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£50m aquaculture project could help preserve farmland

A new technology has been developed to deter fish from approaching nuclear cooling pipes.

A £50m ultrasound system aimed at preventing fish from entering the cooling pipes of Britain's new nuclear power station has yielded positive results in recent testing.

Two people in hard hats and high vis jackets stood near water with machinery they are pulling out of it. — Ultrasonic speakers are lowered into the sea to test if they scare fish away

According to engineers at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, near Bridgwater, a trial conducted by Swansea University has demonstrated the system's effectiveness in deterring fish from approaching the plant's pipes.

For six months, a submerged speaker system, colloquially referred to as the "underwater fish disco," has been broadcasting sounds designed to repel fish in the Severn Estuary, thereby reducing the risk of them being drawn into the cooling pipes.

Given the trial's success, project leaders are reassessing plans to inundate 900 acres of farmland in Gloucestershire, a proposal initially intended to create a replacement habitat for fish that might be affected by the power plant's operations.

The context behind this initiative raises several questions: what puts the fish at risk, how does the ultrasound system provide protection, and why were farmers in Gloucestershire, over 70 miles away from the power plant, potentially facing the loss of their land?

The operation of nuclear power stations involves generating heat, which is then utilized to produce steam. This steam is used to drive turbines, ultimately resulting in the production of electricity. To facilitate the cooling process and enable the steam to be reused in the boilers, large quantities of seawater are required.

Fayers stood in front of rocks near to the sea. He is wearing a grey jacket and has a grey beard. — Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, said the testing had gone "really well"

A tunnel system, spanning 1.8 miles (3km) beneath the Severn Estuary, has been constructed to supply the cooling system with 120,000 litres of water per second.

However, the primary objective of the engineers is to ensure that the pipes contain water, rather than aquatic life.

The Severn Estuary provides a habitat for numerous species of fish, including significant populations of sprats, salmon, and the twaite shad, a protected species that migrates to spawn in the River Severn's tributaries.

Person in high vis walking under silver pipes underground, with orange lining on the walls. — Two tunnels, each 1.8 miles (3km) long, will bring in 120,000 litres of water every second to Hinkley's cooling system

In the past, older power stations have employed a simple grill-like system at the inlet pipes to filter out fish, although this method often results in the death of the filtered fish.

A comprehensive plan is underway at Hinkley Point C to implement an unprecedented level of fish protection measures, surpassing those of any other power station globally, as noted by John Fingleton, who conducted a review of nuclear regulation for the UK government.

To minimize the impact on marine life, the facility's pipes will utilize new wide inlet heads designed to reduce water velocity, thereby preventing fish from being drawn in. Additionally, an innovative acoustic system is being tested to deter fish from approaching the intakes within a 2-meter (6.5ft) radius.

Chris Fayers, the environmental lead at Hinkley Point C, has reported that the acoustic system is functioning effectively.

Fayers described the deployment of ultrasonic speakers, which are submerged into the seabed in a manner similar to placing a lobster trap, allowing for easy retrieval and maintenance.

The design enables the speakers to be lifted back up to the surface after a year for battery replacement, eliminating the need for divers and the associated risks, a key consideration in the development of this system, according to Fayers.

A new system, created by Fishtek Marine in Devon, underwent testing by Swansea University in the Severn Estuary to assess its effectiveness.

The trials yielded notable results, with only one tagged twaite shad approaching within 30 metres of the intake heads after the system was activated, marking a significant decrease from the 14 recorded prior to its implementation.

According to Pete Kibel, managing director of Fishtek Marine, the company has successfully developed a system that offers substantial protection for fish in the Severn Estuary, with potential applications for numerous power stations globally.

In an effort to mitigate the annual loss of thousands of fish, project leaders devised a plan to flood approximately 900 acres of farmland in Gloucestershire, adjacent to the Severn, to establish saltmarsh habitats that would support fish breeding.

Councillor David Merrett, chair of the Arlingham Parish Council and a local dairy farmer, expressed initial skepticism upon receiving news of the proposal, recalling that his initial reaction was to think it was not serious.

A gathering was organized at Hinkley Point C to outline a proposed concept.

Councillor Merrett stood in front of field with small hills in the background. He is wearing a checked shirt, brown coat and glasses. — Councillor Merrett was not keen on the idea to flood farmland to save salmon.

The venue was filled to capacity, with an unusually large number of residents in attendance, many of whom appeared upset.

According to Cllr Merrett, the targeted area spanned approximately 500 acres, comprising fertile farmland, meadows, and orchards.

The notion of flooding this area was viewed as highly impractical.

A shift in stance appears to be underway among nuclear engineers.

Approval of the "fish disco" could potentially exempt the need for creating 900 acres (364 hectares) of salt marsh as a form of environmental mitigation, as noted by Fayers.

According to Merrett, local parishioners would be delighted if the flooding scheme were to be abandoned.

However, a definitive decision has not been made yet, with the "fish disco" set to undergo an additional six months of testing in 2026 to gather more conclusive evidence of its effectiveness.

Following this, Fayers' team will be required to submit a request for final approval to the environmental regulators.

The value of investing in this costly technology has been called into question by some.

A government review of nuclear regulation has found that the UK now holds the position of being the most costly location globally for constructing nuclear power plants.

The projected cost of the Hinkley Point C project has increased significantly, from £18bn in 2017 to £46bn, with an anticipated completion date of 2031.

In his report, John Fingleton highlighted the extensive fish protection measures at Hinkley Point as an example of regulatory caution that may be excessive.

The fish-protection system, which includes features such as acoustic deterrents costing £50m, as well as larger inlet heads and a return pipe for fish, is expected to incur a total cost of £700m.

According to some experts, the number of fish potentially affected is relatively low, comparable to the average daily haul of a single fishing vessel operating off the coast of Cornwall.

The risk to fish is minimized because they must be within a close proximity of two metres to the pipe inlet heads, and at this particular location, the estuary spans approximately 22km in width.

Mr Fingleton made the point that "if motorways had speed limits of five miles per hour, they would not be very effective, and similarly, our approach to nuclear safety is being hindered by overly cautious measures, equivalent to a speed limit of 8km per hour".

The development and approval process for the fish protection system at Hinkley has been a lengthy and costly endeavour, spanning several years and millions of dollars, with hundreds of local farmers and residents facing the possibility of losing their land.

With the successful testing of the innovative lobster pot-based system, hopes are high that this will mark the conclusion of a long and complex saga surrounding the construction of Britain's newest nuclear power station.

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Business

Artist Alleges AirAsia Used His Work Without Permission

A street artist from Penang has reported that one of his artworks has been replicated and featured on the design of an airplane.

A lawsuit has been filed by a Malaysian-based artist against AirAsia and its parent company, Capital A Berhad, alleging unauthorized use of the artist's designs on one of the airline's planes.

A low-resolution image of an AirAsia aircraft with artwork children cycling printed on its side. The passenger plane is pictured parked in an airport — Artist Ernest Zacharevic is sueing AirAsia over the use of a livery on one of its jets in 2024

According to the lawsuit, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist residing in Penang, claims that his 2012 street mural, Kids on Bicycle, was reproduced and displayed on an AirAsia aircraft in late 2024 without his permission.

Zacharevic states that the use of his design was unauthorized, and no licensing agreement or consent was obtained, adding that the livery was removed after he publicly expressed concerns about the matter.

The BBC has reached out to AirAsia for a statement regarding the allegations.

In an interview with the BBC on Thursday, Zacharevic recalled that he first became aware of the alleged copyright infringement in October 2024, when he discovered that an AirAsia plane was featuring a livery resembling his artwork.

With over a decade of experience in Malaysia, Zacharevic is known for his roadside murals in Penang, which have become a staple of the local art scene.

One of Zacharevic's notable works is the 2012 street mural Kids on Bicycle, created for a local festival, which features two children on a bicycle integrated into the mural, located in George Town's heritage district.

The mural has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors taking photos in front of the iconic artwork.

Zacharevic alleges that his work was reproduced on an AirAsia plane without his knowledge or consent, and he personally witnessed the plane in operation at an airport.

Recalling the incident, Zacharevic expressed his discomfort with the situation, which occurred in 2024.

He took to social media to address the issue, posting a photo of the plane and tagging the airline, suggesting that they needed to discuss the use of his artwork.

A photograph of a wall mural, depicting two children in white tops. The images in painted to show the children seated on a real-life bicycle. — Zacharevic painted Kids on Bicycle, a famous wall mural in Penang, in 2012

Since then, Zacharevic has engaged in discussions with the company, but they have been unable to come to a mutually agreeable resolution.

This is not the first instance of Zacharevic's work being used in connection with AirAsia, as he claims the airline has also used his artwork on a delivery bag for its food services arm.

Court documents reveal that Zacharevic had previously discussed a potential collaboration with AirAsia in 2017, where he would create art for the airline's jets and a mural in one of their offices.

According to the documents, Zacharevic had informed the airline of his work and business rates during these discussions.

The lawsuit asserts that despite being aware of Zacharevic's work and rates, the airline proceeded to reproduce and publicly display one of his notable works, thereby infringing on his copyright and moral rights.

As the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia operates over 200 jets to more than 100 destinations, and has recently announced plans to resume flights from Kuala Lumpur to London via Bahrain.

Zacharevic has stated that he will leave it to the court to determine any potential compensation he may be entitled to.

The artist emphasized that he does not consider the use of his artwork to be a mere reference to cultural or geographical associations, but rather a distinct artistic creation.

Zacharevic stressed that his artwork is the result of years of professional training, skill, and labor, and should be recognized as such.

Business

US Businesses and Consumers Bear Brunt of Trump Tariff Costs, According to NY Fed

In 2022, the United States saw a significant increase in collective import tariff rates, with rates rising by more than 300 percent for a range of imported goods.

The modification of tariff agreements by President Donald Trump with several countries had a consistent outcome: increased costs for US-based companies and consumers.

A damp sidewalk in New York City being crossed by men and women carrying shopping bags.

According to a study released on Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the average tariff rate on imported goods increased significantly, rising from 2.6% at the beginning of the year to 13% in 2025.

The New York Fed's research revealed that US companies absorbed approximately 90% of the costs associated with the higher tariffs imposed by Trump on goods from countries such as Mexico, China, Canada, and the European Union.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York stated that "the majority of the economic burden of the high tariffs imposed in 2025 continues to be borne by US firms and consumers."

When tariff rates changed and increased in the previous year, exporting countries did not adjust their prices to mitigate potential declines in US demand.

Instead of lowering prices, exporters maintained their existing prices and transferred the tariff costs to US importers, who subsequently increased the prices of these goods for consumers.

The response of exporters in 2025 was similar to their reaction in 2018, when Trump introduced certain tariffs during his first term, resulting in higher consumer prices with minimal other economic effects, as noted by the New York Fed at the time.

The New York Fed's findings on Thursday are consistent with the results of other recent analyses.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organization, reported last month that its research indicated "nearly complete pass-through of tariffs to US import prices."

By analyzing 25 million transactions, Kiel researchers discovered that the prices of goods from countries like Brazil and India did not decrease.

The Kiel report noted that "trade volumes declined" instead, indicating that exporters preferred to reduce the quantity of goods shipped to the US rather than lower their prices.

The National Bureau of Economic Research also found that the pass-through of tariffs to US import prices was "nearly 100%", meaning that the US bears the cost of the price increase, not the exporting countries.

Similarly, the Tax Foundation, a Washington DC-based think tank, found that the increased tariffs on goods in 2025 resulted in higher costs for American households.

The Tax Foundation considered tariffs as a new tax on consumers and estimated that the 2025 increases resulted in an average cost of $1,000 (£734.30) per household, with a projected cost of $1,300 in 2026.

The Tax Foundation reported that the "effective" tariff rate, which accounts for decreased consumer purchases due to higher prices, is now 9.9%, representing the highest average rate since 1946.

The Tax Foundation concluded that the economic benefits of tax cuts included in Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" will be entirely offset by the impacts of the tariffs on households.

Business

BBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool

The demand for vibe-coding tools, which enable individuals without coding experience to develop applications using artificial intelligence, is experiencing rapid growth.

A significant and unresolved cyber-security vulnerability has been identified in a popular AI coding platform, according to information provided to the BBC.

BBC reporter's laptop wallpaper reads "you are hacked" with an image of a robot skull — The hacker was able to hijack a BBC reporter's laptop to upload this wallpaper

The platform, known as Orchids, utilizes a "vibe-coding" approach, enabling individuals without technical expertise to create apps and games by inputting text prompts into a chatbot.

In recent months, such platforms have gained widespread popularity, often being touted as an early example of how AI can rapidly and affordably perform various professional tasks.

However, experts warn that the ease with which Orchids can be compromised highlights the risks associated with granting AI bots extensive access to computers in exchange for autonomous task execution.

Despite repeated requests for comment, the company has not responded to the BBC's inquiries.

Orchids claims to have a user base of one million and boasts partnerships with top companies, including Google, Uber, and Amazon.

According to ratings from App Bench and other analysts, Orchids is considered the top program for certain aspects of vibe coding.

Cyber-security researcher Etizaz Mohsin demonstrated the platform's security flaws to the BBC.

To test the platform's security, a spare laptop was used to download the Orchids desktop app and initiate a vibe-coding project.

A request was made to the Orchids AI assistant to generate code for a computer game based on the BBC News website.

Screenshot of the Orchids app. Shows computer code being created in an action window and folders and chat box — Orchids is one of many AI agent platforms that writes code for users who have no experience

The AI assistant automatically compiled code on the screen, which, without prior experience, was unintelligible.

By exploiting a specific cyber-security weakness, Mohsin was able to access the project and view and edit the code.

Mohsin then added a line of code to the project, which went unnoticed.

This action apparently allowed him to gain access to the computer, as evidenced by the subsequent appearance of a "Joe is hacked" notepad file on the desktop and a changed wallpaper featuring an AI hacker image.

The potential implications of this hack on the platform's numerous projects are significant.

A malicious hacker could have easily installed a virus on the machine without any action required from the victim.

Sensitive personal or financial data could have been compromised.

An attacker could have accessed internet history or even used the computer's cameras and microphones for surveillance.

Most cyber-attacks involve tricking victims into downloading malicious software or divulging login credentials.

This particular attack was carried out without any involvement from the victim, known as a zero-click attack.

Mohsin stated that the vibe-coding revolution has introduced a new class of security vulnerabilities that did not previously exist, highlighting the risks associated with relying on AI to handle tasks.

The concept of AI handling tasks autonomously comes with significant risks, according to Mohsin.

Mohsin, a 32-year-old from Pakistan currently residing in the UK, has a history of discovering dangerous software flaws, including work on the Pegasus spyware.

Etizaz Mohsin standing at the podium giving a presentation. He has black hair and wearing a brown leather jacket and jeans — Etizaz Mohsin speaking about cyber-security at the prestigious BlackHat conference

Mohsin discovered the flaw in December 2025 while experimenting with vibe-coding and has since attempted to contact Orchids through various channels, sending around a dozen messages.

The Orchids team responded to Mohsin this week, stating that they may have missed his warnings due to being overwhelmed with incoming messages.

According to the company's LinkedIn page, Orchids is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2025 with fewer than 10 employees.

Mohsin has only identified flaws in Orchids and not in other vibe-coding platforms, such as Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and Lovable.

Nonetheless, experts caution that this discovery should serve as a warning.

Professor Kevin Curran of Ulster University's cybersecurity department notes that the main security implications of vibe-coding are the potential for code to fail under attack due to a lack of discipline, documentation, and review.

Agentic AI tools, which perform complex tasks with minimal human input, are increasingly gaining attention.

A recent example is the Clawbot agent, also known as Moltbot or Open Claw, which can execute tasks on a user's device with little human intervention.

The free AI agent has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of people, granting it deep access to computers and potentially introducing numerous security risks.

Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of product at NordPass, advises caution when using such tools.

Arbaciauskas warns that while it may be intriguing to see what an AI agent can do without security measures, this level of access is also highly insecure.

He recommends running these tools on separate, dedicated machines and using disposable accounts for experimentation.

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