Philippines to Dredge Iligan River Amid Flood Concerns
India's Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon announced plans to begin dredging and desilting operations along the Iligan River next week to address heavy river siltation, which has raised concerns about flooding and infrastructure vulnerability. This initiative follows recent flooding in Iligan City, exacerbated by Tropical Storm Basyang, and aims to improve floodwater discharge by clearing the river outfall. Dizon noted that while a Drainage Master Plan exists, its full implementation is not scheduled until 2027.
Caribbean coral reef food chains shortened by 60 to 70 percent
A study led by researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute published in Nature reveals that food chains in Caribbean coral reefs have shortened by approximately 60 to 70 percent compared to 7,000 years ago. This shift is characterized by a significant reduction in dietary diversity among fish species, with higher trophic level fishes, such as grunts, altering their feeding habits to lower positions in the food chain, while smaller fishes like gobies have moved up. The findings indicate a fundamental alteration in the ecological dynamics of these vulnerable reef ecosystems.
