Research has uncovered that nearly half of the world’s estuaries have been directly altered by human activities. Estuaries, vital transition zones between freshwater and marine environments can be called ‘nurseries of the sea’ as not only animals but also humans commonly rely on them for nesting and breeding as well as tourism, fisheries, and recreational […]
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has published a consultation on the review of Northern Ireland’s Marine Protected Areas strategy. Since the publication and implementation of the original Marine Protected Area (MPA) Strategy in 2014, several key strategic policy drivers have been developed at global, UK and Northern Ireland levels relating to […]
A recently released report titled “Legacy Plastics” suggests that community driven beach cleanups could be a more cost-effective strategy to removing large, macroplastics compared to trials testing novel technologies. However, preventing plastics from entering the environment must be a policy priority. The report, released by the Royal Society at the same time as the latest […]
To coincide with the Our Ocean conference, a new report, co-authored by Marine Conservation Society, Seas At Risk and Oceana, shows that in the seven countries analysed, 4.4 million hours of apparent bottom trawling was allowed in MPAs between 2015-2023 – equivalent to more than 500 years’ worth of trawling. Using data compiled by Global Fishing Watch, the breadth and […]
The Commonwealth has launched a new toolkit to promote gender-responsive practices in ocean-related occupations. Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors is a guide for policymakers, organisations, and individuals to help promote inclusion and unlock the full potential of sustainable blue economies. The guide was launched during the inaugural Commonwealth […]
The UK offshore wind industry is preparing for further growth supported by a range of new approaches and commitments introduced in 2023, according to The Crown Estate’s latest UK Offshore Wind Report 2023. Credit: Marine Directorate Image Bank The report contains a series of updates from offshore wind performances, farm ownership, data and […]
A new study by a University of Sussex research team has identified 81 different marine species along the Sussex coastline, including tope shark, tub gurnard fish and the critically endangered European eel. Research led by Prof Mika Peck and Dr Valentina Scarponi, shows how using a combination of two biomonitoring tools, Baited Remote Underwater Video […]
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the UK’s oil and gas regulator, has awarded 31 new hydrocarbon exploration licences as part of the 33rd oil and gas licensing round. The licences are part of the third tranche of the NSTA’s 33rd oil and gas licensing round, which has awarded a total of 82 licenses to […]