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Science
Scientists have found that the size differences in thorny skates along the North American coast are due to genetics, with larger skates maturing at eleven years and smaller ones at six. In addition, scientists in New South Wales found amazingly well-preserved 16-million-year-old fossil fish, showing details like their last meal and even colours!
A new study has revealed that dolphins have some of the highest recorded levels of long-banned toxic chemicals.
Fisheries
The UK and Faroe Islands have set their 2025 fishing quotas, but the deal has faced backlash for indirectly supporting the Faroe Islands’ controversial dolphin hunts, as the same vessels supplying the UK participate in these practices.
Congresswoman Amata Radewagen of American Samoa is urging the Trump administration to reopen much of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to industrial tuna fishing. Meanwhile, BLOOM and foodwatch are suing Carrefour in Paris for neglecting its responsibility in the tuna industry.
Shark populations are declining rapidly due to fishing, especially affecting smaller and deep-water species, with bans helping but not enough to ensure their survival.
An interview with the creators of Fatal Watch, a new documentary, has exposed the dangers and mysterious disappearances of fisheries observers.
A solar-powered underwater robot has been developed to autonomously count fish, helping developing countries promote sustainable fishing by providing real-time data to prevent overfishing.
UK Overseas Territories
Researchers exploring the South Sandwich Islands filmed a giant sea spider that is almost entirely legs!
Two British women from Diego Garcia plan to sue the UK government over its decision to transfer the Chagos Islands’ sovereignty to Mauritius.
The Cayman Islands recently hosted the 8th annual BK Big Fish Tournament, drawing nearly 400 participants competing for species like wahoo, tuna, barracuda, and blue marlin. Former Premier Wayne Panton reaffirmed The Cayman Community Party’s commitment to environmental conservation, stressing the importance of the National Conservation Act and resisting any efforts to weaken it. Meanwhile, marine scientist Dr. Tom Goreau is set to visit this month to discuss the environmental impact of proposed cruise berthing facilities.
Anguilla is expanding air travel with new San Juan flights and airport upgrades to boost tourism, while the BVI plans to introduce higher marine charter fees.
Marine Protection
South Africa will establish no-fishing zones around six key African penguin breeding colonies aiming to halt the species’ decline toward potential extinction by 2035.
After ten years, transplanted red coral colonies in Spain’s Medes Islands have successfully grown, resembling natural reefs and supporting ecosystem recovery.
Despite losing their permits, three palm oil companies in Indonesian Borneo continue illegally clearing protected peatlands and forests, exposing weak enforcement.
Conservation
Despite ongoing biodiversity declines, we should stay optimistic, as targeted conservation efforts continue to successfully improve the status of many species.
New discoveries: Hammerhead shark migrations may be shaped by their diets, grey seals can sense their blood oxygen levels and migrating baleen whales transport vast amounts of vital nutrients across the oceans. In addition, Antarctic krill have shown the ability to detect and react to the scent of penguin poo, showing evasive behaviour and reduced feeding to avoid predators.
Scientists used tracking devices on northern elephant seals to study fish abundance in the Pacific Ocean’s twilight zone, revealing trends over the past 50 years.
Marineland in Canada plans to rehome its whales and dolphins, but a lack of suitable sanctuaries is presenting significant challenges.
NOAA plays a vital role in protecting ocean fisheries and coastal communities, but its future is uncertain due to staff reductions.
Climate Crisis
Microalgae in peat bogs could help absorb up to 14% of future carbon dioxide emissions, boosting peatlands’ role in carbon capture as temperatures rise.
AI may now be generating your weather forecast.
Which tree species do you think holds the most carbon? The UK government plans to plant 20 million trees in its first new national forest in 30 years, while major landowners collaborate on restoring nature across 10% of England. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questions the feasibility of net zero, Green Party leader Adrian Ramsay criticises Labour’s ‘growth vs nature’ framing and Labour’s Ed Miliband pushes for climate cooperation with China. Additionally, political appointments in Indonesia’s climate program have sparked criticism over favouritism and lack of accountability. With only 15 out of 194 countries meeting the latest Paris Agreement deadline for updating climate commitments, concerns grow over the global shortfall in climate action.
An investigation exposed Ecopetrol for concealing environmental damage, while a North Sea ship collision caused major plastic pollution—yet a jury still rules in favour of an oil company?
Plastics
In 2024, single-use plastic waste on UK and Channel Island beaches rose by 9.5%, highlighting the need for stronger policies to tackle plastic pollution. We now know that microplastics hinder photosynthesis, but how are they impacting crops and food production?
Misc
See this week’s wildlife photos.
A pod of dolphins gracefully welcomed NASA’s astronauts back to Earth after their extended stay in space!
“We can’t manage what we can’t measure”.
