Government representatives, major industries and leading marine researchers have come together to make a new set of commitments to tackle the widespread problem of debris in the world's seas and oceans.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) have identified 13 new eutrophic areas following its work back in January with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) on the identification of 534 low-oxygen “dead zones” and an additional 228 sites worldwide exhibiting signs of marine eutrophication.

The Atkins-designed Tywyn Coastal Defence Scheme for Gwynedd Council will be formally opened today by Jane Davidson AM, Welsh Assembly Government minister for environment, sustainability and housing.

Water company United Utilities has teamed up with Direct Tyre Management on a new scheme to convert old vehicle tyres into useful products.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has launched a new state-of-the-art service which will provide the earliest possible warning for Scots living in communities threatened by river or coastal flooding.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) and partners have developed a new and improved version of the web portal Water Information System for Europe (WISE).

The European Commission has published a new Report on Member States' progress in addressing water scarcity and droughts which includes the potential  for new EU legislation.

Midge Ure is backing Scotland's bid for the 2015 World Water Forum which is held every three years by the World Water Council to raise the profile of international water issues and attracts government leaders, engineers, academics and representatives of the global water industry.