Health of world oceans declining faster than thought

The health of the world's oceans is declining even faster than previously thought, a new report says.

They're being heated up by climate change and turning less alkaline after absorbing carbon dioxide gas.

Other issues like overfishing, and chemical pollution combine together to make the overall threat more powerful.

The International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) warns there could be mass extinction of sea animals if the sea gets too acidic or too hot.

IPSO says: "We have been taking the ocean for granted. It has been shielding us from the worst effects of accelerating climate change by absorbing excess carbon dioxide."

The IPSO report calls on world governments to stop the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, and to change the way we catch fish to make fishing more sustainable.

It also suggests that the world's seas should be policed by an international enforcement agency.

From CBBC newsround

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Elephants poisoned in Zimbabwe

Poachers have killed 41 elephants in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park by poisoning them.

It's thought cyanide poison was spread in the elephants' habitat to kill them, so poachers could take their tusks.

There has been a rise in the killing of elephants and rhinos in parts of Africa as demand for horns in Asia grows.

Animal horns and tusks are used as medicine in parts of Asia even though scientists say they have no medicinal effects.

Tests are still being carried out on the elephants but touching the poisoned animals is dangerous to any animal or human.

Zimbabwe Parks spokeswoman Caroline Washaya Moyo said it was Zimbabwe's worst case of elephant poaching ever.

More to see: The illegal trade in elephant ivory

From CBBC Newsround

Sealions in Peru return to the wild

A group of young sealions have been returned to the wild in Peru.

The six sealions were found washed up a few months ago.

All were badly injured, or had been abandoned by their mothers.

It's thought to be the largest release of the mammals ever in South America.

The 6 animals were rescued by conservation group

http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/

Rhino poaching hits new high in South Africa

Poachers in South Africa have killed more rhino so far this year than in the whole of 2012.

A black dehorned rhinoceros is followed by a calf  at the Bona Bona Game Reserve, 200 kms southeast of Johannesburg.

South Africa's Department for Environmental Affairs said 688 rhino are known to have been killed al ready in 2013.

That's more than the record of 668 rhino that were killed last year.

Rhino horn is more valuable than gold in South East Asia where it is believed to have medicinal properties.

Wildlife campaigners are calling on governments to take action to save the rhino before it's too late.

Philip Mansbridge from Care for the Wild said: "We're about to become the generation that lost an animal which has lived here for millions and millions of years."

http://phys.org/news/2013-07-rhinos-poached-south-africa-year.html#jCp