Ecosystems


Whales Make Comeback Off Sonoma Coast

Marine biologists say that at the moment, a population estimated at more than 20,000 gray whales appears to be healthy and reproducing well.

New Pig Launches Grant Program

"With our customers' environmental expertise, plus funding, PIG products, and leadership, we believe this program can make measurable improvements in communities around the country," said Doug LaPlante, New Pig's vice president, Strategy.

Coal tar-based pavement sealcoat typically contains 35,000 to 200,000 ppm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), about 100 times more PAHs than in used motor oil and about 1,000 times more PAHs than in sealcoat products with an asphalt base.

Another Warning About Coal Tar Sealant

The U.S. Geological Survey's latest study showed rainwater runoff caused 100% mortality to minnows and water fleas, which are part of the base of the food chain.

After taking seawater samples from the shoreline of Ucluelet, British Columbia, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) discovered small amounts of radioactivity from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.

Traces of Radiation from Fukushima Found on British Columbia Shores

After taking seawater samples from the shoreline of Ucluelet, British Columbia, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) discovered small amounts of radioactivity from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.

States to Receive Million to Support Wildlife and Habitats

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced over $45 million in funding provided through the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program to help U.S. states protect species and habitats in greatest need.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was designated on Nov. 16, 1990. It is one of 14 marine protected areas that make up the National Marine Sanctuary System, is administered by NOAA, and is jointly managed with the state of Florida. (NOAA photo)

Environmental Penalty Benefits Florida Sanctuary

The investigation uncovered that the ship's oil record book was falsified since at least June 16, 2013, and that illegal oily waste discharges had occurred from two other vessels owned and operated by Carbofin.

Ringling Bros. Removing Elephants from Traveling Circuses

Feld Entertainment Inc.'s announcement said the decision will allow the company to focus on its Asian elephant conservation programs, both here in North America and through its partnership with Sri Lanka, and continue collaborating with other conservation organizations.

Researchers Capturing Moose, Elks, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep This Month

Personnel from the University of Wyoming-headquartered Wyoming Migration Initiative and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department plan to live tweet throughout approximately three weeks of research activity and write Facebook posts about the animal captures, so the public can follow along.



According to a new report by the NRDC, the anticipated impacts are more widespread than previously believed; major threats seen to oyster, scallop, and clam industries in CA, CT, FL, LA, MA, ME, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OR, RI, TX, VA, and WA.

Rapid Ocean Acidification Threatens Coastal Economies in Several States

According to a new report by the NRDC, the anticipated impacts are more widespread than previously believed; major threats seen to oyster, scallop, and clam industries in CA, CT, FL, LA, MA, ME, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OR, RI, TX, VA, and WA.

Interior Proposes New Requirements for Some Alaska Offshore Drilling

The agency's proposed rule focuses solely on the Outer Continental Shelf within the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas (Arctic OCS).

Industry Group Calls for Action to Prevent Plastic Marine Pollution

William R. Carteaux, president and CEO of SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, said ocean litter "is a global problem that threatens our health, our marine wildlife, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on a healthy ocean."

Ancient Snow Patches in Norway are Melting

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that snow patches that have been in Norway for more than 5,000 years are beginning to melt at a rapid pace due to climate change.

The proposed budget for 2016 reflects robust Administration support for science-based decision-making in managing natural resources.

President’s 2016 Budget Proposes $1.2 Billion for the USGS

The proposed budget for 2016 reflects robust Administration support for science-based decision-making in managing natural resources.

A group of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered that the Earth’s crust under Iceland rebounds as the island’s ice caps melt as a result of global warming.

Iceland Rising from Glacier Melt

A group of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered that the Earth’s crust under Iceland rebounds as the island’s ice caps melt as a result of global warming.

The spilled oil has already spread to 500 square kilometers of the forest and would have a long-term adverse effect on its biodiversity, including fish and animals, in the affected areas, according to a study conducted by the Environment Science Department of Khulna University.

Unique Biodiversity of Bangladesh's Sundarbans Forest is Threatened

A Khulna University team's study reveals the food chain of aquatic species living in the Sundarbans has been severely disrupted by the December 2014 Sela River oil spill.

New Chief Selected for Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

"Abigail Hopper's knowledge of the energy sector, experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders, and her legal expertise will be valuable assets to the bureau and the department as we continue to ensure the safe and responsible development of our domestic energy and mineral resources and stand up an offshore wind program," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said.

DOJ Announces Conviction in Oil Discharge Case

Matthaios Fafalios, 64, a resident of Greece, was convicted in connection with his actions prior to and during a U.S. Coast Guard boarding of the vessel M/V Trident Navigator in January 2014.

Five Companies Win European Business Awards

Karmenu Vella, the European Union's Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner, has announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2014-15.

Research Shows Salamanders are Large Food Source in Forests

Researchers at the University of Missouri have estimated that the population of salamanders in forested regions of the Missouri Ozarks are 2-4 times higher than originally thought, and in other regions of the eastern U.S. may be on average 10 times higher.

The survey showed a majority of Western sportsmen and women support habitat action so the greater sage grouse is not added to the Endangered Species List.

NWF Sportsmen's Poll Supports Sage Grouse Conservation

A poll of 1,335 sportsmen and women in 11 states in the heart of greater sage-grouse country showed a majority support restrictions in important habitat to save the bird and avoid its placement on the federal Endangered Species List.

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