13 states now ban single-use plastic bags, in FL it’s illegal for local government to ban plastic or polystyrene

More than a hundred local governments throughout the country have enacted laws as well – but in Florida, it’s illegal for any local jurisdiction to ban plastic or polystyrene. Read more here.

Curious appearance of rare manatee in New England ends in tragedy

A rare sighting of an endangered animal ended in tragedy when a manatee that visited Rhode Island was found dead offshore in early October, the Associated Press reports. Read more here.

90m down: Coral bleaching is cutting deep

UK scientists have discovered the deepest-known evidence of coral reef bleaching, at depths to around 90m at two atoll sites in the Indian Ocean’s Chagos Archipelago. Read more here.

Trapped sea cow rescued in Puerto Princesa

Estimated to weigh almost half a ton, the sea mammal was earlier spotted by fishermen grazing on seagrass with a companion, when the onset of low tide trapped it in shallow waters, prompting the animal to seek refuge at a nearby fish pen. Read more here.

Inadequate protection for highly threatened sharks, rays

Research led by the University of Zurich into their functional diversity has now revealed previously overlooked, critical conservation priorities, thereby underscoring the urgent need for targeted action to safeguard the threatened species. Read more here.