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The article discusses the appeal of western Sicily as a tourist destination, particularly the west coast. It highlights Rocco Forte's Verdura Resort as a luxurious and beautiful base for exploring the area. The resort offers various amenities, including kids' clubs, a golf course, a spa, and multiple dining options. The article also mentions nearby attractions such as the Valley of the Temples and the Scala dei Turchi. It concludes by emphasizing the resort's wellness activities, including golf and spa experiences. [Extracted from the article]

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is considered a ubiquitous inhabitant of wetlands across Canada and the United States, but recent studies indicate that muskrat populations in many parts of North America have experienced substantial declines over the last 40–60 years. Monitoring of muskrat abundance is therefore an important task for wildlife managers, but traditional methods such as house counts conducted during ground‐based surveys can be labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. Poor conditions or a lack of access may limit how much of a wetland can be surveyed. Aerial imagery has previously been used to census a diverse array of wildlife populations but is not yet a common tool for muskrat surveys. To investigate the accuracy of this alternative survey method, we collected aerial imagery from coastal wetlands along the north shore of Lake Ontario during the winter of 2014 for examination in both 2D orthorectified and 3D stereoscopic formats. We compared muskrat house counts obtained from imagery to counts recorded by ground survey crews in the same wetlands during the same winter. We found no significant difference between mean muskrat house counts obtained by ground survey crews and orthoimagery observers. In contrast, stereoscopic imagery observers overestimated mean house counts compared to ground survey crews, which we interpret was due to an increase in false positives. Our results indicate that orthoimagery is a promising tool for assessing muskrat occupancy, provides comparable broad‐scale results to traditional ground survey methods, and may be preferable to wildlife managers for a variety of reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of wetland restoration in Louisiana as a tactic to mitigate flooding and enhance resilience to disasters. Topics include the significant loss of wetlands due to various factors, the role of wetlands in storm surge mitigation, and the challenges faced in restoration efforts highlighting the reliance on volunteer groups amidst government delays and funding challenges.

The article focuses on innovative coastal wetland conservation and seaweed farming initiatives along Kenya's coastline. It highlights how projects like the Mikoko Pamoja carbon trading scheme and seaweed farming are addressing climate change by enhancing carbon capture and providing sustainable livelihoods. It aims to restore mangrove forests and promote seaweed farming, which offers both environmental benefits and economic opportunities.

The Charles Etok Edwardsen Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO) in Utqiagvik, Alaska is a significant research site for Arctic studies. It is privately owned and dedicated to scientific activities, housing the CALM grid with 121 plots for annual environmental measurements. The article highlights the importance of data collection and measurement in comprehending the effects of climate change. Anthropologists Geissler and Kelly argue that scientific observation requires both precision and a broader perception of what is present and what is yet to come. The small plot of land studied serves as a gateway to reimagining the planet scientifically, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various elements and the need for a planetary perspective in design and understanding climate change. [Extracted from the article]

An interview with engineer and applied physicist Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), is presented. She discussed the focus of science policy when she came to Washington, D.C. in 1984, whether OSTP's role within the ecosystem has changed, and how OSTP can lead in artificial intelligence (AI).

The article focuses on the significance of ancient bald cypress trees and their ability to provide insights into both the past and future climate. Topics include the discovery of some of the oldest trees east of the Rockies, the impact of rising sea levels on ghost forests and the importance of preserving these ancient cypresses for their adaptability to extreme environmental conditions.

Wetlands are under threat globally, with estimates ranging from 20% to 87% of wetlands being lost due to human development over the past 300 years. Wetlands play a crucial role in climate regulation, water quality improvement, flood control, erosion reduction, and supporting biodiversity. The degradation of wetlands began in the 1950s, driven by drainage subsidies for agriculture and forestry, urban development, and climate change. Efforts to protect wetlands are increasing worldwide, including under the Ramsar Convention. Countries such as Ireland, Madagascar, the United States, Indonesia, and China have experienced significant wetland losses due to various factors. [Extracted from the article]

Fun Fin Fact: The sign for "shark" is holding your hand on your head like a shark's fin. Maybe you've already read Jillian Morris's first two JAWsome kids' books, Norman the Nurse Shark and Shark Super Powers. My name is Jillian, and I sharks!. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses that the importance of wetlands in Australia discusses the significance of the Gayini property, a conservation area of 88,000 hectares located in the southern Murray-Darling Basin and owned by the Nari Nari people. Recurring floods are vital to Australia's landscapes and the Gayini property has seen the return of threatened species and an increase in the number of birds, such as pelicans.

The article focuses on the efforts to reverse the environmental damage caused by industrialization in the Hudson Raritan Estuary, in New York and New Jersey aimed at preserving critical spawning and nursery habitats for various species. It mentions about the restoration projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and carried out by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, aiming to improve the estuary's degraded habitats and promote ecological and societal benefits in the region.

India is home to a significant amount of global biodiversity, but there has been a lack of protection and sustainable use of these resources. The country established a three-tier system to address this issue, but progress has been slow, with only a small number of biodiversity management committees (bmcs) and People's Biodiversity Registers (pbrs) being established. The quality of these bodies and registers is also questionable, and communities are not aware of how they can benefit from biodiversity. The incoming government must empower local communities, ensure transparency in benefit-sharing agreements, and allocate more funds for environmental protection. The manifestos of political parties in the 2024 election show some focus on biodiversity, with promises to protect ecosystems, repeal unfavorable provisions, and preserve biodiversity in specific regions. The results of the election will coincide with the revision of India's National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, which will be a crucial indicator of the country's future biodiversity efforts. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that Australia's coastal and marine ecosystems have suffered death from a thousand cuts with to rehabilitation and restoration projects. Topics include scientists to meet biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives; and how to coordinate efforts to scale-up restoration and fast-track a national coastal restoration strategy.

The article discusses the bearded owl-clover, a plant with a charming name that belies its persistence and adaptability. The plant has attractive flowers and remarkable biology, with its range limited to seven or eight locations around Saanich, at the southeastern end of Vancouver Island. It is critically endangered in Canada but abundant along the California coastline. The plant thrives in a small pocket of "sub-Mediterranean" climate, and experts are unsure whether it was introduced to the area or if it is a survivor from the last ice age. The bearded owl-clover is a tough plant that grows in inhospitable coastal habitat by parasitizing the roots of its neighbors. The primary threat to the plant is being trampled by visitors, but efforts are being made to raise awareness and reduce the risk. [Extracted from the article]

Costa Rica has approximately 1 500 km of coastline, with wetlands that offer a wide variety of ecosystem services, including coastal protection. The quantification of this service requires research in these wetlands, and for this, it is necessary to gather them in an inventory that includes their localization and basic characteristics. This type of inventory does not exist specifically for coastal wetlands in Costa Rica. Thus, the objective of this research is to create the first version of an inventory of wetlands that offers coastal protection in the country. The National Wetland Inventory (INH), and a 2005 mangrove cartography were used as the starting point. The coastal wetlands that were not included in these two sources were identified with a semiautomatic procedure, based on the analysis of vegetation indexes derived from a Sentinel 2 satellite image, and a manual delimitation using an orthophoto of 2017. The new inventory includes 464 coastal wetlands, from which 180 are not included in the INH. These new areas were characterized with the same information included in the INH to assure the compatibility between both databases. In addition, all 464 wetlands were characterized with some of the natural and anthropic conditions that might affect future research related to coastal protection. The result is a free access geographic database that includes the localization and general characteristics of the Costa Rican wetlands that offer coastal protection and could be used in future research not only in this topic, but in coastal studies in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It decided that levees were the best way to prevent flooding from the Mississippi. Seasonal flooding is a natural event for a river. By the time the Mississippi River rolled through Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana that year, it was so swollen that the levees crumbled under the immense weight of the water. [Extracted from the article]

"There's been scepticism in the scientific community that animals matter, because if you just do the accounting, they'd say animals don't make up much of the carbon on the planet, so they can't be important", he says. Climate change research has emphasised the importance of vast forests and seagrass meadows as the most efficient way of storing carbon. News RESTORING the populations of just a few important groups of animals could help capture huge amounts of carbon from the air and thereby play a role in limiting global warming. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Inner Mongolia Normal University focused on estimating the net value of ecosystem services in the Yellow River Estuary wetland using remote sensing. The study found that biodiversity, carbon sequestration, food supply, and wave attenuation and protection were the dominant ecosystem services in the area. The net value of ecosystem services decreased in 2022 due to the disappearance of salt-alkali plants. Despite initial negative net benefits, the net value of ecosystem services reached the expected level after the construction of ecological restoration projects. The study concluded that estimating the net value of ecosystem services provides a scientific basis for the planning and management of coastal wetland ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlights the threat of rising sea levels to coastal wetlands in the United States. The research indicates that accelerated sea-level rise could lead to the drowning of wetlands, with varying impacts across different regions. Areas such as the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts, including the Mississippi River delta, Greater Everglades, Chesapeake Bay, Texas, Georgia, and the Carolinas, are particularly at risk. The study emphasizes the need to prepare for significant coastal changes in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the Suquamish Tribe's use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess fish presence in the Doe Kag Wats watershed, highlighting its effectiveness in surveying off-channel habitats like wetlands and estuaries. Topics include the non-invasive nature of eDNA sampling compared to traditional methods like electroshocking, the cultural significance of Doe Kag Wats to the tribe, and the project's goal to characterize habitat conditions.

The article offers information on Porters Creek Wetland which is an important ecosystem that provides numerous benefits, including water filtration, flood control, and wildlife habitat in New South Wales in Australia. Topics include monitoring and maintaining the water quality which involves testing the water for various parameters, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels; controlling invasive species; and educating the public and promoting awareness.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Utrecht University explores the long-term effects of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a large igneous province associated with the end-Triassic mass-extinction. The study reveals the persistence of volcanic-induced mercury pollution and its impact on the biosphere for approximately 1.3 million years after the extinction event. The researchers found high abundances of malformed fern spores in sediments recovered in Germany, indicating repeated vegetation disturbance and stress. The study suggests that volcanically injected mercury was repeatedly remobilized from coastal wetlands and hinterland areas during phases of severe hydrological upheaval and erosion, leading to concentrated mercury pollution in the Central European Basin. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Tehran highlights the rapid disappearance of wetlands in Iran, with shrinkage rates surpassing the global average. The Anzali wetland, the most ecologically important site in Iran, is projected to completely dry up by spring 2058. Factors contributing to the desiccation of the wetland include increasing air temperature, decline in the Caspian Sea's water level, increase in sediment loads, and reduction in precipitation and inflow. The loss of the wetland has significant implications for the regional-scale ecological balance, ecosystem health, public health, and local economy. Urgent environmental interventions and sustainable development strategies are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities on the wetland. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on North Campus Open Space (NCOS) consisting of 136 acres of restored wetland, grassland, and coastal sage scrub ecosystems. Topics include goal of reinstating the historical wetland and upland habitat being converted into the golf course in the 1960s; and K-12 students installing over 350,000 native plants and weed out thousands of invasive plants.

Today BP penalty funds flowing to the region provide an enormous opportunity to not only repair environmental damages from that disaster, but also help restore a long-suffering Gulf Coast. This fact is often forgotten, but just weeks before the spill, President Obama announced a proposal to allow offshore drilling in sections of the Atlantic Seaboard, eastern Gulf, and north Alaskan coast. TEN YEARS AGO, WHILE REPORTING ON THE BP oil spill, I fell hard for the Gulf Coast. [Extracted from the article]

A new study published in PNAS has found that the spatial patterns observed in drylands, which are areas where water is scarce, are not only caused by the harsh environmental conditions but also serve as a critical adaptation that allows these ecosystems to function in changing conditions. The study used aerial images and on-the-ground data to validate theoretical models and found that changes in spatial vegetation patterns could be used as indicators of degradation in dryland ecosystems. The authors hope that their findings will help identify degrading systems and contribute to the management and preservation of dryland ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

As one of the key cities of the Yellow River Delta, it features an abundance of inland and coastal wetlands, river wetlands, lake wetlands, swamps and constructed wetlands. On the heels of the Yangtze River Protection Law, China's first law governing river basins that took effect on March 1, 2021, came the entry into force of the Yellow River Protection Law in April this year. FEATURES The Yellow River, known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilization, is not just a long and winding icon of China, but also a symbol of the Chinese spirit: bearing burdens (its sedimentation), adaptation (its shifting course) and perseverance (its continual flow). [Extracted from the article]

At 2,340 miles, the Mississippi River is the second longest U.S. river. The Mississippi River seems to cut the United States down the middle, but it actually has played an important role in tying the nation together. Geologists believe that the Mississippi River began flowing about 70 million years ago. [Extracted from the article]

Highlights from the article: Deaton, who runs Ladyfish Charters in Tampa Bay, fishes from Apollo Beach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. As much fun as snook are, Deaton - who has been fishing Tampa Bay since the mid-'80s - cites tarpon as her favorite of all the bay's many gamefish species. My outing with Capt. Lori Deaton in lower Tampa Bay offered me a first chance to fish from a Blue Wave bay boat - in this case, the 2400 Pure Bay. PHOTO (COLOR): Left: Wielding her chum bat like Ted Williams, Lori Deaton flings live-whitebait chum toward the shoreline to fire up snook hiding in the mangroves.

The article discusses Louisiana's coastal wetlands which are being threatened by rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, land subsidence, canal dredging, hurricanes, invasive animal species, and man-made levees. Topics discussed include the views of documentaryphotographer Ben Depp on the disappearance of Louisiana's wetlands, Depp's photographs of Louisiana's coastal wetlands by using a motor-powered paraglider, and mentions several exhibitions across Lousiana from May-July 2019.

Groups like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl are making strides with duck habitat and management. INVASIVE EXOTICS: Without even giving the staggering stats for habitat loss in the Edwards Plateau, Cross Timbers and even the Trans Pecos, we have the problem of invasive exotics impacting our available habitat. Less oyster habitat means less potential for trout and other bay dwellers like redfish and flounder to flourish. [Extracted from the article]

The White House has announced a new workforce training initiative called the American Climate Corps, which aims to provide skills-based training to over 20,000 people in its first year. The initiative will focus on developing a talent pipeline for jobs in the clean energy and conservation economy, with an emphasis on environmental justice and equity. The American Climate Corps will offer training and service opportunities in various climate-based projects, such as clean energy deployment, forest management, and coastal wetland restoration. The federal government plans to launch a recruitment website and coordinate with multiple agencies to highlight job opportunities. Additionally, the White House is proposing to expand education and training benefits for eligible American Climate Corps applicants through partnerships with organizations and philanthropy enterprises. [Extracted from the article]

In Texas, our scientists are helping communities assess vulnerability and leverage nature - from native plants to coastal wetlands - as an ally. In Louisiana, the Federation is advancing wetland restoration projects that protect vulnerable neighborhoods in and around New Orleans. Science shows that adopting climate-smart policies and nature-based solutions reduces flooding and storm surge while safeguarding clean water, wildlife habitat and quality-of-life improvements. [Extracted from the article]

The Shankou Mangrove Nature Reserve, a wetland reserve protecting the mangrove forest ecosystem in Hepu, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on August 22 PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) Across China, wetland reserves have become wildlife havens that in turn provide urbanites with a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city. A baby bird eagerly awaits its meal in a coastal wetland in Tangshan, Hebei Province, on June 11 5. [Extracted from the article]

Our researchpublished today in Nature Climate Change finds that,globally, our coastal ecosystems are a net greenhouse gassink, but smaller emissions of potent methane and nitrousoxide gases reduce some of the carbon dioxide uptake. Some coasts soak up greenhouse gases while othersemit more The world's coastal ecosystems are enormously diverse,ranging from tropical lagoons to polar fjords to coastalmangrove forests to underwater seagrass meadows. From mangroves to fjords, coastal ecosystems can take up or emit greenhouse gases. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords for this news article include: Nanning, People's Republic of China, Asia, Fisheries Research, Life Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Sciences. Keywords: Nanning; People's Republic of China; Asia; Fisheries Research; Life Sciences EN Nanning People's Republic of China Asia Fisheries Research Life Sciences 818 818 1 04/03/23 20230407 NES 230407 2023 APR 7 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Genomics & Genetics Weekly -- Investigators publish new report on Life Sciences - Fisheries Research. [Extracted from the article]