July 10, 2025 | 08:30 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Saturday- 08:17, 10/07/2021

Chinese port city uses boats, scoops to fight algae bloom

(VAN) The northern Chinese port city of Qingdao has deployed thousands of boats and powered scoops to deal with a massive algae bloom that is threatening sea life, tourism and water transport.
A boat is surrounded by green algae off the coast of Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong province on Jun 17, 2021. Photo: AP

A boat is surrounded by green algae off the coast of Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong province on Jun 17, 2021. Photo: AP

The thick layer of plants that has coated waters and clogged beaches appeared last month and is reportedly the heaviest on record.

Such blooms can displace critical food sources for ocean animals while giving off a strong smell.

State media reported on Thursday (Jul 8) that the outbreak has spread over around 9,290 sq km.

The Xinhua News Agency said authorities have deployed about 7,300 vessels that have thus far collected around 217,700 tonnes of algae.

Qingdao has seen such outbreaks for at least 15 years, but never on this level. Similar blooms have occurred in inland waterways such as Lake Tai to the south of Qingdao in Jiangsu province.

Xinhua said a large patch of algae was first spotted drifting northward from the coast of Jiangsu in mid-May, blooming and thickening as it went.

Algae blooms can occur naturally, but are thought to be growing worse due to a rise in sea temperatures and the heavy use of chemical-based fertilisers.

They are also appearing more widely, with outbreaks seen from California to the Suez Canal.

Tr.D

(AFP)

Illegal loggers profit from Brazil’s carbon credit projects

Illegal loggers profit from Brazil’s carbon credit projects

(VAN) How a system designed to protect the world’s biggest rainforest is funding businesses with a track record of illegal deforestation.

Cage-free countdown: UK retailers face 2025 deadline

Cage-free countdown: UK retailers face 2025 deadline

(VAN) Pressure is growing on companies to adopt the cage-free commitment for their egg supplies. Many food companies said their eggs would be from cage-free systems by the end of this year (2025).

Droughts worldwide pushing tens of millions towards starvation

Droughts worldwide pushing tens of millions towards starvation

(VAN) Water shortages hitting crops, energy and health as crisis gathers pace amid climate breakdown.

Green Climate Fund approves a record $300 million for FAO-designed projects in Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia and the Sahel

Green Climate Fund approves a record $300 million for FAO-designed projects in Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia and the Sahel

(VAN) The initiatives focus on forestry management, fisheries transformation and land restoration.

FAO urges collective action for food security, climate and development challenges in Africa.

FAO urges collective action for food security, climate and development challenges in Africa.

(VAN) Director-General QU Dongyu addresses the 6th AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference.

Science meets soil: High-tech solutions elevate China's agricultural development

Science meets soil: High-tech solutions elevate China's agricultural development

(VAN) In the suburbs of Beijing, there is an agricultural center spanning over 150 hectares dedicated to research, demonstration, and application of high-tech and precision agriculture.

Plant-derived fertilizer additive boosts yields and cuts emissions

Plant-derived fertilizer additive boosts yields and cuts emissions

(VAN) Researchers from the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new environmentally friendly fertilizer additive that significantly enhances crop yields while reducing emissions of harmful gases.

Read more