British Columbia’s Fraser River has seen a record run of sockeye salmon as an estimated 34 million fish have returned to the river this year, far above last year’s total of 1.5 million. One hypothesis is that the increase may be linked to the eruption of Alaska’s Kasatochi volcano in 2008; ash from the volcano may have created a massive algae bloom in Pacific waters where adolescent salmon reside, creating a veritable fish food buffet. If the connection is valid, this year’s record spawn may only be a one-off event, however, scientists said. [The Globe and Mail]
The federal government has created a security zone around BP’s capped well in the gulf and the wreckage of the Deepwater Horizon rig to “protect the search area and any evidence” related to the investigation of the massive oil spill. [Agence France-Presse]
Food costs in the United States are expected to jump 2 to 3 percent in 2011, the largest increase since 2008, when basic commodities rose an average of 5.5 percent. [Des Moines Register]
To read the rest of the story, please go to: The New York Times.