Ecosystems


Human Activities Increase Salt Content in Many of the Nation’s Streams

Human Activities Increase Salt Content in Many of the Nation's Streams

Concentrations of dissolved solids, a measure of the salt content in water, are elevated in many of the nation's streams as a result of human activities, according to a new USGS study. Excessive dissolved-solids concentrations in water can have adverse effects on the environment and on agricultural, domestic, municipal, and industrial water users.

Reducing Deforestation a Success

Reducing Deforestation a Success

According to a new report, nearly 20 countries around the world have reduced tropical deforestation and emissions as a result of programs and policies.

New Plans for Coastal Restoration in Louisiana and Texas

New Plans for Coastal Restoration in Louisiana and Texas

In a presentation to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration and Conservation, the America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) has outlined new solutions to help expand and expedite coastal restoration efforts, in concert with Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan.

A contract has been awarded by the South Florida Water Management District for construction to begin on a new water quality restoration project in the Everglades.

Water Quality Restoration Begins in Everglades

A contract has been awarded by the South Florida Water Management District for construction to begin on a new water quality restoration project in the Everglades.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Completes Wetlands Database and Mapping Tool

The Service completes a comprehensive data set of wetlands in U.S. states and territories that will aid developers, city planners, and regulators in advancing wetland conservation, economic development.

As air drones already exist, a new development has evolved in drone technology, a water-based drone to ensure fast and efficient algae control and treatment.

Water Drones to Maintain Algae Blooms

As air drones already exist, a new development has evolved in drone technology, a water-based drone to ensure fast and efficient algae control and treatment.

New Trees for Natural Disaster Sites

As part of the Community Tree Recovery Program, Canon will be planting one tree for every imageRUNNER ADVANCE system sold from now until Dec. 31, 2014. Trees will be planted in various sites where natural disasters have recently occurred, such as Northern Alabama and Joplin, Missouri.

CSB Releasing Part of Macondo Well Report June 5

The first two of four volumes contain a summary of events leading up to the April 2010 explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig and "critical technical findings" on the blowout preventer and management systems.



The EPA has proposed a plan to remove more than 4 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment from 8 miles of the Passaic River in New Jersey.

EPA Prepares for Their Largest River Cleanup in History

The EPA has proposed a plan to remove more than 4 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment from 8 miles of the Passaic River in New Jersey. This will mark the largest river cleanup in EPA history.

American Rivers has reported the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States for 2014.

Most Endangered Rivers of 2014 Announced

American Rivers has reported the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States for 2014.

Rio Tinto Donating Shares of Pebble Mine Project to Charities

The company announced it is dividing its 19.1 percent share of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. between the Alaska Community Foundation and the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation, saying in the announcement that "we are ensuring that Alaskans will have a say in Pebble's future development and that any economic benefit supports Alaska's ability to attract investment that creates jobs."

The United Nations International Court of Justice ruled against Japan in the case challenging its claim that its whaling is done for scientific purposes.

Australia Wins Case Against Japanese Whaling

The U.N. International Court of Justice ruled against Japan in a case involving charges that the country was using a scientific research program to mask a commercial whaling venture in the Antarctic.

While many were happy to see much of the oil slick in Galveston Bay being pushed out into the gulf by wind and weather, this has created additional environmental threats further down the Texas coastline.

Effects of Galveston Oil Spill Persist on Texas Coast

While many were happy to see much of the oil slick in Galveston Bay being pushed out into the gulf by wind and weather, this has created additional environmental threats further down the Texas coastline.

According to new research, salamanders may be shrinking in size due to the environmental changes caused by rapid climate change.

Shrinking Salamanders: Global Warming to Blame?

According to new research, salamanders may be shrinking in size due to the environmental changes caused by rapid climate change.

The six shipwreck sites are located relatively near the Macondo well site that caused the 2010 oil spill.

New Study Probes Gulf Oil Spill's Impact

A research team is examining how oil spilled after the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion is affecting organisms living on six shipwrecks located near the Macondo well site.

All over the world farmers are using innovative practices to utilize water more efficiently and in lesser quantities to produce more nutritious.

More Crop Per Drop

This Saturday, March 22nd, the world celebrates World Water Day. Water and agriculture are inextricably interlinked and interdependent. Agriculture is a major user of both ground and surface water for irrigation—accounting for about 70 percent of water withdrawal worldwide.

Australia Unwraps National Plan for Maritime Emergency Response

The plan lays out cooperative arrangements between governments and industry to respond to maritime spills and shipping casualty incidents.

Maria Damanaki, the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, praised the EU

EU Commissioner: Address Overfishing Globally

Maria Damanaki, the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said the EU's "zero tolerance against illegal fishing" is succeeding, and 27 stocks in the North Sea and Atlantic are being fished sustainably this year.

Lloyd's Working on Arctic Ice Regime

The region's "extreme and fast changing risks" call for it to support IMO's Polar Code, which would set safety and environmental standards for ships operating in those waters.

BP Clears Up U.S. Contracting Ban

BP is once again eligible to enter into new contracts with the U.S. government, including new deepwater leases in the Gulf of Mexico.