The Stream, September 17: World Fish Populations Mark Steep Decline

The Global Rundown

Populations of ocean fish have declined rapidly due to overfishing, pollution, and climate change, a new report found. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reached a deal to address contaminated water in a California water district. Rice harvests could be their lowest in nearly 20 years in Thailand due to water shortages, while floods turned deadly in Sierra Leone. In Nigeria, an architect looks to build floating houses in city slums.

“Without the settlement, the financial liability mandated by a court-imposed obligation would jeopardize important investments in conservation, environmental restoration and water infrastructure.”–Estevan Lopez, commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, on a deal that would allow the agency to stop draining contaminated water from California’s Westlands Water District and would relieve the district of $US 350 million in debt. (The Los Angeles Times)

By The Numbers

4 people Number killed by floods in Sierra Leone’s capital. Forecasters predict the rains could last up to six days. Reuters

22.98 million metric tons Amount of rice Thailand is set to produce this year, which would be the lowest level in 19 years, due to water shortages. Bloomberg

Science, Studies, And Reports

Populations of tuna and mackerel have declined by 74 percent between 1970 and 2012, according to a new report from the World Wildlife Fund. Overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change were cited as the primary factors behind the decline. Guardian

On The Radar

An architect in Nigeria has proposed building floating houses and schools to combat floods in the watery slums of African cities like Lagos. Floods are becoming an increasing problem in these densely populated areas due to sea level rise and climate change. Quartz

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek