Devices similar to those used during pandemic to be deployed to help stamp out trade in threatened fish
Last year, a colleague of Diego Cardeñosa sent the international shark trade researcher a few pieces of shark fin taken from a bowl of soup in New York City. Using a PCR test similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic to test for the virus, Cardeñosa was able to identify the species behind the fin as sandbar shark, an endangered species found in tropical and warm-temperate waters.
Now, Cardeñosa and other scientists from Florida International University, alongside law enforcement officials from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), plan to deploy the tests at ports across the country in order to crack down on seafood fraud and fish trafficking.
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Breaking Waves: Ocean News
04/04/2025 - 07:00
04/04/2025 - 06:00
Two lawmakers introduced a resolution to repeal a 2024 Biden rule that closed a ‘low volume exemption’ loophole
A new Republican plan would exempt many new toxic Pfas or “forever chemicals” from health and safety review, a move criticized by opponents because it would allow the dangerous man-made substances to be used and sold with little effective scrutiny.
Two House Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would repeal a 2024 Joe Biden rule that closed the “low volume exemption” loophole for Pfas. The loophole allowed Pfas and chemicals produced in small enough quantities to be sent to the marketplace with virtually no review from federal regulators.
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04/04/2025 - 03:23
The best of this week’s wildlife photographs from around the world
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04/04/2025 - 01:00
The project in Uganda has captured the disastrous effects of the climate crisis on a vital source of water that is central to the lives and sacred beliefs of the local Bakonzo community
• Photographs by Project Pressure
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04/03/2025 - 23:00
Authorities race to complete clean-up operation after devastation from gales and heaviest rainfall in 20 years
People on the Aegean islands, more used in April to the sight and scent of spring’s blossoms, have been left reeling from flash floods spurred by typhoon-strength gales, with authorities calling a state of emergency in some of Greece’s most popular destinations less than three weeks before Easter.
“It’s a total catastrophe and it happened in just two hours,” said Costas Bizas, the mayor of Paros, the island worst hit by weather not seen in decades. “We need all the help we can get.”
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04/03/2025 - 23:00
Campaign network calls on government to prioritise smaller cars and introduce higher charges for SUV owners
More than 1m cars too big to fit in parking spaces are being sold in the UK each year, and numbers are growing, research has found.
A trend for cars bigger than the average urban parking space means new vehicles are outgrowing towns and cities.
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04/03/2025 - 23:00
Animal rights charity argues surcharge of 40-60p discriminates against dairy-free customers
A leading animal rights charity has launched a campaign calling for Gail’s Bakery to drop its surcharge on plant-based milks, claiming it “unfairly discriminates” against customers with dairy intolerances or those trying to make more ethical choices.
Gail’s, a chain that is expanding rapidly in Britain, charges 40p to 60p extra if customers want oat or soya milk in their coffee or tea.
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04/03/2025 - 21:01
NSW environment watchdog investigation finds debris that washed up on Sydney beaches in 2024 ‘consistent with a land-based sewage source’
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Authorities investigating mystery debris balls that recently closed beaches in Sydney and on the south coast have determined they likely originated from Sydney Water’s land-based sewage treatment network, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority says.
“The development comes after a comprehensive scientific and technical investigation found similarities between the makeup of the debris balls and samples taken from several of Sydney Water’s major wastewater treatment plants, including those at Malabar and Bondi,” the EPA said in a statement on Friday.
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04/03/2025 - 11:29
Plant biologists examined records for nearly 1,200 individual corpse flower plants from 111 institutions around the world. The data and records were severely lacking and not standardized. Without complete information, conservationists were unable to make informed decisions about breeding their plants. Out of the plants studied, 24% were clones and 27% were offspring from closely related individuals. Low genetic diversity could lead to further endangerment and even extinction.
04/03/2025 - 10:37
Rainfall near Memphis, Tennessee, is expected to exceed 12in over the next three days
A prolific tornado outbreak will give way to a rare and widespread flooding threat across the midwest and southern US this week, stressing the nation’s short-staffed weather forecasting and disaster response efforts.
At least seven people have reportedly died so far as nearly 100 tornadoes struck on Wednesday.
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