A mixed week for news from UK Government on moving towards a low carbon economy. On the one hand the news of the zero emission goal and then in the budget the further support for the Oil & Gas industry. The IMF estimates this support to be worth £26 billion a year. Business Green: ‘Energy […]
‘The Environmental Audit Committee launches an inquiry into the environmental impact of microplastics. Key issues include: the scale, sources and consequences of microplastic pollution in the ocean; strategies for dealing with the problem; and the state of our knowledge on the issue. Inquiry: Environmental impact of microplastics Environmental Audit Committee Microplastics come from a variety of domestic and industrial […]
Three perspectives of marine spatial planning, the outcomes of an WOC-SAMS webinar with lots of links on MSP in the North Sea, the latest MMO planning update and Alec Taylor from WWF-UK on the need for more ambition in way UK is implementing marine plans. 1. WOC ‘ North Sea Industry Leaders Participate in Webinar […]
Two items – the Shark Trust Campaign & the Outcomes of the Convention on Migratory Species meeting Shark Trust – No Limits Campaign – Leading shark charity calls for Europe to embed a ‘culture of sustainability’ in shark fisheries On Good Friday, millions of Britons will witness the extraordinary sight of scores of sharks feeding […]
MSC ‘Seafood fraud – the selling of seafood products with a misleading label, description or promise – has become a widespread form of food fraud. In fact a recent global analysis suggested that on average 30% of seafood products are misdescribed or mislabelled. Although it is possible for seafood to become unintentionally mixed at various […]
Sea Change has produced a short animation introducing the concept of Ocean Literacy and outlining the medical, economic, social, and environmental importance of the sea to Europe and indeed to the rest of the world. The animation highlights the importance of protecting the ocean by making choices that are more “ocean-friendly”. https://vimeo.com/139562761 Sea Change (www.seachangeproject.eu) […]
Three perspectives, Defra, The Guardian and the Insurance industry who are not happy! Belated recognition that earlier cuts were not the right direction. 1. Defra Announcement Defra ‘An extra £700m in flood defence funding will help deliver the government’s commitment to ensure communities are protected against increasingly extreme weather. ‘This comes on top of the […]
Guardian ‘Figures show 62% cut to R&D budget to improve forecasting and defences over seven years, despite calls for such evidence in the wake of winter flooding. Funding for “vital” research to improve flood forecasts, warnings and defences has been slashed by almost two-thirds since 2009, figures obtained by the Guardian show. The annual funding […]