Boat owners use drones to create global database on plastic pollution

Good News Notes: “AnimaMundi Ocean Data Solutions, DJI and Lagoon are using drones to build a comprehensive database of plastic waste on coastlines throughout the world. AnimaMundi is a not-for-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its proprietary technology interprets photo and video records to extract a single-use plastic bottle count. The information can be captured via an app using…

This ‘floating continent’ could collect and recycle plastic from the ocean in future

Good News Notes: “‘The 8th continent’ is an award-winning design that recycles ocean plastic and is completely self-sustainable. Its five-part structure contains everything from greenhouses and living quarters to biodegradable waste collectors. Senior designer at Zaha Hadid Architects in London, Lenka Petráková, developed the idea for her student master thesis a few years ago in Vienna,…

Experts Optimistic Coral Reefs Will Survive

Good News Notes: ‘“Coral reefs are amazing and beautiful, and we must conserve them,” Sam Purkis, chair of the department of marine geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, told VOA. Although coral reefs only cover 0.1% of the ocean floor, they are a lifeline for the planet. With…

Scientists discover new species: “Chocolate frog”

Good News Notes: “Australian scientists discovered a new species of tree frog in a swampy rainforest in New Guinea. Details: Tree frogs are known for their green skin, but researchers encountered a species that had brown coloring, nicknaming it the “chocolate frog.” The team named the species “mira” — which translate to “surprised” in Latin — because they…

This baby boom in Kenya is helping to save an endangered species

Good News Notes: “Tiny green turtles are scrambling to the safety of the ocean at Tiwi Beach on Kenya’s south coast. Every one that makes it is great news for their species, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It’s a perilous journey, but luckily for these hatchlings…