UN Group Rejects Shark Protections

UN Group Rejects Shark Protections
by David Jolly
March 23, 2010
New York Times
The UN Environmental Conference going on Qatar seems to be going in favor of the Japanese/Chinese fishing industry. On Tuesday, delegates decided to oppose strict regulations on the trade of the scalloped hammerhead, oceanic whitetip, and spiny dogfish sharks. The proposal was introduced by the United States, and China fought it vigorously, because they like to eat sharks there. China does not want the international authorities involved in their trade.

India: Pollution Fine Sought Against Coca-Cola

India: Pollution Fine Sought Against Coca-Cola
by Hari Kumar
March 23, 2010
New York Times
A Coca-Cola plant in southern India has caused damage to the water, says the state government panel. The plant, which opened in 2000, is responsible for $47 million worth of damage. According to reports, the plant discharged sludge containing toxic chemicals such as lead. The village council then decided not to renew the company's license, and the suit followed.

UN Rejects Export Ban on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

UN Rejects Export Ban on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna by David Jolly and John M. Broder
New York Times
March 18, 2010
On Thursday, delegates at the United Nations conference in Qatar defeated proposals from America to ban international trade of tuna, and to protect polar bears. The amount of Atlantic Bluefin tuna have greatly declined in the last few years because of the Japanese sushi industry. It is a favorite among sushi lovers and has been hunted in the commercial fishing industry. Polar bears are at risk because of global warming. It was a terrible day for conservation efforts.

Aerial Wolf Hunt Begins

Aerial Wolf Hunt Begins
by Leslie Kaufmann
New York Times
March 16, 2010

On Tuesday, the authorities near the Yukon-Alaska border began an aerial wolf hunt to preserve the caribou population for shooting by hunters. The wolves are predators of the caribou, which have a total population of 46,500. The government plans to kill 185 wolves, or 80% of the population and have regularly done so since 2006.

Nuclear Waste Burial Scrunitzed

Nuclear Waste Burial Scrunitzed

by The Associated Press, New York Times

March 3, 2010

Over 10,000 pounds of incredibly radioactive material have been buried in Utah. In fact, some of this nuclear waste is so radioactive that the state may forbid it. This mass has accumulated since 2003 at the Savannah River Site, about 70 miles west of Salt Lake City. It is composed of depleted uranium.

Sea Lions Returning to the Docks in San Francisco

Sea Lions Returning to the Docks in San Francisco

by The Associated Press, New York Times

March 2, 2010

After a brief yet baffling disapperance, the sea lions in San Franscisco are back. The sea lions disappeared around Thanksgiving from their home by Pier 39. About 1,700 are typically there, but their numbers dwindled down to a handful in recent weeks. Luckily, they are back, pleasing tourists. This is not usual but nothing to worry about, experts say.