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Europe News

Guterres urges countries to join ocean pact before point of no return

Following 18 new ratifications on Monday, UN chief Guterres said on Tuesday the High Seas Treaty is "within sight" of taking effect. He warned of a 'hard battle' against 'greed', which denies science to oppose the pact.

Nature

Fossil fuels are being overlooked at UN ocean summit, analysts warn

Oil and gas blocks cover an area the size of Argentina in just 11 ocean ‘frontier regions’, a new report shows.

Earth News

UK unveils ‘golden opportunity’ for wider ban on bottom trawling

It comes as pressure ramps up at UNOC in Nice, including with a satirical film featuring Stephen Fry and Theo James.

Earth News

EU unveils Ocean Pact ahead of UN conference in France

The EU is hoping to position itself as a leader in marine protection ahead of a UN summit on preserving the world's oceans next week.

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Earth News

Spain seeks to ban flushing of wet wipes and releasing of balloons

Wet wipes and balloons are among the 10 most common single-use plastic items found littering European beaches.

Earth News

Investigation exposes the ‘sprawling empire’ of 5 Dutch fishing giants

Environmental campaigners say that governments have allowed a few supermajors to take “tentacular” ownership of the seas.

Nature

Lack of endangered whale babies raises alarm among scientists

Experts say North Atlantic right whales need to have 50 calves per season to start recovering. This year they produced just 11.

Moments

Hearing whale songs can inspire tourists to help protect oceans

Feelings of awe inspired tourists to improve recycling habits, reduce waste production, and support ocean conservation initiatives.

Nature

This new centre in the Netherlands is rescuing injured seals

Sander van Dijk, curator of the centre, says they treat around 200 seals a year.

Europe News

Lawmakers extend new microplastic controls to shipping

After a series of high profile spills at sea, MEPs and governments have agreed that new pollution controls must extend to maritime freight, despite opposition from the EU executive.

Ecotech

A growing industry is betting on the ocean to capture carbon

There is major debate over the consequences for oceans and over the exact benefits for the climate.

Earth News

Plastic pellets are washing up on UK coast after North Sea ship crash

Although not toxic, nurdles present a deadly risk to wildlife if ingested.

Earth News

‘Doublespeak’: Greece greenlights offshore drilling beside marine park

Environmental lawyers say that the new concessions threaten endangered species in the biodiversity-rich Hellenic Trench.

Earth News

Marine animals could ‘choke on oil’ after UK crash, experts warn

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing what counter pollution action is needed, as people voice concern for porpoises and seabirds.

Ecotech

Scientists discover ‘hungry’ marine fungi that eat plastic pollution

Researchers are training ‘mighty’ marine fungi to quickly eat polyurethane, one of our most common plastics.

Climate

Why plastic straws became the target of a global pollution crackdown

A viral turtle video sparked a global movement and inspired millions to join the fight against plastic waste.

Earth News

Young people lack awareness of dangers to ocean health, study finds

The survey found little demand amongst young people for significant action or accountability from ocean stakeholders.

Europe News

Governments back tight controls on plastic pellet shipment by sea

In the wake of the spillage of some 26 tonnes of tiny plastic pellets which washed up on Spanish beaches a year ago, environment ministers have agreed that minimum standards and monitoring should apply to shippers operating in EU waters.

Nutrition

High mercury levels in tuna present 'risk to public health' in Europe

French NGOs are raising the alarm about mercury concentration in canned tuna after an investigation found the metal in all samples taken.

Earth News

Microplastics trigger major concern ahead of UN treaty talks

As officials from nearly 200 countries convened in Colombia this week to discuss implementing a global pact to reverse biodiversity loss, and prepare for crunch climate talks in Azerbaijan in November, yet another major environmental threat – plastic pollution – is the focus of a separate UN summit.