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Science
Scientists have observed the first instance of a shark producing deliberate sounds, studied bioluminescence in a rare Red Sea fish, found that migratory birds use quantum mechanics to navigate, and observed cuttlefish changing their skin patterns to bedazzle predators.
It has been revealed that poor water quality, particularly high dissolved inorganic nitrogen levels, threatens coral restoration efforts by reducing coral survival, even in the absence of disease.
Fisheries
A High Court judge has dismissed Blue Marine Foundation’s judicial review of the way the majority of fishing quotas are allocated above scientific advice, leading to the collapse of fish populations and the decline of fishing communities. Blue Marine will seek to appeal the judgment handed down today. “This judgement has condoned irresponsibility. It says that ministers have the discretion to make bad and irresponsible decisions like this, without proper justification, even if they are manifestly against the public interest, against those of the natural world and even against the stated objectives of the Fisheries Act.”
President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese and Canadian seafood imports, including tilapia, shrimp, and salmon, are expected to raise prices for U.S. consumers and disrupt established supply chains.
A conservation effort in eastern Indonesia reduced thresher shark catches by 91% among participating fishers by offering alternative income opportunities.
UK fisheries enforcement officers are patrolling coastal areas to protect the endangered European eel from illegal poaching during migration.
UK Overseas Territories
Nutrients from seabird droppings have been found to double coral growth rates and accelerate recovery after bleaching events, enhancing the resilience of coral reefs against climate change.
A recent exploration of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica revealed the impacts of climate change on local wildlife. In addition, a groundfish survey around South Georgia provided valuable insights into the region’s marine life. The distribution of southern elephant seals has been found to fluctuate over thousands of years due to climatic changes and human impacts.
Bermuda’s Minister of Public Works and Environment has emphasised the importance of incorporating fishermen’s input in the implementation of marine protected areas.
Marine Protection
Scientists are calling for emperor penguins to be reclassified to ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to climate change impacts on their Antarctic habitat.
Humpback whales use both environmental cues and memory of feeding conditions to time their migrations, but climate change may disrupt this strategy, affecting their food supply synchronisation.
The absence of great white sharks in South Africa’s False Bay has disrupted marine food webs in the area, leading to an increase in Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks, which has negatively impacted their prey species.
A surge in harmful algal blooms has led to increased aggression in sea lions along Southern California’s coast, while a toxic algae bloom along South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula has caused marine life deaths, yellow foam on beaches, and flu-like symptoms in beachgoers.
Conservation
A global analysis of over 2,000 studies has shown that human activities have led to a 20% reduction in species diversity across all affected ecosystems.
Both Australia’s Ningaloo and Great Barrier reefs are experiencing simultaneous coral bleaching due to marine heatwaves, with scientists expressing deep concern over the widespread damage.
Human activities, such as boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat destruction, are pushing manatees and dugongs toward decline, raising conservation concerns.
Surgically implanted tags in rehabilitated sea turtles have provided valuable insights into their post-release movements and long-term survival, while in New Zealand, volunteers are being trained in methods to rescue stranded whales.
Climate Crisis
Recent data shows that both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice have hit record lows, with Arctic sea ice reaching its lowest peak in 47 years, highlighting the significant impact of climate change on polar regions. Drone research over the Greenland ice sheet has also provided key data on its melting processes and potential contributions to sea level rise.
In 2024, water companies in England discharged raw sewage into rivers and seas for a record 3.61 million hours, sparking public outrage, while French waste management company Veolia has been accused of polluting Colombia’s San Silvestre wetlands with toxic waste.
Addressing the climate crisis could drive global economic growth, while inaction would result in significant economic setbacks. This video reveals how some countries exploit loopholes in the Paris Agreement, using creative accounting to meet net-zero targets without making significant emissions reductions.
On a more positive note, China’s rapid expansion of solar energy has driven global renewable energy growth, prompting Europe to accelerate its clean energy efforts, while Grenada is turning excessive sargassum seaweed into fuel, fertiliser, and bioplastics to tackle environmental and energy challenges.
Plastics
Microplastics in sea turtle nests may disrupt nest temperatures, leading to a dangerous gender imbalance and threatening the populations of green and hawksbill turtles.
Plastic pollution is leading to financial losses for artisanal fishers in Ecuador and Peru as it has led to reduced fish catches and damaged fishing gear.
Researchers analysing seabed core samples from Greenland’s Disko Bay found a significant increase in microplastic pollution since the 1950s, linked to Greenland’s socio-economic development.
A recent study has highlighted advancements in removing microplastics from the ocean and other bodies of water using biodegradable microcleaners that capture the plastics and float them to the surface for easy removal.
Misc
See this week’s wildlife photos.
“Polar sea ice continues to decline, but will a troubled world notice?”
“Preserving wild lands is not just for the sake of species or scenery, but because, properly stewarded, they make life better.”
“I have looked upon these brilliant creatures, and now my heart is sore”.
Upcoming Webinars
Open Communications for The Ocean is hosting a webinar on exploring effective enforcement practices and technology in priority marine areas (5pm 2nd April 2025) Register here.
Open Communications for The Ocean is hosting a webinar on ecological considerations for managing fisheries within conserved areas: Introducing a new task force (4pm 24th April 2025) Register here.
