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Science
New species alert: Bathydevius caudactylus, a bioluminescent deep-sea sea slug!
The world’s largest coral is visible from space but how has it been impacted by global warming…if at all?
Coral larvae have the ability to ‘reduce their metabolism and increase nitrogen uptake to resist bleaching in high temperatures’.
Fisheries
There has been a drastic shift in the predator-prey relationship of Atlantic cod and capelin in Norwegian waters.
The Norwegian Government and the EU have resolved long-existing fisheries management issues.
European Social Partners have called for the protection of Mediterranean coastal fishing communities due to overexploitation rates of fish in the Mediterranean ‘falling to their lowest level in a decade’.
British Overseas Territories
How will Trump influence the complex situation of the Chagos Islands deal that has recently had hundreds protesting. Following the recent election in Mauritius, they now have a new Prime Minister: Navin Ramgoolam.
Following members of cabinet resigning, frustrations have continued in the Cayman Islands.
Squid from the Falkland Islands may be used in the UK’s ‘reset’ talks with the EU. In addition, the UK has promised to protect the Falkland Islands.
Bermuda has an extremely important role in global ocean conservation.
Researchers are counting Elephant seals on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia using drones and satellite images from space.
Marine Protection
Puerto Rico announces a new Marine Protected Area (MPA)!
A lawsuit has been filed against the German Government for allowing harmful activities to take place in designated MPAs.
Conservation
Peruvian fishers have been helping to recover red sea urchin populations from overfishing.
Shorebird populations have dropped globally, 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction, and an endangered orca pod is declining off the Washington coast.
There are new methods for monitoring species in the UK, including dolphins, porpoises and seals.
Climate Crisis
There are concerns over the EU’s decision to delay and weaken their anti-deforestation law, and wildfires have burnt 97% of a key biodiversity area in Brazil. Is the climate doomed? Maybe not: Keir Starmer has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 81% by 2035. Furthermore, shipping emissions have reduced in the North Atlantic, shedding light on marine cloud geoengineering, and significant seabed carbon storage around the coasts of Canada and the UK is supporting the case for greater protection of the seabed. Findings from the largest study of climate adaptation in the Pacific region was revealed at COP29.
A new report has argued that deep sea mining provides minimal gains, whilst causing large-scale environmental damage.
A new study has revealed that ‘some marine life could face extinction over the next century, if human-induced global warming worsens’. The Pacific Coral Triangle’s unique marine ecosystem is being put at risk due to the expansion of fossil fuel projects, and ocean warming and acidification is causing vital planktonic foraminifera populations to shrink at a concerning rate.
Misc
See pictures of this week’s wildlife here.
