Construction to start on 93 new flood defences

The government has announced that construction will start on 93 new flood defences. 64,000 homes are expected to receive better protection at the cost of £2.3 billion. The flood defences are being improved in coastal and river locations.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21364056

EU Plans Fishing Reforms

The EU has voted to introduce reforms for the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The reforms aim to protect endangered stocks and to end discarding (throwing unwanted fish back into the sea). Discards are believed to account for about one quarter of all fish caught. It is hoped that depleted stocks can recover by 2020. It is hoped that this will happen by moving from the current bartering overs quota and moving to a system of maximum sustainable yield (MSY).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21352617

Huge Energy Potential off Scotland's Coast

Giant waves off the Western Isles could offer enormous energy potential. Buoys placed 5 miles off the island of Lewis recorderd average wave height of 14 metres on Monday. The heighest wave was 23 metres in height. Scientists have calculated that "based on average wave power of 75kW/m and a 200km coastline from Butt of Lewis to Barra, the total mean power would be 15GW - equivalent to 12 modern nuclear power plants, such as Torness." However, based on Monday's waves this could rise to the equivelant of 120 nuclear power stations.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-21324654