ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
New study finds overfishing has halved shark and ray populations since 1970 causing widespread erosion of ecological function and exceptionally high extinction risk
A new analysis published last Thursday in the journal Science reveals that overfishing has caused populations of chondrichthyan fishes – sharks, rays, and chimaeras – to decline by more than 50% since 1970. To determine the consequences, a team of researchers developed an aquatic Red List Index (RLI) which shows that the risk of extinction for chondrichthyan has increased by 19%. The study also highlights that the overfishing of the largest species in nearshore and pelagic habitats could eliminate up to 22% of ecological functions.
Chondrichthyans are an ancient and ecologically diverse group of over 1,199 fishes that are increasingly threatened by human activities. Overexploitation by target fisheries and incidental capture (bycatch), compounded by habitat degradation, climate change and pollution, has resulted in over one-third of chondrichthyans facing extinction. Here, the RLI was used to track the status of these species over the past 50-years. “The shark and ray RLI shows how declines first occurred in rivers, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters before spreading across the oceans and then down into the deep sea”, said Professor Nicholas K. Dulvy at Simon Fraser University, Canada. “The sequential depletion of the largest and most functionally important species – such as sawfishes and rhino rays– was followed by the decline of large stingrays, eagle rays, angel sharks, hammerheads and requiem sharks. Eventually, fisheries turned to deepwater sharks and skates for the liver oil and meat trade”.
These widespread documented declines are expected to have significant consequences on other species and aquatic ecosystems. “Sharks and rays are important predators, and their decline disrupts food webs throughout the ocean. Larger wide-ranging species connect ecosystems, for example, reef sharks are vital…
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U.S. Missile Defense Agency Achieves First Successful Ballistic Missile Intercept From Guam
The Missile Defense Agency, on Tuesday, conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target
U.S. Takes Firm Action Against Global Corruption and Human Rights Abuses on International Anti-Corruption Day
On International Anti-Corruption Day and on the eve of Human Rights Day the United States
Elephant Seal Population Struggles After Devastating H5N1 Outbreak in Argentina: Only a Third of Expected Returns
The sounds of barking elephant seals are again in the air along the breeding grounds of Península Valdés, Argentina—but it’s quieter. Almost exactly a year after a massive outbreak of H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza killed more than 17,000 elephant seals, including about 97% of their pups, scientists estimate…
Holcim and Detroit Wayne County Port Authority Secures EPA Grant to Propel Zero-Emission Initiatives at Detroit Port
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15.3 Million to Support New American Climate Corps Projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA
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New Study Reveals Harmful Effects of Tire-Wear Particles on Aquatic Life
In a study published in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, researchers from Hangzhou Normal University uncovered the adverse health effects of tire-wear particles (TWPs) on aquatic organisms. The study, led by Zhiquan Liu, focused on the hepatotoxicity of TWP leachates, revealing significant impacts on the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress levels…
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations awarded LEED® Gold certification for new U.S. Embassy Port Moresby
In recognition of the Department’s commitment to environmental leadership and sustainable design, the new U.S. Embassy Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Designed in collaboration by KCCT Architecture and Krueck Sexton Partners and constructed by Framaco International Inc., the new embassy building symbolizes the strength of our shared commitment to democracy, sustainability, human rights, economic development, and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.
Serving as a model of environmental stewardship, the new embassy utilizes advanced strategies and systems such as solar photovoltaic panels, an energy recovery ventilation system, and the latest in modern lighting technologies. It also incorporates green open space, using indigenous plant species to showcase the natural beauty of the local flora and reduce the heat island effect that is often a result of urban development. The site will collect stormwater and runoff for irrigation, keeping the harbor clean and reducing demand on the city’s drainage system. The combination of energy- and water-saving features ensure the embassy is respectful of the region’s resources while providing secure and sustainable space for the U.S. Mission.
U.S. Embassy Port Moresby was completed in 2022 and joins 64…
Alaska National Guardsmen deliver 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay amid recovery from Typhoon Merbok
Alaska National Guardsmen delivered nearly 14,000 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and pork this month to Toksook Bay, Alaska, helping residents still recovering from losses sustained when Typhoon Merbok flooded thousands of communities in September 2022.
The storm’s impact and ensuing power outages caused vital meat stores to spoil. After Typhoon Merbok, Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives and the rural Alaska community action program worked closely with the Nunakauyarmiut Tribe in Toksook Bay to secure funding to aid the recovery process.
That collaborative effort led to the delivery of thousands of pounds of meat.
The delivery is part of the Defense Department’s innovative readiness training program, which connects U.S. communities in need with military units that can provide services and apply training to real-world situations.
The Alaska Air National Guard transported the frozen meat from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Bethel, Alaska, via an HC-130J Combat King II, the same aircraft that routinely conducts civil search and rescue missions across the state.
“The Alaska National Guard is well suited to provide assistance of this kind,” Army Maj. James Goddard, the innovative readiness training program manager, said. “We’re the only ones in the state that have fixed-wing aircraft and rotary aircraft that can deliver in a…
Journey Into Panda Ridge: Panda Camera Launches at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo launched its giant panda live camera, enabling people around the globe to virtually connect with Xin Bao and Yun Chuan. Viewers can enter their world and marvel as the pandas tumble, climb, explore, nap, and munch on bamboo across their dynamic habitats.
Xin Bao and Yun…
Virginia Guard Supports Milton Response in Florida
The Virginia National Guard is helping Florida respond to Hurricane Milton while it winds down its support for victims of Hurricane Helene in Virginia.
The VNG sent a Black Hawk helicopter to Florida and is mustering approximately 225 Soldiers and Airmen to provide engineer, transportation and general support capabilities.
“I really…
U.S. Army Reserve Unit Assists in Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in North Carolina
Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s coastal bend as a powerful Category 4 storm before weakening to a tropical storm and continuing northward into Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The storm brought severe flooding, strong winds, and widespread power outages, leaving many communities in dire need of assistance.
The 357th…
Honda Donates $500,000 to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
On behalf of the Honda family of companies in the U.S., Honda is donating $500,000 in needed disaster relief funds to the American Red Cross to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene. The donation will enable the American Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this…
Analysis by Utah biologists found birds endemic to islands, lacking flight, with large bodies and sharply angled wings were more likely to disappear sooner
By Yves Ducrot / Environmental ReporterLooking to inform the conservation of critically endangered bird species, University of Utah biologists completed an analysis identifying traits that correlate with all 216 bird extinctions since 1500.
Species most likely to go extinct sooner were endemic to islands, lacked the ability to fly, had larger bodies and sharply angled wings, and occupied ecologically specific niches, according to research published this month.
While some of these findings mirror previous research on extinct birds, they are the first to correlate bird traits with the timing of extinctions, said lead author Kyle Kittelberger, a graduate student in the School of Biological Sciences.
“I’ve been very interested in extinctions and understanding the species that we’ve lost and trying to get a sense of how we can use the past to better inform the present and future,” said Kittelberger, who is completing his dissertation on how the bodies and wings of certain species of migratory songbirds have changed in response to climate change.
His team’s analysis tapped into BirdBase, a dataset of ecological traits for the world’s 11,600+ bird species compiled by U biology professor Çağan Şekercioğlu and the Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology Lab at the U. The team simultaneously analyzed a broad range of biogeographical, ecological and life history traits previously associated with extinction and extinction risk for bird species that have gone extinct as well as those that lack recent confirmed sightings and have therefore disappeared.
“Importantly, we examine biological correlates of bird extinctions through the lens of when birds went extinct, providing a novel extinction timing element that helps better inform why birds with certain…
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Under the leadership of Betsy Smith, president and CEO of the Conservancy, and co-chairs Evelyn and David McCabe, Melanie and Matthew McLennan, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, and Mo Sakurai and Harry Taylor, this year’s gala embraced the enchanting theme: Fortune’s Fête. The night was filled with celestial and mystical purples, showcasing decor inspired by astrology and interactive experiences that captivated the attendees. Guests savored delightful touches like dessert shaped like crystal balls that revealed delicious chocolate cake inside, while many lined up for palm readings, eager to catch a glimpse of their fortunes in love, luck, and success.
Harry Winston, Inc. sponsored the evening, and the gala raised over $1.2 million to further the Conservancy’s mission of preserving Central Park as a peaceful haven. “The Fall Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the bond Central Park creates within our city,” said Smith. “It’s…
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New Study Sheds Light on Persistence and Fate of Organic Carbon in the Ocean
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U.S. Department of State Launches Clean Energy Transition Accelerator (CETA) Project in Argentina
The U.S. Department of State announced the launch of the Clean Energy Transition Accelerator (CETA) project in Argentina. Through this initiative, the United States will provide the government of Argentina $500,000 in technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and National Renewable Energy Laboratory….
Tufts University Research Project Aims to Predict Rainfall-Triggered Landslides Following Wildfires
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