Daily Roundup: March 12, 2010

Hard to Swallow: Caught serving endangered whale meat in a sting operation, a Santa Monica, California, sushi chef will face the possibility of jail time and fines up to $100,000. Scientific American

For the Birds: A federal appeals court ruled that the U.S. Forest Service's current livestock-allotment plan in Montana must be reassessed. The new study will examine how grazing affects sage-grouse habitat. Great Falls Tribune

Whale Wars in Court: Japanese officials formerly charged Sea Shepherd's Pete Bethune with trespassing on a whaling vessel. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison. Ecorazzi

Keep It Clean: As part of a settlement deal with the Center for Biological Diversity, the EPA will use the Clean Water Act to monitor and protect acidifying coastal waters. New York Times

Not So Bad Medicine: Vaccines containing a mercury-based preservative did not cause the autism of an Oregon boy, ruled a federal claims court. Reuters

--Della Watson