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Taiwan fishermen sail to waters disputed with Japan
The Diaoyu islands, or Senkakus, are disputed over by China, Taiwan and Japan and they have rich fishing grounds. Japanese patrol boats harass fishing boats from Taiwan, which they do not recognize. About 40 Taiwanese fishing boats have set sail to fish in the area.
Researchers Say New Deep Sea Rules Needed
Now that we have the technology to explore the deep seas, scientists are looking at the benefits to human health that might be found in the genetic material of "extremophiles" - those organisms living in the depths under extreme conditions, such as the heat or sulphur of seamounts and hydrothermal vents. They want these areas to be protected.
New Bolivia Leader Promises Early Election,
New Bolivia leader to call vote as protests lifted
Bolivia's interim president Eduardo Rodriguez has pledged to call early elections. Former President Carlos Mesa resigned as a result of major protests by the indigenous poor who want nationalization of the natural gas and oil industry, and more power. Several oil field installations had been seized and production stopped in some fields. La Paz ran short of gasoline. The future of US attempts to eliminate coca will depend on the outcome of the elections. Natural gas supplies are being restored. Spanish energy group Repsol YPG and Brazil's Petrobras have been affected.
G-8 Officials Meet to Discuss Currencies
Among the topics to be discussed is the effect of high oil prices, which are currently about 40 percent up on last year, on the global economy.
Malibu Residents Battle State Over Beaches
The California Coastal Commission has ordered residents of Broad Beach not to build giant walls of sand between their homes and the public beach front, saying it is harmful to wildlife and caused the public beach front under water. The residents say they are merely restoring sand dunes that have been washed away.
China to have strategic oil reserve soon
China expects to finish tanks for its first crude oil reserve in August, but may not start gradually filling them in the light of high oil prices. The United States is expected to complete its stockpile in August. China now imports 40 percent of its oil. Growth in demand is expected to be nearly 8 percent in 2005, which is about half of last year's growth.
Ammonia Leak in Southern China Sickens 100
100 people were taken ill after ammonia leaked from cracked pipes in a brewery in Jiangxi province. 2,000 residents from the area were evacuated. Nearby trees and flowers withered.
New earthquake warning for Sumatra region
Scientists who predicted an earthquake in the area about 2 weeks before the March 28 quake are warning of a another possible major earthquake and tsunami, saying that the last earthquake increased stress on fault lines. The area most at risk is under the Mentawai islands west of Sumatra.
Earthquake Strikes Off Indonesian Coast
An earthquake of between magnitude 5.8 and 6.3 near Simeulue Island which is off the west coast of Sumatra Island. There was no tsunami. Simeulue Island is north west of the Mentawai islands.
Arlene Drenches Cuba, Bears Down on Gulf,
Tropical Storm Arlene heads for U.S. Gulf Coast
After soaking Cuba, Tropical Storm Arlene headed north toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, growing stronger and picking up speed.
Calif. Forest Cameras Snoop on Wildlife
Remotely-controlled robot cameras and other modern instruments have been installed in the James San Jacinto Mountain Reserve to observe flora and fauna without disturbance. The scientists will be able to observe the effects of small temperature changes on trees. It will also monitor a host of other variables, which may help with the study of the progress of global warming, West Nile virus, water pollution and invasive plants.
S.C.'s Peach Season Off to Late Start
A cool spring has slowed the ripening of the peaches, so that they are about 10 days late.
UW Scientists Launch Study on Elk Deaths
450 elk died in Wyoming last year, apparently as the result of toxic lichen. University of Wyoming scientists are to study the lichen and determine its toxicity and the safety of animals that may have eaten it. It is also marketed as a nutritional supplement and may have killed some people.
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