Dozens of Seals Washing Up on Jersey Shore

“Seals are washing up on New Jersey beaches by the dozen, according to reports given to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, N.J.

There have been 26 seal strandings in New Jersey since November, sources say. Fourteen of those strandings happened in February.

While it is not unusual for seals to get stranded this time of year, there are more than usual showing up on Jersey shore beaches, according to a spokeswoman for the Brigantine center.

The gray and harbor seals found on the beaches are malnourished and have parasites, authorities say. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is housing 11 seals right now — making the center two-thirds full.”  Read more.

Millions of Dead Fish in Redondo Beach, California

Reporter:  “I know these waters, these are the waters I grew up in … I’ve never seen anything like this – this massive fish die off …”; Police: “We have millions of dead anchovies … even the ones you can see on the surface there’s ones on the bottom about a foot deep all throughout this basin …”

Muslims Torch Christians’ Houses

“Seven houses were burnt and several people badly injured after a group of Muslims attacked a Christian village in northwestern Bangladesh March 7.

A group of Muslims quarreled with predominantly Catholic Christian villagers in Banglagar in Thakurgaon sub-district, part of Dinajpur diocese on March 7, triggered by ongoing land disputes. Later they attacked poor villagers with sticks and sharp weapons and also set their homes on fire.

The attack left seven people badly wounded and their homes and valuables worth several hundred thousand taka (US$ 1= 70 taka) burnt to ashes.

The injured people are being treated at nearby Ranishonkoil sub-district health complex.

Sabina Akter, 37, a Muslim nurse at the health complex said, ‘We’ve 6 people- 4 male and 2 female admitted here who have serious injuries in chest, head, back and other places.’  Read more.

BP Oil Spill Victims Sickened Now Dies, Local Physicians Clueless

Lisa Nelson died on March 7, 2011 from an inoperable cancer the doctors believe was triggered by her exposure to the oil & dispersant.

Amazon Deforestation Up 1000% From Last Year

“Over the last several years, the rate of forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon had been in steady decline, but the latest data is yet again proving that the problem is far from over. According to figures released today, deforestation in the world’s largest rainforest has increased nearly 1,000 percent from the same period the year before, marking the first rise in over two years — though only time will tell if it is merely a disappointing uptick, or a troubling reverse of trends.

A newly disclosed report from the Amazon Institute of People and the Environment (IMAZON) reveals that 175 square kilometers (68 mi²) of forest were cleared this past December, compared with just 16 km² (6 mi²) reported last year for December 2009, a rise of 994 percent.”  Read more.

South Korea Confirms Additional Bird Flu Outbreak

“South Korea confirmed an additional bird flu case at a duck farm in the central part of the country on Saturday.

Tests showed that the 12,400 birds at a poultry farm in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul, were infected with the virulent H5N1 strain of the avian influenza (AI), the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said.

This is the second case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in the country this month as the number of AI cases has started to fall off in recent weeks. It is also the first AI confirmation in Cheonan in 33 days.

All ducks on the farm will be culled with quarantine authorities asking nearby farms to be vigilant on protecting their birds.”  Read more.

Collapse Is Unavoidable, Likely by Christmas – W. O’Brien

“At the end of the day I can’t see how we get to this Christmas with anything that resembles the status quo … when the dollar collapses our way of life is going to change and at that moment, when that happens, there will only be one question that will matter – and that question is are you ready?”

Solar Flare Warning for South Africa

“The Hermanus Space Weather Warning Centre (SWWC) on Sunday said a large solar flare was currently being experienced in South Africa. The solar flare would result in higher radiation levels from the sun.

SWWC’s forecaster Kobus Olckers said people should be careful when they go outside.

‘People must wear high sunscreen factor at the moment or preferably go shopping,’ he said.”  Read more.