coastal zones News
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New research into climate change and waves released
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, this week released new research to improve understanding of how climate change might affect off-shore waves and the potential impact on our coastal zones. The research investigated climatic conditions which could lead to changes in waves on Australia’s coast, including ‘extreme waves’ of around three metres or more. The available modelled ...
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Online tool pinpoints sand for Florida beach restoration
Florida claims to have launched the first-ever database in the country that identifies sand sources for beach restoration and nourishment projects. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, DEP, has compiled a comprehensive on-line tool for identifying suitable sand sources from Florida's coastal waters. 'With this new database, both the state and local beach managers will be ...
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Future of the Baltic Sea the focus of new research
The problems associated with eutrophication have long affected the Baltic Sea. Large blooms of toxic algae, oxygen-free bottoms and changes to composition of species have all impacted on the sea. Four years of research will provide more knowledge about the future of the Baltic. The Baltic Sea is a unique and sensitive inland sea which is heavily influenced by some 90 million people living around ...
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Water scarcity becoming a critical issue for the Arab world – UN report
Climate change, food insecurity, decreasing water availability and unemployment are among the multiple challenges facing the Arab region, according to a new assessment by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which calls for rational and sustainable use of resources and inclusion of the environment issues in decision making.“This assessment has been a truly collaborative one outlining ...
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Rising sea levels threaten islanders with displacement
A significant rise in sea levels due to global warming could result in the loss of species and habitats in the coastal areas of more than a thousand islands in South-East Asia and the Pacific region, leading to the potential displacement of many millions of people, according to a study. "Sea level rise will lead to the permanent inundation and erosion of coastal areas," said Florian Wetzel, team ...
By SciDev.Net
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Coastal structures change marine ecosystems
The urbanisation of coastal areas and introduction of man-made structures, such as jetties and seawalls, are changing marine environments. A new analysis highlights the impacts of these changes on marine plants and animals and suggests options to manage the detrimental effects. Many of the world's largest cities are in coastal zones and more than 75 per cent of people are expected to live within ...
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WRI helps launch first eco-audit of Mesoamerican reef
This week, two of my colleagues, Ben Kushner and Lauretta Burke, travelled to Mexico and Belize, respectively, for the launch of a new multinational evaluation of reef management by governments, NGOs, and the private sector. The launch events took place in Belize City, Belize; Cancun, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and were the result of nine months of collaboration ...
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Largest urban port in US to ban boat sewage
With state and local backing, EPA is designating Boston Harbor as a “No Discharge” area. This status means that discharges of treated and untreated boat sewage are prohibited within these Massachusetts state waters, including the Towns and Cities of Boston, Braintree, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Newton, Quincy, Watertown, Weymouth, and Winthrop. In May, the Mass. Office of ...
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Counting the cost of climate change
The report, Climate change: the cost of inaction and the cost of adaptation, looks at the economic costs of climate change (impacts) at a European level. These costs are increasingly shaping the climate policy debate but the report highlights the fact that methodological issues and uncertainties remain in cost estimation. Based on a review of existing information, the report also analyses the ...
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How to improve the efficiency of public participation processes in coastal management
Public participation in developing coastal management plans can have numerous benefits, such as augmenting expert information with local knowledge and building trust, a new study has confirmed; however, challenges remain, say the researchers. They use the experiences of 10 case studies to make a series of recommendations regarding how to improve the efficiency of the process. Public ...
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EU strategy to improve maritime governance in the Mediterranean Sea
The European Commission presented today a strategy aimed at countering the various maritime challenges in the Mediterranean Sea basin. The improved governance of maritime affairs would be an important driver for more sustainable growth in the region, while at the same addressing common issues of concern. Competition for marine space, threats to maritime safety, environmental degradation and the ...
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Beach Cleanups Energize People Around the Globe
With sandal-and-swimsuit season right around the corner, policymakers are raising awareness about the problem of beach pollution. Environmental advocates emphasize that volunteers can have a remarkable effect on the health of beaches in their communities. Just ask lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah, who led a cleanup of almost 12 million pounds of trash near his home in Mumbai. “I ...
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Mount hope bay seek “no discharge” designation to stem boat pollution
EPA is evaluating a proposal from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to designate the state waters of Mount Hope Bay as a “No Discharge Area.” If approved, discharges of treated and untreated boat sewage would be prohibited within the town boundaries of Dighton, Berkley, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea, and Fall River. Mount Hope Bay is a shared waterbody between Mass. and R.I. and in ...
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World Bank Offers US$250 Million To Aid Bangladesh Cyclone Recovery And Mitigation
The World Bank has offered up to US$250 million in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr to help millions of Bangladeshis recover and to strengthen the country’s disaster mitigation systems. “This is a horrible shock to Bangladesh and our sympathies are with the thousands of families who have lost loved ones; with the millions who have lost livelihoods and shelter” said Xian Zhu, World Bank Country ...
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NOAA, EPA seek public comment on proposal to disapprove Oregon’s Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program
Today, NOAA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announce the opening of a 90-day public comment period on the agencies’ proposal to disapprove the State of Oregon’s coastal nonpoint pollution control program. The two agencies have found that Oregon’s program falls short in three key areas. Under the terms of a settlement agreement, EPA and NOAA are required to ...
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16 North Shore Mass.Towns seek “no discharge” designation to stem boat pollution (MA)
EPA is considering a proposal from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to designate the remaining coastal waters of the North Shore as a “No Discharge Area.” If approved, discharges of treated and untreated boat sewage would be prohibited within the town boundaries of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Amesbury, West Newbury, Merrimac, ...
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Commission takes initiative to support Blue Growth through sustainable management of marine and coastal areas
Today the Commission launched a proposal to improve the planning of maritime activities at sea and the management of coastal areas. The proposal – which takes the form of a draft directive – aims to establish a common European framework for maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal management in EU Member States, with a view to ensuring that the growth of maritime and coastal ...
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Managing the twin risks of flooding and erosion in coastal areas
Coastal areas are naturally at risk from erosion and flooding, but this risk is increased by the effects of climate change. A recent study has examined choices for regulators and coastline managers and suggests that successful management in high risk areas needs a fully integrated approach involving all stakeholders. Managing the interactions between the natural environment and socio-economic ...
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Pleasant Bay/Chatham harbor now protected from boat sewage pollution - “no discharge area” designation finalized for another cape bay (MA)
The coastal waters of Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor now join all of Cape Cod Bay and most other coastal Massachusetts waters by having attained a “No Discharge Area” designation. EPA approved a request by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (MA CZM) and the Pleasant Bay Resource Management Alliance to designate Pleasant Bay/Chatham Harbor as a no discharge area. This ...
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Louisiana Wins Environmental Assessment in Oil Lease Case
Documento sin título NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, October 24, 2006 (ENS) - The State of Louisiana agreed today to dismiss its lawsuit against the United States after the Department of the Interior promised a complete environmental analysis of oil and natural gas leasing in federal waters off the state's coast. The analysis must take into account the effects of ...
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