Beginning in April, the Panama Canal will set new restrictions on ships because of the falling water levels of nearby lakes that filter into the waterway. The Panama Canal Authority (APC) is hopeful that the impact on operations will be minimal. Beginning on April 18, ships must have a maximum depth of 39 feet. Ships loaded after March 21 will be required to comply with these restrictions. These measures have been described as "temporary and preventative." They are connected to impacts on the local climate from El Nino. The restrictions will be implemented in 6-inch decrements and will be announced with at least four weeks notice. For the full story, see http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-panama-canal-idUKKCN0WO04E.