Louisiana's coastal marshes will be the key focus of $8.8 billion BP will pay to restore vast natural resource losses caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, part of a $20.8 billion settlement with federal and Gulf state governments announced Monday (Oct. 5). The environmental portion also includes targeting significant money on Gulf of Mexico resources, federal … [Read more...]
Human waste, litter & chemicals drown the Orange River
The Orange River is the country’s longest river and a lifeline for farmers, mining companies and communities. It is in a horrific state due to pollution and filth, said Capetonian adventurer Ray Chaplin after navigating the length of the river. Sponsored by Plastics|SA and Nampak Rigid Plastics, this IT professional turned adventurer and Cape Town resident started his 2 460 … [Read more...]
Raising millions with reusable bags
Woolworths customers have helped raise close to R5 million to date by purchasing the cause related reusable bags sold in Woolworths stores. This includes over R2.2 million for rhinos, R2.1 million for other endangered species, almost R400 000 for marine life, and R200 000 for breast cancer awareness. Woolworths launched their first cause related bag in September 2010 - the … [Read more...]
SU marine biologist writes new sea guide for children
Did you know that a starfish feeds by pushing its stomach out through its mouth and placing it directly over its prey? Did you also know that octopuses are quite clever? Or that Columbus’ crabs are sky blue? These are some of the facts contained in a new marine guide for children by Stellenbosch University marine biologist Dr Sophie von der Heyden. Her 88-page Southern … [Read more...]
Women crochet together for coral reefs
On its travels through South Africa the Climate Train has been creating unique spaces for community members - notables and ordinary people alike- to engage in meaningful discussions around climate change and the lively Pretoria was certainly no exception. Climate’s impact on corals and hundreds of species In the cool Sunday afternoon with the smell of the unexpected Highveld … [Read more...]
Help save tuna from extinction!
Right now, Atlantic bluefin tuna are being pushed to the brink of extinction by overfishing, yet many sushi restaurants continue to serve it. These magnificent marine creatures, famous for their racecar-like speeds, are being severely overfished - in fact, the Atlantic bluefin tuna population has been reduced by more than 80 percent since industrial fishing practices began. … [Read more...]
82% of marine ecosystems not well managed
Oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface, yet less than 1% of these critical systems are under any form of legal protection. The Convention on Biological Diversity's Global Biodiversity Outlook indicates that the world's marine ecosystems are in peril. Along southern Africa's east coast, the dugong is one marine mammal in urgent need of protection. If we do not act … [Read more...]