Underwater Robot to Explore Ice-Covered Ocean and Antarctic Ice Shelf

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are deploying an underwater robot to survey ice-covered ocean in Antarctica from October 17 through November 12.

Antarctic Ozone Hole Persists, At Least for a While

At the end of September, total ozone levels had dropped to an annual low of 122 Dobson units. To put that into perspective, typical fall, winter and summertime levels are about 250–300 DU. During the last 24 years, the worst-of-the-year ozone level has averaged 108 DU.

SNM Global Wave Technologies Gain Traction

In fiscal year 2010, the Wind and Water Power Program budget for water power activities was approximately $48.0 million, up from $8 million in 2008. Similar increases in government backed developmental funding are being witnessed worldwide, particularly in the UK.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind and Water Power Program leads the nation’s efforts to improve the performance, lower the costs, and accelerate the deployment of wind and water power technologies.

Neptune Wave Power Eyeing Grand Bahama Island as 2011 Test Site

Accoring to the Tribune Business, Grand Bahama is being eyed as a 2011 first half testing ground for a unique technology that aims to generate electricity from ocean wave kinetic energy.

Offshore Wind Set for Large Scale, Farshore, Deepwater Success

2.1 GW of offshore wind has been installed in European waters with a further 1.5GW due for completion by the end of 2010. However, achieving the 40-50GW targets for offshore wind power will require a significant increase in developments – at a cost of roughly £550 billion

UK Puts Tidal Power on Back Burner in Favor of Nuclear Energy

The Severn study – published today – found that there was no strategic case for major public sector investment in a large-scale energy project in the Severn estuary at this time. It would be very costly to deliver and very challenging to attract the necessary investment from the private sector alone

WHOI Launches Ocean Awareness Video Campaign in NYC

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has launched a video campaign on the world’s biggest stage to highlight the importance of the planet’s largest life-sustaining feature—the ocean.

Everglades Foundation Releases Major Economic Study Quantifying the Benefits of Everglades Restoration

The study will be released via a conference call on Monday, October 18th. Kirk Fordham, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, along with the economic study’s principal investigator, Robert McCormick from Mather Economics, is joined by Tamara Pigott, Executive Director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau; Barry Johnson, President/CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and Michele [...]

Eaton and Cochran Marine Collaborate to Provide Clean Marine Shore Power

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced it is collaborating with Cochran Marine to reduce cruise ship emissions and provide cleaner air quality in ports around the world. With this agreement, Eaton is the exclusive manufacturer of Cochran’s automated shore power system for cruise ship vessels. Working together, Eaton and Cochran are converting Cochran’s 60 [...]

Audubon Scientists Find Gulf Oil Stills Poses Risks for Birds

Residual oil and chemicals from BP’s Deepwater Horizon disaster pose substantial ongoing risks to birds that breed or nest along hard-hit areas of the Louisiana coast, according to new National Audubon Society field surveys. Audubon science teams found plentiful birds that appeared both resilient and loyal to their normal habitats as the tragedy’s six-month anniversary approached. But Audubon warns that the future of birds and the ecosystems they represent remains uncertain because oil and other threats are still too close for comfort.

New Federal Rule Allows NOAA to Deny Port Entry to Illegal Fishing Vessels

A new federal rule will allow NOAA’s assistant administrator for fisheries to deny a vessel entry into a U.S. port or access to port services if that vessel has been listed for engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by one of the world’s international fishery management organizations. The rule takes effect on Oct. [...]

Argentina Begins Tidal Power Feasibility Studies

The Governor of Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, Daniel Peralta; Argentine national fossil fuel company Enarsa’s President, Exequiel Espinosa; and Chilean power generation company, Genersa’s President, Carlos Veronesi; have signed an agreement to carry on a feasibility study for the installation of a tidal power electric central in the Argentine patagonic province’s coast.

Google to Invest in Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind Project

Google has announced that they have signed an agreement to invest in the development of a backbone transmission project off the Mid-Atlantic coast that offers a solid financial return while helping to accelerate offshore wind development—so it’s both good business and good for the environment.

Wave Energy Developer Aquamarine Power Appoints New CTO

Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power continues to strengthen its team with the appointment of Dr Patrick (Paddy) O’Kane as the company’s new Chief Technical Officer. He brings with him extensive experience in the renewable energy industry.

New Leasing Grounds Opened for Marine Energy Saltire Prize

Scotland’s seas have been further opened up for wave and tidal energy development to support the £10 million Saltire Prize.
The Crown Estate is running a new leasing round for projects up to 30 Megawatts (MW) capacity to support developers hoping to win the Saltire Prize.

Sustainable Shark Fishing to be Studied by Australia’s James Cook University

James Cook University researchers in Australia are working on a project to determine how to balance the economically important industry of shark fishing while sustaining their populations.