Tropical Marine Ecosystems Most at Threat from Human Impact
An international team of scientists has used the 23-million-year fossil record to calculate which marine animals and ecosystems are most at risk of extinction today.
NOAA Study Finds Marshes, Reefs, Beaches Can Enhance Coastal Resilience
The resilience of U.S. coastal communities to storms, flooding, erosion and other threats can be strengthened when they are protected by natural infrastructure such as marshes, reefs, and beaches, or with hybrid approaches, such as a “living shoreline”…
Fishing impacts on the Great Barrier Reef
Fishing is having a significant impact on the make-up of fish populations of the Great Barrier Reef, new research shows.
In Paradisiacal Nicaragua, Contemplating a Canal
In late December, workers began building access roads for the $50 billion canal. It represented enough of a step forward that it sparked protests. But the future of the project remains in question, not the least because of Lake Nicaragua itself.
Planned Mega-Port in Brazil Threatens Rich Ecological Region
Activists and local residents have brought legal action aimed at blocking the construction of a nearly 50 sq km port terminal in the Northeast Brazilian state of Bahia because of the huge environmental and social impacts it will have.
Ocean Wealth Valued at US$24 Trillion, But Sinking Fast
The value of the ocean’s riches rivals the size of the world’s leading economies, but its resources are rapidly eroding. The value of key ocean assets is conservatively estimated to be at least US$24 trillion. If compared to the world’s top 10 economies, the ocean would rank seventh with an annual value of goods and services of US$2.5 trillion.
Tribunal Ruling Could Dent “Monster Boat” Trawling in West African Waters
In an historic ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the body affirmed that “flag States” have a duty of due diligence to ensure that fishing vessels flying their flag comply with relevant laws and regulations concerning marine resources and that these vessels are not engaged in illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the waters of member countries of West Africa’s Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission.
Climate Change Hits Sea Lions in the Santa Barbara Channel
According to the most recent count prepared by NOAA, 2,460 stranded sea lions have been scooped off California beaches during the first three and a half months of 2015. Santa Barbara beaches have been hit especially hard. Given that California’s two main sea lion rookeries are located just off Santa Barbara’s coast — San Miguel and San Nicolas islands — that’s not surprising.
Norway Approves Mine’s Controversial Plan to Dump Waste into Fjord
Environmentalists promised protests after Norway’s government approved a controversial plan for a mining company to dump millions of tonnes of waste into a fjord.