NewzIntel.com

Category: Environment

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Urges Court to Immediately Halt Mass Firings Across Federal Government

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief in American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, et al. v. Trump, in support of the request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the Trump Administration’s illegal mass firings in agencies across the federal government. 

    “The illegal ransacking of federal agencies and the mass firing of federal workers that make these agencies run has sown tremendous chaos, instilled distrust among the American people, and caused deep harm to our country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Beyond the on-the-ground impacts we are seeing, the continued uncertainty surrounding the fate of various federal agencies has a real and lasting impact on states that must devote substantial time and resources to prepare for agencies that may or may not cease to exist. I urge the court to order an immediate end to the Trump Administration’s firing rampage.”

    In the brief, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration is acting beyond its authority in dismantling agencies across the federal government — the Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. 

    Massive federal layoffs substantially disrupt the ability of the states to protect and serve their residents and pose serious risks and harms to their citizens’ health, safety, and lives by impacting state programs ranging from emergency planning and response, infrastructure repair, environmental protection, public health, among many more.

    The brief includes multiple examples of federal statutes inviting or requiring federal and state collaboration to solve problems, including:

    • The United States Geological Survey’s work to identify, assess, and plan for potential landslide hazards; 
    • The tsunami hazard mitigation program created by the Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);
    • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) national suicide and mental health hotlines; 
    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s deployment of a team to address crises such as food-borne pathogens’ threat to human health; and 
    • FEMA’s responsibility to develop operational plans and lead infrastructure workers who respond to disasters, establish programs for temporary housing during emergencies, and ensure that federal agencies work in coordination with state and local officials.  

    Attorney General Bonta has forcefully stood up to the Trump Administrations illegal efforts to dismember and impair the federal government though mass firing. 

    This week, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time HHS employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices  — in addition to previously filed lawsuits challenging the illegal firing of probationary federal workers and U.S. Department of Education workers. 

    Attorney General Bonta has submitted two amicus briefs (here and here) in lawsuits challenging the Trump Administrations dismantling of the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau — actions that include issuing a suspension of work across the agency and terminating probationary employees — and rapidly and substantially increases the burden on state agencies to protect consumers. 

    Last month, Attorney General Bonta filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging operational changes to Social Security Administration policies. These changes, including staffing cuts, field office closures, and the illegal shuttering of departments, have hampered SSA’s ability to help older adults and persons with disabilities access the benefits and services they depend on. 

    In filing the brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Named Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, a fierce advocate for wild horses and burros, today launched the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of members dedicated to promoting humane policies to care for and manage these animals.  

    “Wild horses and burros embody the spirit and heritage of the West and deserve to be protected and treated humanely,” said Ciscomani. “For too long, these animals have been subject to cruel and costly roundups that, at best, remove them from their natural habitat to be housed in warehouses, and at worst, result in the death of the animal. Caring for wild horses and burros is not a partisan issue, which is why I am proud to be named as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Wild Horse Caucus to promote humane policies, such as PZP fertility control and habitat preservation, to manage and care for these iconic animals.” 

    Joining Ciscomani as Co-Chairs are Reps. David Schweikert (AZ-01), Dina Titus (NV-03), and Steve Cohen (TN-09).  

    “Growing up, I had the blessing of spending much time on several ranches and farms in Arizona,” said Schweikert. “These experiences have led me to serve as an advocate for humane treatment and protection of these majestic species. I’m looking forward to the conservation initiatives that will come out of the formation of this caucus.” 

    “Nevada is home to more than 30,000 wild horses and burros – more than half of all the wild horses and burros in the United States,” said Titus. “These icons of the American West deserve to be treated humanely, and the bipartisan Wild Horse Caucus can lay the groundwork for better management of these herds by the Bureau of Land Management. I am hopeful that the Wild Horse Caucus will raise awareness in Congress that there are better ways to manage wild horses and burros. Protecting these animals from harm should be an issue we can all agree upon.  

    “I’m proud to be a co-chairman of the bipartisan Wild Horse Caucus and to work to protect these iconic symbols of our country,” said Cohen. “Wild horses and burros are part of our national heritage. How we treat animals is a direct reflection of who we are, and I hold firm in the belief that all beings should be treated humanely.” 

    “This is an important step toward reforming a broken system,” said Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of the American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC). “For too long, federal wild horse policy has relied on costly and inhumane roundups that remove animals from the range only to warehouse them in holding facilities. We commend the leaders of the Wild Horse Caucus for recognizing that there’s a better way to manage our wild herds that is rooted in humane treatment, science, and fiscal responsibility. 

    “Protecting America’s wild horses and burros has always been a bipartisan issue, in large part because these iconic animals hold an important place in our country’s history and because, for countless Americans, they continue to embody the spirit of freedom and resilience,” said Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., Animal Welfare Institute’s (AWI) Equine Program Director and Senior Policy Advisor. “We are grateful to Representatives Titus, Ciscomani, Schweikert, and Cohen for their outstanding leadership on this issue. The Congressional Wild Horse Caucus will help ensure these beloved animals will be protected for generations to come.” 

    Background: 

    The launch of the caucus comes amid growing public concern over the Bureau of Land Management’s mass helicopter roundups, which are frightening and often deadly to the animals, and the record number of wild horses and burros–more than 65,000–confined in government holding facilities. Last fiscal year alone, this roundup and removal program cost taxpayers over $109 million.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Uganda announces plan to ban single-use plastic bags. Now we need action, then we need the rest of Africa to join them.

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nairobi, 8 May 2025 –The Ugandan government has just announced that they are planning to ban single-use plastic carrier bags.  This decision marks a significant step towards addressing plastic pollution in Uganda – protecting the environment and the wellbeing of our communities. 

    Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead for the Pan-African Plastic Project at Greenpeace Africa said: 

    “This is a step in the right direction for Uganda, but good intentions do not bring change: only concrete actions do. We urge the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure effective enforcement of the ban and to incentivise businesses, manufacturers and producers to provide affordable, accessible, circular and sustainable alternatives to consumers. NEMA must also monitor implementation of the ban. Improved monitoring to assess compliance including in small scale and informal businesses will be critical.”

    In Kampala, the country’s capital, 100 metric tons of plastic are produced per day. It is time to turn the tide against this plastic menace and African countries can and should lead the way.

    “Uganda’s announcement comes at a time when world leaders are gearing up for the further Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee meetings (INC 5.2) talks in Geneva. They will be discussing a Global Plastics Treaty which, if properly drawn up and enforced, could end the era of plastic. Greenpeace Africa urges Uganda to shun the petrochemical industry and support an ambitious treaty that prioritises cuts in plastics production and embraces solutions like refill and reuse for a future free from the devastating impacts of plastic pollution.” added Hellen

    Uganda joins other East African countries like Kenya and Rwanda who have taken the lead in putting in place similar regulations. 

    “Microplastics are everywhere. In the food we eat, in the water we drink, in the air we breathe. We urge other African governments to follow this example. Plastic is a poison and is doing a lot of damage to our cities” – Hellen Dena.

    Notes to the editor:

    According to NEMA, Uganda produces 600 metric tonnes of plastic waste everyday with less than 40% being properly collected and managed.

    Contacts Medias 

    Luchelle Feukeng, Communication and Storytelling Manager, [email protected]

    Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead,  Pan-African Plastic Project Lead, Email: [email protected], Tel: 254 717 104 144‬

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Questions USDA Secretary Rollins About Trade, Disaster Assistance, Agricultural Labor, and More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) questioned Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during a House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing.

    WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) questioned Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during a House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing. Congressman Valadao asked Secretary Rollins about international trade, disaster aid, and agricultural labor.

    Congressman Valadao also took the opportunity to highlight the General Services Administration’s attempted closure of USDA Farm Service Agency offices and asked about the status of regional conservation partnership programs.

    “It was great speaking with USDA Secretary Rollins today about several key priorities for the Central Valley’s agricultural sector,” said Congressman Valadao. “I questioned her about supporting our producers through targeting unfair trading practices by foreign nations and ensuring disaster assistance is delivered fairly and without delay. I also highlighted the urgent need for immigration reform to support the Valley’s agricultural labor force, and raised concerns about the status of previously allocated funds for Regional Conservation Partnership Programs that help dairy farmers adopt sustainable practices without compromising productivity. Finally, I stressed the importance of bolstering USDA county Farm Service Agency offices, and reaffirmed my commitment to working with both USDA and GSA to keep this critical agency accessible to Bakersfield and the entire region. I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ time and look forward to working closely with her to deliver real solutions for these critical issues.”

    Watch Congressman Valadao’s full line of questioning here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isle of Wight Council issues warning following unlawful tree felling 9 May 2025 Isle of Wight Council issues warning following unlawful tree felling

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Two people charged with cutting down trees within a conservation area were told by a crown court judge that their actions had caused a “blot on the landscape”.

    The Isle of Wight Council mounted the prosecution after trees were felled within the Totland Conservation Area on or before 16 March 2023, without prior notice or the consent of the Local Planning Authority.

    Nearly 90 per cent of the trees in an area measuring around 31 by 32 metres — which is just smaller than four tennis courts — were either felled or reduced to stumps. Formal permission should have been sought before the work was carried out, but this was never obtained.

    Following an investigation that involved planning enforcement, tree and legal teams from the council, a prosecution was brought against Timothy Royston-Parry, of Rosetta Gardening, which carried out the work, and Kim Stapley, who instructed it.

    They appeared at Newport Crown Court last Friday for sentencing, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing. A third defendant, the landowner, will appear in court later this year for sentence and confiscation proceedings.

    Mr Royston-Parry and Ms Stapley each received a fine of £2,000. Additionally, they were both ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,689.62.

    The prosecution case was that it caused substantial environmental damage in a prominent position in a conversation area and visible for miles from the beach and promenade.

    In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Gibney said: “The Island is a beautiful place and canopies of this nature are well respected and protected. This is now a blot on the landscape brought about by your actions.”

    The council welcomed the result, saying it should serve as a reminder that it is ready to take necessary and proportionate action to protect its tree stock.

    Ollie Boulter, strategic manager for planning and infrastructure, said: “This case highlights the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.

    “The illegal removal of trees not only damages the landscape but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

    “This case also underscores our commitment to protecting the environment and serves as a stern warning to those considering similar actions.

    “We are actively investigating several other cases of illegal tree removal, emphasising that such activities can cause irreparable harm to trees, the character of the countryside, and local wildlife.”

    Councillor Chris Jarman, the Isle of Wight councillor for Totland and Colwell ward, said: “Our local community strongly values the essential contribution that our trees and associated wildlife bring to our landscape and to the natural beauty of our West Wight environment.

    “This applies particularly to our various protected areas including those along the coast where they can reduce erosion. There was great dismay at these unauthorised works which so decimated a beautiful area and vista.

    “We trust the view expressed by the judge in his findings and sentence will serve as a clear reminder to all that permission must be sought prior to such felling.”

    Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, added: “These are matters that local communities take very seriously. Conservation areas are designated to protect the natural and historic environment.

    “This kind of environmental vandalism is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to take firm action against those who breach these important safeguards.”

    •    If you are considering tree works, please refer to our website for further information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man given suspended jail term for illegal Lincolnshire waste site

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Man given suspended jail term for illegal Lincolnshire waste site

    The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a Lincolnshire man for running an illegal waste site at Thorpe Farm, Skendleby, in East Lindsey.

    A pile of waste which was on site.

    • Court imposes fines, costs and confiscation order on director and his company for nearly £100,000
    • Judge tells defendant he ran business in ‘arrogant and bullish’ manner
    • Environment Agency officer verbally abused during site inspection.

    At Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday 7 May 2025, Matthew Berry, 46, of Ivy House Farm, Blyborough, near Gainsborough, received a suspended sentence of 36 weeks. This is on condition that he stays out of trouble and abides by a curfew between 9pm and 5am for a 3 month period. He was also ordered to pay £5,000 in costs and a surcharge of £154.

    Berry’s company, SBR Foxhills Limited, was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £29,626.35 and a £190 surcharge.

    The defendant and company also have a confiscation order imposed of £45,000, representing the recovery of the proceeds from the crime. Berry was warned that he faces up to 12 months in prison if that sum remains unpaid after 3 months.

    In sentencing Berry, Her Honour Judge Sjolin Knight told him that he had taken an “arrogant and bullish approach.” It was also “remarkable” that he claimed not to have established his environmental obligations.

    She noted that he had run his business in such a way that he, “violated strict environmental laws that are there to protect the environment for everyone.”

    The court was told that in the spring of 2021, Berry, the sole director of SBR Foxhills Limited, became interested in a site at Thorpe Farm.

    With a view to the company purchasing the site, he took over the control in April and began a clearance operation.  The site had no environmental permit or other authorisation to store or treat waste.

    There was a lot of waste already on the site.  He agreed to move baled waste that had been stacked in a building. He also agreed to remove waste vehicles to a breakers’ site and brought heavy plant to the site for that purpose.

    However, rather than clearing and improving the site, he dumped the baled waste on a concrete pad. This was porous, cracked, had no sealed drainage and had an unsealed manhole cover that led to a void.  He then abandoned the site leaving the baled waste exposed to the elements which inevitably caused it to degrade. 

    Environment Agency officers visited the site and Berry told them that he intended to clear the area. They gave him advice and attempted to work with him.  He agreed to provide the requisite waste transfer notes that would prove lawful removal.

    By November 2021, it was clear that the site had not been abandoned.  Officers continued to try to work with him but their attempts were rejected.

    On one occasion, Berry verbally berated a senior officer telling him that he hoped he got cancer and died.  Not content with his verbal abuse, he followed up his unpleasant words a few minutes later with a similarly offensive email. 

    Both Berry and his company entered not guilty pleas at a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court in June 2022.  However, shortly before their trial was due to start, in November 2023, they changed their pleas to guilty.  They were finally sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on 7 May 2025.

    As part of its investigations, the Environment Agency used drones for routine inspections to safely capture evidence of the waste activities. This use of technology is an on-going feature of the agency’s work.

    Yvonne Daly, an environment manager for the Environment Agency in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:

    Rogue contractors and operators in the waste sector should take note we will not tolerate illegal waste activities in Lincolnshire.

    We will take enforcement action to protect the environment, people and legitimate businesses.

    And we will not tolerate abuse or bad behaviour to our officers – everyone should be treated with respect.

    We would also like to thank the fantastic support from Lincolnshire Police and East Lindsey District Council throughout this case.

    Anyone with suspicions of waste crime can call our incident hotline, 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

    The Charges

    Charge 1: operating a non-exempt waste operation without a permit, contrary to Regulations 12 and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Particulars of offence

    SBR Foxhills Limited, between the 8 April 2021 and 26 February 2022 operated without an environmental permit a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the treatment and storage of waste at Thorpe Farm, Skendleby. 

    Charge 2: operating a non-exempt waste operation without a permit, contrary to Regulations 12 and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Particulars of offence

    Matthew Berry, between the 8 April 2021 and 26 February 2022, by consent, connivance or neglect, allowed the company SBR Foxhills Limited to operate without an environmental permit a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the treatment and storage of waste at Thorpe Farm, Skendleby.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Major port explosions signal need for urgent action to strengthen safety and security in managing hazardous chemicals worldwide

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The massive explosion and fires that rocked the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on 26 April 2025 took the lives of at least 57 people and injured over 1,200, according to media reports. The port’s activities and surrounding community were severely impacted and the hazardous smoke could have severe health and environmental effects. The government has stated that negligence and non-compliance with safety measures regarding the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals were the causes.  

    To prevent and mitigate the effects of future incidents, Member States worldwide are invited to engage in UNECE’s current interagency work to support governments  to strengthen safety and security measures across sectors for the  management of hazardous chemicals.  

    Major port explosions in Lebanon (Beirut port in 2020) and China (Tianjin port in 2015), as well as blasts in Equatorial Guinea (Bata barracks in 2021) and USA (West Fertilizer Explosion in 2013), have had lasting impacts. These resulted from inadequate storage and handling of hazardous chemicals and in some cases prompted governments to strengthen their inspections of chemical facilities, review inventories, follow-up on non-compliance and suspected irregularities and raise public awareness. As governments review and improve safety measures, risks need to be carefully assessed against the background of the ongoing global energy transition, aiming to mitigate climate change, while also adapting to its increasing impacts. Certain hazardous substances and technologies affiliated with the energy transition have potential to cause accidents if not properly managed. In a changing climate, increasingly severe and frequent natural hazards can trigger accidents and exacerbate their effects.  

    International instruments and standards support governments to manage risks of hazardous chemicals to prevent, prepare for and respond to industrial accidents. At UNECE, the Industrial Accidents Convention provides principles and guidance to manage technological disaster risk, aiming to enhance industrial safety nationally and across borders, in a  transboundary context. At UN level, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods lay out measures to safely store, handle and transport hazardous chemicals.  

    ILO, IMO, UNDRR, UNEP, UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit, UNITAR, WHO, OECD, the European Commission and European Investment Bank also support risk management from different angles, with their respective legal and policy instruments and guidance.  

    UNECE has also initiated a partnership with these organizations to follow-up on the 2020 Beirut port explosion and implement a three-year global project, supported by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. The initiative aims to promote and improve knowledge of international instruments that apply along the lifecycle of chemicals for preventing and mitigating accidents, strengthen capacities for related policies and governance and increase knowledge of authorities on preparedness and response.  

    A new video that introduces the risks of managing hazardous chemicals and tools available to manage them; a forthcoming information repository and report with more information on international instruments and national good practices; and a global seminar on this topic within the framework of the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Industrial Accidents Convention at the end of 2026.  

    International cooperation and coordination, including across sectors, are key to enhancing knowledge and developing tools to avoid future incidents involving hazardous chemicals and to protect people, the environment and economies from them. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hertfordshire waste boss to pay £79,000 gained from illegal sites

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Hertfordshire waste boss to pay £79,000 gained from illegal sites

    Quarry director let waste mountains pile up way beyond legal amount. Enough waste at one site to nearly fill the Royal Albert Hall 3 times

    Codicote Quarry, near Stevenage, was one of three locations at the centre of this illegal waste operation

    A former teacher who filled 2 quarries in Hertfordshire with illegal waste has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds following an investigation into proceeds of crime.

    Liam Winters presided over the illegal disposal of assorted rubbish at Codicote Quarry, near Stevenage.

    An investigation by the Environment Agency found approximately 200,000 cubic metres of household, commercial and industrial waste, as well as electrical items, car parts, furniture, food packaging, wood and metal. It could have filled the Royal Albert Hall nearly 3 times over.

    An Environment Agency investigator inspects waste hidden in a futile attempt to avoid it being found

    Winters, of Warwickshire, also ignored the Environment Agency’s instructions to stop filling Anstey Quarry, at Buntingford, near Royston, with banned waste such as plastic, wood, metal and packaging, all broken into tiny pieces.

    The waste piled up at Anstey Quarry scaled the height of 5 double-decker buses

    He was given 17 months in prison in October 2023 for dumping the illegal waste at the 2 sites and a nearby shooting ground.

    The piles of waste at Anstey reached 20 metres into the sky, the height of 5 double-decker buses. 

    The Anstey Quarry Company Ltd, of which Winters was a director, leased the quarry, with a permit from the Environment Agency to treat and dispose of up to 10,000 cubic metres of clean soil waste a year.

    Investigators estimated as much as 250,000 cubic metres of harmful biodegradable materials was buried there.

    Soil was used at all 3 sites to cover some of the waste in an attempt to avoid detection.

    Judge Caroline Wigin, sitting at Luton crown court on 8 May, ordered Winters, to pay £78,835. This followed an proceeds of crime investigation by the Environment Agency’s national economic crime unit.

    The money will be split between His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and the Environment Agency. Winters faces 2 more years in prison if he doesn’t pay within 3 months. The 48-year-old, of High Street, Hillmorton, Rugby, also has to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

    Barry Russell, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Hertfordshire, said:

    “We are determined that waste operators who break the law don’t benefit from their crimes

    “It was clear every time we visited the sites, there was no substantial change to the illegal way they were being run.

    “Operations like Anstey and Codicote are damaging in many ways, including the potential or actual harm caused to the environment by inappropriate and illegal storage of waste materials, and the financial impact on businesses who follow the rules, pay their way and protect the environment.

    “Despite warnings from the Environment Agency to stop, Winters and the other men carried on bringing in more illegal waste.”

    The Environment Agency served an enforcement notice, ordering the business to stop taking in material at Anstey that could do damage to the ground if left in landfill.

    Codicote Quarry had a permit to treat and store a small amount of soil waste, but not hold it in huge quantities. The quarry went far beyond what was authorised by the Environment Agency.   

    Nicholas Bramwell, now 45, of Shepherds Close, Royston, was fined £1,450 and told to pay £8,000 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to burying large quantities of potentially harmful waste at Anstey Quarry and a shooting ground at Nuthampstead.

    The Environment Agency found more plastic, wood and metal in sizable quantities at the firing range, where it was used to build a 10-metre high embankment.

    Both men admitted to 5 counts of breaching regulation 38 (2) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 in relation to Anstey Quarry and Nuthampstead shooting ground.

    Winters faced four more charges under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to Codicote Quarry.

    Judge Wigin said no costs would be awarded against Winters because he had served a custodial prison sentence.

    Winters’ brother, Mark Winters, 50, of Bangor Erris, in County Mayo, received 12 months in prison in 2023, suspended for 2 years, and told to carry out 200 hours unpaid work over the waste at Codicote.

    The brothers were also banned from being company directors for 8 years.

    Luton crown court will sit on 9 July to decide on proceeds of crime payments and costs against Mark Winters and to sentence Codicote Quarry Ltd, of which the brothers were also directors.

    There is no suggestion the owners of the 3 locations played any part in the criminal activity.

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing achieves continued progress in air and water quality in 2024

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The Chinese capital of Beijing achieved continued progress in air and water quality last year, according to a report released on Friday.

    Data from the report on Beijing’s ecological environment shows that in 2024, Beijing’s average density of PM2.5, a key indicator of air pollution, stood at 30.5 micrograms per cubic meter, dropping by 65.9 percent compared to that of 2013. The municipality recorded 290 days of good air quality and only two days with heavy air pollution.

    The municipality’s water quality has also made notable progress. Among Beijing’s five major water systems with a total length of rivers reaching 2,551.6 km, 87.2 percent were rated as having good water quality in 2024, up 15.9 percentage points year on year and nearly 40 percentage points compared to 2013, said the report.

    According to the report, the Ecological Index (EI) of Beijing was 71.4 last year, with a year-on-year growth of 0.85 percent. This indicates that the city is seeing steady improvements in the quality of its ecological environment. From 2020 to 2024, Beijing documented 7,121 species, including rare ones such as freshwater jellyfish and the oriental stork.

    “Beijing will continue to implement precise, scientific and law-based pollution control,” said Liu Baoxian, deputy head of Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, also the report’s publisher. He added that the city will synergistically promote environmental protection and economic growth. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £7m beach management scheme reduces flood risk in Lincolnshire

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £7m beach management scheme reduces flood risk in Lincolnshire

    Sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point to reduce the risk of flooding for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities.

    Beach renourishment work being carried out in Lincolnshire. Image: Van Oord

    • Over the next 4 to 5 weeks, around 200,000 to 500,000 cubic metres of sand will be topped up on beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point.
    • This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.
    • The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994.

    The work will begin on May 11 and is the second phase of works under the strategy for the coastline. The strategy aims to better protect the environment and support the prosperity of the coast for years to come.

    The Environment Agency’s annual beach management involves dredging sand from licensed seabed areas and pumping it onto beaches, replacing the sand naturally lost to the sea throughout the year.  This reduces the risk of flooding for 20,000 homes and businesses, 24,500 static caravans and 35,000 hectares of land.

    Replenishing the sand means that the beaches, instead of hard defences like sea walls, take the brunt of the waves’ force and energy. This reduces the amount of damage and erosion to those hard defences and lessens the risk of water overtopping them.

    The Environment Agency has been restoring sand levels on the Lincolnshire coast every year since 1994. In addition to reducing flood risk, the work brings supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry.

    Deborah Higton, Flood Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    Our current coastal management approach of re-nourishing the beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point is vital to managing tidal flood risk for Lincolnshire. As well as maintaining the county’s sandy beaches for us all to enjoy.

    But despite our best efforts, much of Lincolnshire is at, or below, sea level meaning flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst by signing up to receive our free flood warnings.

    The £7 million beach management work is funded as part of the Environment Agency’s capital programme. The Environment Agency is committed to delivering Government’s £2.65 billion investment over the next 2 years to protect thousands of homes and business from the dangers of flooding. Plus prevent billions of pounds worth of damages.

    The Environment Agency urges people to plan ahead for flooding. They can find out if their property is in an at-risk area by signing up for free flood warnings. Further information on all these steps and more is available at GOV.UK/Flood and by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Magistrates order unlicensed pizza business to pay over £5,000

    Source: City of York

    Takeaway pizza

    Published Friday, 9 May 2025

    The owner of a pizza business has been found guilty by York Magistrates of selling food and alcohol without a licence, and has been sentenced to pay a total £5,347.28.

    Emrah Aktas, who owns Pepperoni Palace, 25 Walpole Street, York YO31 8NN, was not licensed to sell hot food after 11pm or drink, yet his business did so in September 2024.  

    As part of routine enforcement activity, officers from City of York Council made a test purchase of hot food and drink online. They visited the premises to see if the order was actually followed through, and paid for the items.

    The premises were visited several times by officers prior to the test purchase. They gave warnings about operating without a licence and gave advice about how to apply for a licence.  

    Mr Aktas did not respond to a request for an interview or to the summons, and didn’t attend court. The case was proved, and he was found guilty in his absence.

    The Magistrates sentenced Mr Aktas to a fine of £2,000, costs of £2,547.28 and a surcharge of £800. A total £5,347.28 collection order was issued, to be paid within 28 days.

    The Magistrates hoped relevant checks were being conducted at the premises.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment at City of York Council, said:  

    Licences are required for a reason, and time limits are important to protect local residents from undue disturbance at anti-social hours.

    “If an unlicensed business sells food and drink outside of these times, particularly late at night or early in the morning, they are acting illegally.

    “We will continue to investigate legitimate complaints and take appropriate legal action. Please report any licensing offences to licensing@york.gov.uk.”

    To find out more about business licenses, please visit www.york.gov.uk/business-licences .

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Car Clubs Help Drive Sustainable Transport

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    As part of its drive to promote sustainable transport choices for people in Dundee, the city council is working with car club operators to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of car sharing. 

    Councillors Heather Anderson and Siobhan Tolland met up with representatives of Co Wheels and Enterprise to discuss how car clubs are growing locally – with cars located across the city and special offers for local people  

    The council has worked with both companies to help them find new street locations for cars. 

    Climate, Environment and Biodiversity convener Councillor Anderson said: “Car clubs offer an alternative to car ownership which help in our efforts to cut pollution and improve air quality, which include the introduction of the city centre Low Emission Zone. 

    “We want to work as closely as we can with car drivers to help enhance our environment for everyone.” 

    Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Councillor Tolland added: “We are keen to have a range of options available for sustainable transport and these clubs offer real choice for people. 

    “Reducing congestion and the resulting pollution is a key aim, and car clubs help to assist with this.” 

    Richard Falconer, Head of Mobility at Co Wheels: “As the longest-established car club operator in Dundee, Co Wheels is proud to have served the city for over 14 years, providing convenient, flexible and sustainable transport options. We were the first to introduce electric vehicles for hire in Dundee, and we continue to lead the way with a growing fleet that now includes nine vehicles across the city centre, including four EVs and brand-new hybrid MG ZS models. 

    “With hundreds of members across Dundee, Co Wheels offers a practical alternative to car ownership, helping reduce congestion and emissions while supporting a cleaner, greener future for the city. We’re also proud to be the highest-rated national car club in the UK — a reflection of our commitment to quality, exceptional customer service and community impact.” 

    You can find details on the Co Wheels website here  

    Jason Parks, Enterprise Car Club Director, UK & Ireland, said: “We are proud to have been part of the Dundee community for more than a decade, providing residents, businesses and visitors with more choice in how they travel and supporting the city’s ambition to reduce congestion and promote shared and active travel.  

    “Our expansive, nationwide car club network connects customers to where they need to go, whether that’s in and around the city, or at train stations, transport hubs and on-street locations across the UK.  

    “Through Enterprise Car Club, members have 24/7 access to vehicles, including cars and vans, that they can rent by the hour or by the day through the convenience of a mobile app. We are committed to providing the residents and businesses of Dundee with accessible mobility solutions that get them to where they need to be in the most efficient and effective way.”  

    You can find details on the Enterprise website here 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three Board Members reappointed to the Museum of the Home

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Three Board Members reappointed to the Museum of the Home

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Alain Clapham, Viscount Charles Colville and Professor Caroline Malone as Board Members of the Museum of the Home for a second term of 3 years, from 4 November 2024 until 3 November 2027.

    Alain Clapham

    Alain ‘Fusion’ Clapham is an award-winning communicator and strategic thinker, recognised for his ability to shape narratives that connect institutions, businesses and communities. With a background in media, digital strategy, and cultural consultancy, he has worked with leading organisations – including YouTube, Historic Royal Palaces, Wellcome Collection and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) – to develop innovative approaches to audience engagement and institutional change.

    His work with heritage bodies, brands, educational institutions and corporate leaders has positioned him as a key figure in discussions around cultural representation, public discourse, and strategic transformation. He has advised on projects that bridge policy, digital evolution, and public engagement, ensuring institutions remain both forward-thinking and accessible.

    As the director of BMTstories and SUPERORGANIC, Alain leads cultural platforms that connect audiences and industry through innovative practice and creative empowerment. His work as a public speaker, facilitator and Transformative Storyteller fosters dialogue, learning, and expression across diverse communities.

    Viscount Charles Colville

    Charles Colville is a television producer and Crossbench member of the House of Lords. He is a graduate in Modern History from Durham University. He started his career as a journalist in the West Midlands and went on to work for BBC’s Newsnight programme becoming the Moscow producer during the fall of the Soviet Union. Moving to documentaries he made a wide range of science and history programmes working with museums and heritage organisations around the world.

    He used his experience as a journalist and historical knowledge to create independent, fresh narratives. Since leaving the BBC he has made a series on the role of the Queen in our national life. 

    In the House of Lords he speaks on the media and digital issues amongst other matters. He has supported amendments in the Environment Bill to reduce plastic pollution. As a member of cross-party Communications and Digital Select Committee he has taken part in inquiries on digital regulation and UK public service broadcasting. The current inquiry is into the government’s consultation into the privatisation of Channel 4. He is a great supporter of the Museum of the Home and looks forward to continuing working with the Board of Trustees.

    Professor Caroline Malone

    Caroline Malone studied archaeology and anthropology and undertook research on prehistory in southern Europe, an area where she has continued fieldwork in Malta, Sicily and Italy, most recently leading the ERC funded FRAGSUS Project. She was Curator for English Heritage of the Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury and an Inspector of Ancient Monuments before commencing an academic career at Bristol, Cambridge and Queen’s University Belfast. She was the editor of Antiquity Journal, and also has served as Keeper of the former department of Prehistoric and Romano British Antiquities at the British Museum, as Senior Tutor of Hughes Hall Cambridge, and as Senior Proctor of Cambridge University.  She is the author of a number of books and papers. She is currently a visiting Professor at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge and  Emeritus Professor of Prehistory at Queen’s University Belfast, and is DCMS Trustee of the Museum of the Home.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Board Members of the Museum of the Home are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s [Governance Code on Public Appointments].

    The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Alain Clapham has not declared any significant political activity. Caroline Malone has declared that she has stood as a candidate for Local Council Elections in Cambridge, Castle Ward for the Liberal Democrats in 2022, 2023 and 2024. She also canvassed on behalf of the Liberal Democrats in Cambridge, Castle Ward in 2022 and 2023. Viscount Colville is a freelance TV producer.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Contract awarded for next phase of major flood defence works

    Source: City of Derby

    One of the city’s biggest infrastructure projects has moved a step closer, with Derby City Council awarding a £38m contract to John Sisk and Son to deliver the next phase of the Our City, Our River programme.

    This package of works, known as Derby Riverside, will provide significant flood resilience protection to many properties along the left (east) bank of the Derwent from Causey Bridge to Derwent Bridge.

    The newly appointed contractors will be responsible for delivering a new flood wall and floodgates that will offer enhanced protection for Exeter House and properties on Meadow Road and Meadow Lane. They will also carry out demolition of the riverside office blocks on Stuart Street to create a new riverside green area. This will provide more space for flood water to pass through the city in a controlled corridor.

    Enabling works will begin shortly, with demolition and construction work due to start in May.

    This will involve the removal a number of trees along the route, not only to enable defences to be built, but because the riverside park area will only work effectively as a flood conveyance corridor by limiting obstructions.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:

    I’m delighted that the contract is now signed with John Sisk and Sons to deliver the vital second phase of the Our City, Our River flood defence project. These works are crucial as we continue to future proof the city against extreme weather and unlock the potential for regeneration along the river. We can now look forward to seeing work begin on site in the near future.

    Alan Rodger, Managing Director – Sisk Infrastructure & UK North, said:

    We’re delighted to be working with Derby City Council on this phase of the Our City, Our River programme. We understand how vital this project is for further flood prevention and the regeneration of this area in the centre of the city. Our team of dedicated professionals will leverage the latest innovations and sustainability practices to help deliver this fantastic scheme, alongside social value projects in the local community.

    David Turnbull, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager – Derbyshire and Leicestershire for the Environment Agency, said:

    This contract award marks another step forward in delivering the Our City Our River Programme and making Derby more resilient to the threat of climate change. The Environment Agency are proud to be in partnership with Derby City Council for this journey, and we are delighted to see this complex but vital phase of the programme begin very soon.

    The Our City, Our River programme is one of the Environment Agency’s largest local authority-led projects and has already delivered enhanced flood protection to over 2000 properties. Derby Riverside will extend this protection to the east bank of the Derwent and unlock the potential for regeneration in this part of the city.

    John Sisk and Son has a track record of delivering landmark projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe, covering a range of sectors. With a sustainable approach, they look to maximise sustainable construction and minimising the environmental effects of a project, and are also investing significantly in energy efficiency.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Egg packers prosecuted following APHA investigations

    Criminals re-packing of eggs with fake ‘best before’ dates have been stopped and prosecuted, following investigations carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors.

    The prosecutions, which took place between January and March 2025, involved multiple offences under the Egg Marketing Regulations. These included the unlawful re-packing of eggs with altered or extended ‘best before’ dates and breaches of required labelling standards and followed work by Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Egg Marketing Inspectors in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Counter Fraud and Investigation Team.

    • On 31 March 2025, Phillip Hoyland of Summerley Top Farm, Derbyshire pleaded guilty to fraud charges. The charges arose following routine inspections carried out by APHA EMIs and a subsequent investigation by Defra’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Team. Mr Hoyland was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.

    • On 24 March 2025, Barradale Eggs Ltd of Ashford, Kent, was prosecuted at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. The case followed an inspection by an APHA EMI, who identified that a batch of eggs had been re-packed and the original ‘best before’ date extended—contrary to egg marketing legislation. The company was found guilty of one offence and was ordered to pay a fine of £466 and costs of £85.

    • Field Farm Eggs, based in South Newbald, East Yorkshire, was prosecuted at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2025, following inspections conducted by an APHA EMI in December 2023. The inspections revealed that a batch of class A eggs had been re-packed and the ‘best before’ date unlawfully extended.The defendant was found guilty of two offences and fined £1,000, with a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £85.

    • Holyfield Farm Fresh Eggs Ltd, based in north London, pleaded guilty to three charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Monday 20 January 2025 following inspections by an APHA EMI which found the original ‘best before’ date had been extended by four days. The court issued a fine of £2,000 (reduced from £3,000 due to an early guilty plea) and awarded £200 for prosecution costs.

    Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery, Animal and Plant Health Agency said:  

    It’s essential that consumers can trust the eggs they purchase are fresh, safe to eat, and clearly and accurately labelled.

    These cases demonstrate our robust enforcement procedures; across the country we have 35 EMIs who work in our field delivery teams and have the important role of ensuring regulations in the egg industry are adhered to. I welcome these sentences from the courts and hope they will act as a deterrent to others.

    Every egg packaging centre, regardless of scale, must comply with all relevant legislation, including comprehensive environmental and animal welfare rules. 

    The cases are the latest example of robust collective action by APHA, Defra and the EMIs to prevent offences which breach the required labelling standards to maintain the highest food labelling standards in this country so that consumers have confidence in the food that they buy.

    Anyone who has serious concerns about the welfare of livestock is always urged to report issues immediately to the APHA so that urgent action can be taken by telephoning 03000 200 301 or emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CLAY WELLS ROAD, BRAY (Grass Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    BRAY

    Issued on
    09 May 2025 16:13

    BAY Scrub Fire

    Issued for BRAY near Robe in the Lower South East.

    The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) advises that there is a bushfire in the Lake Hawdon South Conservation Park at Bray, approximately 20 kilometres south east of Robe in the Lower South East.

    CFS and Department of Environment and Water crews are currently working to contain the fire within the park’s boundaries, these operations are being supported by private landowners who are utilising heavy machinery.

    This fire will continue to burn throughout the night and will be monitored by crews on scene.

    The fire poses no threat to the community at this time but smoke and flames may be visible from Clay Wells Road and the Southern Ports Highway well into the night.

    Hazards in the area may include reduced visibility due to smoke and emergency vehicles operating in the area.

    Message ID 0008592

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Kiwi heart surgeon, his wife and the film maker in Palestine

    Auckland film maker Paula Whetu Jones has spent nearly two decades working pro bono on a feature film about the Auckland cardiac surgeon Alan Kerr, which is finally now in cinemas.

    She is best known for co-writing and directing Whina, the feature film about Dame Whina Cooper.

    She filmed Dr Kerr and his wife Hazel in 2007, when he led a Kiwi team to Gaza and the West Bank to operate on children with heart disease.

    What started as a two-week visit became a 20 year commitment, involving 40 medical missions to Gaza and the West Bank and hundreds of operations.

    Paula Whetu Jones self-funded six trips to document the work and the result is the feature film The Doctor’s Wife, now being screened free in communities around the country.

    20 years of inspirational work in Palestine

    Pacific Media Watch reports that Paula Whetu Jones writes on her film’s website:

    I met Alan and Hazel Kerr in 2006 and became inspired by their selflessness and dedication. I wanted to learn more about them and shine a light on their achievements.

    I’ve been trying to highlight social issues through documentary film making for 25 years. I have always struggled to obtain funding and this project was no different. We provided most of the funding but it wouldn’t have been possible to complete it without the generosity of a small number of donors.

    Others gave of their time and expertise.

    Film maker Paula Whetu Jones . . . “Our documentary shows the humanity of everyday Palestinians, pre 2022, as told through the eyes of a retired NZ heart surgeon, his wife and two committed female film makers.” Image: NZ On Film

    Our initial intention was to follow Dr Alan in his work in the West Bank and Gaza but we also developed a very special relationship with Hazel.

    While Dr Alan was operating, Hazel took herself all over the West Bank and Gaza, volunteering to help in refugee camps, schools and community centres. We tagged along and realised that Dr Alan and his work was the heart of the film but Hazel was the soul. Hence, the title became The Doctor’s Wife.

    I was due to return to Palestine in 2010 when on the eve of my departure I was struck down by a rare auto immune condition which left me paralysed. It wasn’t until 2012 that I was able to return to Palestine.

    Wheelchair made things hard
    However, being in a wheelchair made everything near on impossible, not to mention my mental state which was not conducive to being creative. In 2013, tragedy struck again when my 22-year-old son died, and I shut down for a year.

    Again, the project seemed so far away, destined for the shelf. Which is where it sat for the next few years while I tried to figure out how to live in a wheelchair and support myself and my daughter.

    The project was re-energised when I made two arts documentaries in Palestine, making sure we filmed Alan while we were there and connecting with a NZ trauma nurse who was also filming.

    By 2022, we knew we needed to complete the doco. We started sorting through many years of footage in different formats, getting the interviews transcribed and edited. The last big push was in 2023. We raised funds and got a few people to help with the logistics.

    I spent six months with three editors and then we used the rough cut to do one last fundraiser that helped us over the line, finally finishing it in March of 2025.

    Our documentary shows the humanity of everyday Palestinians, pre-2022, as told through the eyes of a retired NZ heart surgeon, his wife and two committed female film makers who were told in 2006 that no one cares about old people, sick Palestinian children or Palestine.

    They were wrong. We cared and maybe you do, too.

    What is happening in 2025 means it’s even more important now for people to see the ordinary people of Palestine

    Dr Alan and his wife, Hazel are now 90 and 85 years old respectively. They are the most wonderfully humble humans. Their work over 20 years is nothing short of inspiring.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: It’s almost winter. Why is Australia still so hot?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    This year, for many Australians, it feels like summer never left. The sunny days and warm nights have continued well into autumn. Even now, in May, it’s still unusually warm.

    Much of the southern half of the continent is experiencing both unseasonable warmth and dry conditions. This is linked to persistent high atmospheric pressure (called “blocking”) to the south and southeast of Australia.

    While temperatures will fall across southern Australia as we approach the winter solstice, early indications are that this winter will be a warm one. Rainfall predictions are less certain.

    The extra warmth we’ve experienced raises obvious questions about the influence of human-caused climate change. The warming signal is clear and it’s a sign of things to come.

    A warm and dry autumn for many

    March and April brought unseasonal heat to much of Australia.

    March was widely hot, with temperatures several degrees above normal across much of the country. But April’s heat was largely restricted to the southeast.

    Australia had its hottest March on record and the heat has continued, especially in Victoria and parts of New South Wales.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    Victoria had its warmest April on record, and parts of the state experienced temperatures more than 3°C above normal across both March and April.

    Temperatures normally fall quite quickly over the southeast of Australia during April and May as the days shorten and the continent’s interior cools. But this year, southern Australia was unusually warm at the start of May. Some locations experienced days with maximum temperatures more than 10°C above normal for the time of year.

    Records were broken in Hobart and parts of Melbourne, which had their warmest May nights since observations began.

    The start of May saw daytime maximum temperatures across much of Australia well above average for the time of year.
    Bureau of Meteorology

    While Queensland and the New South Wales coast have had very wet spells, including downpours from Tropical Cyclone Alfred at the start of March, other parts of Australia have been quite dry.

    The area between Adelaide and Melbourne has been exceptionally dry. A drought is unfolding in the region after a severe lack of rainfall, with deficits stretching back over the past year or so. Western Tasmania is also suffering from a severe lack of rainfall since the start of autumn, although welcome rain fell in the past week.

    And it’s not just on land that unusual heat has been observed. The seas around Australia have been warmer than normal, causing severe coral bleaching to the west and east of the continent, harmful algal blooms and other ecosystem disruptions.

    Warm seas likely triggered the microalgal bloom in coastal waters of South Australia.
    Anthony Rowland

    Blocking highs largely to blame

    A high pressure system has dominated over the south and southeast of Australia over the past few months.

    High pressure in the Tasman Sea can sometimes get stuck there for a few days. This leads to what’s known as “blocking”, when the usual passage of weather systems moving from west to east is obstructed. This can lock in weather patterns for several days or even a week.

    Repeated blocking occurred this autumn. As winds move anticlockwise around high pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere, blocking highs in the Tasman Sea can bring moist, onshore winds to the New South Wales and Queensland coasts, increasing rainfall. But such high pressure systems also bring drier conditions for the interior of the southeast and much of Victoria and South Australia.

    Often, these high pressure systems also bring northerly winds to Victoria, and this can cause warmer conditions across much of the state.

    High pressure systems also tend to bring more clear and sunny conditions, which increases daytime temperatures in particular. Air in high pressure systems moves down towards the surface and this process causes warming, too.

    Australia sits between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and is subject to their variability, so we often look there to help explain what’s happening with Australia’s climate. In autumn though, our climate influences, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole, are less active and have weaker relationships with Australian climate than at other times of year. Neither of these climate influences is in a strong phase at the moment.

    A warm winter on the cards

    One big question is how long the heat will last. In parts of southeast Australia, including Melbourne, average temperatures drop quickly at this time of year as we approach the winter solstice.

    However, the seasonal outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology points to a high likelihood of a relatively warm winter.

    Australians rarely escape having a winter without any significant cold spells, but the long-range forecast suggests we should anticipate above-normal temperatures on average. Both daytime maximum temperatures and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to be above average generally this winter.

    Climate and water long-range forecast, issued 1 May 2025 (Bureau of Meteorology)

    Global warming is here

    The elephant in the room is climate change. Human-caused climate change is increasing autumn temperatures and the frequency of late season heat events. As greenhouse gas emissions continue at a record pace, expect continued warming and a greater chance of autumn heatwaves in future.

    The effect of climate change on rainfall is less clear though. For the vast majority of Australia, there is high uncertainty as to whether autumn will become wetter or drier as the world warms.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    – ref. It’s almost winter. Why is Australia still so hot? – https://theconversation.com/its-almost-winter-why-is-australia-still-so-hot-256071

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA Airports Get $66.7M For Safety & Capacity Upgrades From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.08.25
    WA Airports Get $66.7M For Safety & Capacity Upgrades From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
    Cantwell announces $45.4M for Sea-Tac Airport, $7.3M for Tri-Cities Airport, $6.5M for Spokane Airport, nearly $4M for San Juan County airports; Other airports receive funding in Bellingham, Deer Park, Auburn, Richland, Anacortes, Odessa, & Bremerton
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that 12 airports across the State of Washington received a total of $66,758,406 in Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG).
    Enacted by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program provides $14.5 billion nationwide in funding over five years. Sen. Cantwell was instrumental in securing funding for the AIG program and Airport Terminal Program (ATP) in the 2021 BIL.
    AIG funding announced today includes:
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:  $45,400,000
    Tri-Cities Airport:  $7,366,530
    Spokane International Airport: $6,537,017
    Orcas Island Airport: $3,153,888
    Bellingham International Airport: $2,000,000
    Friday Harbor Airport: $834,000
    Deer Park Airport: $585,000
    Auburn Municipal Airport: $395,125
    Richland Airport: $180,500
    Anacortes Airport: $137,000
    Odessa Municipal Airport: $110,000
    Bremerton National Airport: $59,346
    Sea-Tac Award: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will receive $45,400,000 for the Concourse S reconstruction project. This grant funds structural, seismic, and building system upgrades that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of design and pre-construction.
    “Sea-Tac is a vital hub for our region’s economy, and this investment will help ensure it remains safe, modern, and resilient,” said Senator Cantwell. “These upgrades to the S Concourse, the international doorway for travelers in the Pacific Northwest, will support the airport’s continued growth while creating good-paying jobs.”
    Tri-Cities Award: Tri-Cities Airport will receive $7,366,530 for its terminal expansion project. This grant funds an additional baggage make-up area to accommodate more passengers. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design and construction. Last October, Sen. Cantwell visited the airport to tour the project.
    “Tri-Cities Airport is in the midst of a decade-long terminal redevelopment plan, and this funding adds to previous federal investments to speed up expansion of its outdated terminal and baggage handling infrastructure,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As passenger traffic continues to break records, this investment ensures the airport can meet future demand while supporting local jobs and economic development that benefit the region.”
    Spokane Award: Spokane International Airport will receive $6,537,017 for its TREX terminal expansion project. This grant funds construction of three gates and related areas, loading dock access road, fencing, and gates.
    “This funding is another win for Spokane International Airport’s terminal expansion project,” said Sen. Cantwell. ”The Inland Northwest’s main air travel hub continues to break records, serving more than 4.2 million passengers in 2024, the most ever. Expanding Concourse C by over 70,000 square feet and adding new gates will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.”
    San Juan County Awards:
    Orcas Island Airport will receive $3,153,888 to rehabilitate 14,000 square yards of the existing northern and central portions of the Terminal Apron pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.
    Friday Harbor Airport will receive a total of $834,000 for two projects. The airport will receive $486,000 to construct a new 10,000-square-foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage. The airport will also receive $348,000 project to expand an existing pump fuel facility.
    “This funding is a critical investment in the safety and sustainability of Orcas Island and Friday Harbor Airports, key gateways to the San Juans,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Rehabilitated runways will make flights into Orcas Island safer and smoother. Aircraft owners will be able to lease space at Friday Harbor Airport’s new hangar and buy more fuel at their expanded pump, generating more operating revenue for the airport. These projects will set the airports up to serve San Juan County visitors and residents for decades to come.”
    Other Awards:
    Bellingham International Airport will receive $2,000,000 for a project to rehabilitate 6,700 feet of existing paved Runway 16/34 to maintain its structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
    Deer Park Airport will receive $585,000 toward construction of a new 347-foot Taxilane AS-1, 475-foot Taxilane AS-2, 369-foot Taxilane AS-3, and 312-foot Taxilane AS-4 to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
    Auburn Municipal Airport will receive $395,125 for multiple infrastructure improvements including a new automated weather observing system (AWOS-IIIPT) to provide site-specific weather information and a new electrical generator and replace an existing airport rotating beacon that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds a portion of phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Richland Airport will receive $180,500 to expand the existing main apron by adding 6,040 square yards to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
    Anacortes Airport will receive $137,000 for runway safety improvements including a new lighted wind cone navigational aid to provide pilots with critical airfield information, a runway end identifier lights system and precision approach path indicator system, and reconstructing the runway signage that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Odessa Municipal Airport will receive $110,000 to acquire and install a replacement wind cone navigational aid to provide pilots with critical airfield information. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Bremerton National Airport will receive $59,346 to conduct an environmental study required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act for the proposed Eastside Development Area project, which includes taxiway infrastructure, lighting, hangar, and cargo development.
    Sen. Cantwell worked hard to secure funding for air travel infrastructure nationwide as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With her support, the infrastructure package provided a total of $25 billion for airport improvements, including $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program and $15 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants. In 2023, airports across the state of Washington received nearly $200 million in federal funding through a combination of AIG, ATP, and the Airport Improvement Program, and in 2024, Washington state airports received over $133 million in federal funding.
    In addition, Sen. Cantwell also helped to secure over $217 million in Airport Rescue Grants for Washington airports to help them weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Last May, Sen. Cantwell additionally shepherded the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for five years. The new law included top Cantwell priorities including enhancing safety oversight, strengthening workforce development, boosting next-generation aviation innovation, and codifying consumer protections.

    Airport

    Amount

    City

    County

    Seattle-Tacoma International

    $           45,400,000

    Seattle

    King

    Tri-Cities

    $             7,366,530

    Pasco

    Franklin

    Spokane International

    $             6,537,017

    Spokane

    Spokane

    Orcas Island

    $             3,153,888

    Eastsound

    San Juan

    Bellingham International

    $             2,000,000

    Bellingham

    Whatcom

    Deer Park

    $                585,000

    Deer Park

    Spokane

    Friday Harbor

    $                486,000

    Friday Harbor

    San Juan

    Auburn Municipal

    $                395,125

    Auburn

    King

    Friday Harbor

    $                348,000

    Friday Harbor

    San Juan

    Richland

    $                180,500

    Richland

    Benton

    Anacortes

    $                137,000

    Anacortes

    Skagit

    Odessa Municipal

    $                110,000

    Odessa

    Lincoln

    Bremerton National

    $                  59,346

    Bremerton

    Kitsap

    TOTAL

    $          66,758,406

     
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Labor’s extraordinary election result has triggered a power play that has exposed the uglier entrails of Labor factionalism.

    Even before the new caucus met in Canberra on Friday, the Labor right had dumped two of its cabinet ministers: Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Dreyfus is from the Victorian right, Husic from the New South Wales right.

    In Labor, factionalism can trump merit. Not always, of course, but undoubtedly more often than is desirable, and certainly in this case.

    These dramatic demotions to the backbench have been driven by two factors.

    The left has more numbers in the caucus after the election, meaning that to preserve factional balances, one minister from the right had to go.

    And then Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles used his heft as chief of the Victorian right to protect the numbers of that group in the ministry, at the expense of the NSW right, and to secure a key promotion.

    In sacrificing Dreyfus who, while from the right, isn’t a serious factional player, Marles has seen the elevation into the outer ministry of his numbers man Sam Rae (as well as another Victorian right-winger, Daniel Mulino).

    Rae, little known publicly, has only been in parliament since 2022. He’s a former Victorian Labor state secretary and was a partner at PwC. Mulino, with a substantial background in economic policy, has served in both the Victorian and federal parliaments.

    Some see the Marles move as, in part, looking to shore up his numbers for any future leadership race. While this might sound far-fetched, given Anthony Albanese’s huge win and declaration he’ll serve a full term, aspirants always have an eye on the future. The manoeuvre won’t be missed by another leadership aspirant, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, a Queenslander who is also from the right.

    Given his enhanced authority, Albanese could have intervened to protect the two ministers – there was an attempt from within the NSW right to get him to do so for Husic – but has chosen to let the factional power play take its course. He said on Thursday, “we have a process and we’ll work it through”, adding that “no individual is greater than the collective, and that includes myself”.

    In the fallout, with the loss of Dreyfus there will be no Jewish minister, which is unfortunate in light of the government’s strained relations with the Jewish community. Husic’s demotion takes the only Muslim out of cabinet, although the speculation is another Muslim, Anne Aly, will be elevated to cabinet.

    Former prime minister Paul Keating was scathing of the demotions, denouncing the “appalling denial of Husic’s diligence and application in bringing the core and emerging technologies of the digital age to the centre of Australian public policy”.

    Keating said Albanese’s non-intervention in relation to Husic “is, in effect, an endorsement of a representative of another state group – in this case, the Victorian right faction led by Richard Marles – a faction demonstrably devoid of creativity and capacity”.

    Keating described the treatment of the two ministers as “a showing of poor judgement, unfairness and diminished respect for the contribution of others”.

    It will take a while to see what ripples the factional power play brings. Husic, certainly, is feisty. He could become a strong voice on a Labor backbench that has been basically quiescent. He is already booked to appear on the ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday and its Q&A panel on Monday.

    Now that the factions have had their say, the prime minister allocates jobs, with particular interest on what Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek receives.

    On the other side of politics, it is not surprising there is widespread anger, ill feeling and recriminations, given the magnitude of the Liberals’ defeat. The contest for leadership between the party’s Deputy Leader Sussan Ley and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor had already become willing before the bombshell defection of Senator Jacinta Price from the Nationals to the Liberals increased the angst exponentially.

    The Nationals feel betrayed that their star performer has walked out on them. Her defection will complicate negotiations between the Liberals and the Nationals over their inter-party agreement.

    The move, part of the attempt by Taylor, from the right, to boost his support, is further dividing the Liberal party. It is not yet clear whether Price will join a ticket with Taylor to run for deputy. In interviews on Thursday night and Friday morning she kept her options open, presumably to determine what numbers she would draw.

    While having the Liberal deputy in the Senate would be inconvenient, it has precedent. Fred Chaney, then a senator, became deputy in Andrew Peacock’s coup against John Howard in 1989. It didn’t end well.

    If Price did run, that might help Taylor with some Liberals currently uncertain of which leadership contender to support, because they would know she would be popular in their branches.

    But for the moderates in the party, who want the Liberals to find a path back in traditional urban areas, the arrival of Price, with her hardline right views, sends all the wrong signals. The leafy city suburbs are populated with small-l voters and professional women, who would not see themselves in tune with Price’s views.

    It there was a Taylor-Price leadership team that would be an unmistakable message – that the Liberals were tracking very significantly away from the mainstream in which most voters swim.

    Price was the leading figure who helped sink the Voice referendum, but she has not yet proved herself on the broader range of issues. In the campaign, her reference to “make Australia great again” was used against the Coalition to claim it was “Trumpian”.

    Explaining her move, Price says that she had actually always wanted to sit in the Liberal party room. She comes from the Northern Territory Country Liberal party, whose representatives sit with either the Liberals or the Nationals, according to a formula.

    On her timing, Price said, “right now, amongst many of the conversations I have had with those leading up to making this decision, is that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures”.

    Within the Liberals, Price, given her profile and her status as a poster-woman of the rightwing media, will potentially be hard to handle.

    While Labor savours the taste of triumph, and the Coalition drinks the the bitter brew of defeat, a week on Dreyfus, Husic and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: two ministers and the Nationals discover the limits of loyalty in politics – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-two-ministers-and-the-nationals-discover-the-limits-of-loyalty-in-politics-255959

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Murray, Merkley, WA & Oregon Fire Officials Lay Out How Trump is Putting Wildfire Preparedness & Response at Risk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, hosted a virtual press call alongside Pacific Northwest wildfire officials to sound the alarm on how the Trump administration’s funding freezes and punishing cuts to the workforce at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and other key agencies are seriously undermining wildfire preparedness and response in Washington state and Oregon and putting communities at risk.
    Forest Service employees work to maintain the health of our national forests and public lands and play an essential role in wildfire preparedness and response. About 75 percent of USFS staff are trained in wildland firefighting, and these workers have helped support firefighting efforts across Oregon and Washington state. But the Trump administration has now cut an estimated 7,400 employees at the Forest Service—including thousands of workers who were fired outright and thousands more who were pressured into taking the administration’s deferred resignation “offer.” In the Pacific Northwest, over 500 Forest Service employees have already been pushed out the door. Most of the Forest Service employees who have been terminated worked “boots-on-the-ground jobs.” It is also unclear how the blanket federal hiring freeze the Trump administration announced in January has affected USFS’ ability to hire seasonal wildland firefighters, as the administration is refusing to share critical information about staffing levels with Congress and the American people just weeks out from the beginning of fire season.  
    “When we invest in fire prevention, we are investing in saving lives, and really in saving entire communities.  And one of the most important investments we make is in the people who do this work. From hiring people who carry out important fire prevention work, to training people who can jump in to help fight fires when we need more hands. But all of that work is being thrown into jeopardy right now. Because, while Trump wants to claim that no firefighters have been laid off—as [is] so often the case, he just does not have a clue about what he is talking about. The reality is that Trump has decimated the U.S. Forest Service,” Senator Murray said. “Nearly every single Forest Service employee supports fire operations in some capacity. Trail maintenance crews ensure access to routes remain clear for firefighting personnel and equipment. Biologists conduct essential environmental assessments that inform prescribed burns and fuel reduction strategies. And other support staff like camp managers and administrative personnel receive firefighting training and are mobilized during peak fire season to bolster our frontline crews.  And remember, Trump has also said he wants to eliminate FEMA entirely… Trump is not just gutting the work to prevent fires—but the work to rebuild after disaster. Trump is taking a match to the frontline of defense for our forests, and our communities. So, we are here today to pull the fire alarm, and we’re going to set off some sirens.”
    “Wildfire season is almost here, but the Trump Administration has left us dangerously under-prepared,” Senator Merkley said. “I have been sounding the alarm about the need to seize every moment to prepare for and mitigate wildfires, from reducing hazardous fuels to hiring enough wildland firefighters to battle blazes on the frontlines. But instead of ramping up these efforts when we had the chance, Trump and Elon Musk stood in the way of funding projects that Oregon, Washington, and other Western states needed to protect our homes, businesses, and public lands. The Trump Administration is literally playing with fire, and it’s our communities that could get burned.”
    The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is predicting this will be an “above-average” year for wildfires, especially across Eastern Washington, and state officials have been sounding the alarm over a lack of federal resources and support. Federal agencies have jurisdiction over approximately 43 percent of public lands in Washington state. During last year’s fire season, 308,000 acres were burned by more than 1,400 fires across Washington. Officials are expecting above normal fire potential this fire season in Eastern Washington due short-term drought in the region which could worsen areawide as the 2025 summer progresses. 
    “Many don’t even understand how interconnected wildland fire response is in our nation. Across our state, and across all states, the folks on the ground are actually from Forest Service, DOI, state forestry agencies, and local fire service on the majority of fires that we see on the landscape. In fact, state and local fire service together account for almost 80 percent of the wildland fire response in this country. But with all the changes occurring, the biggest issue we’re currently facing is not always the funding but it’s the lack of communication. What we are having to do right now as we enter our summer fire season is prepare. Much like the Senator said, this is the time when we are making certain that we have the aviation we need, when we have the personnel we need, and that all of our systems check out and are ready to go when the alarm bell rings. Without knowing what our partners are doing or not having a clear understanding of what actions are being taken, we struggle with missing the third leg of the stool that we have. And so that, more than anything at the state level, has truly made it a challenge as we go into what looks to be a pretty significant wildland fire season,” said Washington State Forester George Geissler.
    “When we don’t have those interagency relationships and federal resources available, the burden transfers over to fire districts, to the State Department of Natural Resources, in combating fire that is threatening our jurisdictions, or it’s potentially coming into those interface areas around us that’s normally got higher levels of protection from the federal agencies. That lack of resources really creates us a scenario where that higher utilization pulls resources away from our local fire departments in order to work on those incidents, may commit them for longer periods of time, and there’s also the concern about understanding how those jurisdictions are impacted from a reimbursement standpoint. Most importantly that the current draft executive order that we have heard about from the administration and hasn’t addressed yet how the new firefighting systems at the federal level may look in the future,” said Leonard Johnson, Fire Chief at the McLane Black Fire Department in Washington state. “One of the things that’s been most interesting to us is that with the cuts they made to the workforce, both in the US Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, is that we’ve seen some of those impacts with positions that were reduced, or probationary employees that were removed, are going to start impacting our workforce in the incident management organizations. Those incident management organizations range from the local level, type three teams that serve in the regional areas, more locally in the counties, to the ones that also serve across the state geographical area, both across Washington and Oregon. We have not yet seen or been able to quantify, what the reduction in available personnel in those agencies, how that’s going to impact those teams.”
    “We remain concerned really about the impact on all the essential services that the Forest Service provides that were caused by these cuts in the Forest Service workforce, and we anticipate additional cuts in staffing, and this will significantly impede the ability of the Forest Service to deliver critical goods and services to the American people—including protecting communities from the effects of catastrophic wildfire. The staffing cuts that were imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, from our standpoint, did not resemble an attempt to improve efficiencies because they did not really maintain essential service that’s focused on the needs of the American public. These indiscriminate reductions, along with the whole about 1000 or so staff that took deferred resignations, planned reductions in force in the future—they’re essentially hollowing out the agency and jeopardizing the future of America’s forest and ultimately, the American taxpayers that we serve,”said Steve Ellis, Chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees and former supervisor of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. “While some of these employees that were fired, hastily fired, have been brought back to work, please, don’t underestimate the uncertainty and damage to morale, and slowed work on wildland fire prevention and suppression and other things that the public relies on. The one thing that these workforce reductions did that I took notice of, was it overlooked the critical role of many thousands of Forest Service employees who assist in firefighting efforts but are not primarily firefighters. I was one of those for a good part of the 38 years of my career. The administration has fired many of the employees or encouraged or accepted their resignations—we understand as I’ve said, that others are targeting future RIF actions. Forest Service documentation indicates that through these various actions, the agency has lost over 1,600 red card wildland fire qualified personnel, and this doesn’t include the losses associated with probationary employees who did not return after their February 14th firing. According to the National Federation of Federal Employees, about 75 percent of terminated probationary employees, had red cards and were wildfire qualified.”
    “The incident management team shortages that we’re looking at for this coming fire season are very concerning. We’ve been told by our local forest service unit that of the 45 incident management teams that respond to the most serious incidents and relieve local resources of the burden of maintaining and managing the incidents…Nine out of those 45 incident management teams are no longer staffed going into this fire season, so that is a big concern. If those teams are committed to other fires, and then we have a serious fire that’s impacting our local landscape, and there are no more incident management teams to call on,” said Chris Chambers, Forestry Officer for Ashland Fire & Rescue. “That work can’t happen without the staffing available at the local district level, the forest level, and the region level, biologists, timber sale contract managers, everybody that has to be in place to make those projects successful. And as also was illustrated earlier, those are the same people who turn around during fire season and support the firefighting effort. It’s really a double whammy. In losing that staffing we aren’t able to implement the kinds of projects that are to protect communities and infrastructure ahead of fire season, and also losing the staff support for the firefighting effort when fire is on the ground during the summer. It’s particularly concerning, losing folks who are the most experienced staff that are taking the buyout, like we’re losing our local district rangers, people who have had the most experience on how to navigate the land management system, the environmental analysis that needs to be done to make these projects happen, those people are taking the early out. They’re leaving, and we are left with people who don’t have the kind of experience and knowledge to navigate the system to make these projects successful.”
    Senator Murray is working to secure critical investments in wildfire suppression and mitigation—and in our firefighters. Last year, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she secured nearly $22 million in funding for wildfire risk reduction projects across Washington state as part of the USFS Wildfire Crisis Strategy. In the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2024, she worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. And in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, secured $25 million in funding for wildfire mitigation projects across Washington state.
    Senator Murray has been a leading voice raising the alarm about how Trump and Elon’s mass firings across the federal workforce will undermine services all Americans rely on and hurt families, veterans, small businesses, farmers, and so many others in Washington state and across the country. Senator Murray has spoken out on the Senate floor repeatedly against this administration’s attacks on federal workers, held multiple press conferences with federal workers—including at U.S. Forest Service—who are being fired for no reason and through no fault of their own, released information about the mass firings, and repeatedly outlined her concerns with the administration’s so-called “Fork in the Road” offer to her constituents in Washington state.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered at today’s press conference, are below and video is HERE:
    “Thank you to all of our panelists, and thank all of you for joining us to focus on something that is so important—wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response.
    “Wildfires are not new to the Pacific Northwest. They are not a surprise. They are a constant threat. Now, we may not know exactly when or where they will strike, but we do know they are coming. They happen every year.
    “Every year, we get a painful reminder about why we have to get ready—and stay ready. We get a reminder of the ways the prevention we do today, the preparation we do today, can help stop fires tomorrow.
    “When we invest in fire prevention—we are investing in saving lives, and really in saving entire communities.
    “And one of the most important investments we make is in the people who do this work. From hiring people who carry out important fire prevention work, to training people who can jump in to help fight fires when we need more hands. But all of that work is being thrown into jeopardy right now.
    “Because, while Trump wants to claim that no firefighters have been laid off—as [is] so often the case, he just does not have a clue about what he is talking about.
    “The reality is that Trump has decimated the U.S. Forest Service, firing more than 3,400 probationary employees, not to mention pressuring another 4,000 workers to take the so-called buyouts under threat of more workforce reductions in the future. More than 500 Forest Service employees in the Pacific Northwest have already been pushed out by this administration.
    “I have spoken with several Forest Service workers, from across Washington state who loved their job, who played an important role fighting fires, and who are gone now—thanks to Trump.
    “We hardly know the full scope of the damage because the administration won’t share the information, but I’ve heard of at least 35 people at Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, 46 at Okanogan Wenatchee, 21 at Colville, 15 at Gifford Pinchot, and more at the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Olympic National Forest, and Methow Valley!
    “And here’s the thing: nearly every single Forest Service employee supports fire operations in some capacity. Trail maintenance crews ensure access to routes remain clear for firefighting personnel and equipment. Biologists conduct essential environmental assessments that inform prescribed burns and fuel reduction strategies. And other support staff like camp managers, and administrative personnel, receive firefighting training and are mobilized during peak fire season to bolster our frontline crews.
    “In fact, around three-quarters of Forest Service workers are trained in wildland firefighting. They provide crucial surge capacity when crisis strikes.
    “And remember, Trump has also said he wants to eliminate FEMA entirely, and he has already denied one emergency declaration for Washington state, for recovery from the bomb-cyclone storm that struck our communities in November. Trump is not just gutting the work to prevent fires—but the work to rebuild after disaster. We have to get loud about this, and that is why I wanted to put this call together.
    “Trump is taking a match to the frontline of defense for our forests, and our communities. So we are here today to pull the fire alarm, and we’re going to set off some sirens. We are going to keep focused on this, and we’re going to keep pushing back. There is just too much at stake to do anything less.
    “And now I’d like to turn it over to Senator Merkley. He is my fellow Pacific Northwest colleague, and he is my partner on the Senate Appropriations Committee who helps lead the fight to protect federal investments in our wildfire preparedness and in our response efforts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 9, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 9, 2025.

    What is grounding and could it improve my sleep? Here’s the science behind this TikTok trend
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dean J. Miller, Senior Lecturer, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Alexey Demidov/Pexels Have you ever felt an unexpected sense of calm while walking barefoot on grass? Or noticed your stress begin to fade as you stood ankle deep in the ocean? If so, you may

    Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University Studio Nut/Shutterstock Google has announced it will roll out its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to children under the age of 13. While the launch starts within the next week in

    PNG’s Gorethy Kenneth: 23 years of fearless journalism and unwavering truth
    PROFILE: By Alu J Kalinoe At Papua New Guinea’s Post-Courier, our senior journalists often operate in the shadows, yet their courageous efforts are often overlooked — continuously pushing boundaries to bring us important stories that shape our lives and venturing outside their comfort zones to deliver top-notch content. This is the tale of one of

    ‘Peace be with all of you’: how Pope Leo XIV embodies a living dialogue between tradition and modernity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darius von Guttner Sporzynski, Historian, Australian Catholic University When Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV, he set three precedents. He is the first pope from North America, the first Augustinian to occupy the throne of Peter, and the

    Experts split on Australia’s Papua New Guinea military recruitment plan
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist Australia’s plan to recruit from Papua New Guinea for its Defence Force raises “major ethical concerns”, according to the Australia Defence Association, while another expert thinks it is broadly a good idea. The two nations are set to begin negotiating a new defence treaty that is expected to see

    Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They

    As Filipinos prepare to vote, ex-strongman Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest is dividing families – all the way to the president
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Noel Morada, Visiting Professor, Nelson Mandela Centre, Chulalongkorn University; and Research Fellow, Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, Chulalongkorn University It’s been two months since former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face potential prosecution

    How the word ‘incel’ got away from us
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farid Zaid, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Monash University Javier Bermudez Zayas/Shutterstock Imagine a young man whose voice has been worn down by years of feeling invisible. Plain, numb and bitter, the “incel” tries to explain the kind of hopelessness most of us would rather not confront: I believed

    Kiwi kids once led the world in reading – this 1950s primary school syllabus still has lessons for today
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Boyask, Director of LitPlus, AUT School of Education, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images There is a well-known whakatauki (Māori proverb) that goes: “Ka mua, ka muri” – “walking backwards into the future”. It applies to many areas of life, but in education the idea of

    Some Reddit users just love to disagree, new AI-powered troll-spotting algorithm finds
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor in Behavioral Data Science, University of Technology Sydney ginger_polina_bublik/Shutterstock In today’s fractured online landscape, it is harder than ever to identify harmful actors such as trolls and misinformation spreaders. Often, efforts to spot malicious accounts focus on analysing what they say. However, our

    To split Moscow from Beijing, Trump is reviving Nixon’s ‘madman diplomacy’. It could backfire badly
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Langford, Executive Director, Security & Defence PLuS and Professor, UNSW Sydney When United States President William McKinley advocated high‑tariff protectionism in 1896, he argued squeezing foreign competitors behind a 50% wall of duties would make America richer and safer. That logic framed US trade debates for

    A community-led health program in remote Arnhem land is showing promising results for First Nations locals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hasthi Dissanayake, Research Fellow in Indigenous Health, The University of Melbourne The Doherty Institute Indigenous Australians are more than twice as likely as non-Indigenous Australians to suffer from disease, particularly chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. The health disparities are worse in remote

    Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Cox, Professor of Literacy Education, University of Tasmania Mart Production/Pexels , CC BY Is reading to your kids a bedtime ritual in your home? For many of us, it will be a visceral memory of our own childhoods. Or of the time raising now grown-up children.

    Old drains and railways are full of life. Here’s how to make the most of these overlooked green spaces
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Stanford, Researcher Associate, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University Much of the old circular railway line in Paris, La Petite Ceinture, or Little Belt, has been turned into a public park. ldgfr photos, Shutterstock Across Australian cities, leftover and overlooked green spaces are everywhere. Just think

    Ever wanted to ditch the 9-to-5 and teach snowsports? We followed people who did it for 10 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marian Makkar, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, RMIT University Konstantin Shishkin/Shutterstock Workplace burnout – a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion – and the COVID pandemic have sparked a rethink of the traditional 9-to-5 job. It’s been estimated 30% of the Australian workforce is experiencing some degree

    Stepmums, alien mums, robot mums, vengeful mums: 7 films to watch this Mother’s Day
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Gildersleeve, Professor of English Literature, University of Southern Queensland With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering what gift you’ll give mum – or any of the mums in your life. This year, why not skip the fancy dinner and offer one of the

    Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dennis Doyle, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, University of Dayton Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, 2025. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been picked to be the

    Grattan on Friday: Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice, as Jacinta Price defects from Nationals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra By late last week it was clear Labor would win the election, but it came as more of a surprise when Peter Dutton lost the Queensland seat of Dickson he’d held since 2001. Nor did many anticipate Greens leader Adam

    Fiji media’s Stan Simpson blasts ‘hypocrites’ in social media clash over press freedom
    Pacific Media Watch Barely hours after being guest speaker at the University of the South Pacific‘s annual World Press Freedom Day event this week, Fiji media industry stalwart Stanley Simpson was forced to fend off local trolls whom he described as “hypocrites”. “Attacked by both the Fiji Labour Party and ex-FijiFirst MPs in just one

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: David Pocock wants us to aim for up to 90% reduction in emissions by 2035
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In the new parliament the government is expected to need only the Greens to pass the legislation opposed by the Coalition. Counting is not finished but on present indications it won’t require any other Senate crossbenchers. Given Labor’s enhanced position

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prepare for Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding Through This Weekend

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain through this weekend. New Yorkers across the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and Capital Region could see up to 3 inches of rain beginning tonight into Saturday and are cautioned to be vigilant in impacted areas. Parts of the North Country, Finger Lakes and Central New York could see between 1 to 1.5 inches of rain. Following recent heavy rains, minor to moderate flooding could occur in these areas. The Governor also launched Triple Three Triple One today — a real-time text-based emergency and weather alert system. New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to text their county or borough of residence to 333111 to stay up-to-date on the rain and potential flooding expected this weekend.

    “As heavy rains approach parts of the State, I’m directing State agencies to be on standby to support New Yorkers in the path of rainfall and potential flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “All New Yorkers should take out their phones and text their county or borough of residence to 333111 to sign up for our new emergency alert system and get real-time weather information — this is how we better prepare ourselves for inclement weather.”

    Triple Three Triple One
    New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for the new text-based emergency and weather alert system — providing real-time updates and quickening preparedness during weather events. It’s easy to get started and free to sign up. New Yorkers can simply text the name of the county they’d like to receive alerts for to 333111. Once the text message is sent, users will automatically be enrolled and begin receiving emergency and weather alerts when they occur in their selected county. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. For example, StatenIsland. For the entire New York City metro area, text NewYorkCity. The system is not case sensitive. Users can also register to receive alerts for multiple counties by texting additional county names, one at a time. This will allow residents to stay up to date on alerts in areas where their loved ones may live. It is free to sign up for Triple Three Triple One and the service is available on all cellular carriers. Standard text messaging and data rates may apply.

    Flood Watches and Warnings are currently in effect for several areas of the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM has enhanced their monitoring, and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated the Fire Operations Center. Water rescue teams will be pre-staged to deploy if needed and state stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation
    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,649 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,503 large dump trucks
    • 333 large loaders
    • 89 chippers
    • 85 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 30 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority
    The Thruway Authority has 658 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 353 Large and Small Dump Trucks
    • 62 Loaders
    • 31 Trailers
    • 6 Vac Trucks
    • 15 Excavators
    • 9 Brush Chippers
    • 101 Chainsaws
    • 20 Aerial Trucks
    • 27 Skid Steers
    • 86 Portable Generators
    • 66 Portable Light Units

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, formerly known as Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

    Department of Public Service
    New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police
    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation
    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

    Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, snow, ice, and colder temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience. Trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, slush, and mud.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

    Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Flood Safety

    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • If you live in a flood-prone area, document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.
    • Obtain flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding.
    • Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Traveling during a flood can be extremely dangerous. One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Consider those with access and functional needs to determine if they are prepared for a flood emergency where they live and work.

    For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Voices across ages and fields unite to reimagine Manukau Harbour’s future

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    From policy to infrastructure; traditional knowledge to harnessing the power of community action. The Manukau Harbour Symposium on Saturday 31 May will showcase thinking, solutions and opportunities for New Zealand’s second-biggest harbour.

    Keynote speaker and thought leader Cassie Roma will show how communities can open hearts and minds to connect to the environment and work together to create cultures of care between people, systems and pathway.

    Regnerative specialists Johnie Freeland (Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāi Tūhoe) and Charmaine Bailie (Te Uri o Hau – Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) will reflect on restoring and healing the whenua in large scale and local projects. Scientist Peter Nuttall will speak on climate change impacts in the South Pacific and its impact on coastal and marae communities here in the harbour, while Dr Rashi Parker of Birdcare Aotearoa will reflect on the contribution of seabirds to resilient populations and how we can start to solve the impacts of human activity on their wellbeing.

    The work of our rangitahi to create genuine outcomes for the harbour, through the Rangitahi Environmental Action Leaders program will be highlighted and in a section of intergenerational stories we will hear from those who love and spend time on the harbour including Coastguard, the Portage Crossing Trust, Pest Free South Auckland, Awhitu Landcare, SeaCleaners, and more.

    Attendees will learn about Auckland Council work programs and Scientist Dr Megan Carbine will highlight Auckland Council’s latest environmental monitoring data while Cr Richard Hills from Auckland Council will present on the National Environment Strategy work program.

    Myself and the rest of the Forum members are excited to be bringing this event to the shores of the Manukau. There’s a great range of speakers and there should be lots of opportunity to catch up with other people doing great work around the Harbour

    There will also be a range of community displays, and the Watercare Central Interceptor Travelling Discovery Centre and Auckland Council Marine Biosecurity trailer will be featured.

    The day will be hosted by MC Mandy Kupenga, and the Symposium will also announce recipients of the ‘Ngaa Tohu o te Manukau – Celebrating Harbour Champions’ Awards, which recognise individuals, stakeholders, organisations or community groups for their work to protect and restore the mauri of the harbour.

    One week before the Symposium the Manukau Harbour Forum will also host a clean-up and restoration event, the Love Your Harbour Day, at Island Road, Māngere. This event is held with the support of Te Motu a Hiaroa Charitable Trust, Auckland Council and SeaCleaners, and targets one of the worst sites for illegal dumping in the region.

    The Manukau Harbour Symposium will be held on Saturday 31 May in the Auditorium at Green Bay High School.

    The Symposium is supported by the Manukau Harbour Forum, a joint committee formed by the nine local boards of Auckland Council that surround the harbour. It advocates for better resourcing and a focus on this taonga.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 8 May 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-05-08

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 8 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Composition of political groups

    Volker Schnurrbusch was no longer sitting as a non-attached Member and had joined the ESN Group as of 8 May 2025.


    3. Composition of committees and delegations

    The ESN Group had notified the President of the following decision changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    – TRAN Committee: Volker Schnurrbusch to replace Siegbert Frank Droese

    The decision took effect as of that day.


    4. 80 years after the end of World War II – freedom, democracy and security as the heritage of Europe (debate)

    Statements by Parliament: 80 years after the end of World War II – freedom, democracy and security as the heritage of Europe (2025/2694(RSP))

    The following spoke: Sebastião Bugalho, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marc Angel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Patryk Jaki, on behalf of the ECR Group, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, on behalf of the Renew Group, Thomas Waitz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Sandra Kalniete, Javi López, Hermann Tertsch, Adrian-George Axinia, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who also answered blue-card questions from Arkadiusz Mularczyk and Petr Bystron, Nela Riehl, Marina Mesure, Stanislav Stoyanov, Ruth Firmenich, Łukasz Kohut, Evelyn Regner, António Tânger Corrêa, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Michał Kobosko, Benedetta Scuderi, Danilo Della Valle, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Ondřej Dostál, Wouter Beke, Francisco Assis, who also answered a blue-card question from Sebastião Bugalho, Anders Vistisen, Rihards Kols, Charles Goerens and Arkadiusz Mularczyk to put a blue-card question to Charles Goerens.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Charles Goerens, who answered a blue-card question from Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Jaume Asens Llodrà, João Oliveira, Ivan David, Danuše Nerudová, Cecilia Strada, Alexandre Varaut, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Dan Barna, Anna Strolenberg, Rudi Kennes, Paulius Saudargas, René Repasi, who also answered blue-card questions from Bogdan Rzońca and Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Marieke Ehlers, Aurelijus Veryga, Anna-Maja Henriksson, Sunčana Glavak, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Martin Hojsík, Evin Incir, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, Adam Bielan, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Engin Eroglu, Nils Ušakovs, Christophe Grudler, Nikos Papandreou, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin and Matjaž Nemec.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Viktória Ferenc, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Siegbert Frank Droese, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos and Lukas Sieper.

    The debate closed.


    5. Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (debate)

    Question for oral answer O-000012/2025 by Anna Cavazzini, on behalf of the IMCO Committee to the Commission: B10-0005/2025 (2025/2542(RSP))

    Anna Cavazzini moved the question.

    Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President of the Commission) answered the question.

    The following spoke: Andreas Schwab, on behalf of the PPE Group, Laura Ballarín Cereza, on behalf of the S&D Group, Klara Dostalova, on behalf of the PfE Group, Stefano Cavedagna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Svenja Hahn, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Hanna Gedin, on behalf of The Left Group, Pablo Arias Echeverría, Alex Agius Saliba, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Biljana Borzan, Elisabeth Dieringer, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Tomislav Sokol, Pierre Jouvet, Zala Tomašič, Dimitris Tsiodras and Regina Doherty.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Bogdan Rzońca, João Oliveira and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Stéphane Séjourné.

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 142(5) to wind up the debate: minutes of 8.5.2025, item I.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:51.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:04.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: René Aust, concerning an incident on Parliament’s premises in Brussels on 30 April 2025 (the President provided some clarifications).


    7. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    7.1. Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0260/2025 (minutes of 8.5.2025, item I), B10-0260/2025, B10-0261/2025, B10-0262/2025, B10-0263/2025, B10-0264/2025 and B10-0265/2025 (minutes of 7.5.2025, item I) (2025/2690(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0095)

    (Motion for a resolution B10-0262/2025 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)






    7.4. Ninth report on economic and social cohesion (vote)

    Report on the ninth report on economic and social cohesion [2024/2107(INI)] – Committee on Regional Development. Rapporteur: Jacek Protas (A10-0066/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0098)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 4)


    7.5. CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027 ***I (vote)

    Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 to include an additional flexibility as regards the calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for the calendar years 2025 to 2027 – (COM(2025)0136 – C10-0062/2025 – 2025/0070(COD)) – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0099)

    Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 5)


    7.6. The protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) ***I (vote)

    Amending Council Directive 92/43/EEC as regards the protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus) – (COM(2025)0106 – C10-0044/2025 – 2025/0058(COD)) – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL TO REJECT THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL

    Rejected

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0100)

    Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 6)


    7.7. The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season [COM(2025)0099 – C10-0041/2025 – 2025/0051(COD)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 7 May 2025 (minutes of 7.5.2025, item 16).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0101)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Borys Budka (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for institutional negotiations, under Rule 60(4). Parliament agreed to the request.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 7)


    7.8. Screening of foreign investments in the Union ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the screening of foreign investments in the Union and repealing Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council [COM(2024)0023 – C9-0011/2024 – 2024/0017(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Raphaël Glucksmann (A10-0061/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0102)

    REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE

    Approved

    The following had spoken:

    Raphaël Glucksmann (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for institutional negotiations, under Rule 60(4). Parliament agreed to the request.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 8)


    7.9. Suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union ***I (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union [COM(2025)0107 – C10-0042/2025 – 2025/0056(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Karin Karlsbro (A10-0059/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    REQUEST TO POSTPONE THE VOTE (ESN Group) (Rule 206(4))

    Rejected

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0103)

    Parliament’s first reading thus closed.

    The following had spoken:

    – Hans Neuhoff, on behalf of the ESN Group, to request that the vote be postponed pursuant to Rule 206(4), and Bernd Lange, against the request.

    – Karin Karlsbro (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement under Rule 165(4).

    – Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission), before the vote, to make a statement.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 9)


    7.10. Competition policy – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on competition policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2079(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Lara Wolters (A10-0071/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 7 May 2025 (minutes of 7.5.2025, item 12).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0104)

    The following had spoken:


    Majdouline Sbai, to move an oral amendment to Amendment 1. Parliament agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 10)


    7.11. Banking Union – annual report 2024 (vote)

    Report on Banking Union – annual report 2024 [2024/2055(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Ralf Seekatz (A10-0044/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 7 May 2025 (minutes of 7.5.2025, item 17).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0105)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 11)


    7.12. Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): genetically modified soybean MON 87705 × MON 87708 × MON 89788 (vote)

    Motion for a resolution, tabled by the ENVI Committee, pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), on the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 87705 × MON 87708 × MON 89788 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D105678/01 – 2025/2647(RSP)) (B10-0244/2025) – Members responsible: Anja Hazekamp, Martin Häusling, Biljana Borzan, Sirpa Pietikäinen.

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0106)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 12)




    IN THE CHAIR: Ewa KOPACZ
    Vice-President

    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:00.


    9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    10. EU action on treating and preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular neurological diseases and measles (debate)

    Commission statement: EU action on treating and preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular neurological diseases and measles(2025/2696(RSP))

    Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Tomislav Sokol, on behalf of the PPE Group, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, on behalf of the PfE Group, Aurelijus Veryga, on behalf of the ECR Group, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, on behalf of the Renew Group, Tilly Metz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Seán Kelly, Christophe Clergeau, Manuela Ripa and Laurent Castillo.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: András Tivadar Kulja, Lukas Sieper and Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis.

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper, concerning the intervention by Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă.

    The debate closed.


    11. Explanations of vote


    11.1. Ninth report on economic and social cohesion (A10-0066/2025 – Jacek Protas ) (oral explanations of vote)

    Seán Kelly, Lukas Sieper


    11.2. The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season (A10-0079/2025 – Borys Budka ) (oral explanations of vote)

    Seán Kelly, Lukas Sieper


    11.3. Competition policy – annual report 2024 (A10-0071/2025 – Lara Wolters) (oral explanations of vote)

    Seán Kelly


    11.4. Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (B10-0246/2025) (oral explanations of vote)

    Lukas Sieper


    11.5. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    12. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    13. Dates of the next part-session

    The next part-session would be held on 21 May 2025 and 22 May 2025.


    14. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:50.


    15. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (RC-B10-0260/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0260/2025, B10-0261/2025, B10-0263/2025, B10-0264/2025 and B10-0265/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Reinhold Lopatka, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Michał Szczerba, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Assita Kanko, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Michal Wiezik, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (RC-B10-0249/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0249/2025, B10-0250/2025, B10-0252/2025, B10-0255/2025 and B10-0258/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Sandra Kalniete, Željana Zovko, Andrzej Halicki, Michał Szczerba, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Dariusz Joński, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Ewa Kopacz, Matej Tonin, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Thijs Reuten, Evin Incir, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Aurelijus Veryga, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra, Maciej Wąsik, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Michał Dworczyk, Assita Kanko, Jaak Madison, Mariusz Kamiński, Roberts Zīle, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren, Dick Erixon, Sebastian Tynkkynen
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt, Merja Kyllönen

    Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (RC-B10-0248/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0248/2025, B10-0251/2025, B10-0254/2025, B10-0256/2025 and B10-0259/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Danuše Nerudová, Michael Gahler, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Assita Kanko, Maciej Wąsik, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Alexandr Vondra, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Michał Dworczyk, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Engin Eroglu, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Ľubica Karvašová, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market

    Motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 142( 5) to wind up the debate:

    on the old challenges and new commercial practices in the internal market (2025/2542(RSP)) (B10-0246/2025)
    Anna Cavazzini
    on behalf of the IMCO Committee


    II. Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rule 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 30 April 2025)

    AFET Committee

    – EU-US political relations (2025/2084(INI))
    (opinion: INTA)

    – EU political strategy on Latin America (2025/2083(INI))
    (opinion: DEVE)

    – Relations between the EU and Saudi Arabia (2025/2082(INI))

    AGRI Committee

    – EU agri-food promotion policy (2025/2089(INI))

    DEVE Committee

    – Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – reaffirming our principles for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises (2025/2085(INI))
    (opinion: FEMM)

    ENVI, AGRI committees

    – Ensuring faster registration and uptake of biological control agents (2025/2086(INI))

    SANT Committee

    – Public health aspects of biotechnology and life sciences (2025/2087(INI))

    SEDE Committee

    – Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU‘s need to adapt to be fit for today‘s security challenges (2025/2088(INI))

    SEDE, TRAN committees

    – Military mobility (2025/2090(INI))

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 3 April 2025)

    CULT Committee

    – Impact of social media and the online environment on young people (2025/2081(INI))
    (opinion: IMCO, LIBE, FEMM)

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rules 47 and 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 3 April 2025)

    EMPL Committee

    – Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and algorithmic management in the workplace – shaping the future of work (2025/2080(INL))
    (opinion: LIBE)

    JURI Committee

    – The 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies (2025/2079(INL))


    III. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 0377-25 to 0527-25 had been entered in the register on 6 May 2025 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 6 May 2025, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    IV. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from Members:

    – Maria Zacharia. Motion for a resolution on the crime at Tempi and waiving the immunity of ministers and government officials (B10-0200/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE
    opinion: TRAN

    – Jean-Paul Garraud. Motion for a resolution on protecting the sovereignty of the Member States in democratic decision-making (B10-0238/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Christine Anderson, Marieke Ehlers and Virginie Joron. Motion for a resolution on the criteria and methods for establishing intent behind the dissemination of misleading information (B10-0239/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Pernando Barrena Arza, Marc Botenga, Lynn Boylan, Per Clausen, Danilo Della Valle, Kathleen Funchion, Estrella Galán, Hanna Gedin, Giorgos Georgiou, Kateřina Konečná, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Ana Miranda Paz, João Oliveira, Mounir Satouri, Jonas Sjöstedt and Maria Zacharia. Motion for a resolution on the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement (B10-0240/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: AFET

    – Anja Arndt, René Aust, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Irmhild Boßdorf, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Elisabeth Dieringer, Siegbert Frank Droese, Tomasz Froelich, Roman Haider, Marc Jongen, Alexander Jungbluth, Mary Khan, Rada Laykova, Milan Mazurek, Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Petra Steger, António Tânger Corrêa, Milan Uhrík and Petar Volgin. Motion for a resolution on a joint and strong response to the Federal Republic of Germany’s departure from financial stability (B10-0241/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Mathilde Androuët, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Catherine Griset, Fabrice Leggeri, Julien Leonardelli, Thierry Mariani, Aleksandar Nikolic, Pascale Piera, Julie Rechagneux, André Rougé, Pierre-Romain Thionnet and Alexandre Varaut. Motion for a resolution on protecting multilingualism in the EU (B10-0242/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: CULT

    – Pina Picierno, Massimiliano Salini and Antonella Sberna. Motion for a resolution on the establishment of a European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers: ‘8 August – European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers’ (B10-0245/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: EMPL


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Bricmont Saskia, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Everding Sebastian, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Gražulis Petras, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Guarda Cristina, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radtke Dennis, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma

    Excused:

    Verheyen Sabine

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Litter in the Mediterranean – E-000824/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the study by its Joint Research Centre revealing that the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea has a very high concentration of marine litter[1].

    The Marine Strategy Framework Directive[2] requires Member States to monitor and assess quantities and impacts of marine litter and take measures to reduce them so that they do not harm the coastal and marine environment. Under this directive, there is an agreed limit of 20 macro litter items per 100 metres of coastline[3]; threshold values for seafloor macro litter are being discussed with Member States.

    In addition, the EU Strategy for Plastics[4], the Single-Use Plastics Directive[5] and the Port Reception Facilities Directive[6] also aim to reduce marine litter from land and sea sources. The regulation on preventing plastic pellets losses to reduce microplastic pollution[7] proposed by the Commission in October 2023 will strengthen the legislative framework.

    The Zero Pollution Action Plan[8] sets a 50% reduction target for plastic litter at sea by 2030. According to the recent monitoring and outlook report[9] the EU is on track to meet the target.

    The Extended Producer Responsibility provisions are embodied in EU legislation, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation[10], to ensure that producers contribute to this goal.

    The EU also supports regional organisations[11], to combat marine litter and developing an ambitious global Treaty against plastic pollution.

    EU funds, such as Horizon Europe[12], the EU programme for the environment and climate action[13], and the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture fund[14] finance activities against marine litter[15].

    These measures can be effective: a recent report showing that marine litter on the EU coastline is down by almost one-third.

    • [1]  26 715 items/km2, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X25000852#bb0640
    • [2]  Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy, OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19-40.
    • [3]  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/marine-environment/descriptors-under-marine-strategy-framework-directive_en
      Communication from the Commission — Commission Notice on the threshold values set under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC and Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848, C/2024/1268, OJ C, C/2024/2078, 11.3.2024.
    • [4]  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/plastics-strategy_en
    • [5]  Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1-19.
    • [6]  Directive (EU) 2019/883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships, amending Directive 2010/65/EU and repealing Directive 2000/59/EC, OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, p. 116-142.
    • [7]  Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution, COM/2023/645 final.
    • [8]  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/zero-pollution-action-plan_en
    • [9]  https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/zero-pollution-action-plan/zero-pollution-targets_en#:~:text=The%20Zero%20Pollution%20Monitoring%20and%20Outlook%20offers%20a,are%20likely%20to%20achieve%202030%20zero%20pollution%20targets
    • [10]  Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025.
    • [11]  E.g. Barcelona Convention in the Mediterranean.
    • [12]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en; https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [13]  LIFE: Regulation (EU) 2021/783 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013, OJ L 172, 17.05.2021, p.53.
    • [14]  https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/funding/emfaf_en
    • [15]  https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/marine-litter-eu-coastline-down-almost-one-third-2025-02-04_en
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness gull study

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council, with input from NatureScot, have appointed an independent consultancy to undertake a baseline census and distribution study of gulls in the centre of Inverness.

    Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: “While Highland Council has no statutory duty to take action against any type of gull, the Council hopes that the findings from this study will provide evidence for and inform any future development of a Gull Management Plan for the City of Inverness.”

    The survey will take place in May and has been designed to coincide with the start of the nesting period when gull numbers will be reaching their peak, and birds are at their most active.

    The survey will follow an adapted methodology from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Seabird Monitoring Programme’s Urban Gull Census.

    Covering an area of over 5km2 of central Inverness from Bught Park in the south to the Kessock Bridge in the north, the survey will include the commercial heart of Inverness, the Longman Industrial Estate, Crown Circus and popular riverside locations including Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle and Ness Walk.

    The survey will also assess an additional 20 key buildings across the wider city, including the Council’s school estate.

    The work will primarily be ground-based and will count all gull species present with their location noted on mobile GIS recording software along with gull behaviour, whether nesting, occupying territory, foraging or resting.

    Information on gulls can be found on the Council’s website at this link.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

    Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

    From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They are also crucial to both the health of species making these epic journeys, and the habitats where they live.

    It is hard to visualise these epic, globe-spanning journeys and the habitats they connect. But an interactive map we developed, alongside an international team of scientists from the University of Queensland and Duke University and in partnership with the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, can help.

    Known as Mico (Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean), this map is a valuable conservation tool that demonstrates just how connected our oceans are due to animal migration. It is freely available here, and has just been updated with our newly published research in Nature Communications. This research synthesises thousands of records of more than 100 species of birds, mammals, turtles and fish that connect almost 2,000 crucial habitats.

    Mico brings together the migratory movements of more than 100 migratory marine species, including the Arctic tern.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    An evolving science

    Humans have contemplated animal migrations for millennia. Representations of and theories about these journeys are observable in Stone Age rock art and the writings of Ancient Greek philosophers. Indigenous peoples and local communities have also long relied upon and understood the seasonal movements of culturally important species.

    But for much of human history, identifying specific destinations of migratory species was an inexact science. This has started to change in recent decades, as scientists have developed and deployed animal-borne satellite tags which can record and transmit an animal’s location as it migrates.

    These tags can be very expensive to deploy and collect data from. They also require enormous investments of time and expertise. But they are crucial if we are to understand where migratory species go when they’re outside the range of normal human observations.

    Animal-borne satellite tags can be expensive, but are crucial for understanding where turtles and other migratory animals travel.
    NOAA/NMFS/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Blog

    The journeys of migratory species also span multiple jurisdictions. This means cooperation between countries is required to ensure they are protected.

    For example, many albatross species receive significant conservation investment at their nesting islands within national jurisdictions. But they are at high risk of being incidentally caught and killed or injured in longline fisheries operating in international waters.

    Synthesising more than 1,300 studies

    For our new study, we reviewed the literature on the movements of marine migratory species from 1990 to 2017. We synthesised the start and end points of migrations reported in more than 1,300 individual studies. These studies covered 109 marine species.

    This information was then aggregated to remove duplicate data and combine sites very near to each other (on a global scale) into one “metasite” to make it easier to display. Each data point is also linked to the study from which it comes. This means you can always find the work of the original team who tagged those animals.

    In synthesising the studies in this manner, we created an interactive map and downloadable dataset estimating the measured migratory connections of the global ocean.

    If you look up the green turtle map, for example, you can see just how much information there is for this highly-studied species. The red links show many tracked movements from breeding to foraging areas within each ocean basin.

    Sperm whales, on the other hand, are globally distributed – you can toggle on the species distribution in the top menu. But we only have information about connectivity for animals in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans. You can see these sites on the map, mostly in North America and in the Mediterranean.

    Because researchers are yet to track animals in all parts of the globe, the map is missing some information about the migratory movements of key species in particular areas. We are planning updates as more information becomes available.

    Sperm whales are globally distributed, but Mico currently only captures their connectivity in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    A tool for conservation

    This summary of migratory information is important for improving global conservation.

    Scientists have published many papers on migrations, both of single populations or species, and combining data about taxonomy from several different sources. But these can be difficult to keep up with for managers or policymakers who may not have time to engage with every single piece of emerging scientific literature.

    Our information can help identify stakeholders when planning or managing a conservation project. Many of these stakeholders may be across an ocean basin or even in a different hemisphere.

    The scientific synthesis we provide can help countries take more informed actions to achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of conserving a “well-connected” 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This is particularly true in the high seas, as a mechanism to implement protected areas outside of national waters is developed under the soon-to-be-ratified High Seas Treaty.

    Various seabirds, including the Amsterdam Albatross, are included in the new research.
    Sergey 402/Shutterstock

    In addition to sharing the enormous scope of work that has been conducted on the migration of large ocean animals over the last decades, our work has already fed into policy processes.

    For example, it has been used by seven United Nations conventions or organisations. We hope to formalise the role of our map as a node of the Convention on Migratory Species’ Atlas of Animal Migration at their next meeting in March 2026.

    More broadly, we hope this work will support better international collaboration to conserve our incredible oceanic migrants for years to come.

    Lily Bentley receives funding from a Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship on understanding migratory connectivity of seabirds in the Great Barrier Reef. She has presented on the work discussed at policy fora including the Conference of Parties (COP) for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Migratory Species. She works on the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO; mico.eco) system, which has been previously supported by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) and UNEP-WCMC.

    Autumn-Lynn Harrison directs the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Connectivity Project, supported by a gift to the Smithsonian by ConocoPhillips. She is also a Partner Investigator on an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant for understanding migratory connectivity in the ocean.

    Daniel Dunn receives funding to support the development of the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MICO) system from a grant to the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI) from the International Climate Initiative (IKI), UNEP-WCMC, and from an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports the IKI on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.

    – ref. Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map – https://theconversation.com/hidden-connections-of-more-than-100-migratory-marine-species-revealed-in-interactive-map-255972

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Denman Marine Voyage returns after critical research voyage to glacier

    Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

    After years of planning, and two months near the Shackleton Ice Shelf, the Denman Marine Voyage has returned to Hobart with enough data and samples on board to keep scientists busy for years to come.

    The DMV was RSV Nuyina’s first dedicated marine science voyage. It was also the first opportunity scientists working with the Australian Antarctic Program have had to study the waters around the Denman Glacier tongue.
    The Denman Glacier is one of the largest but least-studied glaciers in East Antarctica and it is melting at a rapid rate. It holds enough ice to increase global sea levels by 1.5 metres if it melts completely.
    “The Denman Marine Voyage seeks to fill a big hole in our understanding by collecting, for the first time, observations from the ocean next to one of the fastest retreating glaciers in East Antarctica,” Dr Laura Herraiz Borreguero, from CSIRO and the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, said.
    “We want to find out how vulnerable the Denman is to the warming ocean and the likelihood of it making a larger and faster contribution to sea level rise in the next few decades.“
    The voyage was a collaborative effort involving 60 scientists from the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS), the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) and the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).
    Science teams used many of RSV Nuyina’s 150 marine science systems to investigate the physical and chemical oceanography of the region, its biodiversity, geology and cloud forming processes.
    Professor Jan Strugnell’s SAEF team used the ship’s beam trawl to investigate marine biodiversity around the Shackleton Ice Shelf. 
    “We’re interested in understanding the connectivity and diversity of marine life, particularly the marine life that lives on the seafloor around Antarctica,” Professor Strugnell said.
    “We’re interested in understanding how different regions are connected, about source and sink populations, and the evolution of animals in this region. This information can be used to inform marine protected areas and conservation concerns.”
    A more detailed look at SAEF’s project work on the DMV can be found here.

    “They’re going to improve our models and develop our understanding of climate change”
    It was the first time working at sea for many in the science teams. It was also the first time many of the ship’s marine science systems were deployed in the setting they were designed for.
    “We knew Nuyina was an exceptionally capable vessel but to be able to put it to the test on this voyage and see it achieve and perform as well as it has, has been really gratifying,” Dr Stringer said.
    Scientists will now take their samples back to the lab, where they’ll be analysed and written about for years to come.
    Findings from the Denman Marine Voyage will complement those from the earlier Denman Terrestrial Campaign, which based scientists near the glacier’s inland reaches for two summers.
    Dr Stringer said: “Together, they’re going to improve our models and develop our understanding of climate change and the affect it’s going to have on biodiversity in our region.”  
    For many on board, the science work was just one part of the experience.
    “I think my favourite part of the voyage was seeing the community coming together,” Professor Lannuzel said.
    “It didn’t matter which discipline or program you came from, everyone was united under one banner, and I think for me that was the highlight of the voyage.”
    A full wrap of the Denman Marine Voyage can be found here. 

    A range of intriguing marine creatures, including this clio pyramidata – a type of sea snail – were captured using the ship’s wet well Photo: Pete Harmsen

    This content was last updated 9 hours ago on 9 May 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wicker, Scott, and Griffith Applaud the Rollback of Biden-Era EPA Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Congressman Morgan Griffith, R-Va., celebrated the passage of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the unnecessary U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule in the Senate.
    “The Biden administration forced needless regulations on American tire manufactures and producers. Increasing the NESHAP standard puts an unnecessary financial and environmental burden on rubber manufacturing facilities. Reversing this decision will protect jobs and bring back the time-tested NESHAP rule, which has kept our environment clean and our communities safe,” said Senator Wicker.
    “I am happy we are one step closer to eliminating the Biden-era NESHAP rule driven by radical environmentalism that did nothing but hurt workers and businesses across the nation,” said Senator Scott. “Republican leadership continues to deliver for the American people by getting rid of government overreach and inefficiency and paving the way for productivity and prosperity.”
    “House and Senate Republicans are acting decisively to repeal onerous regulations from the Biden EPA, like the rubber tire manufacturing rule, that do very little to serve public health. Like many of regulations issued during the waning days of the Biden-Harris Administration, the rubber tire manufacturing emission standard utilized questionable emissions data and pointed to negligible health benefits as justification for the rule. Thanks to strong conservative leaders in the Senate, like Senators Tim Scott and Roger Wicker, Congress is exercising its authority to undo this harmful Biden EPA measure and provide relief to America’s rubber tire manufacturers,” said Rep. Griffith.
    This resolution is cosponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Cindy Hyde-Smith R-Miss., and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., and Representatives Gary Palmer, R-Ala., Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., Mike Bost, R-Ill., Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., Joe Wilson, R-S.C., Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, Randy Weber, R-Texas, Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Bob Latta R-Ohio, and Buddy Carter, R-Ga.
    Click here for bill text.
    BACKGROUND:
    The Rubber Tire Manufacturing source category is comprised of facilities that produce rubber components such as rubber compounds, tread, tire cords, and liners. The category is split into rubber processing, tire production, tire cord production, and puncture seal application subcategories.  
    In 2002, the original Rubber Tire Manufacturing NESHAP established emissions limits for the tire production, tire cord production, and puncture seal application subcategories.
    In 2020, a residual risk and technology review (RTR) found that the current NESHAP provided an ample margin of safety to protect public health and that the risk associated with air emissions from rubber tire manufacturing was acceptable. The RTR also clarified that emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction are subject to the NESHAP.
    The DC Court determined in Louisiana Environmental Action Network v. EPA that the agency should address unregulated emissions from a source category when the EPA conducts an eight-year technological review as required by the Clean Air Act.
    On November 16, 2023, the EPA proposed the emission standards to address unregulated hazardous air pollutants from the rubber processing subcategory pursuant to the decision in Louisiana Environmental Action Network.
    But the EPA’s risk review found that the rule was not necessary to protect public health or the environment and could not quantify any public health benefits from the rule.
    Regardless, to comply with the rule, tire manufacturers would have had to install regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), would have caused an increase in CO2 emissions. As a result, the EPA quantified public health disbenefits associated with the rule ranging from $2.7 million to $8.1 million per year, in addition to $13.3 million per year in compliance costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –