Ecosystems


Canada Funds $1.3 Million for Removal of Abandoned Boats

"Abandoned boats are not just an eyesore; they are a safety concern and a financial burden to communities," Minister of Transport Marc Garneau said.

Lodu Dime was convicted by Nepalese authorities following the seizure of wildlife products in Nepal during INTERPOL

Tiger Trafficker Arrested in Nepal

Lodu Dime, 40, had been convicted in absentia by Nepalese authorities after the seizure of wildlife products in Nepal during INTERPOL's Operation Prey IV in 2013.

China to Build $1.5 Billion Area for Panda Conservation

China to Build $1.5 Billion Area for Panda Conservation

The Bank of China has pledged at least 10 billion yuan, or $1.5 billion, to create an enormous panda conservation park in the Sichuan province, the forestry ministry said last week.

Marine Protected Area Confirmed for Easter Island

The waters around Easter Island are home to at least 142 endemic species, including 27 that are threatened or endangered.

Canada Overhauling Project Review Scheme

There will be less red tape and less duplication for project proposers to navigate, according to the officials, who said the government will expand the types of impacts studied to understand how a proposed project could affect not just the environment, but also its long-term health, social, and economic impacts, as well as impacts on indigenous peoples.

Michigan Congressman Introduces Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act

Michigan Congressman Introduces Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act

The Great Lakes Oil Spill Prevention Act was introduced earlier this month and would “impose additional requirements on portions of petroleum pipelines that cross waters of the Great Lakes,” among other goals, according to the bill’s text.

CA Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Reduce Plastic Straw Waste

Majority Leader Ian Calderon introduced last week Assembly Bill 1884, which would require servers at sit-down restaurants to ask customers if they want a straw before providing one. The bill would not apply to fast-food restaurants.

EPA Awards $2.1 Million to Protect, Restore California Wetlands and Streams

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $2.1 million in grants to protect and restore wetlands and streams across California.



2017 Weather Disaster Losses Totaled $306 Billion: NOAA

There were 16 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters during the year, according to the agency, and the $306 billion in losses set a new U.S. record.

Most West Coast Governors Bash Leasing Plan

Alaska's governor supports the plan, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said would open more than 98 percent of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas to exploration and development, a reversal from the current program, which he said puts 94 percent of the OCS off limits.

DARPA 'Ocean of Things' Proposers Day Set for Jan. 4

The idea is for "smart floats" that would contain a suite of commercially available sensors to collect environmental data such as ocean temperature, sea state, and location and also data about commercial vessels, aircraft, and even maritime mammals moving through the area.

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Four Countries Join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa have joined UN Environment's CleanSeas campaign against marine litter and ocean pollution, announcing measures including new marine reserves, plastic bag bans, and drives to increase recycling.

Florida Agency Holding First Workshop on Nonnative Iguanas Dec. 13

This will be the agency's first of several iguana technical assistance workshops in the Florida Keys.

New York DEC Says Hudson River PCB Cleanup Not Finished

The state wants EPA to further evaluate the need for additional removal of contaminated sediment to make sure the targeted PCB reductions in fish are met, and it is also asking EPA to start its investigation of the Lower Hudson River.

Voting Starts for Pennsylvania's 2018 River of the Year

This is the eighth year for public voting. According to the department, nominations were based on each waterway's conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2018 River of the Year.

This photo shows Thunder Basin National Grassland in Douglas, Wyo. (U.S. Forest Service/Cristi Painter photo)

Grasslands Study Launched at Two Sites

The results of the three-year study will help USFS learn more about how to use fire on the national grasslands.

INTERPOL Meeting Focused on Illegal Timber Trade

In May and June 2017, under operation LEAD (Law Enforcement Against Deforestation), Myanmar authorities seized around $2 million worth of illegal timber, according to INTERPOL.

Wettest Wet Season Still Affecting South Florida

USACE said the tremendous amount of rainfall inundated the three water conservation areas and affected the wildlife that live there.

Florida DEP Sets TMDL Public Meeting

Participants in the Nov. 8 meeting in Bartow, Fla., will discuss the status of TMDL development for nutrient impaired water bodies in the Upper Peace River basin.

New Law Permits Tanker Avoidance Zones on the Hudson

The bill signed into law this week provides flexibility for the state so it can evaluate each instance to ensure it would be feasible and not hinder the necessary travel of petroleum-bearing vessels on the Hudson River and on active ports, some of which have active major oil storage facilities.