animal, the blue whale.

Given the ocean’s richness, it is worth preserving in its own right. But its value does not end there – the ocean also benefits humanity in two vital ways.

First, it is one of the planet’s most powerful allies in the fight against climate change.

The ocean helps to regulate global temperatures by absorbing vast amounts of heat and redistributing it through major currents like the Gulf Stream. It is also the world’s largest carbon sink, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and helping to slow global warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds that the ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat trapped in the earth’s system, as well as a third of the carbon dioxide that humans have emitted since the Industrial Revolution.^[3]

Second, a sustainable ocean serves as an important pillar supporting the global economy, providing for food security and economic opportunities.

Marine ecosystems support over three billion people who rely on fish for at least 20% of their animal protein intake. Indeed, this dependency is more pronounced in some of the least-developed countries, where seafood provides most of the animal protein consumed.^[4]

These ecosystems also help sustain employment opportunities. More than 150 million jobs depend on the production, trade and consumption of ocean-based goods and services, according to the United Nations.^[5] The ocean is also home to key natural resources, such as medicines and biofuels, which are vital for ongoing advances in healthcare and clean energy sectors.

So, there is a great deal at stake in preserving the ocean’s health.

The threat of climate change

But today we are placing the sustainability of our ocean under extraordinary stress, with serious implications for both our climate and economy.

Without the ocean’s capacity to absorb heat and carbon, we would have had to contend with a faster, even more dangerous pace of global warming. Yet there are now signs that this capacity is becoming strained.

The last ten years were the ocean’s warmest on record. Warmer oceans are driving more frequent marine heatwaves, which damage ecosystems, and have been a major contributor to rising sea levels due to the thermal expansion of seawater. The rate at which the global mean sea level is rising has more than doubled over the past three decades.^[6]

On top of this, the ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide is driving acidification.

Combined with ocean warming, acidification is contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs, which are vital for supporting fisheries and protecting coastlines from storms. Since 2023 over 80% of the world’s coral reefs have been affected by bleaching.^[7]

We find ourselves in dangerous waters. Together, these changes could have profound consequences for the global economy.

Food security may be undermined, potentially leading to more volatile prices, which is a concern for central banks tasked with safeguarding price stability. And if coastal areas become unliveable due to rising sea levels or frequent flooding, people may be forced to move. More than 600 million people around the world live in coastal areas that are less than ten metres above sea level.^[8]

Stemming the tide

So, what can we do to stem the tide of these troubling developments? We may not be able to fully reverse the damage done, but we can work towards slowing its momentum, potentially even stopping it, by acting on two important fronts.

First, we need to protect. That means cutting greenhouse gas emissions decisively and keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.

If we succeed in doing so, we could limit sea level rise to around half a metre by the end of the century. That might not sound reassuring. But every tenth of a degree we avoid is a piece of coastline preserved, a reef protected or a storm surge weakened.

We also need to protect the natural systems that shield us from floods. Nature-based solutions – for instance, restoring mangroves, marshes and coral reefs – offer powerful, cost-effective defences against extreme weather. Coral reefs alone can reduce wave energy by an average of 97% while supporting fisheries, tourism and coastal livelihoods.^[9]

The second front is just as important: we need to prepare.

Whether we like it or not, climate-related risks are materialising. We need to adapt our infrastructure and economies to a more volatile world. That includes building sea walls and surge barriers and budgeting for resilience rather than reacting after disaster strikes.

Make no mistake: adaptation will be costly. According to UN assessments, costs could run into the hundreds of billions of dollars globally each year by mid-century.^[10] But the cost of inaction would be far higher. One study estimates that failing to keep global temperatures below two degrees above pre-industrial levels could lead to USD 14 trillion in global annual flood costs by 2100.^[11]

To meet this challenge, we need to catalyse finance for marine and coastal conservation – for instance, through innovative approaches that convert natural capital into financial capital.^[12]

This can be especially impactful for vulnerable countries with limited fiscal space. Above all, we must listen to the communities affected, treating their needs as a basis for our actions rather than an afterthought.

Let me conclude.

Baudelaire reminds us that the sea is a mirror of our own nature, which can either heal or harm.

So, let us choose to heal. That means nurturing the ocean’s rich diversity and facilitating finance to support innovative adaptation measures that build more resilient communities and a stronger global economy.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Jackson Wang’s new single, festival show build hype for July album

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Pop icon Jackson Wang released his new single “Hate to Love” and its music video on June 6, following his electrifying performance at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 in Los Angeles. The release builds momentum for his upcoming album, due in July.

The single cover art for Jackson Wang’s “Hate to Love.” [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Wang explores the sting of broken trust and the weight of betrayal on “Hate to Love.” The slow-burning, dreamy track delves deeper into the grief explored across the four chapters on Jackson’s upcoming album, “MagicMan 2,” set for release July 18. In this chapter, Jackson stands on the edge of everything he has known, holding a crown he never wanted, finally ready to let it fall before stepping into who he is meant to become.

“I’ve always questioned when I’m going to find love,” Jackson said. “But maybe the question is, ‘When am I going to love myself?’”

The release of “Hate to Love” is accompanied by a music video directed by James Mao, amplifying the song’s raw emotion. Itfeatures MagicMan, Jackson Wang’s alter ego, alone in darkness, grappling with the catharsis of confronting reality and choosing growth over illusion.

“People say to surround yourself with ‘good’ people, but I believe it’s really about finding the ‘right’ people— those who share a similar vision and values in life. But in reality, that’s not always how it works,” Wang said.”I wrote this song after realizing the only person I could trust was myself. I want you to know that I’m a better version of myself because of what happened to me.”

The singer, who boasts more than 100 million followers and is China’s most-followed artist on Instagram, stopped short of naming names. Far from a love song, this track delivers a raw revelation about exploitation, laying bare the emotional turmoil of broken trust and betrayal. His lyrics expose the pain: “Wish I could still trust you, trust you,” he sings. “It’s funny how people can be selfish. I give it all, give it all, give it all. But you still want more.”

Jackson’s self-produced album, created during a yearlong break from the spotlight, is his most personal and ambitious work to date. It channels unaddressed emotions into a raw, unfiltered journey. The album moves from manic highs fueled by denial to the painful process of facing a lost identity, setting boundaries, letting go of people-pleasing habits and, ultimately, finding peace through acceptance.

“Hate to Love,” the fourth single from the album, reached No. 34 on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart, and its video drew more than 210,000 YouTube views in its first 19 hours.

Pre-orders for “MagicMan 2” are now available. The release follows the album’s four-chapter thematic structure, with phased product drops: Chapter One is on sale now, and Chapter Two will launch June 10. Retail-specific versions of the album will also be released in the coming weeks.

The album’s lead single,”High Alone,” debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music in 22 countries and regions. The follow-up, “GBAD,” went viral with more than 32 million YouTube views, fueled by popular remixes. The third single, “Buck,” featuring Indian singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, has attracted more than 8.3 million views for its music video.

Jackson Wang performs on stage at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 in Los Angeles, June 1, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Team Wang Records]

Wang and his friends lit up the stage at Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 on June 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary. The pop star closed the night with the debut live performance of “Buck,” followed by a show-stopping “GBAD” remix featuring seven guest artists, including Higher Brothers and Number i. The explosive collaboration brought the crowd to its feet, instantly becoming one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

MIL OSI China News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Over 60 domestic, international films set to entertain Chinese audiences this summer

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

A slate of films for the 2025 summer movie season was announced on Friday, with more than 60 Chinese and international titles scheduled for release to entertain audiences.

The China Film Administration unveiled the slate at a special event that brought together cast and crew from several upcoming films, who promoted their projects and shared key highlights with the public.

This year’s summer lineup of domestic movies spans a wide range of genres, including historical drama, suspense, action, comedy and animation, catering to the increasingly diverse tastes of moviegoers.

Among the Chinese films featured was “Dong Ji Island,” which tells the story of local fishermen involved in a dramatic international maritime rescue operation.

Another highlight, “The Litchi Road,” follows the journey of a minor Tang Dynasty (618-907) official tasked with delivering fresh lychees — a mission that leads him on an epic adventure.

In the animation category, titles such as “Nobody” promise engaging content for younger audiences during the holiday.

The lineup of imported films set to hit Chinese theaters over the summer months includes high-profile titles such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Jurassic World: Rebirth” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”

A series of initiatives to encourage moviegoing during the summer was also unveiled during the event.

During the recent Dragon Boat Festival, both box office and audience turnout figures saw significant growth compared to the same period last year.

This year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday served as an effective warm-up for the upcoming summer season, signaling a recovery in the film market, said Maoyan analyst Lai Li, noting that the inventory of films slated for release in the summer is ample and diverse in genre.

MIL OSI China News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Releases Intent-to-Veto List

Source: US State of Hawaii

Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Releases Intent-to-Veto List

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN RELEASES INTENT-TO-VETO LIST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2025

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today informed legislative leaders and stakeholders of his intent to veto 19 bills passed during the 2025 regular session of the Hawai‘i State Legislature.

Governor Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but cannot veto a bill that is not included. The release of this list provides additional time to continue ongoing discussions with key stakeholders concerning implementation and impact. Due to the record-setting number of bills enrolled to the governor this legislative session, potential changes to the state’s federal funding and reduced revenue projections from the Council on Revenues, additional time to analyze bills will ensure each bill is given the nuanced, thoughtful consideration it deserves. Governor Green has until July 9 to issue final vetoes. All other bills will become law by July 9.

“Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 19 are on our Intent-to-Veto list,” said Governor Green. “Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on today’s list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawai‘i, protect our resources and strengthen our future.”

To date, Governor Green has signed 200 bills into law benefiting the people and ‘āina of Hawai‘i, with core themes including environmental stewardship, educational access and success, as well as public safety. These represent key focus areas so far; additional bills awaiting signature will build upon this foundation to address state priorities. The remaining 101 bills are on track to become law by July 9.

Over 300 bills were reviewed by state departments and agencies, the Attorney General and the Governor in the last month. The Governor has until July 9 to issue final vetoes from today’s list.

The following bills are being considered for vetoes, line-item vetoes, or reductions.

Fiscal Bills:

HB126: RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE

Bill Description: Increases transparency and accountability surrounding property forfeiture. Clarifies which property is subject to forfeiture. Amends the authorized disposition of forfeited property and the proceeds thereof. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Repeals language that requires the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act to be construed liberally.

Veto Rationale: Asset forfeiture serves as a powerful deterrent against and punishment for criminal activity. The one-year deadline to return seized property for which the owner has not been charged with a covered offense, significantly weakens the efficacy of this dual deterrent and punishment. Many covered offenses, including felonies, often involve complex investigations that extend beyond a year, rendering this bill’s one-year deadline for law enforcement to file charges unrealistic. Seized property can serve as critical evidence in investigations, and its return before an investigation’s completion would severely hamper the investigation as well as the administration of justice at large.

HB300: RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET

Bill Description: Appropriates funds for the operating and capital improvement budget of the Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Veto Rationale: Potential shifts in federal funding, coupled with recent projections from the Hawaiʻi Council on Revenues, require the state to reevaluate its budget to ensure essential services and priorities remain supported. Specific line-item reductions based on program feasibility, stability, and sustainability will help the state enter the fiscal year with a balanced budget and sound financial plan.

HB302: RELATING TO CANNABIS
Bill Description: Part I: Authorizes DOH to inspect qualifying patient medical records held by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or hospice provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient. Amends and adds definitions for purposes of the medical use of cannabis law. Clarifies the conditions of use for the medical use of cannabis. For purposes of issuing written certifications, authorizes the establishment of a provider-patient relationship via telehealth and limits the maximum amount of fees that can be assessed by providers. Authorizes the sale of hemp products and accessories for the medical use of cannabis at retail dispensing locations, except in waiting rooms. Clarifies transportation requirements for certain inter-dispensary sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products. Part II: Establishes criminal penalties for the unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary. Part III: Authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs for the mitigation and abatement of nuisances related to illegal cannabis and hemp products and medical cannabis dispensaries and appropriates funds from the Special Fund to the AG’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for these purposes, including establishing positions. Part IV: Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the cultivation of cannabis without a cannabis cultivator license issued by DOH.

Veto Rationale: This administration remains committed to Hawai‘i’s existing medical cannabis program and supports efforts to expand access to medical cannabis for any medical condition. Although this bill’s authorization of medical cannabis certifications via telehealth expands access to medical cannabis, provisions authorizing the inspection of patients’ medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation of privacy. Given that the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, patients’ reasonable fears of repercussions based upon information gained from inspection of their personal medical records may deter patients from participating in the medical cannabis program.

HB496: RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA

Bill Description: Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the state. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.

Veto Rationale: While the intent of this measure is to ensure consumer protection and reliable Made in Hawai‘i labeling, the bill imposes overly strict labeling requirements that could harm small businesses and māmaki producers who responsibly blend leaves from multiple sources. Prohibiting the labeling of products composed of less than 100% māmaki tea as “māmaki” ignores the economic contributions of and impacts to producers who mix or process māmaki with other herbs, undermining producers who support local māmaki farmers while meeting broader demand.

HB796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS

Bill Description: Requires that income tax credits existing on 12/31/2025 or established or renewed after 12/31/2025 include a five-year sunset or an annual one-third reduction, beginning with the sixth year of the credit.

Veto Rationale: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits across a variety of industries, including film and television, research, and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

HB1369: RELATING TO TAXATION

Bill Description: Amends and repeals certain exemptions under the general excise tax and use tax laws.

Veto Rationale: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

SB583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS

Bill Description: Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility and Convention Center Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility or Convention Center Facility to be deposited into the appropriate special fund of the facility. Authorizes the display of the name of any entity that leased the naming rights to a stadium operated by the Stadium Authority on the exterior of the stadium.

Veto Rationale: Pursuant to section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill may only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and Convention Center from typical concession procurement procedures may violate section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

SB589: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Bill Description: Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an installation goal for customer-sited distributed energy resources in the state. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs to achieve the installation goal and for grid services programs, microgrids and community-based renewable energy. Ensures that certain levels of compensation are provided for solar and energy storage exports from customer-sited distributed energy resources as part of grid service programs and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish grid service compensation values. Clarifies when a person who constructs, maintains, or operates a new microgrid is not considered a public utility. Authorizes wheeling of renewable energy and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish policies and procedures to implement wheeling and microgrid service tariffs.

Veto Rationale: Maintaining Hawai‘i’s leadership in clean energy through established goals and initiatives remains a priority. The Public Utilities Commission has already opened or plans to open proceedings relating to microgrid services tariffs and customer-sited distributed energy resources and grid services. The mandates contained in this bill therefore risk duplication and delay of already existing efforts.

Non-Fiscal Bills:

HB235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY

Bill Description: Requires the Department of Transportation, after the City and County of Honolulu educates the public and adjusts any systems, to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

Veto Rationale: The Department of Transportation has developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

HB800: RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

Bill Description: Provides for the transfer of certain parcels in the Liliha Civic Center area and Iwilei Fire Station area from various state agencies to the City and County of Honolulu. Provides for the transfer of the parcel of land upon which Ali‘i Tower is sited from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Exempts the lands transferred to the Department of Land and Natural Resources from the definition of public lands for purposes of Chapter 171, HRS.

Veto Rationale: The land transfers provided in the bill would negatively impact the City and County of Honolulu, which relies upon Ali‘i Tower’s land lease revenues and office spaces. Additionally, the state would face indeterminate additional costs, as Ali‘i Tower’s age likely necessitates capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. Although the intent of this bill is to reduce the state’s reliance on private commercial office space, no analysis exists identifying the amount of office space the acquisition of Aliʻi Tower would provide the state.

HB958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION

Bill Description: Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of “bicycle” for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines “electric bicycle” in place of “low-speed electric bicycle.” Defines “electric micro-mobility device” and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of 16 from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of 14 to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of 18 without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes and substitutes the term “motor-driven cycle” with the term “motor scooter.”

Veto Rationale: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HB1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND

Bill Description: Establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding the transfer of appropriations to the Major Disaster Fund. Effective 7/1/2025. Sunsets 7/1/2026.

Veto Rationale: The administration is committed to the transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and the quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility undergirding efficient response and recovery efforts. Placing additional administrative oversight over funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

SB15: RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Bill Description: Amends the definition of “historic property” to require that the property is over 50 years old and meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places. Excludes proposed projects on existing residential property and proposed projects that are in nominally sensitive areas from the State’s Historic Preservation Program review, under certain circumstances.

Veto Rationale: Exempting proposed projects on any existing residential property from historic preservation review fails to consider properties that have never undergone such a review and may contain historically significant artifacts or iwi kūpuna. This categorical exclusion increases the risk for desecration of iwi kūpuna and historical resources. Although Governor Green supports amending the historic preservation review process to facilitate housing production, a more nuanced approach to protecting iwi kūpuna is needed, such as that advanced in SB 1263.

SB31: RELATING TO PROPERTY

Bill Description: Authorizes a person who discovers a recorded discriminatory restrictive covenant to take certain actions, without liability, to invalidate the covenant. Defines discriminatory restrictive covenant.

Veto Rationale: By enabling any person, including those without any interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss due to inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

SB38: RELATING TO HOUSING

Bill Description: Requires the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to provide counties with an opportunity to comment on certain housing development projects. Prohibits the legislative body of a county from imposing stricter conditions than the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, stricter area median income requirements, or a reduction in fee waivers to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project.

Veto Rationale: County councils have expressed concerns that this bill hampers their ability to work with developers to modify housing projects to reflect the specific needs of their communities. While the administration supports measures intended to facilitate the production of affordable housing, further dialogue with the counties on this measure’s implementation is required.

SB66: RELATING TO HOUSING

Bill Description: Establishes procedures and requirements for single-family and multifamily housing project applicants to apply for an expedited permit, including requirements for completeness of expedited permit applications, duties of licensed professionals and the counties during construction, and applications for owner-builder exemptions. Takes effect 7/1/2026. Sunsets 6/30/2031.

Veto Rationale: By allowing any qualified professional to determine a project’s impact on historical resources, this bill permits a project proponent to evaluate and determine the impact of its own projects on historical resources. This is a conflict of interest that allows for self-serving determinations, undermines the authority and purpose of regulatory agencies’ independent evaluations, and increases risk to iwi kūpuna.

SB104: RELATING TO CORRECTIONS

Bill Description: Beginning 7/1/2026, restricts the use of restrictive housing in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with certain specified exceptions. Establishes a restrictive housing legislative working group to develop and recommend more comprehensive laws, policies and procedures regarding restrictive housing for members of vulnerable populations by 1/8/2027. Requires the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to review restrictive housing placements on an annual basis. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, by 12/1/2027, to implement policies and procedures recommended by the restrictive housing working group related to committed persons. Requires interim and final reports to the Legislature and Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission.

Veto Rationale: The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has policies in place governing the use of restrictive housing. These policies and procedures comply with National Institute of Corrections and American Correctional Association standards. Rather than improve the health and safety of those in the department’s care, the implementation of certain requirements proposed in this bill will jeopardize the safety, security and good governance of the department’s facility, negatively impacting inmates. In lieu of this measure and to address stakeholders’ concerns, the department is working with the Hawaiʻi Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to amend its policies and procedures.

SB447: RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM

Bill Description: Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028.

Veto Rationale: The governor strongly supports efforts to streamline the state’s hiring process to address our workforce vacancies, especially those in our state’s public health sector. However, this bill conflicts with state civil service law, undermining the state’s merit-based civil service system. Disparities in hiring, classification and compensation throughout the state are expected to occur should this bill become law.

SB1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT

Bill Description: Specifies the appointment processes and terms for the Fire Chief of the Hawaiʻi State Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Unit of the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation.

Veto Rationale: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Further, due to the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the Fire Chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill may delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Erika Engle
Press Secretary
Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
Office: 808-586-0120
Email: [email protected]

Makana McClellan
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Cell: 808-265-0083
Email: [email protected]

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Energy Secretary Wright, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Burgum Visit Alaska to Advance Unleashing American Energy

Source: US Department of Energy

In Case You Missed It— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright traveled to Alaska earlier this week, where he joined U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to advance President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential. In Anchorage and on the North Slope, Secretary Wright met with state, local and tribal leaders as well as Alaskan energy workers, held bilateral meetings with foreign energy ministers to advance American energy projects like Alaska LNG, and participated in a keynote fireside chat at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference.

“I was proud to join my colleagues, Doug Burgum and Lee Zeldin, in Alaska to help fulfill President Trump’s mission of unleashing Alaska to create a safe, prosperous, and opportunity-filled future,” said Secretary Wright. “Alaska has always been a big bold place, a big bold idea, full of big bold people. Unfortunately, the last administration especially and many before them sought to shut down Alaska in the name of climate nonsense. Those days are over. The Trump Administration is fully committed to restoring the rights and liberties of Alaskans, because when Alaska is unleashed, the entire country and world benefits.”

Click here to watch a highlight video of the trip and here to download and view photos from the visit.

Roundtable in Anchorage

On Sunday, Secretaries Wright and Burgum and Administrator Zeldin joined Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) for a roundtable discussion in Anchorage with leaders from across Alaska’s resource development industry.

Town hall in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska

The delegation then traveled to the capital of Alaska’s North Slope Borough, Utqiagvik, Alaska, for a town hall with the predominantly Alaska-Native community. The cabinet members heard from a variety of community leaders and residents from villages across the North Slope who described how President Trump’s agenda has positively impacted their future.

“The people of Kaktovik have been prisoners in our own ancestral homelands because the refuge was placed on top of us, restricting not just oil and gas development, but our movements. . . I’m so proud of our President because he made sure that our ancestral homelands weren’t going to be stolen… if the other guy would have won, there’s no doubt in my mind that our homeland would have been stolen and there’s nothing we could have done about it. But on day one, Trump had the heart and the wherewithal to be able to right this wrong and I’m extremely grateful for that. . . In the words of our commander in chief, President, Donald J. Trump, drill baby drill.” —Charles Lampe, resident of Kaktovik, Alaska, the only village in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

Tour of Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and meetings with industry leaders and international energy ministers in Prudhoe Bay

On Monday, the delegation visited Prudhoe Bay. They began at Pump Station 1 of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) they met with energy workers and delivered remarks. Upon arrival, Secretary Wright and his colleagues greeted international dignitaries from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who joined for the day’s events.

“Today, oil is the largest source of energy on the planet and the fastest source of energy on the planet is natural gas. You have the big two right here: let’s double oil production, build the big, beautiful twin pipeline, and we will help energize the world, strengthen our country and strengthen our families.” –Secretary Wright

The delegation also held a roundtable discussion with foreign energy representatives and U.S. industry executives, focused on international investment, LNG demand, and energy security partnerships. They also toured the Hilcorp Central Gas Facility and visited the Prudhoe Bay Discovery Well—highlighting Alaska’s legacy and future as a cornerstone of American energy production.

Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference and bilateral energy meetings

At the 2025 Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Secretaries Wright and Burgum and Administrator Zeldin joined Governor Dunleavy for a keynote discussion on the Administration’s progress and future plans for expanding resource development in Alaska.

“The main thing we’re looking to get is people that want to buy Alaskan natural gas, and I think we’ve seen tremendous interest in that.” –Secretary Wright at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference

Secretary Wright also held bilateral meetings with the energy ministers from the Philippines and Taiwan.

Advancing President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Throughout the visit, Secretary Wright and the delegation also discussed the enormous potential of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes provisions to mandate lease sales in the Cook Inlet and ANWR with an increased cost-share for Alaska, initiate a de-risking program for LNG projects, enact energy permitting reforms, and deliver higher wages and lower energy costs for American families.

Making headlines across the country

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China to Release Over 60 Domestic and International Films in Summer 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) — The film slate for the 2025 summer movie season was announced on Friday, with more than 60 Chinese and international films scheduled to be released to entertain audiences.

The State Film Administration of China unveiled the list at a special event attended by cast and crews of several upcoming films, where they promoted their projects and shared key points with the public.

This year’s summer lineup of domestic films covers a wide range of genres, including historical drama, thriller, action, comedy and animation, satisfying the increasingly diverse tastes of moviegoers.

Among the Chinese films on display was “Dongji Island,” which tells the story of fishermen involved in a dramatic international maritime rescue operation.

Another film, Lychee Road, follows the journey of an official during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) who was tasked with delivering fresh lychees, a mission that became an epic adventure.

In the animation category, films like Nobody promise exciting content for young audiences during the holidays.

The lineup of imported films that will be shown in Chinese cinemas during the summer months includes such well-known films as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Jurassic World: Resurgence” and “Mission: Impossible – Final Fantasy XIV.”

The event also featured a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging cinema attendance this summer.

During the recent traditional Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) holiday, both box office receipts and the number of cinema attendees increased significantly compared to the same period last year.

This year’s Dragon Boat Festival served as an effective warm-up for the upcoming summer season, signaling a recovery in the film market, said Lai Li, an analyst at Chinese film platform Maoyan, noting that the list of films scheduled for release this summer is extensive and diverse in genre. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – East Makira Constituency delivers livelihood assistance to empower rural communities

Source: Solomon Islands Government

The East Makira Constituency (EMC) office has successfully delivered the remaining Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded livelihood assistance and projects to recipients across EMC.

This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities and fostering sustainable development, especially in EMC under the leadership of the Member of Parliament and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi.

From May 21st to 25th, 2025, EMC Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Mr. Timan Tauni facilitated the distribution of these vital projects to beneficiaries in their respective communities.

The assistance is part of a larger $3.7 million livelihood support program delivered to communities and churches in East Makira Constituency earlier this year.

Key highlights of the livelihood assistance include:

Solar Energy for Vulnerable Groups:

A total of 227 solar sets were distributed, with 114 sets allocated to Ward 12 and 113 sets to Ward 17.

Priority was given to older adults, widows, and people living with disabilities, ensuring they have access to reliable lighting.

“Solar lights are transformative for rural communities. They enhance safety, improve health, and enable economic activities after dark, all while being environmentally sustainable,” Mr. Tauni explained.

Boosting Fisheries and Transportation:

Four fishing boats equipped with outboard motor engines (OBMs) were provided to support local fisheries.

A transportation project and a fuel depot project were also delivered to address logistical challenges in the region.

Edward Kwasi, a fishery project recipient from Santa Catalina Island, shared, “This OBM will help my family expand our fishing business, meet school fees, and improve our livelihoods. Fishing is our way of life, and this support is a dream come true.”

Fuel Depot for Reliable Energy Access:

Mr. Chris Wago, a fuel depot recipient from Natorara Village (Ward 17), emphasised the project’s importance: “Fuel shortages have long hindered our fishermen. This depot will ensure a steady supply, support local businesses, and help families like mine thrive.”

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Cracks Down on EBT Fraud

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Reps. Vince Fong (CA-20), David Valadao (CA-22), and Addison McDowell (NC-06) to introduce the Stopping Klepto-card and Identity Misuse Act (SKIM) Act, which would crack down on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) theft, fraud, and waste. This essential lifeline program, designed to support our nation’s most vulnerable, has been overtaken by bad actors who relentlessly exploit and drain its resources from those it is meant to serve.

The EBT system, which is administered by state agencies under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, delivers government assistance such as SNAP and TANF through a debit-style card. These cards have increasingly become ripe targets for fraud. According to the California Department of Social Services, over $439 million in EBT benefits have been stolen since 2021 – rising from under $100,000 a month to over $10 million – proving that current penalties do not deter criminals.

The SKIM Act aims to address this rampant fraud by directing the U.S. Attorney General to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts against access device fraud, increase prison sentences for those using fake cards or ID-making tools, and require comprehensive best practices to help identify and prevent future fraud.

“Scammers exploiting the EBT system are the worst kind of evil, not only wasting taxpayer dollars but stealing vital benefits meant to help our most vulnerable,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The SKIM Act toughens penalties and strengthens law enforcement coordination to crack down on these bad actors, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure public assistance goes to those who actually need it.”

“Criminals who steal from children, families, and the elderly must be held accountable, and we must protect taxpayers from those who commit public assistance fraud,” said Congressman Fong. “After more than $2 million in EBT benefits were recently stolen from my district’s most vulnerable residents, I was determined to take action to safeguard the people who rely on these critical benefits, and crack down on those who would rob them.”

“SNAP is a critical lifeline that helps low-income families put food on their tables,” said Congressman Valadao. “Unfortunately, criminals exploit weaknesses in the EBT system by using skimming devices at grocery stores and gas pumps to steal benefits from those who need them most. It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to work with Congressman Fong to hold these criminals accountable.”

“If you’re skimming cards, you’re stealing, plain and simple,” said Congressman McDowell. “But if you’re skimming EBT, you’re not just taking money, you’re taking food out of a child’s mouth. This bill cracks down hard on criminals. We’re raising penalties and demanding real accountability from the DOJ. No more looking the other way. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Vince Fong on the SKIM Act.”

For more information, please read the full bill text here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Army Corps of Engineers Announces Nearly $24 Million for Garrison Dam Spillway Approach

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Army of Engineers (USACE) announced a contract of $23,816,251 for dredging and the placement of riprap protection in support of the spillway at Garrison Dam near Riverdale. This work advances the Garrison Dam Spillway Approach Rehabilitation Project and is expected to be completed by April 28, 2028.

Built in 1953, the Garrison Dam is the second-most upstream project of six which were built on the mainstem of the upper Missouri River and has the largest reservoir storage capacity of all USACE projects in the nation. When combined with dams on the river’s tributaries, the projects reduce the risk of downstream flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This mainstem system of dams is managed to balance hydropower generation, water supply, water quality, irrigation, fish and wildlife conservation, navigation, and recreation benefits.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Regressing into Progress: Remarks before the International Center for Insurance Regulation

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

Thank you, Christian. I appreciate the chance to be part of this event. I must first let you know that my views are my own as a Commissioner and not necessarily those of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or my fellow Commissioners. Speaking of my views, they may not overlap much with those of Theodor Adorno, the famed early 20th century intellectual whose legacy is so prominent at this university. But his assertion that “progress occurs where it ends”[1] aptly describes my views of much of the global environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) movement.

The ESG era, though marketed as progress, has harmed investors, companies, regulators, and society. Nothing is new about companies and investors taking a wide range of factors into account in deciding how to allocate capital. The materiality framework of our U.S. securities regulatory regime elicits disclosure about issues determinative to a company’s long-term financial value, including, when applicable, ESG issues. Our framework distinguishes between what is material to an investment decision and what is not material even though some investors might care deeply about it. Only the former warrants mandatory disclosure.

The distinctive element that marks this new era is the presumptive categorization of anything bearing the ESG label as inherently material to long-term financial value. In doing so it departs from a near-century-old materiality-based disclosure regime. If ESG is treated as a short-hand for materiality, affixing the ESG label to something automatically justifies using it to drive capital allocation decisions. An ESG label substitutes for hard analysis by companies and investors about how something relates to long-term financial value. The thinking goes that if lots of people in society are talking about “fill-in-the-blank” issue, it needs to factor into all corporate and investor thinking and thus into regulatory mandates. That companies, investors, and their advisors may find certain ESG matters material to their decisions does not justify short-circuiting real analysis of what matters for the long-term financial value of a particular company or a particular investor’s portfolio. The current approach to ESG is harmful because it takes a one-size-fits-all approach to regulation. Instead of capital allocators performing individualized analysis of ESG criteria they are given a box-checking exercise composed of generic metrics and criteria concocted by a hodge-podge of interest groups. As a result, focused financial analysis is burdened by irrelevant and misleading red herrings which may lead to worse financial decisions.

Let’s start with societal harm. ESG initiatives—even when couched in terms of disclosure—attempt to shift capital flows to uses favored by politicians, regulators, and powerful interest groups as embodied in the taxonomies that drive corporate and investor activity. These favored industries and companies are more likely to correspond to lobbying prowess than to the ability to improve society. Capital diverted to pet projects of the politically powerful is not available for companies working hard to meet people’s genuine needs or to solve society’s most pernicious and pressing problems. As political power shifts, the nature of the favored projects does too. Regardless of whose ESG it is, something other than people’s genuine needs determines who gets capital.

Regulators, often driven by good intentions, have poured countless hours into devising and implementing ESG frameworks. Central banks, securities regulators, and insurance regulators scour their rule books for ways to inject ESG targets into their regulated entities’ decision-making so that money flows to ESG-positive projects. A sustainability standard setter now sits alongside the international accounting standard setter, which may lead to unwarranted confidence in the sustainability standards and unwanted degradation of the accounting standards.[2] International organizations of regulators have packed their agendas with ESG work streams. Regulators’ other responsibilities have suffered from the attention given to ESG. The climate rule, for example, consumed a tremendous amount of time and resources that could have been devoted to modernizing the disclosure rulebook. And bank regulators’ focus on climate risk may obscure other risks, such as interest rate risk.[3]

The time and money regulators spend on ESG pales in comparison to what companies have spent. ESG initiatives coming from every level of government and reinforced by grifting, silver-tongued sustainability sirens consume tremendous amounts of corporate resources. Employees across the organization spend time collecting and analyzing ESG data—time which otherwise would be directed toward corporate value maximization. A growing list of ESG issues—amplified by proxy advisors, shareholder proponents, and ESG rating organizations—also demand the time and attention of boards and managers. ESG considerations influence product and supplier choices to the detriment of a company’s long-term value.

Investors also have suffered from the ESG obsession. Most significantly, if ESG targets supplement financial goals for companies, holding company managers accountable for their performance may be difficult. Managers can claim success based on one of the company’s ESG metrics even if the company has failed to meet its goals related to maximizing the long-term value of the company. Further interfering with accountability, investors may find it hard to locate material information in disclosures brimming with mandated ESG items. So much for Plain English initiatives designed to make disclosure documents easier to read! As just one example in the decline of readability, from 1997 to 2017 the average length of an annual report has grown by almost 200%[4]. These lengthy disclosures are time-consuming and distracting to prepare and give ample fodder for costly shareholder class action litigation and SEC enforcement actions. In one recent case, a throwaway line about the recyclability of coffee capsules led to a $1.5 million penalty.[5] Increasing disclosure increases litigation risk. Shareholders foot the bill for non-litigation costs too. Besides aspiring plaintiffs, an ever growing outside industry of advisers, consultants, accountants, and attorneys who help companies prepare ESG disclosures and defend them in litigation are eager to take their cut. In addition, shareholders incur costs imposed by their fellow shareholders who submit proposals for inclusion on corporate proxies. These proposals increasingly focus on environmental and social issues rather than governance issues with a direct connection to financial returns, such as the presence of staggered boards and poison pills. Proponents, who come from both sides of the political spectrum and often own only a tiny percentage of company shares, impose large costs on companies. Even if the proposal never makes it to the proxy, it can serve as an express ticket to special backroom negotiations with company management. Companies, with the help of attorneys, process and analyze the requests and sometimes make quiet concessions to the proponents that may be wholly unrelated to—and might be directly deleterious to—the company’s long-term financial value. Even worse, shareholders often have no idea these deals are even taking place.

Recognizing the dangers of an unthinking embrace of everything ESG, the United States at multiple levels, has paused to assess its approach. States have raised questions about how asset managers are taking ESG objectives into consideration in managing state investment portfolios. A knee-jerk prohibition on considering anything that might be categorized as ESG could impede legitimate investment analysis. But asking asset managers to be clear about what is driving their investment decisions can help to ensure that asset managers are fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility to their clients.

Change also is happening at the federal level. The U.S. Department of Labor will engage in new rulemaking to rescind ESG rules adopted under the prior administration.[6] The SEC’s signature ESG rulemaking faces a court challenge against which the current SEC has decided not to defend,[7] and other ESG initiatives, such as an ESG proposal for investment advisers, have lost steam. Earlier this year, Commission staff rescinded guidance that had made it easier for certain investors and their representatives to inundate companies with proposals that had nothing to do with the company receiving them. In rescinding this guidance, the staff returned to an analysis that considers the “policy issue raised by the proposal and its significance in relation to the company.”[8] This change should help prevent shareholder proponents from forcing companies to focus on ESG issues that are wholly unrelated to their business. To help prevent a shift back to ESG as an excuse for a disclosure mandate, I recommend embedding in the SEC rulebook an explicit commitment to materiality as the governor of disclosure mandates. This commitment is consistent with statute.[9] To complement such a rulemaking, the Commission could undertake a project, as appropriate, to remove from the SEC rulebook or modify any disclosure mandates that are not rooted in materiality.

Europe too seems to be looking at its ESG regulatory framework with an eye toward streamlining it. Absent such streamlining, Europe could suffer economically. Also worthy of reconsideration is the direct and indirect imposition of Europe’s ESG mandates and regulations on American companies either because they have some European presence or have as investors European asset managers seeking to satisfy their own ESG mandates. These extraterritorial efforts threaten to spread economic malaise globally. International organizations would do well to work as hard to dismantle the ESG regulatory edifice as they have in building it.

I look forward to a lively upcoming conversation. In this exchange of ideas, I hope that we can honor the legacy of Doktor Adorno in terms that are accessible to people like me who are not steeped in the erudite political, artistic, and philosophical discourse that flowed so readily from his pen.

[1] Theodor W. Adorno, Progress, in Critical Models: Interventions and Catchwords 150, 143-60 (Henry W. Pickford trans., Columbia Univ. Press 2005).

[3] See e.g. Governor Michelle W. Bowman, Statement on Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management for Large Financial Institutions (Oct. 24, 2023), https://federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bowman-statement-20231024b.htm (“The lessons learned from supervisory failures during the bank stress in the spring clearly illustrate that bank examiners and bank management should focus on core issues, like credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk. Today’s guidance could ultimately distract attention and resources from these core risks.”).

[4] Danny Lesmy, Lev Muchnik and Yevgeny Mugerman, Doyoureadme? Temporal Trends in the Language Complexity of Financial Reporting, SSRN Elec. J. 4 (Sept. 2019), https://ssrn.com/abstract=3469073.

[9] See, e.g., Andrew Vollmer, Part 1: Reasons a Court Should Find that the SEC Lacked Legal Authority for the Climate-Change Disclosure Rules (Apr. 29, 2024), https://www.finregrag.com/p/reasons-a-court-should-find-that (“The statutory context of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act limits the SEC’s power to issue disclosure rules to specific types of information about the disclosing company’s business, finances, and securities that bear on investment returns.”); Sean J. Griffith, What’s “Controversial” About ESG? A Theory of Compelled Commercial Speech under the First Amendment, 101 Neb. L. Rev. 876, 923 (2023), https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4118755# (“The disclosure of financial material under an investor protection rationale must therefore be bounded by a baseline principle of relevance. Fortunately, securities law contains such a principle in the concept of materiality. . . . Using the concept of materiality as a guide to relevance suggests that in order to be justified under the investor protection rationale, mandatory disclosures must have a clear and plausible relationship to the financial return of the investment. Speculative or uncertain information would not meet this standard. Information that is immaterial . . . imposes a cost on investors.”).

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: National Ocean Month, 2025

US Senate News:

Source: US Whitehouse
class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
This National Ocean Month, my Administration recognizes the foundational role our bordering oceans have played in our treasured national story — and we pledge to harness their resources, preserve their majesty, and channel their power to safeguard American interests and uphold our way of life.
As President, I am steadfastly committed to restoring America’s maritime dominance — including in the realms of trade, military readiness, and resource production. For this reason, on my first day in office, I proudly renamed the largest gulf in the world to the Gulf of America, recognizing its status as a vital extension of the Atlantic Ocean and its central role in our economy, history, and national identity.
To further expand American leadership at sea, I signed an Executive Order to revitalize our Nation’s dominance in offshore critical minerals and resources. Every day, we are rapidly developing our domestic capabilities for the exploration, production, and processing of critical minerals from the deep seabed that are vital to our economic and strategic advantage. In April, I signed a proclamation to open the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument to commercial fishing. As part of my America First vision, I also took action to bring back American seafood competitiveness, end trade practices that harm American fishermen, and boost domestic seafood production and exports.
Under my leadership, we are in the midst of a new chapter of American freedom, prosperity, and strength — both within our shores and beyond our coasts.
This National Ocean Month, my Administration renews its resolve to usher in a new and radiant golden age both at home and at sea — using our oceans and their magnificent resources to empower our citizens, defend our homeland, and preserve our glorious American sovereignty for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2025 as National Ocean Month. This month, I call upon Americans to reflect on the value and importance of oceans not only to our security, environment, and economy but also as a source of recreation and enjoyment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thissixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth. DONALD J. TRUMP

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Reintroduces Federal Death Penalty Legislation to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 3764, the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, legislation that would punish a defendant with the death penalty or life in prison if convicted of selling or distributing fentanyl that resulted in death:

“During the Biden administration, more than 80,000 pounds of fentanyl has flooded into our nation.The fentanyl crisis has strained our healthcare system and touched every community across the country, including in my great state of Arizona. For example, the largest single fentanyl bust in history recently took place in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah. Those arrested included a leader of a Mexican drug cartel. Whether it’s from China or Mexico, the criminal networks are producing, transporting, and marketing these drugs and are poisoning America.

Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18-44. More than 105,000 Americans died from drug poisonings in 2023 with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

I laud President Trump’s recent designation of deadly cartels trafficking drugs into our country as terrorist groups and calling for the death penalty for those who sell illicit drugs, including fentanyl. As a result of President Trump’s war against drug dealers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a 26.5% national decline in drug overdose deaths from the previous year when Biden was last in office.

More should and can be done to support President Trump’s efforts to stem the flow of deadly drugs into the United States. That’s why I have once again reintroduced the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, legislation authorizing capital punishment or life imprisonment for any individual convicted of distributing, possessing with the intent to distribute, or manufacture fentanyl that resulted in death.

Fentanyl is so potent that even a very small parcel of the drug can cause many deaths and destruction to American families. We must get tough on those criminals that are responsible for this public health crisis. My legislation would punish anyone who knowingly traffics fentanyl with the death penalty or life in prison,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

Original Cosponsors:

Representatives Brecheen, Ezell, Higgins, Moore (AL), Luna, Ogles

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senate Advances Sullivan, Padilla Bill to Improve Cybersecurity and Telecommunications for Oceanographic Research Vessels

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

05.27.25

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced their bipartisan legislation to facilitate cybersecurity and telecommunications upgrades for the 17 oceanographic vessels in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research (ANCHOR) Act would require the National Science Foundation (NSF) to plan improvements for these critical oceanographic research vessels.

These ships and their submersibles play a central role in exploring our oceans and strengthening our national security. First commissioned decades ago, these ships are in desperate need of new infrastructure and maintenance, especially with foreign cyberattacks targeting naval vessels on the rise.

The ANCHOR Act now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

“The unanimous referral of the ANCHOR Act out of the Commerce Committee sends a strong, bipartisan message: safeguarding America’s maritime research infrastructure is essential to our national security,” said Senator Sullivan. “This bill will better protect our research fleet and institutions—many of which have been targeted by adversarial cyber threats—and ensure that vessels, like the Sikuliaq in Seward, can continue their vital scientific missions without compromise.”

“The U.S. Academic Research Fleet is a global leader in performing groundbreaking oceanographic research,” said Senator Padilla. “But with increasing cyberattacks on these vessels, we urgently need to upgrade crucial cybersecurity and telecommunications infrastructure. We have a responsibility to keep both our nation’s research and its researchers safe. I am glad to the see the Senate advance this cost-effective, bipartisan solution, improving research and conditions for our crew members.”

“Collaborative, interdisciplinary teams are essential to achieving scientific excellence at the University of California, but conducting this work from research vessels at sea presents unique challenges,” said Theresa Maldonado, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of California. “Teams aboard these floating laboratories need the infrastructure to share their expertise and data effectively in real-time with their land-based collaborators in order to accelerate science and engineering outcomes. This capability depends on networks of satellites, digital assets, software and cyberinfrastructure. The ANCHOR Act is the vital step toward establishing this critical infrastructure, and the University of California thanks Senator Padilla for his leadership.”

“Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego operates research vessels that are essential in advancing research to understand our oceans and changing climate, and training the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on experiences at sea. Reliable network and computing capabilities are essential for the professional operation of all modern ships, and critically important for effective scientific activities on research vessels specifically. As globally-ranging laboratories that must operate in the most remote areas of the world, research vessels rely on cyberinfrastructure for our mission-critical activities. The ANCHOR Act will make this possible — along with the cybersecurity that is so important now — and gives us the ability to conduct our nation’s research and education missions efficiently, capably and securely,” said Dr. Margaret Leinen, Vice Chancellor, Marine Sciences and Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

“U.S. scientists depend on the Academic Research Fleet to conduct research that is vital to our understanding of the oceans, which is linked to societal impacts ranging from tsunamis to fisheries ecosystems to global weather. The ANCHOR Act will result in critically-needed cyberinfrastructure throughout the fleet, which will enable our mariners to operate our ships effectively and empower our scientists by enabling satellite communications, shoreside and shipboard digital infrastructure, and technical support. In addition to enabling cutting-edge science, these systems will strengthen our ability to develop and retain a highly skilled workforce of scientific mariners and marine technicians, who are essential to advance our nation’s leadership in ocean enterprise and technology,” said Dr. Bruce Appelgate, Chair of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System.

Specifically, the ANCHOR Act would require NSF to issue a report within one year that details a budget and plan for cybersecurity and internet upgrades across the 17 research vessels in the fleet, which are owned by NSF, the Office of Naval Research, and U.S. universities and laboratories. The report would outline costs for equipment, training, personnel, and methods to minimize spending.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography houses California’s three vessels in the fleet, including the R/V Sally Ride, named after the trailblazing scientist who was one of the first six female astronauts in NASA history. Joining the fleet in 2016, the R/V Sally Ride has already made history in honor of its namesake. In 2021, California researchers on board conducted an extensive survey of the historic DDT chemical dumpsite off the coast of Southern California, leading to the World War II munitions discovery.

A one-pager on the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: June 6th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Slam Trump Administration for Illegally Gutting Agency Dedicated to Growing Local Businesses
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

Amid Commerce Department’s stonewalling, senators ask GAO to investigate if Trump officials violated the law or engaged in misconduct & what officials are doing with funding Congress appropriated to serve minority enterprises & create jobs

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to slam the Trump Administration for its illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The senators asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate whether actions by Trump Commerce Department officials or others in the Administration violated Congressional directives, the extent to which they undermined MBDA’s Congressional mandate, and whether any officials have engaged in misconduct.

“On May 2, 2025, the White House released its recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which expressly acknowledge that the Commerce Department under Secretary Howard Lutnick has ‘fully eliminated’ the MBDA,” the senators wrote in a letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro. “Prior to this admission, my colleagues and I repeatedly raised concerns about the Department’s efforts to dismantle the MBDA unilaterally, particularly given Secretary Lutnick’s clear testimony during his confirmation hearing stating he did not support dismantling the agency. We sent multiple letters to Secretary Lutnick and the Department seeking basic information about the current state of the MBDA. To date, the Department has failed to substantively respond to any of our requests, and it is becoming increasingly clear that Department leadership is not taking these concerns seriously.”

The senators have raised concerns and demanded accountability and answers from the Trump Administration since the president issued his unlawful executive order. This letter follows a letter the senators wrote to Keith Sonderling, Acting Under Secretary for MBDA, demanding the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction ordering it to stop the illegal dismantling of the agency and reinstate its personnel and grantmaking capacities. The senators previously sent a May 1, 2025 inquiry to Sonderling to demand he promptly turn over key documents and information related to the dismantling of the MBDA and recent funding termination notices sent to all grantees by DOGE. On June 3, the senators also sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting that they investigate whether actions by Trump Commerce Department officials or others in the Administration violated congressional directives, the extent to which they undermined MBDA’s congressional mandate and whether any officials have engaged in misconduct.

In October 2024, Heinrich led the unveiling of a new, larger office space for the New Mexico Minority Business Development Center in Albuquerque to expand support for local businesses across the state as they create the types of careers New Mexicans can build their families around. Heinrich wrote the legislative provision that established and funded the New Mexico Business Center in 2020, securing more than $2.5 million in federal resources through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency for its staffing and programming.

In May, during the Senate Commerce hearing on the nomination of Paul Dabbar to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Luján pressed Mr. Dabbar on the dismantling of the MBDA by the Trump Administration and highlighted the successes of the MBDA. Luján championed an amendment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make the MBDA permanent. He also secured passage of a provision to double the funding level for the MBDA’s Rural Business Development Center Program and to expand this program’s eligibility to include all Minority-Serving Institutions, which will expand opportunities for New Mexico’s colleges and universities. Additionally, in 2021, Luján championed legislation to make permanent and expand the reach of the Minority Business Development Agency.

The text of the letter can be found HERE and below:

Comptroller General Dodaro:

We write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a review of the actions taken by the Trump Administration to dismantle the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), despite Congress statutorily authorizing the agency and appropriating funding to further its mission. A robust investigation by GAO would help shed light on whether officials at the Department of Commerce (Department) or elsewhere in the Administration circumvented the directives of Congress, the extent to which the MBDA’s ability to administer its grants and combat potential fraud has been undermined, and whether any officials have engaged in misconduct.

On May 2, 2025, the White House released its recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026, which expressly acknowledge that the Commerce Department under Secretary Howard Lutnick has “fully eliminated” the MBDA. Prior to this admission, my colleagues and I repeatedly raised concerns about the Department’s efforts to dismantle the MBDA unilaterally, particularly given Secretary Lutnick’s clear testimony during his confirmation hearing stating he did not support dismantling the agency. We sent multiple letters to Secretary Lutnick and the Department seeking basic information about the current state of the MBDA. To date, the Department has failed to substantively respond to any of our requests, and it is becoming increasingly clear that Department leadership is not taking these concerns seriously.

The MBDA was created by Executive Order in 1969. In 2021, Congress statutorily authorized the MBDA in bipartisan legislation, the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (MBDA Act), which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In so doing, Congress directed the MBDA to, among other things, “enable the Federal Government to better serve the needs of minority business enterprises.” The bipartisan law also established a new Senate-confirmed position to lead the agency. By making the MBDA and its programs permanent, Congress made a deliberate decision to promote job creation, spur innovation, and support business owners from a variety of backgrounds.

Last Congress, the Congress funded the MBDA pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which contained a $68.25 million appropriation for the “necessary expenses of the Minority Business Development Agency in fostering, promoting, and developing minority business enterprises, as authorized by law.” These investments have paid significant dividends: In FY 2024 alone, the MBDA helped the country’s more than 12 million minority businesses access over $1.5 billion in capital and create or retain approximately 23,000 jobs. That same level of funding has been appropriated through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (P.L. 119-4).

Despite Congress’s clear statutory directive, on March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order effectively eliminating the MBDA and certain other federal entities. In so doing, the Executive Order called for the head of the MBDA to submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget within seven days “confirming full compliance with this order and explaining which components or functions of the governmental entity, if any, are statutorily required and to what extent.” In the weeks that followed, the Trump Administration has unilaterally dismantled the MBDA—terminating effectively all its staff, canceling its grant programs, and removing its signage from the Department.

As part of these efforts, our offices reviewed a funding termination notice that was sent to an MBDA grantee by a member of Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) named Nate Cavanaugh, who was purportedly acting “Under the Authority of Keith Sonderling, Acting Undersecretary of MBDA.” In the notice, the Department claims the grant is being terminated because it “is unfortunately no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interests of the United States and the MBDA Program.” The termination notice further states that “MBDA is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda.” The notice is silent about why the grants are inconsistent with the MBDA’s priorities and programs, which Congress, not the Department, set by statute. And the notice also suggests that the Department of Commerce or others in the Administration may be using funding appropriated for the MBDA for other, unrelated purposes.

Fortunately, on May 13, 2025, a federal district court issued a Preliminary Injunction requiring the Trump Administration to reverse its actions to eliminate the MBDA, including by restoring agency employees to their status prior to the Executive Order issued on March 14, 2025. However, the Trump Administration quickly appealed this order, making clear it intends to continue pursuing its efforts to fully eliminate the MBDA notwithstanding Congress’s clear directives.

It is essential that Congress and the public understand how the Trump Administration’s recent actions have affected the MBDA’s ability to carry out its statutory mission and obligations and to understand how funds appropriated to the MBDA are being used. Therefore, we are requesting your assistance to investigate activities that have occurred at MBDA since January 20, 2025, and report on the following:
1. A detailed review of all actions taken by the Department of Commerce, including any acting leadership, to “fully eliminate” or otherwise dismantle the MBDA, including any efforts to pause or halt MBDA work functions, lower or eliminate the agency’s budget, or otherwise reduce the resources available to MBDA to complete its work.
1. A detailed review of all actions taken by the any member of DOGE, including any volunteers, special government employees, contractors, or Department employees affiliated with DOGE, to “fully eliminate” or otherwise dismantle the MBDA, including any efforts to pause or halt MBDA work functions, lower or eliminate the agency’s budget, or otherwise reduce the resources available to MBDA to complete its work.
1. A detailed review of actions taken by the Department of Commerce, including MBDA leadership and acting leadership, to pause, halt, or terminate any grants or funding that were administered or approved by the MBDA as of January 20, 2025. Please include information on the involvement of DOGE or DOGE-affiliated employees, including any volunteers, special government employees, and contractors, in decisions to pause, halt, or terminate MBDA grants or funding.
1. A detailed review of the status of all MBDA grants, including:
  
  The extent to which grants have been terminated or funds continue to be disbursed;
  
  A description of the types of funded activities that are considered “consistent with the agency’s priorities” and that “serve the interests of the MBDA program”; and
  
  A detailed explanation of how the MBDA intends to repurpose its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda, including any specific program or activity that has received or is expected to receive repurposed funding.
1. A detailed review of actions taken by the Department of Commerce, including MBDA leadership and acting leadership, to reduce the MBDA’s workforce after January 20, 2025. Please include information on the involvement of DOGE or DOGE-affiliated employees, including any volunteers, special government employees, and contractors, in decisions to reduce the MBDA’s workforce.
1. A detailed review of the effects of recent Department of Commerce and DOGE actions on:
  
  The operations of the MBDA’s statutorily created offices, how responsibilities are being allocated to any remaining staff, and the status of physical office space; and
  
  The ability of the agency to fulfill its statutorily required functions under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 (Division K of the Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. 117-58), including but not limited to:
                                                              i.      The MBDA’s statutory responsibilities for private and public sector development;

                                                           ii.      The MBDA’s efforts to conduct research and provide outreach and educational services;

                                                         iii.      The operation of the MBDA’s Business Center Program, Rural Minority Business Center Program, and the national network of public-private partnerships;

                                                         iv.      The administration of the minority business development grants program;

                                                            v.      The functioning of the Minority Business Enterprises Advisory Council; and

                                                         vi.      The extent to which the Administration’s actions regarding MBDA are consistent with the statutory obligations under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021.

c. The ability of the agency to effectively administer its current grants, detect and prevent potential fraud in its programs, and cooperate with any investigations into potential fraud or other wrongdoing.
1. A detailed review of the Commerce Department’s or MBDA’s development and implementation of plans to reorganize, restructure, or eliminate the MBDA’s work, and how these plans may affect the Administration’s ability to meet its statutory responsibilities, including a review of which “components or functions” of the MBDA the Trump Administration found to be “statutorily required and to what extent,” pursuant to President Trump’s March 14, 2025, Executive Order on “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.”
MIL OSI USA News –
June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: WTO Fish Fund launches Call for Proposals for implementing Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Source: WTO

Headline: WTO Fish Fund launches Call for Proposals for implementing Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Developing and LDC members that have ratified the Agreement are eligible to submit proposals for technical assistance and capacity-building activities to support their implementation of the Agreement. These fall into two categories: project preparation grants of up to USD 50,000 for activities such as studies and needs assessments to prepare for implementation of the Agreement, and project grants of up to USD 300,000 for specific projects to implement the Agreement.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “A vital feature of this historic Agreement is that it provides funding for developing and least-developed country members to receive technical assistance and capacity building support to implement the new disciplines and improve fisheries management. Delivering this support is essential to realizing the Agreement’s benefits for people, oceans, and the planet. This Call for Proposals represents a first but significant step towards turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into lasting, transformative change for livelihoods and marine fisheries. I am deeply grateful to our current and future donors to the Fish Fund!”
WTO members can access the application portal here. Proposals must be submitted by 9 September. However, if the Agreement enters into force before this date, the deadline will be extended by one month. The Steering Committee of the Fish Fund will review and evaluate all submissions.
So far, 101 WTO members have formally accepted the Agreement. Funds may be disbursed once the WTO receives the 111 instruments of acceptance needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
The contributions and pledges received by the Fund thus far amount to approximately CHF 14.5 million (just over USD 17.5 million), with commitments made by Australia, Canada, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
The Fish Fund was established under Article 7 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which ministers adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022. Housed at the WTO, the Fund operates in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank.
For more information, please visit the WTO Fish Fund website here and download the fact sheet titled “How to Access Funding — Opening the Call for Proposals” available here.
The list of all WTO members that have submitted their instrument of acceptance is available here.
More information on the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism is available here.

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MIL OSI Economics –

June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help Coastal Workforce, Fisheries, and Infrastructure
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

06.06.25

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME), reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, legislation which includes more than a dozen provisions aimed at boosting the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Alaska and across the country. The bill will also support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and strengthen federal conservation research projects.

In October 2022, Senator Murkowski began soliciting feedback from Alaskans to help draft the Working Waterfronts legislation. After a two-year period of close collaboration with stakeholders and colleagues in the Senate, she introduced the legislation for the first time in February of 2024.

“One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”

“Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”

“The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) thanks Senator Murkowski for her continued efforts to support Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, which provides tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact across the state. The Working Waterfronts Act would make impactful changes that are needed now, such as expanding access for fishermen and processors to USDA loans, grants for improving waterfront infrastructure that benefit commercial fishermen, and creating a new program to improve maritime workforce development. These changes, along with many others in the Act, provide needed help the Alaska seafood industry, a critical pillar of Alaska’s economy,” said Greg Smith, Communications Director at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).

“Senator Murkowski’s Working Waterfronts Act highlights the key priorities vital to the future of Alaska’s seafood industry. From modernizing infrastructure to building a resilient workforce and supporting innovation, this bill addresses the real challenges facing our coastal communities. We’re proud to support this effort and stand with Senator Murkowski in securing a strong future for Alaska’s working waterfronts,” said Kristy Clement, CEO of Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation.

“Senator Murkowski’s Working Waterfronts Act is a comprehensive bill that invests in the modernization of our vital working waterfronts and the resiliency and success of our fishing and seafood industries,” said Robert Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network. “This bill champions crucial improvements to shoreside facilities and infrastructure that support thriving coastal economies and promotes the development of a stronger future workforce to ensure American fishing traditions can continue for generations. This legislation also supports research and stewardship of economically important ocean ecosystems and fisheries to help them endure in a changing climate. The Network supports the Working Waterfronts Act and thanks Senator Murkowski for listening to the needs of our fishing communities and providing a foresighted path to support their businesses and ways of life.”

“The seafood industry has always been a critical part of the Blue Economy, even before the phrase was coined. Alaska’s seafood industry produces an economic impact of $15 billion in the U.S. annually. Senator Murkowski’s wholistic approach to a thriving waterfront is visionary. The Working Waterfront Act supports and expands access to critical infrastructure and resources upon which the seafood industry relies. Specific to seafood harvesting and processing, the Working Waterfront Act incentives co-investment by providing access to USDA loan programs which will help American fishermen and processors compete with other countries – an excellent example of good domestic economic policy,” Julie Decker, President, Pacific Seafood Processors Association.

Bill Highlights:

Investing in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure
- Tax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
- Fishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.
- Rural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.
- Working Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.
Boosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy
- Maritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.
- Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.
- Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors – including public, private, and academic – within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.
Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems
- Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
- Vegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.
- Marine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 7, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” Set for Saturday, June 14
Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York’s “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held on Saturday, June 14 this year with events happening at more than 20 locations across New York State as part of the Governor’s initiative to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” and to ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands. The events bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun and healthy activities.

“Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is an opportunity for every New Yorker to visit our world-renowned state parks and public lands, and gather with family and friends while learning something new,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration has prioritized accessibility and our state parks and lands are here for all New Yorkers to enjoy, no matter their background or abilities. Everyone is welcome.”

This year’s event is hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration (Parks), in partnership with the Office of the Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

At 23 locations across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, paddling, camping demonstrations, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites, including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing, and more. Certain sites will also feature sample assistive technology device loans from New York’s regional Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) centers.

New York’s Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Most “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” celebrations will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a few exceptions. Exact times and locations are available on the Parks and DEC websites.

New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “As New York’s Chief Disability Officer, I am proud we are co-sponsoring ‘Get Outdoors and Get Together’ day since our office was created in 2022. We thoroughly enjoy both co-sponsoring this event, but more importantly, participating in the event, which has consistently demonstrated the beauty that our parks have to offer and the accessibility that we strive to provide each and every day. We know how important the outdoors is to all New Yorkers, including those with disabilities, in the quest to spend as much time outside as possible to benefit both our physical and mental health.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is thrilled to once again host ‘Get Outdoors & Get Together Day’ events across the state in partnership with our sister State agencies. We remain committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive outdoor experience for New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, identities, and lived experiences. New York’s public lands are for everyone and we invite all New Yorkers to join us to celebrate the outdoors and try something new, safely and responsibly.”

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “This event is important to our agency, especially considering that as little as fifty years ago, many people with developmental disabilities lived in institutions and were denied the same opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as everyone else. When we see people with and without disabilities enjoying the great outdoors together, we’re reminded that true inclusion goes beyond integration. I encourage everyone to come out for Get Outdoors & Get Together Day and see what it is all about.”

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Perseveration Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day highlights New York’s amazing public lands and recreational opportunities that are accessible for everyone to enjoy. Parks are natural gathering places where everyone can connect with nature and build memories, and New York State is committed to ensuring that all people of all abilities feel welcome and can experience the joy of the outdoors together. We are excited to once again partner with other state agencies to make this event possible and continue connecting more people to the outdoors.”

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is a beautiful reminder that connection and community can be found in enjoying the scenic beauty of New York’s great outdoors. For Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, this inclusive event offers a powerful way to recharge, reconnect, and feel truly welcomed in every corner of our state.”

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Being outdoors and connecting with nature can have a powerful and positive impact on our mental health. As New Yorkers, we are very fortunate to have a beautiful park system that is both accessible and expansive — from nearby our cities and through the rural areas of upstate. As a proud partner of Get Outdoors and Get Together Day this year, we encourage all New Yorkers to explore the parks in their community and elsewhere throughout our state.”

New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray said, “Our job at the Justice Center is to protect the health, safety, and dignity of individuals with special needs in New York State and that includes promoting programs like TRAID. Funded through federal grants, TRAID is administered through the Justice Center and offers assistive technology device loans to any New Yorker, free of charge. Our regional TRAID centers across NY will be demonstrating some of these technologies at various Get Outdoors & Get Together Day sites. We are honored to serve as a sponsor for this year’s events and to help all individuals experience the great outdoors.”

State Senator José Serrano said, “As the Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I am a firm believer that time spent outdoors in our green spaces is critical for our health and well-being. New York’s Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get outside and engage in recreational activities. My sincere thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Parks, DEC and all the partner state agencies for organizing this annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun in our communities.”

2025 DEC-led Programs:

Activities at DEC facilities may include the following:
- Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.
- Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
- Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.
- Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.
- Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.
- Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan, introductory paddling on the water, and introductory archery, including important safety tips.
Wheelchair-accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site. Details, including schedules and activity lists, can be found on the DEC’s website on the “Outdoors Day” page.

2025 State Parks-led Programs:

Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit parks.ny.gov.

The New York City and Long Island events located at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Mount Loretto Unique Area, Hempstead Lake State Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park are very popular, and there is no parking available for oversized vans accommodating larger groups at these sites with the exception of Sunken Meadow State Park. If you have a bus or oversized van you need to park at any park or DEC site, please contact the facility directly to inquire about parking availability in advance of your arrival.

The Department of Environmental Conservation manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Flickr and Instagram.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides high quality person-centered support and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit providers. OPWDD’s mission is to help people live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and a home that supports them to participate in their community. For more information visit opwdd.ny.gov or connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services proudly serves New York’s Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families, connecting them with benefits, services, and support. All who served should contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or via its website – veterans.ny.gov – to meet in-person or virtually with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to receive the benefits they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

The New York State Office of Mental Health is committed to promoting the mental health of all New Yorkers, with a particular focus on providing hope and recovery for adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances. The agency oversees a large, multi-faceted mental health system serving nearly 800,000 individuals annually. OMH operates 3,597 inpatient beds at 23 psychiatric centers statewide, while also overseeing the Nathan S. Kline Institute and New York Psychiatric Institute. In addition, the agency is tasked with regulating, certifying, and overseeing more than 6,500 programs operated by local governments and nonprofit agencies, which are dedicated to serving individuals and families living with mental illness.

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs. For more information on the agency, visit: justicecenter.ny.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Environmental Crimes Bulletin – May 2025

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

In This Issue:

Cases by District/Circuit

District/Circuit	Case Name	Conduct/Statute(s)
District of Alaska	United States v. Corey Potter, et al.	Crab Harvesting; Lacey Act
Southern District of California	United States v. Ruben Montes, et al.	Pesticide and Veterinary Drug Smuggling; Conspiracy
Southern District of California	United States v. Ricardo Alonzo	Exotic Bird Smuggling
Northern District of Florida	United States v. Zackery Brandon Barfield	Dolphin Killing; Marine Mammal Protection Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Southern District of Florida	United States v. Liza Hash	Discharging Oil; Clean Water Act
Middle District of Georgia	United States v. Tamichael Elijah, et al.	Dog Fighting; Animal Fighting Venture, Conspiracy
Eastern District of Kentucky	United States v. Kendall Glenn Hacker	Animal Torture Videos; Animal Crush Statute
District of Maine	United States v. Isaac Allen	Tampering with a Monitoring Device; Clean Air Act, Conspiracy, Obstruction of Justice
Southern District of Mississippi	United States v. Thomas W. Douglas, Jr., et al.	Wastewater Discharges; Clean Water Act
District of New Jersey	United States v. Tommy Watson, et al.	Dog Fighting; Animal Fighting Venture, Conspiracy, Felon-in-Possession
Northern District of Texas	United States v. Phillip D. Waddell, et al.	Tampering with a Monitoring Device; Clean Air Act, Conspiracy
Southern District of Texas	United States v. Jocelyn Castilleja	Refrigerant Smuggling
Eastern District of Virginia	United States v. Charles Reginald McDougald, et al.	Dog Fighting; Animal Fighting Venture, Conspiracy
Eastern District of Virginia	United States v. Jonathan Long	Tampering with a Monitoring Device; Clean Air Act, Accessory-After-the-Fact

Recently Charged

United States v. Jocelyn Castilleja

No. 5:25-CR-00515 (Southern District of Texas)
AUSA Bryan Oliver

On May 8, 2025, prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging Jocelyn Castilleja with smuggling (18 U.S.C. § 545).

On June 15, 2024, Castilleja attempted to smuggle three 25pound containers of 410A hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant from Mexico into the United States in her personal vehicle. The refrigerants were discovered during a routine inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents at the Brownsville, Texas, border crossing. Castilleja failed to declare the containers to customs authorities, as required by law.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.

United States v. Ricardo Alonzo

No. 3:25-mj-02712 (Southern District of California)
AUSA Parker Gardner-Erickson

On May 20, 2025, prosecutors charged Ricardo Alonzo with smuggling 17 exotic birds into the United States from Mexico under the seat of his car (18 U.S.C. § 545).

On May 4, 2025, authorities intercepted Alonzo as he drove over the border from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Officers found four bags containing 10 burrowing parakeets, five yellow-crowned Amazon parrots, and two red-lored Amazon parrot chicks under the rear seat. The two red-lored Amazon parrot chicks did not survive; the remaining birds were transferred to a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Amazon parrots are native to Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America, while burrowing parakeets are native to Chile and Argentina. All species of Amazon parrots, as well as burrowing parakeets, are listed on either Appendix I or Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Smuggled birds that are not subject to quarantine can prove dangerous as they may carry and spread Avian influenza (bird flu) and other diseases. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu-like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia, and death in humans and other birds including those housed on poultry farms.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Red-lored Amazon parrots rescued by border officials.

Guilty Pleas

United States v. Tommy Watson, et al.

No. 1:23-CR-00787 (District of New Jersey)
ECS Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy
AUSA Michelle Goldman

On May 16, 2025, Tommy Watson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess, train, and transport dogs for an animal fighting venture, sponsoring and exhibiting dogs in an animal fighting venture, and being a felon-in-possession of ammunition (7 U.S.C. §§ 2156(a)(1), 2156(b); 18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 922(g)). Watson is scheduled for sentencing on October 2, 2025.

The case began when officers responded to an emergency call at an auto body garage in Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey. They found a fighting pit in the garage, along with two pit bull-type dogs, still fighting, that had been placed into an inoperable car on a lift in the garage as the participants fled on foot. The dogs later died from injuries they sustained while fighting. Officers also found an uninjured pit bull-type dog in a car near the garage, along with a rudimentary veterinary suture and skin staple kit.

Evidence revealed that Watson organized the fight, and that his dog was scheduled for the next fight on deck. He jointly possessed and trained the dog for this particular fight, as shown by cell phone video evidence. Watson participated in a dog fighting operation called “From Da Bottom Kennels.” From Da Bottom Kennels and others live-streamed dog fight videos from the garage via the Telegram app.

Co-defendant Johnnie Lee Nelson was sentenced in April 2025 to complete a two-year term of probation to include one year of home confinement. Nelson will also perform 100 hours of community service.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

United States v. Phillip D. Waddell, et al.

No. 3:24-CR-00136 (Northern District of Texas)
AUSA Doug Brasher

On May 22, 2025, Phillip Waddell pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA) (18 U.S.C. § 371; 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(2)(C)).

Waddell is one of ten defendants charged for tampering with pollution control equipment software in diesel trucks. The other co-defendants are Philip Matthew Ormand, Kolby Douglas Huneycutt, Kyle Kris Kizer, Jonathan Joseph Lohrmeyer, Justin Loutoyama Pasamonte, Archie George Sims, and Adam Marsh Stanley, along with auto dealership James Hodge Motors, Inc. (doing business as Jay Hodge Dodge), and its Chief Operating Officer Curtis Kevin Poore. They are scheduled for trial to begin on December 15, 2025.

Between June 2019 and November 2021, Waddell sold aftermarket diesel exhaust components, tuners, and so-called “delete tunes” that allowed vehicles to override on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. Operating normally, OBDs monitor vehicle emissions to ensure they fall below the limits set by the CAA. When an OBD detects excess emissions, it sends input to the vehicle’s on-board computer, which may activate an indicator light and place the vehicle in “limp mode,” capping its speed as low as five miles per hour. With delete tunes installed, diesel exhaust systems can be modified so that OBDs are prevented from detecting emission changes.

Waddell purchased delete tunes from Ormand to customize them for specific vehicles. From August 2018 to April 2021, Waddell paid Ormand more than $2 million for delete tunes and sold them for between $300 and $1,350 each. Waddell’s customers included James Hodge Motors and several individuals who operated their own diesel repair and customization businesses.

Huneycutt, Kizer, Lohrmeyer, Pasamonte, Sims, and Stanley purchased tuners and delete tunes from Waddell and installed them on their customers’ vehicles, a process called “tuning” or “reflashing.” James Hodge Motors, acting under Poore’s supervision, falsified invoices to conceal the nature of the work it performed on customers’ trucks.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Sentencings

United States v. Thomas W. Douglas, Jr., et al.

No. 3:22-CR-00036 (Southern District of Mississippi)
ECS Senior Litigation Counsel Todd Gleason
ECS Senior Trial Attorney Matt Morris
ECS Paralegal Chloe Harris
ECS Paralegal Jonah Fruchtman

On May 1, 2025, a court sentenced Thomas W. Douglas, Jr., to pay a $50,000 fine and complete a three-year term of probation, which includes nine months’ home confinement. Co-defendant John S. Welch, Sr., was sentenced to pay a $5,000 fine and complete a two-year term of probation. Following an almost two-week trial, a jury found Douglas guilty of two negligent Clean Water Act (CWA) counts and Welch guilty of one negligent CWA count (33 U.S.C. § 1319(c)(1)(A)).

Douglas was the president and co-owner of Gold Coast Commodities, Inc. (GCC), based in Brandon, Mississippi, and Welch was GCC’s plant manager. The company processes fats, oils, and grease into feedstock for animal food and biofuels. GCC applied for and received pretreatment permits that limited the quantity of treated waste it could discharge to the Jackson area wastewater treatment system (JWTS). GCC never activated the permits, claiming that it trucked all its waste offsite for treatment and disposal. State and local regulatory officials later discovered discharges of industrial waste downstream from GCC that vastly exceeded numerous pollutant limits.

After officials placed monitors into GCC’s sewer outfall, the defendants trucked GCC’s process waste to three other illegal discharge locations, two of which led to the JWTS. They hired two sewage haulers to transport GCC’s industrial waste to JWTS’s treatment plant in tanker trucks falsely marked as “sewage” to conceal the nature of the waste. The plant does not accept industrial waste. When that became too risky, they hired a trucking company to transport GCC’s waste to a small sewer service company owned by co-defendant Andrew Walker. There they excavated a JWTS sewer pipe and discharged another 3.4 million gallons of GCC’s industrial waste until they were again caught and ordered to stop.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Brandon Police Department, and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Cities of Brandon and Jackson municipal governments.

United States v. Charles Reginald McDougald, et al.

No. 1:22-CR-00154 (Eastern District of Virginia)
AUSA Gordon D. Kromberg
AUSA Vanessa K. Strobbe

On May 6, 2025, a court sentenced Charles Reginald McDougald to 27 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

From March 2015 through December 2022, McDougald, aka “Luke” and “Bottom Boy—along with other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina—used a messaging app private group referred to as “The DMV Board” or “The Board,” to discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dog fighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights.

Members of the DMV Board used the app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement, and discuss ways to avoid being caught. McDougald posted multiple offers to arrange dog fights for thousands of dollars per fight. McDougald pleaded guilty to conspiracy and to violating the animal fighting venture statute (7 U.S.C. § 2156; 18 U.S.C. §§ 49, 371).

McDougald’s sentencing follows the convictions of 19 others who used the DMV Board. Those other defendants received sentences ranging between 10 days and 30 months in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

United States v. Isaac Allen

No. 2:24-CR-00125 (District of Maine)
AUSA David Joyce
AUSA John Osborn

On May 7, 2025, a court sentenced Isaac Allen to pay a $40,000 fine and complete a three-year term of probation. Allen, the owner of a diesel repair shop called Red Barn Diesel Performance in Windham, Maine, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to tamper with Clean Air Act (CAA) monitoring devices and obstructing an agency proceeding (18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 1505; 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(2)(C)).

Between January 2017 and September 2020, Allen conspired with a local truck sales business to reprogram the on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems of diesel trucks by downloading software, or “tunes,” which disabled the systems’ ability to detect emissions control malfunctions. Disabling emissions controls or tampering with the OBD system of a diesel truck causes its emissions to increase significantly.

In June 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued Allen a CAA Information Request, seeking details on the vehicles serviced by Red Barn, including the impact of the engine tunes on emissions systems and OBD functions. Allen underreported the number of vehicles affected.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation with support from the Maine State Police.

United States v. Kendall Glenn Hacker

No. 5:25-CR-00002 (Eastern District of Kentucky)
AUSA Emily Greenfield

On May 12, 2025, a court sentenced Kendall Glenn Hacker to 30 months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release. Hacker pleaded guilty to conspiracy and to violating the Animal Crush statute (18 U.S.C. §§ 371, 48(a)(2), (a)(3)).

Between November 2021 and June 2022, Hacker sent money through online payment applications, such as PayPal and Venmo, to Michael Macartney, an online chat group administrator. The participants in this group funded, created, obtained, received, exchanged and/or distributed animal crush videos.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

United States v. Corey Potter, et al.

No. 3:24-CR-00047 (District of Alaska)
AUSA Seth Brickey

On May 13, 2025, a court sentenced fisherman Corey Potter to 12 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release for illegally transporting crab from Alaska to Washington in violation of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(a)(2)(A), 3373(d)(1)(B)). Potter also is banned from commercial fishing while under supervision.

In February and March 2024, Corey Potter owned and operated two crab catcher vessels and harvested Tanner and golden king crab in Southeast Alaska waters. The vessels were captained and operated by co-defendants Kyle Potter (Corey’s son) and Justin Welch. Corey Potter directed Kyle Potter and Welch to transport their harvest of live crab to Seattle, Washington, where they intended to sell it for a higher price than they would receive in Alaska. Before leaving Alaska, neither vessel landed their harvest at a port nor reported the harvest on a fish ticket, which all three defendants knew was required under state law.

At the time, one vessel held more than 4,200 pounds of live Tanner crab aboard, while the other had close to 3,000 pounds of live golden king crab. A portion of the Tanner crab was infected with Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS), a parasitic disease that is fatal to crustaceans. Several crab fishermen who knew about their plans contacted Corey and Kyle Potter expressing concern that the Potters’ harvest would infect other crabs with BCS. Despite the other fishermen’s concerns, Corey Potter moved forward with his plan to transport the catch.

Following the multi-day trip from Alaska, roughly 40 percent the king crab died and was unmarketable. Since the other vessel had BCS-contaminated crabs, the entire catch of Tanner crab was transferred to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to dispose of in a landfill.

In March 2024, law enforcement served a search warrant on Welch and one of the fishing vessels. Welch told Corey and Kyle Potter about the search, and both deleted text messages before law enforcement could seize their phones. Those messages described their awareness of BCS and their plans to sell the crab for better prices.

Kyle Potter was previously sentenced to pay a $20,000 fine and complete a five-year term of probation. Welch was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and complete a three-year term of probation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation.

United States v. Tamichael Elijah, et al.

No. 1:24-CR-00005 (Middle District of Georgia)
ECS Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy
ECS Trial Attorney Leigh Rende
AUSA Leah McEwen
ECS Law Clerk Amanda Backer

On May 13 and 14, 2025, the court sentenced the final 11 defendants in this case arising from a large-scale dog fighting event in 2022. All defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Marshals Service for the costs of caring for the seized animals.

Donnametric Miller was sentenced to 100 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Miller will pay $17,129 in restitution.
Fredricus White will serve 35 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. White will pay $13,307 in restitution.
Christopher Travis Beaumont was sentenced to 30 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Beaumont will pay $17,993 in restitution.
Cornelious Johnson will serve 27 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Johnson will pay $13,307 in restitution.
Terelle Ganzy was sentenced to 24 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Ganzy will pay $13,307 in restitution.
Terrance Davis was sentenced to 20 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Davis will pay $16,424 in restitution.
Tamichael Elijah was sentenced to 18 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Elijah will pay $50,279 in restitution.
Rodrecus Kimble will complete a three-year term of probation to include one year of home detention. Kimble will pay $17,895 in restitution.
Timothy Freeman was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release. Freeman will pay $16,929 in restitution.
Herman Buggs, Jr., was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release. Buggs will pay $16,688 in restitution.
Gary Hopkins will complete a two-year term of probation and pay $16,648 in restitution.

The final two defendants, Brandon Baker and Marvin Pulley, III, are scheduled for sentencing on June 4 and 5, 2025, respectively. Defendant Willie Russell was previously sentenced to 24 months’ incarceration followed by three years’ supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and exhibiting dogs in an animal fighting venture (7 U.S.C. § 2156(a)(1); 18 U.S.C. § 371).

On April 24, 2022, the defendants held a dog fighting event in Donalsonville, Georgia, that authorities disrupted while in progress. The defendants brought 24 pit bull-type dogs to fight in a series of matches over that weekend.

The participants used their cars to store dogs that fought previously, as well as those awaiting their turn in the fighting pit. Dogs found in cars bore recent injuries and scars. Additional dogs were kept on chains on the property. Law enforcement rescued 27 dogs, including a badly injured dog that later died from its injuries.

All defendants but Freeman pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the animal fighting prohibition of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Beaumont and Miller also pleaded guilty to sponsoring or exhibiting a dog in a dog fight. Baker, Davis, Ganzy, Johnson, Pulley, and White further pleaded guilty to possessing and transporting a dog to use in an animal fighting venture. Freeman pleaded guilty to spectating at an animal fight. Miller and Pulley also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person with a prior felony conviction.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the Seminole County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Bay County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office.

United States v. Ruben Montes, et al.

No. 3:23-CR-02377 (Southern District of California)
ECS Assistant Chief Stephen DaPonte
AUSA Elizabet Brown

On May 14, 2025, a court sentenced Ruben Montes to 16 months’ incarceration followed by two years of supervised release. Montes will pay $12,710 in forfeiture for his part in a scheme to smuggle and distribute more than $3 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States (18 U.S.C. § 371).

Since 2020, Montes coordinated the smuggling of pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States. The primary pesticides involved were Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tylocet, Terramicina, Tetragent Ares, and Catarrol, which are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Montes requested that his co-conspirators bring these pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States. They then hid the pesticides and veterinary drugs in storage units in Calexico and retrieved them for distribution throughout the United States. Montes and Hugo Gutierrez (who remains at large) supplied most of the pesticides and veterinary drugs to individuals charged in another case, United States v. Toledo, et al., No. 22-CR-01965, (S.D. Calif.). Montes was also involved in shipping about 150 packages of unapproved products to another co-conspirator in Texas.

According to the EPA, the active ingredient in Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can therefore result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans.

Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control conducted the investigation.

United States v. Jonathan Long

No. 2:22-CR-00139 (Eastern District of Virginia)
AUSA Joseph Kosky

On May 16, 2025, a court sentenced Jonathan Long to pay a $88,514 fine and complete a 12-month term of probation to include three months of home confinement. Long pleaded guilty to being an accessory after-the-fact to falsifying, tampering with, and rendering inaccurate a monitoring device required by the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(2)(C); 18 U.S.C. § 3).

Long owned and operated Open Wide Performance, LLC, which sold aftermarket defeat devices for diesel trucks. Long works as a diesel technician and is an active-duty member of the U.S. Navy, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

Between 2019 and 2020, Long sold “delete kits,” including delete pipes, software, cables, and tunes. Long also helped his customers use this equipment to manipulate their diesel trucks’ onboard diagnostic system. Long earned approximately $300,000 from this criminal enterprise.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.

United States v. Zackery Brandon Barfield

No. 5:25-CR-00011 (Northern District of Florida)
ECS Senior Trial Attorney Patrick Duggan
AUSA Joseph Ravelo

On May 21, 2025, a court sentenced Zachary Brandon Barfield to 30 days’ incarceration followed by one year of supervised release. Barfield also will pay a $51,000 fine. Barfield pleaded guilty to three counts of poisoning and shooting dolphins in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 1372(a)(2)(A), 1375(b); 7 U.S.C. §§ 136j(a)(2)(G), 136l(b)(2)).

Barfield is a charter and commercial fishing captain operating out of Panama City, Florida. In the summer of 2022, Barfield became frustrated with dolphins eating red snapper from the lines of charter fishing clients. Between June and August 2022, Barfield began placing a commercial methomyl insecticide inside bait fish to feed to and poison the dolphins that surfaced near his boat.

While captaining another fishing trip in December 2022, Barfield saw dolphins eating snapper from fishing lines. This time, he used a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot and kill a dolphin that surfaced near his vessel. In the summer of 2023, while on a charter fishing trip, Barfield shot at a dolphin that surfaced near his clients’ fishing lines.

The National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement conducted the investigation with assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

United States v. Liza Hash

No. 1:25-CR-20007 (Southern District of Florida)
AUSA Tom Watts-FitzGerald

On May 23, 2025, a court sentenced Liza Hash to complete a one-year term of probation to include 60 days of home confinement. Hash also will pay a $5,000 fine. She pleaded guilty to discharging oil into United States and contiguous zone waters, in violating of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. §§ 1319(c)(2), 1321(b)(3)).

Hash was the owner and operator of the S/V Juliet, a sailing vessel used for multi-day scuba diving trips between Miami and the Bahamas. Over the course of about six years, Hash’s vessel carried up to 12 passengers per trip, along with the crew, between the U.S. and the Bahamas.

On June 16, 2023, U.S. Coast Guard investigators boarded the Juliet following its return from the Bahamas. After noticing an active oil sheen originating from the vessel, they conducted a safety examination.

During the inspection, they noted oily water in the bilge, and a pump connected to the vessel’s grey water tank, to facilitate illegal overboard discharges. Hash had used the vessel’s grey water tank (which is intended to hold liquid waste from the boat’s washer, dryer, sinks, and showers) to store oil-contaminated bilge water and discharge it overboard.

Investigators estimate that Hash discharged approximately 26,000 gallons of oily water during the five-year period.

The United States Coast Guard conducted the investigation.

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MIL Security OSI –

June 7, 2025

Category: Fisheries

Government proposes to extend ban on destructive bottom trawling

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts Joan Edwards said

Executive Director of Oceana UK Hugo Tagholm said:

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