Apple has released another update for its flagship video editing program, Final Cut Pro X. Version 10.0.7 is a bug fix update that corrects the following issues: The Letterbox effect “Offset” slider is restored, an issue that could occur when creating a single layer DVD, an issue in which some third-party effects could cause Final Cut Pro to stop responding during background rendering, an issue in which some third-party transitions would incorrectly use black instead of source media and it adds support for editing MXF files that are still ingesting. In addition, it fixes an issue with rendering Motion Templates containing Image Units, the display of the Modify RED RAW settings button in synchronized and compound clips, the upload of clips that are larger than 1 GB to Vimeo and an issue in which an incorrect frame size is used with filters on two adjacent clips with different pixel aspect ratio. Updates have also been released for Compressor and Motion. All are available via Software Update in the App store.

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Plans to commence deep-sea mining operations around Papua New Guinea (PNG) have been stalled. A dispute over royalties has led the mining company, Nautilus, to cease to produce the specialist equipment that it needed to undertake the mining operations. The PNG government originally agreed to take a 30 percent share in the enterprise, but is unwilling to help fund the project. PNG also has a limitation on how long a company can hold a mining tract without working it. The mining plans have caused concern for the environment around the islands

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Camera bag and equipment manufacturer Think Tank photo has announced that it is to form a new company specializing in equipment for shooting in the great outdoors. MindShift Gear is aiming to cater to “photographers who are passionate about experiencing the natural world”, and has launched its inaugural product on Kickstarter, a backpack called the Rotation 180° Professional. This has a belt pack that “parks” inside a lower compartment but can be swung round onto the wearers front for access. Its upper compartment can be outfitted to carry lenses etc, or it can function as a conventional space for other gear.

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A new paper published in Marine Ecology Progress Series journal shows that traditional estimates of reef fish recovery on over-fished reefs may well be considerable underestimates. The Wildlife Conservation Society study looked at the Kenyan marine parks that were established in the mid 1970s and have since received steady protection from fishing and high levels of tourism. The authors examined the size, growth and reproduction characteristics of the fishes within the protected areas and found that neither growth nor reproduction patterns had stabilized. The body sizes of the fish species showed more evidence for stabilizing but were still increasing up to the full length of the study. This has significant implications for the management of fishing in reef areas. The full paper is available as a free pdf download.

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UnderwaterTimes reports that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing to list 66 species of reef building corals under the Endangered Species Act. If the proposal is carried out, it means that:

“…endangered does not prohibit activities like fishing or diving, but prohibits the specific “take” of those species, including harming, wounding, killing, or collecting the species. It also prohibits imports, exports, and commercial activities dealing in the species.”

The 66 species includes 59 in the Pacific and 7 from the Caribbean. The scheme will now go forward to a 90 day public hearing period, during which NOAA will hold 18 public meetings. If it passes through this process, the listings will be made in late 2013.

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