Fishing impacts on the Great Barrier Reef
Fishing is having a significant impact on the make-up of fish populations of the Great Barrier Reef, new research shows.
In Paradisiacal Nicaragua, Contemplating a Canal
In late December, workers began building access roads for the $50 billion canal. It represented enough of a step forward that it sparked protests. But the future of the project remains in question, not the least because of Lake Nicaragua itself.
Planned Mega-Port in Brazil Threatens Rich Ecological Region
Activists and local residents have brought legal action aimed at blocking the construction of a nearly 50 sq km port terminal in the Northeast Brazilian state of Bahia because of the huge environmental and social impacts it will have.
Ocean Wealth Valued at US$24 Trillion, But Sinking Fast
The value of the ocean’s riches rivals the size of the world’s leading economies, but its resources are rapidly eroding. The value of key ocean assets is conservatively estimated to be at least US$24 trillion. If compared to the world’s top 10 economies, the ocean would rank seventh with an annual value of goods and services of US$2.5 trillion.
Tribunal Ruling Could Dent “Monster Boat” Trawling in West African Waters
In an historic ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the body affirmed that “flag States” have a duty of due diligence to ensure that fishing vessels flying their flag comply with relevant laws and regulations concerning marine resources and that these vessels are not engaged in illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the waters of member countries of West Africa’s Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission.
Coal-Tar-Sealant Runoff Causes Toxicity and DNA Damage
Runoff from pavement with coal-tar-based sealant is toxic to aquatic life, damages DNA, and impairs DNA repair, according to two studies by the U.S. G.S published in the journals Environmental Science and Technology and Science of the Total Environment.
Conservationist Murders Threaten Costa Rica’s Eco-Friendly Reputation
The brutal murder of Jairo Mora, who was trying to protect endangered turtle eggs, was the latest in a string of crimes against environmentalists in the country. Since 1989, the murder of 10 environmentalists have gone unsolved. Environmental and human rights groups are calling for reforms to address the dangers these environmental protectors face.
World’s Largest Single Marine Reserve Created in Pacific
The UK Government announced the creation of the world’s largest contiguous ocean reserve, setting aside 322,000 square miles (830,000 square kilometers) around the remote Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific for special protection.
NOAA Expands California Coastal Sanctuaries
Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones national marine sanctuaries off northern California will both more than double in size following a final rule released today by NOAA. The expansion will help to protect the region’s marine and coastal habitats, biological resources and special ecological features.