Fiji: Mangrove concern
Regional environmental protection agencies recently questioned Fiji’s commitment to oceans and coral health by highlighting the continued removal and destruction of mangroves in the country.
South Africa: Setback for Giant West Coast Mine Project
The government has rejected an application by a controversial Australian mining company for a huge expansion of its existing Tormin heavy mineral sands mine near Koekenaap on the West Coast. Tormin has been in operation since October 2013, produces heavy sands minerals from the beach.
Sewage spill closes eight Monterey beaches, CA
A massive sewage spill at the Monterey One Water wastewater treatment facility early Saturday morning has closed eight beaches. Approximately 4.9 million gallons of sewage spilled from the wastewater treatment facility.
Meet ‘King Marcio’, the man who lived in a ‘sand castle’ for 22 years
A Brazilian man managed to avoid high rents for 22 years in the upscale district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by living in a sand castle.
Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching has started early, biologist says
Warm water has already begun bleaching coral on the Great Barrier Reef, weeks ahead of the period with highest forecast risk. Satellite data suggest widespread bleaching is possible by March.
With China’s Ban on Waste Imports, Europe Announces New Recycling Initiatives
In the wake of China’s ban on the import of foreign garbage, which took effect earlier this month, countries across the globe are scrambling to figure out what to do with the thousands of tons of trash piling up at their ports. Now, Europe has announced it is launching an aggressive new recycling initiative to reduce plastic waste and garbage exports.
Public Health Closes Some Santa Barbara County Beaches, Ocean Waters After Testing
Ocean water samples taken on Tuesday were tested for bacteria levels and test results reveal that levels of bacteria do exceed standard levels in ocean water at some beaches.
California sea lion population rebounded to new highs
California sea lions have fully rebounded under the protection of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with their population on the West Coast reaching carrying capacity in 2008 before unusually warm ocean conditions reduced their numbers, according to the first comprehensive population assessment of the species.
Hyams Beach, Australia: Beach with the whitest sand in the world
The whitest sand in the world: it’s a claim to fame Hyams Beach on Australia’s New South Wales South Coast has enjoyed for years, even securing it a place in the Guinness World Records.