News Archive (01 Jan 2009 - 31 Jan 2009)
Mountain gorilla population increases despite war
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - The number of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park has increased despite the war being waged in and around the area, according to the first count in 16 months.
The count showed that the number of gorillas in groups habituated to humans - considered most at risk in the conflict - had increased to 81, compared to a count of 72 in 2007.
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WWF plans next phase for sustainable aquaculture standards
WWF announced today that it has co-founded the international Aquaculture Stewardship Council. The council is modelled on the Marine Stewardship Council and aims to set standards for responsible seafood farming and certify those industries that meet these standards.
To be certified, responsible aquaculture farmers will be audited by independent third parties to certify that their practices meet with the standards set by the council. "Australian consumers need a way to easily differentiate aquaculture products in the marketplace, particularly those from SE Asia where there are significant health and sustainability concerns," said WWF-Australia Oceans Program Leader Dr Gilly Llewellyn.
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Global competition seeks to net smartest hook, line and sinker
January 28, 2009 - An $US57,500 ($AUD89,200)* prize fund is on offer for the best new fishing gears designed to reduce bycatch in the fourth International Smart Gear Competition, launched today by WWF.
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Three days of rain, years of Reef pain
Enough polluted water to twice fill Sydney Harbour was dumped on the Great Barrier Reef last week as a result of a cyclone hitting Northern Queensland, WWF-Australia said today.
When big weather systems blow through the area, a lethal chemical cocktail of farm pesticides, nutrients and sediment gushes on to the reef from Queensland's many rivers.
Save an Aussie Battler this Australia Day
This Australia Day, WWF-Australia is announcing its own Australia Day Honours list - the top ten Aussie Battlers of 2008.
"Although our list celebrates Australian species, it is also serves as a reminder that these Aussie Battlers need our help in order to survive," said Kat Miller, WWF threatened species program manager.
Continue reading 'Save an Aussie Battler this Australia Day' »Ocean experiment runs big environmental risks
A reported plan to sprinkle nitrate fertiliser over a 1,600 square kilometre area in the Tasman Sea as part of a global warming experiment may breach global conventions and be dangerous to the environment, WWF-Australia said today.
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Another fisheries commission throws the science overboard
Pusan, South Korea: The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) today over-rode the advice of its science committee and rejected the recommendations of its chair in choosing only minor reductions in catch for bigeye and yellowfin tuna and watering down or deferring most measures for achieving reduced catches.
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Ningaloo Heritage Listing lost opportunity for WA
Conservation Groups have today responded to the announcement by WA Environment Minister Hon. Donna Faragher that the WA Government would support World Heritage Listing of Ningaloo.
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Save the marine turtle - our gentle ocean giants
Marine turtles, which have survived in our oceans for millions of years and have even outlived the dinosaurs, are now in a serious state of decline, with the world's seven marine turtle species all threatened with extinction.
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