California wants to kill every one of these swamp rats by 2025.…

The Modesto Bee – A California Democrat trying to eradicate invasive swamp rats from his state highly recommends using an animal carcass to get action in a typically deadlocked Congress. Rep. Josh Harder, D-Turlock, again hauled the large, stuffed rodent — which Harder’s spokesman has affectionately named “Nellie” — onto the House floor Wednesday before the House unanimously Read More…

Battle lines being drawn over fishing rights

BBC News – Fish have been served up among the main bones of contention between the UK government and the European Union. The negotiating mandate published on Thursday at Westminster is a long way from the vision for a future relationship for managing wild fish stocks in the European Commission's proposals. That comes as no surprise to those who have seen the pre-negotiation posturing - Read More…

Can carbon credits save Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta islands and…

Water Education Foundation – An ambitious plan would use carbon credits as incentives to convert delta islands to wetlands or rice to halt subsidence and potentially raise island elevations The islands of the western Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are sinking as the rich peat soil that attracted generations of farmers dries out and decays. As the peat decomposes, it releases tons of carbon Read More…

Support for inshore fisheries

Scottish Government – Electronic monitoring and tracking of vessels is part of a package of measures being taken to protect Scotland’s inshore fleet. The programme, which will monitor boats in inshore waters, will help establish local fisheries management arrangements and empower local fishers and their coastal communities. New regulations will also be introduced for marking creels Read More…

Salmon parasite is world’s first non-oxygen breathing animal

UPI – Scientists have discovered an unusual species of parasite hiding the muscles of salmon. The tiny species, comprised of just ten cells, is unlike all other animals known to science. The species, Henneguya salminicola, doesn't breathe oxygen. Over the course of its evolution, the parasite abandoned breathing and consuming oxygen in order to produce more energy. "Aerobic respiration Read More…

‘Houses On The River Will Fall’: Cambodia’s Sand Mining…

NPR – Some 60 million people rely on Southeast Asia's Mekong River for their sustenance. But the Mekong is under threat. While China is building dams that sharply reduce the water flow and sediment downstream, other countries along the river share some of the blame. Cambodia, for instance, is experiencing a building boom that is transforming its capital, Phnom Penh. Sitting at the Read More…

‘It just kept moving:’ Sea lion that wandered into Cowlitz County…

The Oregonian – When the call came in Saturday evening, Cowlitz County deputies were dubious. Several miles west of the Cowlitz River and sleepy downtown Castle Rock, a driver said they spotted a massive sea lion walking down the middle of a rural road. Dispatchers were disbelieving. “I’m sorry. A feline? No? A Sea lion?” “It just doesn’t sound right,” Troy Brightbill, the chief Read More…

Group sues to hold Coca-Cola, Pepsi and others liable for plastics…

Los Angeles Times – Escalating a campaign to make corporations responsible for the waste they produce, an environmental group filed suit Wednesday against some of the world’s biggest food, beverage and consumer goods companies in a California court, arguing they should be held responsible for plastic packaging that is fouling the state’s oceans, rivers and streams. The Earth Island Read More…

Mekong Delta grapples with erosion, subsidence

Vietnam Plus – Erosion and subsidence along canals, rivers and coasts have been severe in many areas in the Mekong Delta and local authorities are struggling to raise funds for works to prevent them. Ca Mau province has around 1,000 such sites along canals as hot weather and drought have caused most canals to dry up, according to the provincial People’s Committee. In Tran Van Thoi Read More…

Winter floods impacting Washington salmon hatcheries

King 5 News – Winter’s flooding and heavy rains have been causing problems for western Washington salmon hatcheries, and could have lasting impacts. At the start of February, rising floodwaters from Issaquah Creek threatened the state-run hatchery there. Washington Fish and Wildlife raises Coho and Chinook salmon at the hatchery, along with rainbow trout to stock various lakes. They Read More…