Breaking Waves: Ocean News

03/06/2025 - 00:00
npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 06 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00109-6 Navigating trade-offs on conservation: the use of participatory mapping in maritime spatial planning
03/05/2025 - 22:00
Scientists called the news ‘particularly worrying’ because ice reflects sunlight and cools the planet Global sea ice fell to a record low in February, scientists have said, a symptom of an atmosphere fouled by planet-heating pollutants. The combined area of ice around the north and south poles hit a new daily minimum in early February and stayed below the previous record for the rest of the month, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on Thursday. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 19:01
Group claims regulator signed off on ‘broken system’ making customers pay for industry’s neglect An environmental group is to take legal action against Ofwat, the water regulator, accusing it of unlawfully making customers pay for decades of neglect by the water industry. River Action will file the legal claim this month, arguing that bill rises for customers that have been approved by the regulator could be used to fix infrastructure failures that should have been addressed years ago. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 18:54
This blog is now closed Cyclone Alfred update: NSW and Queensland prepare for flooding as authorities urge ‘do not underestimate this storm’ Why did Tropical Cyclone Alfred slow down on its path towards the east coast? What is melioidosis and why do cases spike after flooding and heavy rainfall? Brisbane flood map: suburbs at risk during Cyclone Alfred Speaking of preparations, adjunct senior lecturer at the Centre for Disaster Studies at James Cook University Yetta Gurtner gives advice here: Chalmers confident insurance companies ‘know their responsibilities’ I’m confident they know their responsibilities and obligations to people. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 16:27
Wildlife experts claim nutria, which destroy habitats with voracious eating habits, taste like rabbit or dark turkey meat Wildlife officials are encouraging California residents to add a rodent to their daily diet as part of efforts to control the invasive species’ population. The nutria, a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, is threatening the state’s ecosystems by destroying habitats and outcompeting native wildlife. The nutria’s harmful impacts have prompted wildlife officials to promote hunting and consumption as possible solutions. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 13:55
Plaintiffs say Florida Crystals’ farming method that blights minority neighborhoods belies its climate-friendly claims A major sugar company has been accused of harmful environmental practices while claiming to be a leader in the fight against the climate crisis, in a class-action lawsuit filed on Wednesday. Florida Crystals, one of the US’s biggest sugar firms, and its parent company, the Fanjul Corporation, are accused of deceiving consumers and endangering public health by continuing to use environmentally harmful pre-harvest burning. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 13:47
Amphibians are increasingly vulnerable to global warming, according to new research.
03/05/2025 - 12:08
Gas and oil industry cautiously welcomes government proposals that could ease tax burden on sector The UK government has unveiled proposals that could ease the tax burden on the offshore oil and gas sector but confirmed that it would also ban new drilling licences as part of a pledge to “unleash the North Sea’s clean energy future”. The “windfall” tax on North Sea drillers, introduced in 2022 to help support households facing rising energy bills after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, would be scrapped from 2030, the Treasury confirmed on Wednesday. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 12:00
Conservationists say the rodents will fix ecosystems and bring wildlife back to wetlands ‘I feel real hope’: historic beaver release marks conservation milestone in England Beavers have been legally released for the first time into England’s rivers. Conservationists are celebrating, as they say the large rodents will help heal broken ecosystems and bring wildlife back to wetland habitats. Continue reading...
03/05/2025 - 11:00
Guardian investigation had revealed gas emissions could be linked to cognitive impairment in children living nearby Revealed: a toxic metal is in a US city’s air – and may be harming children’s brains An Oregon legislator has moved to ban the use of leaded fuel at a racetrack in Portland following community outcry and a Guardian investigation. Leaded fuel has been banned for use in regular automobiles for decades, due to the toxic and irreversible impact of lead on the human brain and body as particles are emitted from tailpipes. However, it is still legal to use leaded gasoline in off-road vehicles, such as farm equipment – and racecars. Continue reading...