Surfing from / January, 2012
Malaysia Says to Rule Soon on Rare Earths Plant
A government ruling on whether Australian miner Lynas would be given the go-ahead for a controversial rare earths processing plant was expected within days.
Oil Spill Brings Attention to Delicate Gulf Coast
For decades, farmers and fishermen along the Gulf of Mexico watched as their sensitive ecosystem’s waters slowly got dirtier and islands eroded, all while the country largely ignored the slow, methodical ruin of an ecosystem vital to the U.S. economy…
Japan Studies Flora and Fauna Near Fukushima Plant
Japanese scientists are studying how radiation has affected plants, animals, shellfish and other wild flora and fauna living in and around the 20 kilometre (12 mile) no-go zone surrounding the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
Long-term Response Plan for Possible Cuban Oil Spill
US researchers have drafted a plan to best prepare South Florida in case of an eventual oil spill off the coast of Cuba. The proximity of intended Cuban oil drilling and production puts the coastal zone at risk from Florida to the Carolinas and northward.
Cannes’ Latest Beach Replenishment Project
The City of Cannes has filed an application with the State services for replenishment services to a number of beaches by recharge of dredged sand on the beach by marine delivery to the affected areas of the south and other coastal beaches. The value of this project is 4,347,826 EUR…
Accumulating Microplastic Threat to Shores
Microscopic plastic debris from washing clothes is accumulating in the marine environment and could be entering the food chain, a study has warned.
Detecting Detrimental Change in Coral Reefs
Over dinner on R.V. Calypso while anchored on the lee side of Glover’s Reef in Belize, Jacques Cousteau told Phil Dustan that he suspected humans were having a negative impact on coral reefs. Dustan, a young ocean ecologist who had worked in the lush coral reefs of the Caribbean and Sinai Peninsula, found this difficult to believe. It was December 1974… and Cousteau was right.
Singapore Raises Sea Defences Against Tide of Climate Change
A 15-km (10 mile) stretch of crisp white beach is one of the key battlegrounds in Singapore’s campaign to defend its “hard-won” territory against rising sea levels linked to climate change…
Belgium fears for its fragile coastline
Storms and rising sea levels could wreak havoc as defences that protect beaches and dykes are overwhelmed. According to the regional authorities, about a third of the Belgian heavily populated coastline is inadequately protected against flooding.
