Scientists surprised to find so many animals unknown to science in Alto Mayo, a well-populated region
Researchers in the Alto Mayo region of north-west Peru have discovered 27 species that are new to science, including a rare amphibious mouse, a tree-climbing salamander and an unusual “blob-headed fish”. The 38-day survey recorded more than 2,000 species of wildlife and plants.
The findings are particularly surprising given the region’s high human population density, with significant pressures including deforestation and agriculture.
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Breaking Waves: Ocean News
12/20/2024 - 00:00
12/19/2024 - 23:09
Campaigners say Queensland mine given go-ahead this week is a new development, not an extension of an existing mine
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Climate campaigners have challenged a claim by the Albanese government that it has not approved any new coalmines in 2024, saying a Queensland mine given a green light this week was a new development.
The environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, approved four coalmine projects on Thursday, describing them all as expansions of existing mines that would mainly be digging up coal to make steel.
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12/19/2024 - 22:16
Member for Hinkler says he and David Littleproud have ‘very different views’ and implies net zero would have ‘zero impact on the temperature of the planet’
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Nationals MP Keith Pitt has announced he will quit politics, implying his party had lost its “purpose” and blasting the Coalition’s decision to commit to net zero.
Pitt, the Member for Hinkler, said in a statement that he had told colleagues he would not be contesting the 2025 election. He called his time in politics “an incredible privilege … some extraordinary successes, many highs and some unfortunate lows”.
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12/19/2024 - 15:24
California's native wildflowers are being smothered by layers of dead, invasive grasses. A new study shows that simply raking these layers can boost biodiversity and reduce fire danger.
12/19/2024 - 12:37
French president promises food, water and to rebuild as emergency services search desperately for survivors
Distraught and angry inhabitants of Mayotte shouted out their grievances to the French president, Emmanuel Macron, as he visited the island, five days after it was devastated by a cyclone.
High on their list was the lack of water and food, and the fear of looting.
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12/19/2024 - 02:41
Regulator says it will claw back £131m in ‘unjustified’ payments as it announces companies can increase bills by 36% by 2030
Water bills in England and Wales to rise by 36%
Comment: It’s time for water companies to stop bleating
Thames Water will have to pay an £18.2m penalty after the water industry regulator confirmed the troubled utilities company had breached dividend rules.
The Guardian revealed on Wednesday that Thames would be penalised over two dividend payments, made in 2023 and 2024, and that it would allow the water company to increase bills by just over a third. The industry watchdog Ofwat confirmed the penalty and bills rise on Thursday.
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12/19/2024 - 00:00
npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 December 2024; doi:10.1038/s44183-024-00100-7
COVID-19 highlights the need to improve resilience and equity in managing small-scale fisheries
12/19/2024 - 00:00
npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 December 2024; doi:10.1038/s44183-024-00091-5
Drifting fish aggregating devices in the Indian ocean impacts, management, and policy implications
12/19/2024 - 00:00
npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 December 2024; doi:10.1038/s44183-024-00099-x
Shellfish reef ecosystems in Australia have been greatly depleted. Building on earlier trials, a continent-scale restoration initiative was underway by 2019 to restore 30% of their former distribution. Integral elements of building and progressing this ecoscape-scale restoration program are outlined and challenges discussed. Documenting pathways and challenges to large-scale restoration informs global commitments to see 30% of degraded ecosystems under effective restoration by 2030.
12/19/2024 - 00:00
npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 December 2024; doi:10.1038/s44183-024-00098-y
2024 will be a decisive year for the deep sea mining regime. Pressure is mounting on the International Seabed Authority to adopt regulations for the commercial extraction of minerals while an increasing group of diverse actors are calling for a moratorium. In this comment, we give an overview of the state of negotiations, contextualize the most contentious issues and explain the institutional and legal framework in which the negotiations are taking place.
