Tidelines: Troubled waters

The Outboard Marine Corporation, which makes Johnson and Evinrude outboards and a range of sports boats, has filed for protection from creditors under United States bankruptcy laws. About 1100 employees at its North American boat and engine manufacturing plants have been permanently laid off. OMC has met companies which may be interested in buying its ChrisCraft, Four Winns, Stratos and Hydrasport divisions.

Animal action

British MP Helen Brinton is enlisting cross-party support for a bill that would enable local authorities to restrict boating in certain areas. The proposal talks about the increasing harassment of marine mammals by pleasure boats and calls for legislation to create wildlife protection zones.

Classic show

Italy's first show dedicated to classic wooden boats will run from May 11 to 13. The aim of the show, called Nauticia, is to preserve the cultural and professional skills needed to keep alive the art of building wooden boats. The show will be part of a major marine exhibition in Venice.

Weed threat

France, Italy, Corsica and Croatia are reporting infestations of the tropical killer algae Caulepra taxifolia, which destroys indigenous varieties of weed on which many species feed. Scientists blame recreational boaters for the spread of the weed by not cleaning their anchors before moving to a new area. The weed covers more than 6000ha of seabed.