Cruise Ship Threatens Marine Paradise
The risk of environmental damage to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park seas’ has not yet receded, as half-million gallons (2,400 tons) of black goo are still trapped within the capsized Costa Concordia luxury liner, in danger of leaking out and polluting some of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled sea.
Ghana’s Booming Offshore Oil Industry and Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns are raised as more oil companies begin drilling off the coast of Ghana. Does the country have the resources to cope with a major spill?
Huge oil rig arrives to explore in Cuban waters
A massive drilling rig arrived Thursday in the warm Gulf waters north of Havana, where it will sink an exploratory well deep into the seabed.
Reef Fish at Risk as Carbon Dioxide Levels Build
Researchers from the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, examined over the years how baby coral fishes and their predators dealt with sea water containing higher levels of dissolved carbon dioxide.
Ocean Giants Ban Needed on Italy Coasts: Environmentalists
As the search continues for any further survivors of the 17-deck cruise ship Costa Concordia that capsized in the middle of a marine nature reserve off Tuscany, questions are being asked about the potential environmental impact and threats to the coastline. We have a huge ship with tanks full of fuel, aground on an island in a sea fringed with natural protected areas.
Keeping the Sea Safe(r) from Plastic
Most biodegradable plastics don’t break down well in marine environments—they require the relative warmth of soil or a compost heap. A new plastic on the market degrades quickly both on land and in seawater.
EPA Board Rejects Appeal of Shell Arctic Permit
Shell Alaska spokesman said in a formal announcement that the decision means Shell, for the first time, has usable air permits that will allow its drill ship to work in the outer continental shelf off Alaska’s northwest coast in 2012…
Stricken Rena Cargo Ship Finally Sinks Off New Zealand’s Coast
Debris and oil is floating from the mess of the sinking Rena container ship as its stern finally slips under the water more than three months after it ran into New Zealand’s Astrolabe reef. Officials said trajectory projections showed containers could wash up on beaches as far as Mercury Bay over the next few years.
Mexico Says 1,500-barrel Oil Spill Controlled
Mexico’s Environment Department says a spill of 1,500 barrels of oil from a pipeline near the Gulf coast has been brought under control, and about 40 percent of the oil has been recovered. Video from the scene shows the banks of the river coated in black sludge.