Ninety Whales Stranded on New Zealand Beach
A pod of 90 pilot whales beached themselves at the top of New Zealand’s South island Monday in the same area where seven whales died in a mass stranding earlier this month, officials said.
China’s Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Under Threat
As China welcomes the year of the dragon, with more influence than ever on the world’s climate and resources, a look at the environmental stories that made the news over the past 12 months. Amongst several environmental concerns and although efforts have been made in the past few years, China’s coastal biodiversity is under threat from intensive coastal exploration and land-based pollution.
NOAA Designates Additional Critical Habitat for Sea Turtles off West Coast
NOAA announced the designation of additional critical habitat to provide protection for endangered leatherback sea turtles along the U.S. West Coast. NOAA is designating 41,914 square miles of marine habitat in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.
Fukushima’s Impact on the Ocean and Marine Sediments
The release of radioactivity from Fukushima, both as atmospheric fallout and direct discharges to the ocean, represent the largest accidental release of radiation to the ocean in history, and concerns remain high as radiation accumulates in marine sediments.
Mysterious Flotsam in Gulf of Mexico Came from Deepwater Horizon Rig
A research team led by scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) confirmed that flotsam, found in the Gulf of Mexico and along coastal beaches, were pieces of material used to maintain buoyancy of the pipe bringing up oil from the seafloor. Tracking debris from damaged oil rigs could help forecast coastal impacts in the future.
Okaloosa County Abolishes Beach Renourishment
After more than four years of debate, fears of dark, shell-heavy sand being dumped on Okaloosa Island’s white beaches have been put to rest as Okaloosa County commissioners abolished the beach renourishment project.
Breakthrough in Seaweed Biofuel Reported
Energy experts believe that seaweed holds enormous potential as a biofuel alternative to coal and oil, and US-based scientists say they have unlocked the secret of turning its sugar into energy.
Cruise Ship Threatens Marine Paradise
The risk of environmental damage to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park seas’ has not yet receded, as half-million gallons (2,400 tons) of black goo are still trapped within the capsized Costa Concordia luxury liner, in danger of leaking out and polluting some of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled sea.
Ghana’s Booming Offshore Oil Industry and Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns are raised as more oil companies begin drilling off the coast of Ghana. Does the country have the resources to cope with a major spill?