Ecosystems


PADI Divers to Clean Up and Track Types of Debris

Data from the International Ocean Clean-up, set for Sept. 19, is reported in the Ocean Conservancy’s Marine Debris Index.

Crude Oil Not Coal to Blame for PAHs in Gulf of Alaska

Scientists say their study shows that contaminants from natural coal deposits are not easily bioavailable but those from crude oil are and can account for the continuing degradation off the coast of Alaska.

Virginia Tech Checks Impacts of Coal Mining on Water

The researchers are looking into the effectiveness of stream restoration activities and associations between total dissolved solids and aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates.

Task Force to Review Post-Katrina Restoration

Work on restoring Louisiana's coastline has yet to be completed four years after Hurricane Katrina caused billions of dollars in damage.

Animal Waste Accounts for Two-thirds of Bacteria in 2 Watersheds

A Maryland Department of the Environment and Salisbury University study found that wildlife and dog waste are significant sources of bacteria in the watersheds of eight Anne Arundel County waterways.

Acidity in Alaska's Oceans Could Affect Fisheries

Researcher Jeremy Mathis says this is a case where we see ocean acidification having an indirect effect on a commercially viable species by reducing its food supply.

Infrastructure

Bridges for Human and Aquatic Species

MACTEC Engineering and Consulting assembled a design team for the U.S. Forest Service to evaluate the risks and determine mitigating measures to enable safe passage for human traffic and aquatic species in nine National Forests.



UMass Buoys Track Bacteria in Neponset River

The two-year program tracks near-shore climate conditions around Boston Harbor, measuring colored dissolved organic matter.

NRCS Uses Society Results in Restoring Streams

Wildlife Conservation Society study shows woody vegetation leads to more diverse and abundant riparian birds, which can add value to a stream assessment.

DOI Adopts Standard for Mapping Wetlands

The wetlands mapping standard is expected to enhance the quality and consistency of wetlands data.

Experiment Suggests 4-Day Pesticide Testing Falls Short

University of Pittsburgh study shows endosulfan can exhibit effects on frogs and toad tadpoles after EPA's four-day testing period.

Plastics in Ocean Decompose Fairly Quickly, Study Says

Researchers said polystyrene begins to decompose within one year, release components detectable in the parts-per-million range.

DOI Adopts Standard for Mapping Wetlands

The wetlands mapping standard is expected to enhance the quality and consistency of wetlands data.

Everglades Plan Approval Spurs on Restoration

The South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have approved the master agreement, which will allow restoration to begin on the Everglades.

Everglades' Plan Approval Spurs on Restoration

The South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have approved the master agreement, which will allow restoration to begin on the Everglades.

LID Is Part of Answer to Water Supply Issues, NRDC Says

Report from Natural Resources Defense Council and UC-Santa Barbara claims low impact development can generate billions of gallons of water.

University of Hawaii Study Investigates Bacteria in Sand

Researchers will look at land use patterns, rainfall, and the transport of fecal indicators.

Union Pacific to Restore Streams, Wetlands and Pay Penalty

Failure to get appropriate Clean Water Act permits for altering streams will cost Union Pacific Railroad about $31 million in restoration projects and $800,000 in penalties.