Browsing: Environmental News
Samoa and Tonga Sevens support shark conservation
The Samoa and Tonga Sevens teams have been raising awareness for shark conservation with the…
Researcher studies impact of climate change on poor
As climate change advances and triggers more frequent and severe tropical storms, floods, droughts and rising sea levels, we may wonder what could be worse. The answer is all of the above if they strike those living in poverty.
Researcher studies impact of climate change on poor
As climate change advances and triggers more frequent and severe tropical storms, floods, droughts and…
‘A Plastic Ocean’ exposes damage of a disposable lifestyle
There was a time when we didn’t carry our groceries home in plastic bags. There was also a time when society was unaware of the damage plastics were creating in our oceans. Thankfully, we are more aware now.
‘A Plastic Ocean’ exposes damage of a disposable lifestyle
“No Water, No Life. No Blue, No Green.” – Dr. Sylvia Earle There was a…
New modular artificial reef and marine habitat to protect the endangered fresh water crayfish
ARC Marine aims to protect the UK’s indigenous white-clawed freshwater crayfish population from extinction with their first custom-built reef structure at Vobster Quay, an inland water site and former quarry, near Radstock, Somerset.
New modular artificial reef and marine habitat to protect the endangered fresh water crayfish
ARC Marine aims to protect the UK’s indigenous white-clawed freshwater crayfish population from extinction with…
Citizen science and genetic testing yield positive results
Since I started working as a geneticist in the early 1960s, the field has changed considerably. James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins won the 1962 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Researchers then “cracked” the genetic code, which held promise for fields like health and medicine. It was an exciting time to be working in the lab.
Citizen science and genetic testing yield positive results
Since I started working as a geneticist in the early 1960s, the field has changed…
Marine Litter MOOC Now Available
Open University have launched a new Marine Litter MOOC, or Massive Open Online Course. Starting in May 2017, this course seeks to encourage people to take action to address the global problem of marine litter.
Marine Litter MOOC Now Available
Open University have launched a new Marine Litter MOOC, or Massive Open Online Course. Starting…
Non-native organisms spread around world in ships’ ballast water
Before leaving a port for a voyage across the ocean, large ships take on ballast water. When they get to their destination they no longer need it so it is discharged. This works well for those who handle the ship’s wheel, but it can have negative effects on the environment.
Non-native organisms spread around world in ships’ ballast water
Before leaving a port for a voyage across the ocean, large ships take on ballast…
New poll reveals Nathan Guy out of step with public opinion on dolphin protection
An opinion poll published today shows the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Nathan Guy MP, is out of step with public opinion on protecting the critically endangered Māui dolphin, said WWF-New Zealand.
New poll reveals Nathan Guy out of step with public opinion on dolphin protection
An opinion poll published today shows the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Nathan Guy MP,…
VIDEO – Interview with Dr Enrico Gennari – White Sharks and their Conservation
We interviewed our director of research, Dr Enrico Gennari, to discuss white sharks, shark conservation and shark research.
Marine protected areas are one piece of a complex puzzle
The federal government recently created two marine protected areas in the Pacific region and has committed to increase ocean protection from one per cent to 10 by 2020. But will this be enough?
Marine protected areas are one piece of a complex puzzle
The federal government recently created two marine protected areas in the Pacific region and has…
Combined underwater and beach litter pick, Falmouth
Ten volunteer divers decided to turn up to try to help with the underwater litter pick, even though the conditions all week had been quite awful. Mark Milburn had been keeping a close eye on the weather and beach conditions. The decision was made to dive only from Gyllyngvase Beach, the conditions at the other beaches were either not suitable or not safe. Fathom’s Free set up their gazebo as a meeting point, for both divers and non divers. Once the meet time had passed, the ten keen divers kitted up, ready to enter what now looked like an inviting piece of water. Each pair were armed with at least one bag each, knowing what they had to do.
Combined underwater and beach litter pick, Falmouth
Ten volunteer divers decided to turn up to try to help with the underwater litter…
New Zealand Artist Freeman White Creates Rob Stewart Tribute
New Zealander Freeman White has created a stunning shark mural as a tribute to the late Rob Stewart. The mural was created as part of the Seawalls: Artists for Oceans festival in Napier during 20th – 25th March 2017 and is one of twenty large-scale murals around the city.
New Zealand Artist Freeman White Creates Rob Stewart Tribute
New Zealander Freeman White has created a stunning shark mural as a tribute to the…
Welcome to the 21st century: Brighter times or a new Dark Age?
If you own a smartphone, you have more computing power at your fingertips than NASA scientists had when they put people on the moon in 1969! And it’s in a small device, unlike the massive hardware the space agency used.
Welcome to the 21st century: Brighter times or a new Dark Age?
If you own a smartphone, you have more computing power at your fingertips than NASA…
Fighting for access to clean water for residents in Harrietsfield, Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has confirmed that polluters must clean up a contaminated site in Harrietsfield, N.S., that has left many residents without access to clean, safe drinking water of an acceptable quality for nearly a decade.
Fighting for access to clean water for residents in Harrietsfield, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Supreme Court says polluters must clean up a site that left water contaminated.…
Indonesia Pledges $1 Billion To Reduce Plastic Waste
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhat Binsar Pandjaitan, has announced up to one billion dollars will be pledged to reduce Indonesia’s plastic waste by seventy per cent over the next eight years. The announcement was made at the 2017 World Oceans Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali. Luhat confirmed that Indonesia will be focussing on plastic alternatives and education initiatives to achieve their goal. Their plan is part of the global UN Clean Seas campaign to reduce major marine waste sources by 2022.
The plight for a clean Falmouth
For several years, Mark Milburn and his team of volunteer divers have been collecting rubbish from underwater, around Falmouth. This year they are teaming up with Fathoms Free, Falmouth Bay Residents Association and Falmouth Town Council, to complete underwater, beach and street litter picks, around Falmouth and it’s beaches.
The plight for a clean Falmouth
For several years, Mark Milburn and his team of volunteer divers have been collecting rubbish…
Facts and evidence matter in confronting climate crisis
We recently highlighted the faulty logic of a pseudoscientific argument against addressing climate change: the proposition that because CO2 is necessary for plants, increasing emissions is good for the planet and the life it supports. Those who read, write or talk regularly about climate change and ecology are familiar with other anti-environmental arguments not coated with a scientific sheen.
Facts and evidence matter in confronting climate crisis
We recently highlighted the faulty logic of a pseudoscientific argument against addressing climate change: the…
Conservation, Customer Service and Tourism Awards; 2017 is off to a Good Start at the Southern Cross Club
So far, 2017 has been a remarkable year for the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman. First, the online travel site TripAdvisor.com named the resort to its top 25 in the Caribbean in two categories based on customer reviews: Best Hotel for Service and Best for Romance. Adding to the awards, administrations manager Neil van Niekerk was named an “Emerging Hero in Tourism” by the Cayman Islands government, and resort owner Peter Hillenbrand was recognized for his “Long Service to Cayman Tourism.”
Frozen methane bubbles in lakes complicate battle with global warming
The warmer temperatures experienced in the Arctic as climate change progresses lead to a greater release of methane when the permafrost melts. But methane is also being released when ice in thousands of lakes in the north melts in the spring and frozen methane bubbles are released.
Frozen methane bubbles in lakes complicate battle with global warming
The warmer temperatures experienced in the Arctic as climate change progresses lead to a greater…
World Water Day raises awareness of need to improve water quality
World Water Day is a constant that always is celebrated on March 22. The changeable factor is the theme. This year’s theme asks “Why waste water?” It’s about reducing our use of water and reusing wastewater. The thrust is to cut in half the amount of untreated wastewater and increase water recycling where it can be used safely.
World Water Day raises awareness of need to improve water quality
World Water Day is a constant that always is celebrated on March 22. The changeable…
Surfers4sharks: riding with respect
I am a surfer……and I love sharks.
For many these two passions would seem controversial and at odds, but as a shark conservationist and a surfer; for me these two things are inseparable.
Surfers4sharks: riding with respect
I am a surfer……and I love sharks. For many these two passions would seem controversial…
Intact wilderness is a hedge against our ignorance
In 2011, I travelled with my family down Yukon’s Hart River. It’s one of seven pure rivers in the Peel River watershed, a 68,000-square-kilometre wilderness that’s been at the centre of a legal dispute for many years and a land-use planning debate for more than a decade. For two weeks, we fished from the river’s vibrant green waters and gazed at the limestone and dolostone peaks of the Ogilvie Mountains.
Intact wilderness is a hedge against our ignorance
In 2011, I travelled with my family down Yukon’s Hart River. It’s one of seven…
Faulty logic fuels fossil fools
Apparently, fossil fuel companies protect watersheds and rivers by removing oil. That’s according to comments on the David Suzuki Foundation Facebook page and elsewhere, including this: “The amount of contamination occuring [sic] from extraction is far less than if we just left the oil there to continue polluting the waterways.”
Faulty logic fuels fossil fools
Apparently, fossil fuel companies protect watersheds and rivers by removing oil. That’s according to comments…
Private-member bill seeks to stop shark-fin importation to Canada
A private member’s bill that would ban the importation of shark fins to Canada is being presented again by Coquitlam British Columbia MP Fin Donnelly. Private member’s bills are rarely adopted but advocates for the legislation are encouraged by the fact that an attempt in 2013 failed passing second reading by just five votes. Donnelly is an advocate for oceans.
Private-member bill seeks to stop shark-fin importation to Canada
A private member’s bill that would ban the importation of shark fins to Canada is…
A Beach Clean in Portsmouth
We all know just how important the ocean is and how vital is that we help to support and maintain it as a resource and eco system but some individuals spend time and energy taking that to the next level to promote it locally and to instigate action. We meet Jim Cutting, a Portsmouth resident who has a passion for the environment and for its protection.