Biodiversity crisis is worse than climate change, experts say

Biodiversity is declining rapidly throughout the world. The challenges of conserving the world's species are perhaps even larger than mitigating the negative effects of global climate change, experts say.

Gulf of Mexico topography played key role in bacterial consumption of Deepwater Horizon spill

When scientists reported that bacterial blooms had consumed almost all the deepwater methane plumes after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon oil spill, some were skeptical.

Chemical measurements confirm official estimate of Gulf oil spill rate

By combining detailed chemical measurements in the deep ocean, in the oil slick, and in the air, NOAA scientists and academic colleagues have independently estimated how fast gases and oil were leaking during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The new chemistry-based spill rate estimate, an average of 11,130 tons of gas and oil compounds per day, is close to the official average leak rate estimate of about 11,350 tons.

Hundreds of threatened species not on official U.S. list, research shows

Many of the animal species at risk of extinction in the United States have not made it onto the country's official Endangered Species Act list, according to new research.

Genetic markers help feds enforce seafood regulations

New discoveries in "marine forensics" will allow federal seafood agents to genetically test blue marlin to quickly and accurately determine their ocean of origin. The test is needed to ensure that the blue marlin sold in US seafood markets were not taken from the Atlantic Ocean. Regulation of Atlantic blues reflects overfishing and a troubling drop in population.

Global carbon emissions reach record 10 billion tons, threatening 2 degree target

Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49 percent in the last two decades, according to the latest figures by an international team of scientists.

Caribbean fisheries highly vulnerable to climate change, need to adapt

A new study predicts severe negative impacts, including loss and alteration of habitats, smaller and less-diverse fish stocks, and coral bleaching, and urges prompt action to help fisheries prepare.

Taking bushmeat off the menu could increase child anemia, study finds

When the dinner menu includes endangered species, human nutritional needs must contend with efforts to manage wildlife resources, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that a loss of access to bushmeat as a source of food would lead to a 29 percent jump in the number of children suffering from anemia.

Climate policies can help resolve energy security and air pollution challenges

Policies to protect the global climate and limit global temperature rise offer the most effective entry point for achieving energy sustainability, reducing air pollution, and improving energy security, according to a new article. By adopting an integrated perspective on energy and climate policy, one that simultaneously addresses three of the key objectives for energy sustainability, major synergies and cost co-benefits can be realized.

Conservation scientists 'unanimous' in expectations of serious loss of biological diversity, study shows

The number of species recognized as endangered is ever increasing and a new study reveals the unanimity among conservation scientists of expectations of a major loss of biological diversity. The survey also shows a growing acceptance of controversial strategies such as 'triage' -- a decision to prioritize resources and not to intervene to save some highly threatened species.

Flash forward 100 years: Climate change scenarios in California's Bay-Delta

Scientists investigated how California's interconnected San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Bay-Delta system) is expected to change from 2010 to 2099 in response to both fast and moderate climate warming scenarios. Results indicate that this area will feel impacts of global climate change in the next century with shifts in its biological communities, rising sea level, and modified water supplies.

Awareness and labeling initiatives can benefit inland fisheries

Much less attention is paid to conservation of freshwater fish and shellfish species that to marine species, although freshwater species may be relatively more threatened. Awareness and certification schemes that have had some success raising awareness of threats to marine fishes could be adapted for the benefit of freshwater species, according to a new article.

Seven billion people are not the issue: Human development is what counts

As the global media speculate on the number of people likely to inhabit the planet on October 31 an international team of population and development experts argue that it is not simply the number of people that matters but more so their distribution by age, education, health status and location that is most relevant to local and global sustainability.

US residents say Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems worth $33.57 billion per year

The American people assign an estimated total economic value of $33.57 billion for the coral reefs of the main Hawaiian Islands. The findings came from survey of 3,100 households -- from all US residents, not just Hawaii or coastal residents. Survey allowed the public to express its preferences and values for protection and restoration of the coral reef ecosystems around the main Hawaiian Islands.

New computer program promises to save the whales

Researchers have developed a computer program that enables regulators to evaluate the ecological and economic trade-offs between marine mammal conservation, whale watching and marine transportation activities in the Saint Lawrence Estuary.

Apply public trust doctrine to 'rescue' wildlife from politics

When a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, the public trust doctrine -- the principle that government must conserve natural resources for the public good -- should guide state management of wildlife, scientists say.

Optimum tax on foreign fishing in Africa protects stocks and domestic fishing

People living in coastal areas in Africa can rarely utilize their entire fishing zones as their simple boats only allow them to fish near the coast. The United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea allows foreign fishing fleets to utilize the zones further out at sea, justifying this position by stating that there is a surplus of fish in these areas. However, new research shows that the migration of fish stocks is significant to fish management.

Major threats foreseen due to Europe's changing marine environments

Europeans face greater risk of illness, property damage and job losses because of the impacts of climate change on the seas around them, a new report suggests.

Sea level rise may take economic toll on California coast, study predicts

California beach towns could face hefty economic losses caused by sea level rise in the next century, according to a new state-commissioned study conducted by economists. The study forecasts the economic impact of sea level rise on five communities: Ocean Beach in San Francisco; Venice Beach and Malibu in Los Angeles; Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County; and Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego County.

Sustainability scientists suggest how countries can cooperate on climate

Experts suggest using game theory and a scalable method of rewards and punishments (called linear compensation) to help develop strategies that encourage all nations to participation fully in greenhouse gas mitigation programs.