Fishing Vessel Seized Off Big Island for Illegal Longline Fishing
A fishing vessel was seized and a Big Island man cited for illegal longline fishing within Hawaii's state territorial sea. The vessel was observed with 4 miles of line deployed, and the man had caught three ahi, one of which was released. The incident occurred 7 miles offshore of Kailua-Kona.


Top 10 Longest Hibernating Animals: From Dormice to Lemurs
This news article identifies and describes ten animal species recognized for their prolonged hibernation periods. It details the duration of their dormancy, ranging from 5 to 11 months, and highlights the survival strategies these animals employ, such as reduced metabolism and reliance on stored fat, to endure harsh environmental conditions.


Sheridan's Trees for Trash and Spring Landfill Day Deemed a Success
Sheridan's Trees for Trash and Spring Landfill Day was a success. The Community Clean-Up day also saw participation from 131 volunteers who helped clean up Sheridan. A fall free landfill day is scheduled for September 27 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.


Helmeted Honeyeaters Returned to Wild in Victoria After 40-Year Absence
After an absence of over 40 years since the Ash Wednesday fires, 21 helmeted honeyeaters have been reintroduced to their natural habitat in Cardinia Shire, Victoria. This release is part of a conservation program aimed at bolstering the wild population of this critically endangered species, with only about 200 remaining. Scientists will monitor the colony to ensure its survival and improve genetic diversity.


Dead Penguins Wash Ashore on Eyre Peninsula Beaches; Algal Bloom Suspected
Dead penguins have been found on multiple beaches in the Eyre Peninsula, prompting investigations into the cause. Initial concerns focus on a potential link to the ongoing microalgae bloom, Karenia mikimotoi, which has also contributed to other marine life deaths in South Australia. Warm water temperatures and delayed westerly winds are exacerbating the algal bloom.


Climate-Fueled Wildfire Smoke Linked to Thousands of US Deaths, $160 Billion in Costs
A recent study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that climate change contributed to approximately 15,000 deaths and $160 billion in economic costs due to wildfire smoke in the U.S. from 2006 to 2020. The study highlights the health risks associated with PM2.5 and emphasizes the need for both emissions reductions and localized mitigation strategies.





New Caledonia Geckos: Social Media Fuels Poaching of Endangered Species
New Caledonia's unique geckos are facing increased threats from poaching due to their popularity in the exotic pet trade, driven by social media. Conservationists are concerned that this demand is endangering these species, with a significant percentage already threatened. Efforts to combat poaching are limited, and experts warn that even captive breeding may not be enough to protect them.


Climate Change Intensified Deadly April US Rainfall, Increased Likelihood by 40%
A recent study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) reveals that climate change intensified the devastating storms in the US South and Midwest in early April 2025, increasing rainfall intensity by 9% and likelihood by 40%. The storms caused at least 24 deaths and widespread damage. Warmer Gulf of Mexico temperatures, fueled by climate change, contributed significantly to the storm's intensity. The study also raises concerns about staffing shortages at the National Weather Service impacting future warning systems.





$3M Released for Improvements at Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo
Hawaii State Senator Lorraine Inouye announced the release of $3 million for improvements at Wailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo. The funds will support renovations to buildings and the construction of new walkways around Waiakea Pond and the Wailoa River. These improvements aim to enhance the facilities, beautify the grounds, and preserve the area as a welcoming space.


Sewage Spill of 5,000 Gallons Contaminates Jeffries Creek in Florence, SC
More than 5,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Jeffries Creek in Florence, SC, on May 6th. The city was notified, and crews are working to contain the overflow. Residents are advised to avoid the affected area downstream of Freedom Boulevard due to potential contamination. The spill was caused by a blockage at the Florence Wastewater Management Facility.


Hays, Kansas Receives Rainfall, Drought Conditions Ease
Hays, Kansas, has experienced improved drought conditions due to recent rainfall. The city received .57 inches of rain in the last 48 hours, bringing the year-to-date total to 6.26 inches. Ellis County is now classified as abnormally dry, an improvement from a moderate drought. A water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir is underway to recharge city wells.


Trump Administration Seeks to End Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
The Trump administration is challenging the endangered species listing of the lesser prairie chicken, arguing that the Fish and Wildlife Service erred in its decision. This action is part of a broader effort to weaken environmental regulations and promote energy development, impacting a species that has already suffered significant habitat loss and population decline.


David Attenborough's 'Ocean' Film: A Call to Protect Our Planet's Seas
David Attenborough's new film 'Ocean' serves as a powerful message about the importance of ocean conservation, highlighting the threats of industrial fishing, climate change, and pollution. It showcases the ocean's resilience and potential for recovery if given the chance and urges global leaders to take decisive action, particularly at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, to protect a third of the world's oceans.





Gardener Finds Baby Snakes Under Compost Bin, Seeks Identification Online
A TikTok user named Wendi discovered baby snakes under her compost bin while gardening. She posted a video seeking identification of the snakes and expressed hope that they were harmless. The discovery sparked a conversation about creating natural environments, attracting wildlife, and the benefits of rewilding yards, including reduced water usage and less need for chemicals.


Solar-Powered Device Harvests Drinking Water from Air Using Novel Material
Researchers have created a device that uses a spongy composite material, WLG-15, to harvest drinking water from the air. The device, powered by solar energy, is made of porous balsa wood, lithium chloride, and iron oxide nanoparticles. It absorbs moisture, releases it under sunlight, and condenses it into potable water. The invention could potentially provide portable water in disaster-stricken or arid areas.


South Africa's Rising Land: Drought-Induced Uplift Baffles Scientists
Recent research indicates that land in South Africa is rising, potentially due to drought-induced water loss rather than mantle convection as previously thought. GPS and satellite data show a correlation between severe droughts and land uplift, with regions rising up to two millimeters per year. This phenomenon offers a new tool for monitoring water loss and groundwater depletion, aiding water management strategies.


Dolphin Die-Off Along English Coast: Pollution and Warming Waters Blamed
Dolphin populations are rapidly declining along the English coast due to pollution and rising sea temperatures. High levels of PCBs, banned in 1987 but persistent, weaken immune systems, while warming waters reduce food sources and spread diseases. A study analyzing dolphin carcasses from 1990-2020 showed a 14% mortality increase per degree of warming.


Plastics Industry Aware of Chemical Recycling's Flaws, Yet Promotes it as Solution
A report reveals that the plastics industry is aware of the limitations and costs associated with 'chemical recycling,' a method they promote as a breakthrough solution to plastic waste. Despite public claims of its effectiveness and economic viability, internal documents and expert analyses suggest that chemical recycling is not scalable, economically feasible, or environmentally beneficial as advertised.


Recycled Asphalt Pavement Safety Under Scrutiny by University of Tennessee Researchers
Researchers at the University of Tennessee are studying the safety and durability of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt. Their research focuses on understanding the frictional properties of RAP aggregates, particularly skid resistance, to ensure that roads made with recycled materials are as safe as those made with new materials, especially under wet conditions.


Google Partners to Eliminate Superpollutants, Targeting 25,000 Tons by 2030
Google is launching partnerships with Recoolit and Cool Effect to eliminate over 25,000 tons of superpollutants by 2030. These efforts target fluorinated gases from cooling systems in Indonesia and methane from landfills in Brazil, aiming to prevent warming equivalent to 1 million tons of CO2 long-term and 3 million tons short-term. The initiative aligns with Google's broader carbon removal strategy.

