Whales and Water

Bad news today that Iceland is to resume commercial whaling. They aim to kill nine fin whales annually (which is an endangered species) and 30 minke whales. Objections have obviously been raised, but Iceland defends this move saying it is in line with sustainable management of marine wildlife. It comes as another hit for whale conservation groups, after a tough summer battling against the eventually passed pro-hunting resolution by the IWC (see links and June post).

The South-east seems set to face compulsory water metres as a means of minimising the effects of drought. The government seems likely to relax current legislation which makes it difficult for water companies to impose water metre usage. Here's the Guardian's coverage of the story, and here's a special dossier they've put together onstories about and issues surrounding water shortages.

That's all for now...