Erica Gies covers water, energy, critters and more on the science and environment beat. She holds a master’s degree in literature, with a focus in eco-criticism. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Scientific American, Nature, The Economist and others. https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/contributor/erica-gies/rss en Biodiversity Governance Marine Protected Areas Fri, 27 Apr 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Erica Gies https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/27/does-size-matter-debating-the-role-of-marine-protected-areas https://www.newsdeeply.com/oceans/articles/2018/04/27/does-size-matter-debating-the-role-of-marine-protected-areas As the world’s marine ecosystems face increasing threats, scientists disagree on whether the trend toward huge, remote reserves is a promising new development or a worrisome distraction. Agriculture Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Toxic Taps Thu, 31 Aug 2017 03:00:22 +0000 Erica Gies https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/31/why-californias-nitrate-problem-will-take-decades-to-fix https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/31/why-californias-nitrate-problem-will-take-decades-to-fix The state has a long-term plan to clean up nitrate-contaminated groundwater, but farmers say more research is still needed and environmental groups think the proposal isn’t strong enough. Agriculture Innovation Solutions Toxic Taps Thu, 24 Aug 2017 03:00:09 +0000 Tara Lohan, Erica Gies https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/24/california-towns-tackle-nitrate-pollution-with-local-solutions https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/24/california-towns-tackle-nitrate-pollution-with-local-solutions It will take decades to slow nitrate contamination in groundwater from industrial agriculture in parts of the state of California, so communities are taking matters into their own hands to get clean drinking water.