Conservationists say 48 new protected areas are needed to fill the gaps in the ‘blue belt’ coastal network to ensure wildlife can flourish Conservationists have called for the creation of a further 48 protected areas in English waters that would “fill in the gaps” of a national network designed to ensure healthy and productive seas. […]
MCS: ‘Awarded protected status over a decade ago for its exceptional biodiversity, the Fal and Helford SAC contains magnificent rocky seaweed habitats, stunning spotted rays, flashy fish and other spectacular sea creatures. Yet proposals to gouge a channel through this special place, primarily to allow cruise ship access, have taken a step forward. The Falmouth […]
Environmental NGOs Oceana, Seas At Risk and WWF have urged the European Commission to be rigorous in its assessment of member states’ performance on protecting their oceans, and on member states to fulfil their obligations to protect those areas that are home to Europe’s most threatened marine life. The call comes ahead of this week’s […]
Major steps to strengthen shark fining ban CUBA// In a rare vote, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) has adopted a proposal for a stronger shark finning ban by an overwhelming margin, despite objections from Japan. The European Union and the United States have proposed for several years that NAFO strengthen its ban on shark […]
Foraging seabirds use oceanic fronts as an efficient means to forage for food, according to an international study that could help safeguard the future of protected species. A team of scientists led by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter examined the feeding behaviours of breeding northern gannets (Morus bassanus) in the Celtic Sea. They […]
The latest reports from the Environment Agency on environmental performance show that pollution incidents from water companies operating mainly in England are falling while the quality of the water environment continues to rise. In 2015, 65% of all serious pollution incidents affected the water environment, while 19% affected air and 21% affected land. The water […]
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference, Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Energy Minister said: “Before he was sacked, George Osborne managed to pass what he proudly referred to as “the most generous tax regime for shale gas anywhere in the world”. Well that will change under Labour.” The MP told the conference that there are technical […]
British Water members have raised concerns about funding for infrastructure, investment in research, and environmental regulation in the aftermath of the vote for the UK to leave the European Union. The trade association, which represents the UK water industry supply chain, says the results of a survey of members shows a great many unanswered questions […]