Sea Save Foundation
Contributor
6. Australia Examines Marine Reserve Recommendationshttp://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/imag...741-megalodon_shark_attacking_a_whale-spl.jpg
New recommendations that would affect Australia's marine reserves have recently been announced. A marine reserve is an area of the ocean where numerous types of commercial activities are allowed, such as mining and fishing, but in a restricted way. Marine reserves can also contain marine national parks where commercial activities are banned. Currently, less than 1% of the world's oceans are no-take zones. This year the Ocean Science Council of Australia submitted a scientific report encouraging the government to protect at least 30% of the marine ecosystems. It also seeks to quantify the benefits of the continent's marine reserve to improve public perceptions of their value. Unfortunately, the most recent recommendations are advocating the removal of up to 127,000 square kilometers of marine national parks. This change would reduce the Coral Sea National Park by 25% . Click to Read More.
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7. Big Data has Power to Transform Renewable Energy
Currently, the European Union has the world’s largest capacity for connected wind and solar energy. Now they are focusing on the “industrial internet” to create a virtual grid that will maximize the efficiency of their existing renewable infrastructure. Sensors are already being installed on wind turbines in the North Sea. This will determine how the wind and wave conditions affect the collected outcome. Collecting and analyzing this data, along with technology from 35,000 weather stations, incoming geospatial information, as well as tidal phases and equipment usage, allows researchers to “predict” future patterns while ensuring the turbines are operating at maximum efficiency. Click to Read More.
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8. Future Sea Level Rise Predictions Result in New Marin County Laws
Marin County, located in Northern California, has been bracing itself for rising sea levels. They began working on their coastal plan almost eight years ago. A recent proposal drafted by the California Coastal Commission would drastically alter the current plan, if passed. The California Coastal Commission is identifying flood zones that match a 100-year "worst case scenario" prediction using current climate models. If the new proposal passes, it would impede the completion of ocean front repairs or renovations. Which is not well received by homeowners needing to protect their investments. Click to Read More.
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9. Dam Removals - Scientists Project Migratory Fish Populations Will Climb
Researchers from the Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the United States Geological Survey are studying how dam removal will impact regional ecosystems.
Three dams built on the Maine's Penobscot River in 1830, rendered the river uninhabitable for migratory fish species, such as shad, alewives, and blueback herring.
Removal of two of theses dams was completed in 2013. Researchers counted approximately 8,000 shad and 500 Atlantic salmon completing the upstream journey this year. Previously, less than twenty shad had passed through the dams over several decades. Scientists were also surprised to discover a previously unknown population of endangered shortnose sturgeon successfully making the trek upstream. Click to Read More.
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Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.
New recommendations that would affect Australia's marine reserves have recently been announced. A marine reserve is an area of the ocean where numerous types of commercial activities are allowed, such as mining and fishing, but in a restricted way. Marine reserves can also contain marine national parks where commercial activities are banned. Currently, less than 1% of the world's oceans are no-take zones. This year the Ocean Science Council of Australia submitted a scientific report encouraging the government to protect at least 30% of the marine ecosystems. It also seeks to quantify the benefits of the continent's marine reserve to improve public perceptions of their value. Unfortunately, the most recent recommendations are advocating the removal of up to 127,000 square kilometers of marine national parks. This change would reduce the Coral Sea National Park by 25% . Click to Read More.
-------------------------------------------------
7. Big Data has Power to Transform Renewable Energy
Currently, the European Union has the world’s largest capacity for connected wind and solar energy. Now they are focusing on the “industrial internet” to create a virtual grid that will maximize the efficiency of their existing renewable infrastructure. Sensors are already being installed on wind turbines in the North Sea. This will determine how the wind and wave conditions affect the collected outcome. Collecting and analyzing this data, along with technology from 35,000 weather stations, incoming geospatial information, as well as tidal phases and equipment usage, allows researchers to “predict” future patterns while ensuring the turbines are operating at maximum efficiency. Click to Read More.
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8. Future Sea Level Rise Predictions Result in New Marin County Laws
Marin County, located in Northern California, has been bracing itself for rising sea levels. They began working on their coastal plan almost eight years ago. A recent proposal drafted by the California Coastal Commission would drastically alter the current plan, if passed. The California Coastal Commission is identifying flood zones that match a 100-year "worst case scenario" prediction using current climate models. If the new proposal passes, it would impede the completion of ocean front repairs or renovations. Which is not well received by homeowners needing to protect their investments. Click to Read More.
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9. Dam Removals - Scientists Project Migratory Fish Populations Will Climb
Researchers from the Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit of the United States Geological Survey are studying how dam removal will impact regional ecosystems.
Three dams built on the Maine's Penobscot River in 1830, rendered the river uninhabitable for migratory fish species, such as shad, alewives, and blueback herring.
Removal of two of theses dams was completed in 2013. Researchers counted approximately 8,000 shad and 500 Atlantic salmon completing the upstream journey this year. Previously, less than twenty shad had passed through the dams over several decades. Scientists were also surprised to discover a previously unknown population of endangered shortnose sturgeon successfully making the trek upstream. Click to Read More.
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Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.
