Record number of British beaches reach highest European standards
The number of blue flag beaches in England fell from 82 in 2008 to 71 last year, largely as a result of detritus and pollution. However, 86.2% of beaches (425) in England and Wales meet higher guideline standards this year, a huge increase from previous figures.
Rare Cold Water Coral Discovered off the Coast of Mauritania
A rare cold water coral reef has been discovered off the coast of Mauritania in Northern Africa, the first time such a reef has been found this far south.
Oceania’s seafaring ancients make journey to Paris
The Quai Branly museum of tribal arts in Paris is hosting what is being billed as the first ever comprehensive exhibition on the Lapita peoples’ artefacts and history. Lapita’s settlements were universally located on beach terraces, or on stilt houses situated over reefs, lagoons, and open sea with direct access to the ocean.
Enormous Levels of Illegal Turtle Harvesting on Beaches, Madagascar
The study is the first direct assessment of the level of exploitation of turtles in Madagascar. Similar harvests exist in many countries in the tropical coastal developing world, so this isn’t an isolated issue, but clearly it is a cause for concern when dealing with endangered species.
Third Nuclear Power Plant Discharge Destroying Kenting’s Reefs
Thermal discharge from the Third Nuclear Power Plant is behind the rapid destruction of Kenting National Park’s coral reef, Taiwan.
Nigeria: Continuous Sand Mining and Dredging Cause Concerns
Continued dredging in the state’s shorelines have been described as an illegal activity capable of causing major environmental challenge for Lagos in its bid for environmental sustainability.
Artificial Offshore Reef Could Stop Serious Beach Erosion
Such costly reef have proved successful in other areas, and it could be the only option to protect the coastline of Old Bar, Australia.
The view From Beneath The Waves
Rising sea levels are devouring the low-lying lands of the Solomon Islands, with crops failing and lands disappearing. Away from the international conferences and negotiations, climate change and rising sea are a matter of life and death here. The time to act is now.
Kiribati Conference: Voices From the South Pacific
About 40 officials from around the world flew to the tiny atoll nation of Kiribati, a chain of low-lying South Pacific islands, to attend a conference addressing the impacts of climate change on some of the world’s most vulnerable countries.