Environment

Thursday, September 18th 2014 - 02:55 UTC
NZ scientists examine giant squid caught in Antarctica' Ross Sea

It was a calm morning in Antarctica's remote Ross Sea, during the season when the sun never sets, when Capt. John Bennett and his crew hauled up a creature with tentacles like fire hoses and eyes like dinner plates from a mile below the surface. A colossal squid: 350 kilograms, as long as a minibus and one of the sea’s most elusive species.
Wednesday, September 17th 2014 - 01:52 UTC
UN hails progress achieved in reducing damage to the ozone layer

United Nations officials hailed on Tuesday the progress made in reducing damage to the ozone layer and the vital role played by one of the most successful environmental treaties in history in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
Tuesday, September 16th 2014 - 05:43 UTC
Giant observation tower in the Amazon to monitor climate change

Construction has begun on a giant observation tower in the heart of the Amazon basin to monitor climate change. The Amazon Tall Tower Observatory is expected to rise 325m from the ground.
Friday, September 12th 2014 - 03:48 UTC
Islands habitats threatened by invasive pests: the South Georgia experience

Scientists have developed a way to identify island habitats that face the greatest threat from invasive pests, such as rats and feral cats. Working on experience collected in a brown rat extermination program in South Georgia, a team of research developed a priority list of islands that they hoped would help governments and conservationists to allocate resources.
Friday, September 12th 2014 - 01:28 UTC
IAATO Environmental Manager resigns to focus on PhD

Claudia Holgate, Environmental Manager for the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), has decided to step down from the position, which has grown to become full time.
Thursday, September 11th 2014 - 03:12 UTC
Falklands explore potential for small-scale commercial fishery with 20 focal species

By Dr. Deborah Davidson - The South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) has been established since March 2012, and already has an expanding team of 12 employees based in Stanley (one of whom is a PhD student), five international PhD students, and three employees based in Ascension Island and one working in Saint Helena - all on various projects.
Wednesday, September 10th 2014 - 07:35 UTC
Caribbean nations beaches disappearing because o rising sea level and recurring storms

The World Bank says due to rising sea levels and recurring storms, the beaches in most Caribbean nations have started to disappear. In a new report, the Washington-based financial institution said, in some areas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for instance, an estimated 18-30 meters of beach have been lost over the last nine years.
Wednesday, September 10th 2014 - 06:28 UTC
Greenhouse gases in atmosphere reached a record high in 2013 says WMO

The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2013 driven by a surge in the level of carbon dioxide, the World Meteorological Organization said on Tuesday, urging international action to combat climate change.
Tuesday, September 9th 2014 - 04:11 UTC
Antarctica sea levels rising faster because of fresh water from melting glaciers, say researchers

Sea levels around Antarctica are rising faster than anywhere else in the southern ocean. The global average rise in ocean heights in the last 19 years has been 6cms, but the rise in seas around Antarctica is 2cms higher.
Tuesday, September 2nd 2014 - 19:53 UTC
New Zealand increases hoki TAAC following successful stock conservation management

The Deepwater Group says the increase in the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for hoki shows the benefits of a long term commitment to build biomass in this major New Zealand fishery. An increase in the hoki catch, from 150,000 to 160,000 tons, was announced on at the Seafood Industry Conference in Wellington by the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy.