Issue 582

Mining lumps of ore found on deep seabeds could be a means of supplying metals required for transitioning to a green economy, such as those needed to produce electric-vehicle batteries. However, limited knowledge of the deep-sea environment and the likely impacts of mining present challenges for the environmental management of such operations. In this study, researchers present an analysis of key drivers, barriers and enablers to construct a practical environmental management framework for deep-sea mining. Click here to read more

Climate change will affect the distribution of many commercially harvested fish and shellfish species, including stocks that occur across national boundaries and are subject to international management agreements (i.e. ‘transboundary’ fish stocks). This study models how the ranges of transboundary stocks are likely to move between countries. The researchers find that shifts may already be happening and could affect 45% of the world’s internationally shared fish stocks by the end of the current century. Click here to read more

Marine litter, especially plastic, is a matter of concern globally and within the EU, with mitigating measures most effectively applied at the point of origin. This study considers litter found around the Mediterranean coast and uses a model to simulate its origin. The researchers report that over 18% of the litter came from a different country to where it was found, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration on this issue. They also identify particles of marine litter originating in the open sea, which is environmentally significant due to potentially prolonged exposure of marine wildlife. Click here to read more

Limitation of soil nutrients is often integral to conservation management of semi-natural areas. However, many people enjoy walking their dogs in green spaces near to urbanised areas, resulting in additional nutrient inputs from canine waste. In this study, researchers estimate the quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus introduced via dog urine and faeces to four peri-urban spaces in Belgium. They argue that the levels of nutrient input are ecologically significant and recommend measures to limit this impact. Click here to read more

Lockdown restrictions responding to the Covid-19 pandemic led to reductions in air pollution in cities across Europe. This study uses a novel approach to assess the effects of different lockdown measures on four pollutants. The researchers say that nitrogen dioxide and particulates reduced significantly, particularly in response to school and workplace closures and stay-at-home measures. Click here to read more