Sand For Sale: Environment Ravages

The “king Of Koh Kong” has defied an order endorsed by the Cambodia’s Prime Minster to halt his controversial and environmentally damaging sand dredging activities on the Tatai river in Koh Kong.
Tsunami Observed by Radar, May Lead to Better Early Warning Systems

The tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11 was picked up by high-frequency radar in California and Japan as it swept toward their coasts, according to U.S. and Japanese scientists. This is the first time that a tsunami has been observed by radar, raising the possibility of new early warning systems.
Measurements Reveal Extent of Leakage from Japan’s Damaged Fukushima Reactor

For the least, this means that the contamination of the Fukushima coast is still very serious…
Cakaulevu Reef, Fiji

Also called the Great Sea Reef, Cakaulevu shines turquoise through clear, shallow waters. It is the third longest continuous barrier reef in the world, behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Mesoamerica Reef off Central America.
Shorelines, Sandy or Otherwise, That May Not Last

“The World’s Beaches: A Global Guide to the Science of the Shoreline,” authored by Orrin H. Pilkey, William J. Neal, James Andrew Graham Cooper And Joseph T. Kelley, “is a comprehensive, readable guide to the physical features of many kinds of beaches and some of the threats they face”. A book review by Cornelia Dean , The New York Times.
Raising Awareness of Plastic Waste

Most people are familiar with the concept of a carbon footprint. Many may also know there is such a thing as a water footprint. But whoever heard of a plastic footprint? Well, soon, more and more people will have. The Plastic Disclosure Project aims to “push the thinking about plastic pollution far beyond beach cleanups with an attempt to change the awareness and behavior of big users of plastic”…
Bali Struggles With the Dark Side of Success

Bali may still be the Island of the Gods and the Island of a Thousand Temples, but it is certainly no longer the island of pristine beaches. Construction cranes on beaches, damaged coral, and floating trash in the turquoise waters off Bali and on its sandy beaches, are unfortunate signs of just how successful the Indonesian resort island has been leading to coastal over-exploitation and pollution.
Worldwide Map Identifies Important Coral Reefs Exposed to Stress

The world’s coral reefs face a multitude of threats, from rising ocean temperatures to overfishing. A new map aimed at aiding coral conservation has been developed that points out the reefs that are most and least at risk.
Environmental Impacts of Algae-Derived Biodiesel

Algae-based fuel is one of many options among the array of possible future energy sources.