Latest news with #marineenvironment
France 24
18-07-2025
- Business
- France 24
New deep sea mining rules lack consensus despite US pressure
Following a meeting in March and the current session in Jamaica, the 36 members of the ISA's executive council completed on Thursday a line-by-line reading of the proposed "mining code" and its 107 regulations for exploitation of the ocean floor in international waters. The minerals and metals in question, such as cobalt, nickel and manganese, are used for electric vehicles and other emerging technologies. "This marks a significant milestone," council president Duncan Muhumuza Laki said to applause. But after more than a decade of talks, crucial sections of the proposed rules including mechanisms for protecting the marine environment are far from winning consensus, and several delegations have publicly opposed calls from Laki to work quickly to finalize the code this year, as envisioned in a 2023 roadmap. "The exploitation activities cannot begin as long as we do not have a solid, equitable framework," Chilean representative Salvador Vega Telias, whose country is one of 37 asking for a moratorium on deep sea mining, told the plenary session. He also said mining could not begin until experts could pinpoint "all the scientific knowledge that we need to have to identify the potential impacts and effects on the marine environment." For ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, "the deep sea needs rules." But, she added, "I firmly believe that the success of deep sea governance will depend on our ability to draw from robust science, inclusive dialogue, and the wisdom to act with precaution." Message for Canadian mining firm? The ISA session, which will continue next week with the assembly of all 169 member states, comes as US President Donald Trump threw a monkey wrench into the process in April. The Republican instructed his administration to fast-track the granting of permits for deep sea mining in domestic and international waters, citing an obscure 1980 US law and sidestepping the process undertaken by the ISA. The United States is not party to the independent ISA or to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), under which the ISA was established in 1994. Canada's The Metals Company (TMC) quickly jumped at the opportunity, lodging the first request for a high seas mining license -- a short-circuiting of the ISA process that was slammed by non-governmental organizations and some member states. Those parties appear to want to send a message to TMC on Friday, the last day of the council's session. A draft text still under discussion, seen by AFP, calls on the ISA's legal and technical commission to investigate "possible issues of non-compliance of contractors that may arise out of the facilitation of or the participation in actions intended to appropriate resources... contrary to the multilateral legal framework." The draft calls on the commission to report any instances of non-compliance or potential violations of the Law of the Sea and "recommend, where appropriate, measures to be taken by the Council." Nori (Nauru Ocean Resources Inc.), a subsidiary of TMC, has held since 2011 an exploration contract for an area of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, which expires in one year. The Canadian firm had hoped to be the first recipient of an ISA-awarded commercial mining license to be used in that area, before pivoting to apply to Washington to work there. 'Common heritage' The talks in Kingston have been tense at times, with several delegations miffed about the rules put in place by the council president, including convening some negotiations behind closed doors. What the council is discussing currently is the common heritage of humankind," Emma Watson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, an alliance of NGOs, told AFP, criticizing what she called a "big shift" in procedure. Ocean defenders have battled against what they say is the advent of an industry that will threaten isolated ecosystems, which have still not been thoroughly studied. Company executives and some countries say the world needs these strategic minerals and metals to propel clean energy technologies, such as electric cars. © 2025 AFP
CBC
14-07-2025
- Science
- CBC
Churchill researchers raise concerns about oil spill impacts in Arctic waters
A natural remedy known to counter oil spills will be 'much slower' to respond in a Canadian Arctic marine environment, which raises concerns for surrounding communities, say researchers working at a new facility in Churchill, Man.
Times of Oman
13-07-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
Oman leads the way in marine conservation and sustainable development
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has placed paramount importance on protecting and sustaining its marine environment, diligently safeguarding it through a series of well-considered initiatives and policies. With an extensive coastline spanning approximately 3,165 kilometres, Oman is home to a rich biodiversity that includes coral reefs, seabirds, fish, and endangered species such as sea turtles, whales, and dolphins. The Environment Authority is tasked with developing environmental strategies and plans to protect coastal and marine ecosystems. It conducts scientific studies and research to address environmental challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, in alignment with the priorities and programs of Oman's Environmental Strategy and Oman Vision 2040. Eng. Ahmed bin Said Al Shukaili, Director of the Marine Environment Conservation Department at the Environment Authority, stated that Oman has implemented numerous projects in this field, most notably the Artificial Coral Reefs initiative. This project aims to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs, enhance biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and protect coastal areas. He further informed Oman News Agency (ONA) that the Sultanate of Oman has established several marine reserves, including the Turtle Reserve, the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, and the Khor Reserves in Dhofar Governorate, which provide a safe habitat for endangered marine species. He added that Oman also places great emphasis on international cooperation in marine conservation, participating in global environmental agreements and programs such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, which focuses on preserving biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use. This contributes to strengthening Oman's efforts in addressing global environmental challenges related to oceans. In line with its international commitments, Al Shukaili pointed out that Oman fulfills its obligations by submitting national reports to regional and global conventions, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, Oman has intensified efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade while raising public awareness through educational campaigns and workshops to engage citizens and residents in marine conservation. He highlighted the Environment Authority's national efforts represented in protecting endangered marine species through environmental laws and regulations, such as the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law and the Natural Reserves and Wildlife Conservation Law. These laws safeguard beaches, marine life, and sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves, while regulating the discharge of liquid and solid waste into marine and coastal environments. He explained that the Environment Authority has also undertaken coral reef rehabilitation projects in collaboration with national entities, including the strategic placement of decommissioned military equipment and concrete structures to create suitable habitats for coral growth and marine organism reproduction. Furthermore, it conducts an annual Marine Pollution Monitoring Project, sampling water and sediment along Oman's coastline—from Musandam to Dhofar—to measure pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, providing critical data on marine pollution levels, particularly near industrial ports. He further said that advanced tracking technologies are being utilised to monitor marine species, particularly whales and sea turtles, by tagging them to study their behaviour, feeding grounds, and migration patterns. This year marks the final phase of the Whale and Dolphin Survey Project in Musandam Governorate, which will inform a national management plan for marine mammal protection. Dr. Amer bin Nasser Al Ma'tani, Chairman of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), highlighted the strong partnership and ongoing collaboration between the Society and the Environment Authority in research, studies, and projects since the Society's establishment in 2004. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the Society is currently implementing four marine conservation projects: Whale and Dolphin Studies and Conservation, Sea Turtle Studies and Conservation, Coral Reef Studies and Conservation, and Awareness Programs on the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. He added that the Society conducts extensive awareness, education, and outreach activities targeting all segments of society, providing research findings to the Environment Authority for integration into environmental policies. The Authority ensures the Society's participation in national environmental committees, fostering collaboration between government and civil sectors. Al-Ma'tani emphasised that Oman's marine environment faces multiple threats, including natural hazards like cyclones, climate change, and rising sea temperatures, as well as human-induced challenges such as overfishing, bycatch, plastic pollution, oil spills, acoustic pollution, and irresponsible tourism. He pointed out that the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) plays a pivotal role in raising environmental awareness, educating the public on the importance of preserving ecosystems and biodiversity for current and future generations. Oman's waters host globally significant marine species, many of which are endangered, prompting the Society to launch community engagement initiatives that foster environmental responsibility. He said that the Society conducts scientific studies on critical marine habitats and endangered species, proposing conservation measures and policy recommendations for implementation by relevant authorities. It also spearheads initiatives to shift public behaviour, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Masirah Island and the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. He added that through school programmes, university collaborations, and community outreach—especially in coastal regions—the Society promotes environmental stewardship among fishermen, farmers, women's associations, and local communities. Its awareness campaigns, developed in partnership with public and private institutions, empower individuals to protect their environment, livelihoods, and future. The Sultanate of Oman continues to enhance the management of marine reserves, recognising their vital role in safeguarding biodiversity amid growing threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
One tonne of fishing gear collected in Lowestoft to be recycled
An appeal to collect fishing gear at the end of its useable life saw more than one tonne of equipment dropped off at a Suffolk Council held the four-day appeal at Hamilton Dock in Lowestoft to try to prevent redundant tackle from damaging the of the commercial fishing fleet dropped off a total of 1,194kg of items including nets, ropes, plastic pots and fish crates - the gill nets contained the equivalent of several kilometres of filament, line and rope. Sally Noble, cabinet member for the environment, said it was "such a reassurance to see so much material recovered through this project" as discarded equipment could easily trap and entangle marine life. The exercise was in collaboration with organisations belonging to the Eastern and Southern Plastics Coalition (ESPC), including the Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (IFCA), Keep Britain Tidy and energy firm RWE. The aim of the exercise was to target abandoned fishing gear encountered and recovered by crews while out at sea. The nets which were collected will now be sent off to be shred, the pellets will be used to make new products and ropes will be re-processed and turned into composite mixed plastic board. Noble, a Green councillor, said there was reassurance this discarded fishing gear would not enter the marine environment, even by accident. She said: "The commercial fishing community have really embraced this campaign and done their bit for a healthy marine environment by bringing along old fishing gear for free disposal."The great majority of our local fishing fleet take responsibility for managing their end-of-life gear, and I would like to thank everyone who took part." Another appeal is planned for a different location on the Suffolk coastline for the autumn, with a date yet to be announced. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
24-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Pollution in Welsh rivers is 'suffocating the sea', campaigners say
Pollution from rivers in Wales is impacting the marine environment and "suffocating our sea", campaigners have Cymru said excess nutrients from farming and sewage were leading to the growth of algal blooms, smothering the assessments of the condition of protected areas along the Welsh coast are set to be published on Wednesday by the environment watchdog Natural Resources Wales (NRW).Drafts obtained by the BBC suggest multiple failures for water quality. The Welsh government said the reports would provide "critical information" to help improve the marine environment. NRW had previously confirmed that seven out of the nine most protected rivers in Wales - known as special area of conservation or SAC rivers - were failing water quality targets due in part to high levels of and slurry spills from agricultural land, wastewater discharges and pollution from industry were all contributors to the situation has already led to limits being placed on housebuilding along SAC a manifesto of asks to politicians ahead of next year's Senedd election, WWF Cymru said a similar picture was now emerging in the fed in from rivers is damaging marine ecosystems and the ocean's ability to store carbon, "making conditions for recovery or restoration of carbon-rich habitats, such as seagrass, challenging", it charity called for a "strong recovery plan" for ocean habitats, backed by law and funding. Like with rivers, estuaries and areas of the sea around Wales are protected for their important habitats and is set to publish a series of assessments and guidance on the condition of these marine SACs and special protection areas (SPAs) on long-awaited reports will be the first of their kind since obtained by the BBC suggested several of the marine SACs in Wales were failing water quality targets for excess include the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, one of the country's most famous and popular tourist the marine environment the nutrient of concern is generally nitrogen, predominately from agricultural run-off and pollution incidents, the reports suggest. Ric Cooper helps run The Cleddau Project in Pembrokeshire where a group of volunteers are working to restore the county's main rivers - the Western and Eastern Cleddau - back to good health."I live on the estuary and like others had become increasingly distraught with the state of the river," he said."It would often smell of sewage and sometimes slurry, and the life in the river was deteriorating before our eyes."We have green algal banks, we have what they can algal mats in the summer months which are due to excess nutrients in the water, sunlight and warm temperatures."The condition of the river and marine environment are "very linked", Mr Cooper explained, but he felt the impact on the coast and sea were "almost like a forgotten story"."There hasn't been the same pressure to improve things for the estuary as there has been for the freshwater Cleddau."He said the group, which has spent the last year coordinating a citizen science project monitoring water quality at 49 sites, involving 100 volunteers, was very much looking forward to reading NRW's reports."We want it to be highlighted that this water body is failing, it's in a bad way and then the powers that be will have to decide what can be done about it."We're hoping this catalyses more action." Shea Buckland-Jones, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Cymru, said the charity expected the reports would "show the terrible state of our waterways and the urgent action needed from Welsh government"."Sadly, the public do not need to view a report to appreciate the dire state of our waterways as it is all too apparent."This is why there is so much support from across Wales to bring Welsh rivers back to full health," he added, pointing to polling carried on the charity's suggested 87% of the Welsh public supported action from the Welsh government to reduce and where possible eliminate river pollution caused by agriculture and show 79% of those asked supported restoring carbon-rich marine habitats such as seagrass, saltmarsh and oyster reefs."As we have set out in our new manifesto this means sustained action to restore ecosystems and prevent all sources of river pollution, focusing on the two biggest sources; agriculture and sewage," Mr Buckland-Jones said. A spokesman for NFU Cymru said the farming union recognised "the role that farmers have to play in maintaining and enhancing water quality in Wales". "Farmers take their environmental responsibilities seriously and NFU Cymru continues to work with partners to take action to reduce incidences of agricultural point source and diffuse pollution, where the evidence shows this is needed," they Water said it planned to invest £4bn - including £2.5bn on environmental projects - between now and 2030. "During the next two years we will be building on NRW's work and carrying out investigations to understand the different sources of nutrients found in sea water whether from runoff water from the land or wastewater," the company said."River pollution and marine water quality is not just an issue for water companies. We need to work together with other sectors who impact water quality to ensure improvement."The Welsh government said it was "committed to improving the health of our rivers and seas" and undertaking "a range of actions to improve water quality".This includes implementing "at pace all recommendations from the recent Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations Review," it added."We remain dedicated to developing and strengthening environmental law in Wales. The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill, recently laid in the Senedd, reflects the ongoing need to deliver transformative change, including tackling drivers of biodiversity loss such as nutrient pollution."
