Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Greek tragedy: the rare seals hiding in caves to escape tourists

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:00:06 +0000

Greece is hoping that protected areas will help keep daytrippers away and allow vulnerable monk seals to return to their island habitats

Deep in a sea cave in Greece’s northern Sporades, a bulky shape moves in the gloom. Someone on the boat bobbing quietly on the water close by passes round a pair of binoculars and yes! – there it is. It’s a huge Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals , which at up to 2.8 metres and over 300kg (660lbs), is also one of the world’s largest types of seal.

UK to bring forward review of EV sales targets from 2027 to next year

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:41:22 +0000

Ministers hint at further relaxation of zero emission mandate but say will not follow EU over 2035 petrol cars ban

The UK is to bring forward its review of electric vehicle sales targets from 2027 to next year, as the government said it would listen to the concerns of the car industry.

Christmas dinner and festive treats up to 70% more expensive, reports Which?

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:25 +0000

Price of turkey jumps as much as £15 compared with 2024, while chocolate has steepest mark-up

Shoppers are paying up to 70% more for Christmas chocolate treats compared with last year, while the price of a turkey has jumped by as much as £15, according to the consumer champion Which?

The group analysed a range of ingredients for a typical Christmas dinner, as well as other typical festive treats including mince pies, sparkling wine and chocolates.

‘Magical’ galaxy frogs disappear after reports of photographers destroying their habitats

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:27 +0000

Researcher in Kerala rainforest sounds alarm after being told frogs had died after being handled by humans

A group of endangered “galaxy frogs” are missing, presumed dead, after trespassing photographers reportedly destroyed their microhabitats for photos.

40 priority questions to advance understanding of the risks and opportunities of UK marine heatwaves

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 17 December 2025; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00171-0

40 priority questions to advance understanding of the risks and opportunities of UK marine heatwaves

Common household rat poisons found to pose unacceptable risk to wildlife as animal advocates push for ban

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 03:50:02 +0000

Environmentalists say proposed temporary suspension of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides ‘doesn’t go far enough’

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Ministers ‘break word’ on protecting nature after weakening biodiversity planning rule

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:54:35 +0000

Housing minister announces exemption to 10% net gain rule in England for smaller developments

The government has broken its promise to protect nature by weakening planning rules for housing developers, groups have said.

Arctic endured year of record heat as climate scientists warn of ‘winter being redefined’

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:01:09 +0000

Region known as ‘world’s refrigerator’ is heating up as much as four times as quickly as global average, Noaa experts say

The Arctic endured a year of record heat and shrunken sea ice as the world’s northern latitudes continue a rapid shift to becoming rainier and less ice-bound due to the climate crisis, scientists have reported.

Jane Goodall Earth medal to recognise people working to improve the world

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:00:07 +0000

Organisers of award in honour of late primatologist hope it will inspire and encourage people to take action

Earth might be under pressure, but the Queen guitarist Sir Brian May is hopeful a new award from the science, music and arts festival he co-founded will encourage people to take action.

The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will be given in honour of the British primatologist who died this year and will recognise those who champion life on Earth.

Man found dead in submerged car in first reported death in Washington floods

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:14:24 +0000

Swimmers find driver, believed to be 33-year-old man, and vehicle in about 6ft of water in ditch in Snohomish area

A man who drove past warning signs was found dead in a car submerged in flood waters near Seattle, Washington, on Tuesday, in the first reported death following a week of heavy rain and flooding in the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson said on Tuesday the extent of the damage in Washington state is profound but unclear as more high water, mudslides and power outages were in the forecast.