Light at the End of the Tunnel

Catch share programs—where fishermen are allotted a set quota of the catch—reduce the notoriously risky behavior fishermen are known for, like sailing in stormy weather, a new study finds.

By releasing fish into the Chicago River, the city of Chicago aims to help clean up its ecosystem, as the fish hopefully will eat the river's excess algae.

Warming water has led to the collapse of coral reef systems in the western Indian Ocean, essential to fisheries, protecting shorelines, and reducing beach erosion and sea-level rise. Marine scientists from Nature Seychelles, as part of an international project to protect and restore the reefs, are promoting varieties of coral that they have found to be resistant to the rise in temperature.

Invasive weeds are ruining the habitat of New York's wild bog turtles. In Hudson River Valley, domestic goats and cows are being used to save bog turtles by grazing on this foreign weed. So far, the plan seems to be working as the turtles have shown signs of not just returning but also laying eggs in the area.

Growing wolf populations in Wyoming are forcing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make hard decisions about culling the endangered species in order to preserve local wildlife and livestock.

The fate of the Southeast's longleaf pine forests, and the endangered woodpeckers that depend on them, is in jeopardy. Fort Bragg, a station of the US military, is trying to save their local environment.

There are only five northern white rhinos left in existence - all in captivity and unable to breed. Researchers work to identify the most valuable solution to rhino poaching in order to prevent the animal from going extinct.

Wolves and ranchers have a long history of conflict. Today, wolves are back in Oregon, and ranchers are learning how to coexist with them, using an array of nonviolent techniques to protect both their herds and the predators.

A robust population of grizzly bears can be an indicator of healthy land; however, the bears also can destroy grain bins, consume vegetation, and kill livestock. Ranchers work with the Canadian government and local conservation groups to protect their resources with bear-proof grain bins and electric fences.

New water management technology implemented along the Columbia has significantly helped the fish population - specifically salmon - return to healthy numbers and has restored much of the community and industry that revolves around the river, including for native peoples.