By David Pendered July 7 – The Apalachicola Bay could be reopened to oyster harvesting in 2026 even though the oyster population remains decimated. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in August is to consider if, when and how the bay will be reopened to oyster harvesting. The commission closed oyster beds to harvesting in […]
Environment
Feds to sell more oil leases in Gulf of America/MexicoBy David Pendered June 30 – Expect more conflicting reports about oil and gas extraction from the Gulf of America/Mexico now that the federal government has announced the pending sale of leases in waters offshore all states that border the gulf. Stakeholders in the potential debate include the Trump administration, opponents to extraction activities in […]
Environment
Nursing the Conasauga River watershedBy David Pendered June 9 – Some of the more scenic and biodiverse waterways in Northwest Georgia are the top priority for a new round of environmental improvement grants sponsored by a public-private partnership. The Southeast Aquatics Fund’s 2025 request for proposal observes that the Conasauga River watershed is “a highest priority for funding” in […]
Environment
North Pacific right whales: Scientists find glimmer of hopeBy David Pendered April 21 – New federal reports have found cause for optimism for the endangered eastern North Pacific right whale, described by NOAA Fisheries as “among the world’s rarest and most mysterious great whale populations.” “I am very optimistic and hopeful about the future of these whales,” Dana Wright, NOAA Fisheries affiliate/University of […]
Environment
Georgia Power seeks to extend lifespan of coal-fired power plantsBy David Pendered Feb. 24 – Georgia Power wants to extend the lifespan of coal-fired power plants to meet Georgia’s energy needs, including the power-hungry electric transportation manufacturing sector, data centers and solar power manufacturing. Georgia Power proposes to extend the operation of Plant Bowen’s four coal-fired units and Plant Scherer’s three coal-fired units through […]
Environment
Biden administration punts on whale protectionsBy David Pendered Jan 20 – The Biden administration’s plan to preserve North American right whales was withdrawn because officials couldn’t made a decision during the past two-plus years, federal records show. The proposal was to expand the scope of speed limits in areas traversed by right whales. The plan drew fire from stakeholders including […]
Environment
Solutions lag as North Atlantic right whale nears extinctionBy David Pendered Dec. 30 – North Atlantic right whales are nearing extinction. Meanwhile, a 28-year-long discussion continued in December as special interests wrangle over human use of ocean resources for commerce and recreation. The Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team met Dec. 20. The group was formed in 1996 to serve as a platform […]
Environment
Monarchs slow-dance to Mexico as numbers dwindleBy David Pendered Dec. 2 – Monarch butterflies are slow to arrive at their winter homes in Mexico, and Georgia is asking citizens to count the butterflies they see perched in the Peach State. The ask comes as federal officials are to announce this month their decision on whether the monarch should be listed as […]
Environment
MARTA rail cars succeed as haven for sea lifeAug. 7 – The two MARTA railcars that were sunk off the Georgia coast in December 2023 to provide a haven for sea life are now home to a variety of critters, according to MARTA. Divers who visited the site took photos in late July and early August of soft coral growing on the railcars […]
Environment
Cape Lookout dredging: No harm reportedBy David Pendered Harkers Island, NC – June 28 – Sometimes dredging operations are simple. That seems to be the case with the project that reopened Cape Lookout to the boating public. The federal government has completed a dredging operation to deepen the channel that provides access from a protected waterway to the cape, lighthouse […]
