Staying Safe in Sandy Beaches
Beach sand contains all kinds of microorganisms, including those that can harm human health. Now, an international panel of scientists is recommending monitoring the sand at recreational beaches, to minimize health risks for beachgoers.
NOAA Awards Grant Funding to Boost Coastal and Ocean Resilience
NOAA has awarded more than $675,000 in grants to 13 projects aimed at aiding coastal communities in their fight against marine debris, the agency announced today.
Researchers Sample Enormous Oceanic Trash Vortex Ahead of Clean-Up Proposal
Researchers returned on Sunday from mapping and sampling a massive swirling cluster of trash floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, as the Dutch-borne crew works to refine a clean-up strategy it will roll out globally.
Blooming Baltic Sea
Agricultural and industrial run-off from European countries bordering the Baltic Sea also contributes excess nutrients. Nutrient loads to the Baltic have been decreasing since 1980 and coastal areas have seen improvement. Concentrations in the open sea, however, have not changed much.
Summerland Beach Oil Prompts Health Warning and Beach Closure, CA
The decision to close Summerland Beach at this time was due to the volume of oil on the beach and sand, the nature of the oil (more liquid and mixed in the water and across sand as opposed to solid tar balls which are more easily avoidable) and intermittent strong petroleum odors at a level that may cause health effects.
More Beaches Closed Due To Pollution
A newly released annual report by the Natural Resources Defense Council shows that beach closings due to bacterial contamination reached unusually high numbers last year for the second year in a row.
Stinking Mats of Seaweed Piling up on Caribbean Beaches
The picture-perfect beaches and turquoise waters that people expect on their visits to the Caribbean are increasingly being fouled by mats of decaying seaweed that attract biting sand fleas and smell like rotten eggs.
Derelict Boats Are Subject of Survey
Abandoned and derelict boats dot waterways and marshes all along the N.C. coast, in some cases creating hazards to navigation and other safety or environmental problems, but aside from a handful of local regulations in various communities little has been done to address the problem.
Plains Says California Oil Spill Could Be Larger Than Estimated
Plains All American Pipeline LP’s ruptured California oil pipeline may have spilled 41 percent more crude than currently estimated.