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Science
Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel has completed its first science expedition to Antarctica, exploring deep-sea ecosystems and mapping uncharted waters.
Researchers have found that a previously thought unique seaweed species in the Baltic Sea is actually a massive clone of common bladderwrack, perhaps the world’s largest clone overall!
New research has revealed that reef fish in the world’s hottest reef ecosystem can tolerate higher temperatures, but with reduced biodiversity, suggesting that only specific species are able to adapt to global warming.
Fisheries
This week, the Blue Marine Foundation’s case challenging the setting of unsustainable fishing quotas was heard in court.
Liberia’s plan to introduce industrial shrimp trawling has raised concerns among artisanal fishers, who fear it will harm marine ecosystems and threaten their livelihoods.
An illegal sea fence near Jakarta, has displaced local fishers and led to government sanctions and calls for prosecution.
Australia’s orange roughy fishery has received MSC certification, but some have criticised the decision and described it as “ludicrous” due to the species’ vulnerability.
UK Overseas Territories
Mauritius’ Prime Minister has expressed optimism over Trump’s positive comments on the Chagos deal, while a recent revelation shows that only one in three Brits can correctly identify the Chagos Islands. Despite this, disputes continue, as highlighted in a House of Commons debate on the British Indian Ocean Territory this week.
As more cruises embark on voyages to remote destinations like Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, the South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia Island, concerns are growing about the environmental and cultural impacts of these visits. Meanwhile, the world’s largest iceberg has run aground near South Georgia Island after a four-decade journey from Antarctica.
The Cayman Islands recently streamed their vibrant underwater ecosystems live to the world, highlighting the need for science-driven approaches to effectively manage and protect the region’s marine ecosystems.
Marine Protection
At the recent South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation meeting, New Zealand blocked the adoption of stricter bottom trawling regulations due to concerns over the potential economic impact on its fishing industry. Meanwhile, The European Bottom Fisheries Alliance (EBFA) has welcomed Commissioner Kadis’ recent approach to bottom trawling.
A recent study revealed that tuna are more abundant outside marine protected areas, showing a 12-18% increase in catch near these zones…it looks like MPAs might actually be working!
A study is moving Manitoba closer to establishing Canada’s largest Indigenous-led protected area in the Seal River watershed, which remains mostly undeveloped.
Conservation
Sea Otters: Guardians of the undersea kelp forests!
Beavers, once extinct in the UK, are making a comeback, with experts emphasising their role in restoring damaged rivers. Watch beavers being released in England from Scotland and listen to this podcast for more insights.
Seagrass is being mapped across 2 million square kilometres from Kenya to Madagascar!
Over 100 tagged white sharks from Cape Cod have been detected off the coast of Maine, revealing new insights into their movement patterns.
A study shows that a 4°C rise in global temperatures could push 7.5% of amphibian species beyond their limits, with tropical species at higher risk in the Southern Hemisphere, emphasising the need to protect vital microhabitats.
Climate Crisis
Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s growing strength has raised concerns about the severe devastation it will bring. Scientists are analysing its development to predict the impact, while satellite images and videos provide real-time updates.
This February, global sea ice hit a record low. New research has revealed that melting Antarctic ice sheets are weakening the world’s strongest ocean current!
Tropical forests in the Americas face significant challenges from climate change, with illegal activities like deforestation exacerbating the issue. In Brazil’s Amazon, 91% of deforestation in 2023-2024 was illegal, further threatening the resilience of these crucial ecosystems.
Concerns have emerged over the environmental impact of a proposed cruise ship dock in Isola Sacra, Italy, due to potential harm to the local marine ecosystem. Similarly, El Salvador’s construction of an airport is endangering mangrove ecosystems.
Are billion-dollar lawsuits delaying countries’ efforts to phase out fossil fuels more rapidly?
The UK and Ireland have announced a deal to connect offshore wind farms to their energy networks, boosting renewable energy cooperation between the two nations.
Aquaculture
It has been revealed that loud, repetitive noise causes stress in farmed salmon, leading to higher cortisol levels and long-term brain stress that can hinder growth and reproduction. Additionally, marine heatwaves are intensifying issues such as salmon lice, jellyfish spread, harmful algae blooms, and weakened immune systems, all of which threaten both fish welfare and the environment.
Misc
See this week’s wildlife photos.
‘Nudibranchs won my heart’
‘The imagery of climate change matters. How we perceive the world affects how we perceive climate change, and how it will affect us – or whether it will affect us at all’.
‘Is Trump’s war on climate science pushing us into a dystopian future?’
‘Climate change should be in everyone’s writing right now’.
‘We must consume better, differently, and less’.
