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Science
Some species of octopus and fish work as a team!
Sea robins use their legs to taste and navigate the seafloor.
New discoveries on the behaviour of sperm whales and gray whales.
Fisheries
There is a new study highlighting how industrial fishing is driving the world’s oceans toward collapse, and a new definition of sustainable fishing.
Researchers fear cod numbers have declined beyond recovery in the North and Baltic seas. Similarly, as bluefin tuna return to UK waters, a ‘ravenous fishing industry, backed by government and science is already licking its lips’.
Whilst mackerel populations have started to show signs of significant decline, Norwegian fishermen have just caught a record number of mackerel in 7 days, 90% of which was caught in UK waters. They have been criticised by Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) who are sounding the alarm on overfishing of this vulnerable stock. However, Norway has also offered to collaborate with the UK on joint inspection efforts.
Discussions have begun between coastal states on fisheries management for 2025.
British Overseas Territories
There is a new agreement between Argentina and Britain regarding the Falkland Islands, which has sparked tensions.
The Turks and Caicos Islands participated in a nation-wide initiative to protect its pristine coastlines and marine ecosystems on International Coastal Clean-up Day.
Bermuda’s Ministry of Home Affairs is sponsoring a free screening of a documentary, Shark Country, showing the island’s decreasing shark population.
St Helena: Navigating a safe future for people and the marine environment.
Marine Protection
86% of EU Marine Protected Areas showed low levels of protection that would not be considered compatible with conservation objectives. The World Economic Forum has released a new report on governing Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
The number of bony marine fish species that are at risk of extinction could be five times higher than predictions.
Minke whale sightings have reached record highs in the Hebrides, whilst basking sharks reach record lows.
Climate variability has shown to have an impact on the vertical structure of phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea.
Conservation
The Prince of Wales has issued an urgent call to end environmental destruction in a video message at the United Nations.
The UK will need to double nature protection funding if it is to meet its targets.
The DAERA Minister has urged immediate action be taken to protect sharks and seabirds and has launched two consultations.
Climate Crisis
Carbon capture and storage capacity can meet the requirements of 2 °C climate pathways but not those for 1.5 °C. There is research showing that dead coral can impede on coral recovery following disturbances as it becomes a shelter for seaweed, and that light pollution can cause long-lasting effects to fish and their offspring.
The true scale of oil pollution in UK seas has been revealed, and the legal challenge to Rosebank oil field will go ahead. In addition, high levels of antibiotics and other drugs have been found in water in England’s national parks. Labour has appointed Rachel Kyte to take on the climate envoy role, and Keir Starmer has confirmed that GB Energy HQ will be based in Aberdeen.
There is a petition to stop oil exploration in Conkouati-Douli National Park which is likely to have an impact on marine life as well as the rainforest.
Climate has taken centre stage at UNGA, and there are discussions on the solutions to tackle climate change and on mangrove survival. Climate change in the Arctic should be a ‘wake-up call for the Global South’.
In more encouraging news, heat-tolerant corals have been found in all reefs in the Great Barrier Reef in a new study.
Aquaculture
Salmon producer, Scottish Sea Farms, was caught removing tonnes of dead salmon before MSPs visited the farm for a ‘fact-finding mission’. Also, councillors in Skye have approved plans for a new fish farm , despite concerns.
There is currently an ‘aquaculture pilot project’ underway which aims to restore bluefin tuna in the Bay of Biscay.
China has become the main driver of growth in aquaculture production globally.
Plastic
Microplastics have been found in even coral skeletons, and grazing zooplankton have been found to be impacted by ‘nanoplastic particles’.
A new report has provided a clear numerical target to tackle marine plastic pollution.
Misc
Greenpeace is urging Norway to put plans on Arctic seabed mining on hold, and live up to commitments to manage its seas sustainably by 2025.
Listen to a podcast episode from a marine biologist and climate activist on how we can get our ecological and climate problems right. There is also a podcast on how the ocean is becoming too acidic to sustain life.
Positive environmental news stories from 2024.
Watch National Geographics’ new documentary on sharks here.
