‘Plastics Detective’ Imogen Napper traces pollution to the source – National Geographic

As a marine scientist and researcher and National Geographic Explorer, Imogen Napper thinks a lot about plastic….(She) has spent years sweeping the world for traces of plastic where it doesn’t belong, and finding creative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution…
Surfers, miners fight over South Africa’s white beaches – PHYS.ORG

Diamonds, zircon and other minerals have long been extracted in the sandy coastline near the Olifants river, which flows into the Atlantic about 300 kilometres (180 miles) north of Cape Town.
But plans to expand the mining have angered surfers, animal lovers and residents in this remote, sparsely populated region—and they are pushing back with lawsuits and petitions.
Mining the Mekong: Land and livelihoods lost to Cambodia’s thirst for sand – MONGABAY

“We would argue that sand mining is having as big, if not a bigger impact on the delta and Cambodian reaches. It’s been shown to be the biggest driver of saline intrusion in the delta, and resulting in enhanced bank erosion more so than hydropower,”
– Chris Hackney (University of Newcastle), Julian Leyland and Steve Darby (University of Southampton)
Beach “Sticky Zones” Act as Trash Magnets – Futurity

Citizen scientists recorded trash on Pacific Northwest beaches, from southern Oregon to Anacortes, Washington, to contribute to the growing study of marine trash.
Ocean Corps proposal hopes to give coast helping hand, provide jobs for young people – The Orange County Register

Creation of a California Ocean Corps won the support of the California State Legislature last week and is now making its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a signature.
Humans Have Broken a Fundamental Law of the Ocean – WIRED

“The world that I grew up in is gone,” says Kristin Kaschner, a marine ecologist at the University of Freiburg in Germany.
Endangered sea turtles found on Louisiana islands for first time in 75 years – the Guardian

For the first time in 75 years, hatchlings of the world’s smallest sea turtle species have been discovered on the Chandeleur Islands, a chain of barrier
A Drop in the Ocean – CNN Interactive

As the world experiences sea level rise, Iceland’s waters are falling — and flowing to the other side of the planet…
Patagonia Films: Newtok – Losing ground to climate change, this Alaskan community resolves to save itself

To keep their culture and community intact, the 360 Yup’ik residents must relocate their entire village to stable ground upriver … In moving their village, they will become some of America’s first climate change refugees. This is a film of a village seeking justice in the face of climate disaster…