24 Feb 2026
Photo by Jay Alexander New data from a national survey of British coastal waters has found average microplastic concentrations of 59 particles per cubic metre of seawater, more than double the levels recorded in comparable surveys in 2022 and 2023, which found averages of 23 and 20 MP/m³ respectively. The highest single reading, 418 […]
24 Feb 2026
Photo by Ekaterina Boltaga A major new report from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has identified critical gaps in scientific understanding of the ocean’s carbon cycle that could be significantly undermining global climate predictions and the policies built upon them. The Integrated Ocean Carbon Research Report, prepared by 72 authors across 23 countries, reveals […]
19 Feb 2026
Highest superbug concentrations detected near major sewage outfalls Image description: A variety of different coloured tablets packaged in foil layered on top of one another. Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash A new study has uncovered widespread traces of antibiotic-resistant bacteria across Oxford’s river systems, sparking urgent warnings about public health and the environmental impact of sewage discharges. […]
19 Feb 2026
Image description: A wide view of a lake, grass and mountains in Cockermouth Cumbria. Photo by Joy Roxas on Unsplash Discovery and investigation of ‘toxic pollution hotspots’ The Guardian has exclusively revealed a number of ‘toxic pollution hotspots’ has been uncovered across Cumbria and Lancashire, with high levels of the banned cancer-causing “forever chemical” Pfos detected in rivers and groundwater at 25 sites. Pfos is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (Pfas), […]
19 Feb 2026
“Future scandal waiting to happen” as new homes not protected under the Flood Re schemeImage description: Home standing in flood water. Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová / Pexels. One in nine new homes built in England between 2022 and 2024 were constructed in areas at risk of flooding, according to insurer Aviva. Representing an increase from one in 13 between 2013 and 2022, these new findings […]
19 Feb 2026
Proposals include first ever designated bathing spot on River Thames Image description: The river Thames flowing under Tower Bridge, with heavy boat traffic. Photo by: Pietro de Grandi, Unsplash The government has proposed 13 new designated swimming locations, including the first ever official bathing spot in London’s River Thames. Achieving designated status means these locations will undergo regular water quality testing by […]
17 Feb 2026
Photo by Yilei (Jerry) Bao President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on 6 February reopening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, the only marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean, to commercial fishing, reversing protections restored by President Biden in 2021. The monument, designated by President Obama in 2016, covers 4,913 square miles […]
17 Feb 2026
Now officially open for contributions, MARINE Fund Cymru establishes a strategic framework for sustained investment dedicated to the ecological restoration and long-term resilience of the Wales’s seas and coast MARINE Fund Cymru to provide new route for long-term investment in the restoration and resilience of Wales’s marine and coastal environment. The fund was launched at […]
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