How Plastic Pollution Can Carry Flame Retardants Into Your Sushi

Plastic debris litters aquatic habitats globally, the majority of which is microscopic (< 1 mm), and is ingested by a large range of species. Even plastics that contain no toxic substances themselves, such as polyethylene, the most widely used plastic, found in packaging and tons of other products, can serve as a medium for poisons to coalesce from the marine environment.

Study Links BP Oil Spill To Dolphin Deaths

US government scientists have for the first time connected the BP oil disaster to dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico, in a study finding direct evidence of toxic exposure.

Drilling Will Cost the Arctic its Wildness

The Arctic has long repelled most industrial development, despite vast reserves of oil and gas. However, Arctic’s ability to foil human incursions is beginning to change as the surrounding region warms twice as fast as the rest of the globe.

European Commission Tackles Marine Litter in Mediterranean

A meeting of the European Commission last week to determine a course of action on protecting the Mediterranean Sea has had positive results so far, with commissioner Janez Potočnik inviting suggestions on how to reduce plastic pollution levels from the Commission and the public.

Survey of Supposed Deep-Sea Chemical Munitions Dump Off Southern California

A total of 32 chemical munitions dumping areas are shown on nautical charts of United States waters. Seven of these lie off the California coast, between San Francisco and the Mexican border. However, little or no information is available about the amount, location, or nature of the materials that were dumped at most of these sites.

Shell Plans Return To Offshore Drilling In Alaska Next Year

Royal Dutch Shell Plc aims to return to Alaskan offshore drilling next July by deploying an upgraded drillship in the Chukchi Sea, while keeping a newly contracted backup drillship ready if needed, according to plans released on Wednesday.