Plastic waste threatens lakes as well as oceans

Pollution with plastic waste is not confined to the oceans but poses a growing threat to lakes as well.

Researchers found levels of plastics in Lake Garda similar to those in marine environments

That is the view of researchers who found significant concentrations of the substance in Italy's Lake Garda.

They say the levels are similar to those found in samples taken from marine beach sediments.

They are concerned that these tiny plastic particles are accumulating in freshwater species and are "likely" to get into the food chain.

The research is published in the journal, Current Biology.

The problem of large amounts of plastic polluting the world's oceans hasbeen well documented in recent years.

As well as bigger pieces that can choke sea creatures when ingested, there is an equally serious issue with very small fragments called micro-plastics.

But research on the problems caused by plastic in lakes has been lacking.

Danger on the shore

This new study looked at Lake Garda, a large, sub-alpine body of water. The researchers found significant concentrations of plastic in sediment samples. On the north shore they found around 1,000 larger particles per square metre and 450 micro-plastic particles in the same area.

 

Freshwater crustaceans from Lake Garda were found to have micro-plastic particles in their digestive tracts
From BBC Sci/ Environment

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Helicopter ride to island home for rare red squirrels

A group of red squirrels have been transported by RAF helicopter to a new home on the Isle of Scilly.

Red squirrel are really rare in Britain so these lucky ones are being given a new home to try and boost their numbers.

The animals have been moved to get away from grey squirrels which carry a deadly virus which could wipe out the species.

They were flown to a small island off the English coast last month.

From CBBC Newsround

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/