Welcome to this week's Marine News Roundup! The best of the week's marine stories all in one place!
Flex's relatives tagged by scientists
Last year, scientists tagged 'Flex', a rare western Gray whale, and watched in amazement as it left it's Russian home and sprinted 8,586 kilometres across the ocean to the west coast of North America. This month, they have tagged five more western Grays in the hope of discovering whether they regularly make international trips. A team co-ordinated by the International Whaling Commission hopes to fix satellite tags to at least 12 whales, which spend their summers off Sakhalin Island, Russia. The big question for researchers is whether the western whales mix with the eastern whales as they migrate between Mexico and Alaska. The western Grays were thought to be extinct before the tiny Sakhalin population was discovered about 15 years ago. Once the tagged whales start their migration they can be tracked on the Marine Mammal Institute website.
Jellyfish compete with fish to dominate the sea
A new study published in Science has found that blooms of brainless jellyfish have surprising ecological power to compete against free-swimming fish and can use their efficient, prehistoric methods to dominant vast expanses of the sea when offered the chance. Jellyfish have functionally replaced several overexploited commercial stocks and scientists have warned of, "a future ‘gelatinous’ ocean reminiscent of the early Ediacaran if fishing effort and other anthropogenic stressors remain unchanged".
Hollywood ending for dolphin's tale
Six years ago, a baby dolphin was rescued by fisherman after becoming trapped by a rope and being injured so badly that it's tail was partially severed and even its mother had abandoned it. Nursed back to health at a Florida aquarium, the dolphin - named Winter by staff - shed it's tail after a few days and might never have swum again, were it not for the unique artificial tail he was fitted with. The story has now been turned into a Hollywood film, starring Morgan Freeman, which will be released in the US this week and in Britain next month.
Deadly jobs: Working with water
A new blog by BBC Earth has uncovered three deadly jobs working with water. The first job is performed by fishermen in the Philippines. Some of the most dangerous techniques are adopted by the Pa-aling divers who inhabit the Palawan province. Diving down to 40 metres, these 100 strong crews take their lives in their hands on every trip. Sadly the benefits do not outweigh the risks with each fisherman reportedly earning an average of $25 US dollars for a week’s work. The second deadly job involves the goose barnacle collectors of northern Spain. These fearless collectors of this strange looking shellfish, battle with ferocious crashing waves (also known as Atlantic Rollers) and jagged rocks to gather their prize. At up to 200 Euros per kilo it is easy to see what the attraction to this lifestyle is. The third deadly job involves fatherhood! In the Zanskar region of the Tibetan Plateau, the school run is an epic six-day trek along the semi-frozen river Zanskar. In the spring the smooth firm ice can start to give way, rapidly turning the trip from a habitual pilgrimage to a perilous expedition. Check out this BBC Earth blog for more details of these dangerous jobs!
Have you seen a Chinese mitten crab?
Chinese mitten crabs are officially listed as one of the World's 100 worst invasive species. They can cause damage to fishing gear and river banks, block intake screens, modify natural habitats and compete with native species. It is this economic and ecological damage that makes this crab such an unwelcome arrival. The full extent of these exotic pests in English and Welsh waters is currently unclear and a consortium of research institutes is requesting mitten crab sightings from members of the public, anglers and waterway workers, to clarify the distribution of this species. You can report your sightings by email, phone, text or online.
Sweden's west coast hit by 'substantial' oil spill
The Swedish coastguard has said that a recent oil spill near the Sweden's southwest coast is the worst in the area in years and the clean-up will take weeks. Coastguard official Birgitta Andersson said authorities suspect the petrol contaminated the sea following a collision between two boats off Denmark's west coast on September 10th. The cleanup operation will take several weeks, but decontaminating the affected beaches will likely take much longer. The coastguard has already collected more than 130 cubic metres (130,000 litres) from Sweden's southwest coast and up to 15 birds covered in petrol have already been discovered.
3,000 blue whales swarm off the coast of California
In a very rare event, a huge pod of blue whales hovers around the coast of Southern California. Weighing up to 150 tons and reaching lengths of 108 feet, these creatures are exceptional in both appearance and strength. Researchers estimate this particular pod consists of an astounding 3,000 whales, as part of the global population merely three times that size. This pod is already exposing eager marine researchers to behaviours uncommon in this setting. In addition to the fact that the pod is unusually close to shore, witnesses have noted that the species is actively courting, breaching the water's surface, as well as willingly approaching kayaks and boats. In combination with this rare mating behaviour, an NBC camera crew was able to record a blue whale song above water. Local experts exclaim that the opportunity to witness this serenade is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime experience.
New Dolphin Species May Already Be at Risk
A dolphin that was previously lumped in with other species of coastal-dwelling dolphins is actually its own Australian species, researchers say. And already, the new Burrunan dolphin may be in danger due to its small population and limited range. The new species of dolphins only live in a tiny region off southern and southeastern Australia, with two small populations making up the entire species (about 150 individuals). The other, more common dolphins in the area are well represented across the globe. This region is located close to many urban and agricultural centres, the runoff of which ends up in the dolphin's habitat. The populations are also in close proximity to major shipping ports, commercial and recreation fisheries, residential, industrial and agricultural stressors. Researchers believe the species should qualify for protection under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
'Porpicide': Bottlenose dolphins killing porpoises
A harbour porpoise that washed ashore last month at San Francisco's Fort Funston has been identified as a victim of 'porpicide', the deliberate slaying of a harbor porpoise by a surprising and, to most people, unlikely culprit - the bottlenose dolphin. The brutal battering wasn't an isolated incident. Scientists say there has been a dramatic increase in dolphin attacks on harbour porpoises along the California coast over the past few years. Since Aug. 12, six dead harbour porpoises have washed ashore at Ocean Beach, Fort Funston and Stinson Beach. It is not yet clear how they all died, but most of the injuries are consistent with bottlenose attacks. Well over 50 harbour porpoise deaths are believed to have been caused by bottlenose dolphins along the California coast since 2005, when the first fatal attack ever recorded in California was confirmed. A study published this year in the Marine Mammal Science journal documented 44 fatal attacks between 2007 and 2009, mostly off San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz and in Monterey Bay. Scientists do not know why the highly intelligent species would suddenly start battering its ocean brethren, but have said the perpetrators are probably young, sexually frustrated toughs defending their turf. The killings coincide with the expansion of dolphin territory, but it is believed that the primary motive is not territorial. The two species primarily feed on different things and do not generally frequent the same places at the same times, according to the porpicide study. Scientists are now proposing theories as to why these killings occur.
European fish stocks changing with warming seas
The first "big picture" study of the effects of rapidly rising temperatures in the northeast Atlantic Ocean shows that a major shift in fish stocks is already well underway. But it isn't all bad news. The research, published in Current Biology, shows that some fishes' losses are other fishes' gain. The study included more than 100 million fish, to explore how warming is affecting the commercially important European fishery. The data shows that fish in European waters have undergone profound community-level changes that are related to dramatic warming trends for the region. The vast majority - a whopping 72% - of common fish species have already shown a change in abundance that relates to the rising sea temperatures. Of those, three out of every four fish species have grown in numbers with warming. Catches of cold-loving species, including haddock and cod, have dropped by half in the past three decades, whereas landings of warm-loving species, including hake and dab, have more than doubled. The results show that studies focused only on changes to where particular fish species are found - species ranges - will miss the far more ecologically and economically relevant effects of warming. They also suggest there will be an unavoidable change in what's for dinner. There may be a further decline in cold-adapted species, many of which were the staple for our grandparents. The flip-side is a likely increase in species that for the UK may seem relatively exotic now, such as red mullet and John Dory. Over time, with effective management and an appropriate response in consumer demand, European seas have the potential to yield productive and sustainable fisheries into the future.
That's all for this week - don't forget to leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
Showing posts with label Jellyfish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jellyfish. Show all posts
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Marine News Roundup
This weeks best marine news stories all in once place!
Keystone Pipeline Could Push Endangered Whooping Crane Into Extinction
The Canadian energy company TransCanada and the Obama administration is on the verge of approving a proposal that will place a route through which to move toxic, highly corrosive, sludgy crude oil on the same narrow corridor used by one of the world’s most endangered birds. If approved by the administration, the Keystone XL tar-sands pipeline will move a half million+ barrels daily of Canadian crude 1,700 miles from Alberta, Canada to the Texas coast as soon as 2013. The Whooping crane is one of the most highly endangered birds in the world and the cranes follow the proposed path of the pipeline annually each spring, as they migrate from Texas to their breeding grounds in Canada. Scientists are deeply concerned by the proposals and say that, in addition to the grave risk of catastrophic spill, Whooping cranes would be put at still further risk by the installation of aerial power lines that would be constructed to power pumping stations on the proposed pipeline route. The State Department has completely ignored the impacts of the proposed pipeline on the highly endangered Whooping crane and in so doing, ignored the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. The Obama administration could announce its decision whether to block this remarkably flawed proposal at any time.
Tesco Drops Biodegradable Bags
Tesco is eliminating a controversial type of additive which helped it to create biodegradable bags, according to news reports. A study backed by the UK's Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs suggested that bags containing oxo-biodegradable additives (OBD) could actually harm the environment. Tesco is replacing the bags with an alternative that is not biodegradable, but which does use 15% recycled material. Tesco handed out over two billion of the bags to customers last year.
The Great Garbage Patch exposed
Tim Silverwood sailed the wild seas with a research team in search of the North Pacific's heart of plastic. His journey started around four years ago when he travelled to India and saw huge levels of trash entering waterways and the ocean. This article is a personal account of what Tim found when he visited the North Pacific Garbage Patch. "Tiny shards of 'micro debris', just like the plastic sand of Kamilo Beach, glistened among a treasure-trove of biota almost like they were meant to be there. It doesn't take long to realise that the larger items we spotted were merely the forebears of future plastic sand. Time, friction, tide and the relentless sun would secure their fate. Despite the conditions, we completed dozens of trawls and found plastic in every trawl, from recognisable items like pen caps and a toothbrush to tiny pieces including the infamous 'nurdle', the pre-production pellets used in the manufacture of plastic." You can read more about the North Pacific Garbage Patch and the problems of plastics and other debris in the marine environment in our Marine Debris blog.
Marine survey uncovers a deep sea treasure trove
Building on UN Environment Program biodiversity assessments, the Sydney Centre for Policy Development has counted up the worth of nature hidden beneath the sea's surface. The first serious stab at the value of the ecological benefits to Australia of its huge marine domain is $25 billion. The greatest single value lay in the ocean's use as a carbon sink. The report also calculated dollar values of the oceans to the economy in recreational fisheries, providing ''nursery'' services to fish, and in disease control.
Arctic sea ice is melting at its fastest pace in almost 40 years
The Northwest Passage was, again, free of ice this summer and the polar region could be unfrozen in just 30 years. Arctic sea ice has melted to a level not recorded since satellite observations started in 1972 – and almost certainly not experienced for at least 8,000 years, say polar scientists. The German researchers said the record melt was undoubtedly because of human-induced global warming. Floating Arctic sea ice naturally melts and re-freezes annually, but the speed of change in a generation has shocked scientists – it is now twice as great as it was in 1972, according to the NSIDC, with a decline of about 10% per decade. Arctic temperatures have risen more than twice as fast as the global average over the past half century. The last time the Arctic was uncontestably free of summertime ice was 125,000 years ago, at the height of the last major interglacial period, known as the Eemian. This year, both the North-west and North-east passages were mostly ice free, as they have been twice since 2008. Last year (2010) tied with 2005 as the warmest year on record.
Endangered blue whale spotted off Boothbay Harbor
Naturalists from two whale watching companies based in Boothbay Harbor confirmed the sighting on Sunday afternoon of an endangered blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth. The whale was believed to be “logging” or sleeping in waters about 15 miles offshore from Boothbay Harbor. Blue whales can grow to enormous sizes, weighing on average 400,000 pounds and possessing tongues that weigh as much as an elephant. Whale watch boats based in Maine typically spot fin, humpback and sei whales in the Gulf of Maine.
Call for more marine parks
The Centre for Policy Development, releasing its report on marine economy security, says that Australia needs extra marine parks and increased fish stocks to protect ocean ecosystems from the effects of climate change such as acidity and rising temperatures. Ocean ecosystems add an extra $25 billion to the national economy each year including $15.8 billion a year in carbon storage, the report says. Researchers looked at the south-western region of Western Australia as a case study and found the region provided an extra $435 million a year in value than official figures showed. The report said extending a proposed marine protection area to cover coastal shelf, sea grass and coral reefs could protect a further $1.1 billion in economic benefits.
Dugongs and Turtles Face Mass Starvation After Storm
Northeastern Australia may have dried out after devastating floods hit the area early this year, but for dugongs and turtles off the Queensland coast, the natural disaster's effects seem to be just beginning. Hundreds of the animals have been washing up dead onshore near the Great Barrier Reef.
The green turtles and dugongs, vulnerable herbivores related to the Florida manatee, are believed to be victims of the aftermath of the floods and cyclone that hit Australia over the past year.
Coral reefs 'will be gone by end of the century'
A leading United Nations scientist has claimed that coral reefs are on course to become the first ecosystem that human activity will eliminate entirely from the Earth. He says this event will occur before the end of the present century, which means that there are children already born who will live to see a world without coral. The predicted decline is mainly downacidification, though local activities such as overfishing, pollution and coastal development have also harmed the reefs. He predicts that, that "we risk having no reefs that resemble those of today in as little as 30 or 40 more years". Though not all scientists agree with these precise timescales set, the crisis is clear, although there are signs that local conservation efforts can make a difference.
10 deadly animals you wouldn't want to meet
Another great blog from the BBC Earth team! Check on number 8 on their 'deadly animals you wouldn't want to meet' list: Aurelia Jellyfish. "The common jellyfish moves by pulsating its saucer shaped colourless body. Beware the tentacles which surround its body - they contain stinging cells which are used to catch prey."
Plan for marine nature reserves
Plans for a series of marine nature reserves off the coast of Plymouth and South East Cornwall have been submitted to government. They are among a total of 58 proposed “conservation zones” in the South West covering habitats from estuaries and coastal areas to deep water canyons. The aim is to develop a wider network of areas providing improved protection for marine life and habitats. Of the suggested sites (MCZs), 13 are in offshore areas and 32 in the inshore waters of the region. It is aimed at protecting a broad range of wildlife and habitats, including a type of nationally scarce lagoon worm, blue mussel beds, a shoaling fish known as smelt, seagrass beds, the pink sea fan, a fish known as the giant goby, a stalked jellyfish and long snouted seahorses. Next year the Government will following a public consultation, announce the final list of marine conservation zones which are being designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act. The Marine Conservation Society welcomed the announcement, saying protected sites were desperately needed to conserve the seas around the UK coast to allow habitats and wildlife to recover from decades of degradation.
Twice as much litter fouling area's beaches
On a more personal note, I have been volunteering for the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) for nine years and during this time I have, among other things, arranged regular beach cleans on the Plymouth Local Group's adopted beach at Batten Bay. This weekend is the MCS Beachwatch weekend and we will be holding a cleanup at Batten Bay at 10.30am this Saturday, 17th September. Our local paper, The Herald, has published an article which, although it doesn't mention my name, directly quotes from my email to our volunteers. It's good to see the message getting out there and hopefully we will have a good turnout of volunteers on Saturday!
That's it for this week... Check back next Thursday for the next Marine News Roundup!
Keystone Pipeline Could Push Endangered Whooping Crane Into Extinction
The Canadian energy company TransCanada and the Obama administration is on the verge of approving a proposal that will place a route through which to move toxic, highly corrosive, sludgy crude oil on the same narrow corridor used by one of the world’s most endangered birds. If approved by the administration, the Keystone XL tar-sands pipeline will move a half million+ barrels daily of Canadian crude 1,700 miles from Alberta, Canada to the Texas coast as soon as 2013. The Whooping crane is one of the most highly endangered birds in the world and the cranes follow the proposed path of the pipeline annually each spring, as they migrate from Texas to their breeding grounds in Canada. Scientists are deeply concerned by the proposals and say that, in addition to the grave risk of catastrophic spill, Whooping cranes would be put at still further risk by the installation of aerial power lines that would be constructed to power pumping stations on the proposed pipeline route. The State Department has completely ignored the impacts of the proposed pipeline on the highly endangered Whooping crane and in so doing, ignored the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. The Obama administration could announce its decision whether to block this remarkably flawed proposal at any time.
Tesco Drops Biodegradable Bags
Tesco is eliminating a controversial type of additive which helped it to create biodegradable bags, according to news reports. A study backed by the UK's Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs suggested that bags containing oxo-biodegradable additives (OBD) could actually harm the environment. Tesco is replacing the bags with an alternative that is not biodegradable, but which does use 15% recycled material. Tesco handed out over two billion of the bags to customers last year.
The Great Garbage Patch exposed
Tim Silverwood sailed the wild seas with a research team in search of the North Pacific's heart of plastic. His journey started around four years ago when he travelled to India and saw huge levels of trash entering waterways and the ocean. This article is a personal account of what Tim found when he visited the North Pacific Garbage Patch. "Tiny shards of 'micro debris', just like the plastic sand of Kamilo Beach, glistened among a treasure-trove of biota almost like they were meant to be there. It doesn't take long to realise that the larger items we spotted were merely the forebears of future plastic sand. Time, friction, tide and the relentless sun would secure their fate. Despite the conditions, we completed dozens of trawls and found plastic in every trawl, from recognisable items like pen caps and a toothbrush to tiny pieces including the infamous 'nurdle', the pre-production pellets used in the manufacture of plastic." You can read more about the North Pacific Garbage Patch and the problems of plastics and other debris in the marine environment in our Marine Debris blog.
Marine survey uncovers a deep sea treasure trove
Building on UN Environment Program biodiversity assessments, the Sydney Centre for Policy Development has counted up the worth of nature hidden beneath the sea's surface. The first serious stab at the value of the ecological benefits to Australia of its huge marine domain is $25 billion. The greatest single value lay in the ocean's use as a carbon sink. The report also calculated dollar values of the oceans to the economy in recreational fisheries, providing ''nursery'' services to fish, and in disease control.
Arctic sea ice is melting at its fastest pace in almost 40 years
The Northwest Passage was, again, free of ice this summer and the polar region could be unfrozen in just 30 years. Arctic sea ice has melted to a level not recorded since satellite observations started in 1972 – and almost certainly not experienced for at least 8,000 years, say polar scientists. The German researchers said the record melt was undoubtedly because of human-induced global warming. Floating Arctic sea ice naturally melts and re-freezes annually, but the speed of change in a generation has shocked scientists – it is now twice as great as it was in 1972, according to the NSIDC, with a decline of about 10% per decade. Arctic temperatures have risen more than twice as fast as the global average over the past half century. The last time the Arctic was uncontestably free of summertime ice was 125,000 years ago, at the height of the last major interglacial period, known as the Eemian. This year, both the North-west and North-east passages were mostly ice free, as they have been twice since 2008. Last year (2010) tied with 2005 as the warmest year on record.
Endangered blue whale spotted off Boothbay Harbor
Naturalists from two whale watching companies based in Boothbay Harbor confirmed the sighting on Sunday afternoon of an endangered blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth. The whale was believed to be “logging” or sleeping in waters about 15 miles offshore from Boothbay Harbor. Blue whales can grow to enormous sizes, weighing on average 400,000 pounds and possessing tongues that weigh as much as an elephant. Whale watch boats based in Maine typically spot fin, humpback and sei whales in the Gulf of Maine.
Call for more marine parks
The Centre for Policy Development, releasing its report on marine economy security, says that Australia needs extra marine parks and increased fish stocks to protect ocean ecosystems from the effects of climate change such as acidity and rising temperatures. Ocean ecosystems add an extra $25 billion to the national economy each year including $15.8 billion a year in carbon storage, the report says. Researchers looked at the south-western region of Western Australia as a case study and found the region provided an extra $435 million a year in value than official figures showed. The report said extending a proposed marine protection area to cover coastal shelf, sea grass and coral reefs could protect a further $1.1 billion in economic benefits.
Dugongs and Turtles Face Mass Starvation After Storm
Northeastern Australia may have dried out after devastating floods hit the area early this year, but for dugongs and turtles off the Queensland coast, the natural disaster's effects seem to be just beginning. Hundreds of the animals have been washing up dead onshore near the Great Barrier Reef.
The green turtles and dugongs, vulnerable herbivores related to the Florida manatee, are believed to be victims of the aftermath of the floods and cyclone that hit Australia over the past year.
Coral reefs 'will be gone by end of the century'
A leading United Nations scientist has claimed that coral reefs are on course to become the first ecosystem that human activity will eliminate entirely from the Earth. He says this event will occur before the end of the present century, which means that there are children already born who will live to see a world without coral. The predicted decline is mainly downacidification, though local activities such as overfishing, pollution and coastal development have also harmed the reefs. He predicts that, that "we risk having no reefs that resemble those of today in as little as 30 or 40 more years". Though not all scientists agree with these precise timescales set, the crisis is clear, although there are signs that local conservation efforts can make a difference.
10 deadly animals you wouldn't want to meet
Another great blog from the BBC Earth team! Check on number 8 on their 'deadly animals you wouldn't want to meet' list: Aurelia Jellyfish. "The common jellyfish moves by pulsating its saucer shaped colourless body. Beware the tentacles which surround its body - they contain stinging cells which are used to catch prey."
Plan for marine nature reserves
Plans for a series of marine nature reserves off the coast of Plymouth and South East Cornwall have been submitted to government. They are among a total of 58 proposed “conservation zones” in the South West covering habitats from estuaries and coastal areas to deep water canyons. The aim is to develop a wider network of areas providing improved protection for marine life and habitats. Of the suggested sites (MCZs), 13 are in offshore areas and 32 in the inshore waters of the region. It is aimed at protecting a broad range of wildlife and habitats, including a type of nationally scarce lagoon worm, blue mussel beds, a shoaling fish known as smelt, seagrass beds, the pink sea fan, a fish known as the giant goby, a stalked jellyfish and long snouted seahorses. Next year the Government will following a public consultation, announce the final list of marine conservation zones which are being designated under the Marine and Coastal Access Act. The Marine Conservation Society welcomed the announcement, saying protected sites were desperately needed to conserve the seas around the UK coast to allow habitats and wildlife to recover from decades of degradation.
Twice as much litter fouling area's beaches
On a more personal note, I have been volunteering for the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) for nine years and during this time I have, among other things, arranged regular beach cleans on the Plymouth Local Group's adopted beach at Batten Bay. This weekend is the MCS Beachwatch weekend and we will be holding a cleanup at Batten Bay at 10.30am this Saturday, 17th September. Our local paper, The Herald, has published an article which, although it doesn't mention my name, directly quotes from my email to our volunteers. It's good to see the message getting out there and hopefully we will have a good turnout of volunteers on Saturday!
That's it for this week... Check back next Thursday for the next Marine News Roundup!
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Marine News Roundup
The best marine news stories from throughout the week, hand-picked for you. Please feel free to comment and tell us what you think!
"Seeking Protection for Coral Sea 'Hotspot'"
The Coral Sea is best known for the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest barrier reef, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The Australian government designated the area a marine park in 1975 due to it's extensive biological diversity and richness, so some activities (e.g. fishing) are regulated in some areas and banned completely in others. A new report, "Australia's Coral Sea: A Biophysical Profile", by Pew Environment Group, is now suggesting that a similar level of protection should be extended to the sea as a whole, creating the world's largest marine park covering an area of nearly 1 million square kilometers or 386,000 square miles. The report notes that the Coral Sea contains 18 shallow reef systems which, due to their, "small size, isolation from each other and high exposure to cyclones and storms," may actually be more vulnerable than the better-known Great Barrier Reef. The Coral Sea is a global biological hotspot and some species are endemic, i.e. found nowhere else in the world. However, the report also notes that 341 bird and animal species in the sea are listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with 51% of these showing declining population trends. This is why Pew Environment Group are calling for protective action for the area. The Australian government has established a Coral Sea Conservation Zone whilst it assesses the area's potential designation as a permanent marine reserve, meaning that most commercial activities in the region now require permits. The government is expected to announce a formal decision later this year.
"Monster Algae Bloom Off Jersey Shore"
Images from a NOAA satellite have identified a "monster" algae bloom off the New Jersey coast, stretching from Brooklyn all the way down to Cape May, a distance of more than 100 miles. The bloom could soon affect fishing and beach goers and, when the algae dies within the next couple of weeks, it could create a huge 'dead zone' just off shore that will impact on marine life if the oxygen in the area in not replaced. The bloom was caused by, "an unfortunate combination of southwesterly winds that allowed the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters to come to the surface... [that] gave the algae so much food they could quickly multiply". Some of the nutrients appear to have come from New York Harbour, where heavy rains have caused an overflow of sewage and storm drain systems. As bacteria feed on the dead algae, they consume the oxygen in the water which can suffocate fish, or drive them away to more oxygen-rich waters. This could impact on fishing, and beachgoers may notice a brown foam on their skin as they get out of the water.
"BBC/Discovery 'Life' Giant Cuttlefish sequence"
This beautiful video of Australian Giant Cuttlefish mating strategies was filmed by cameraman Doug Anderson in South Australia.
"Sea Jelly Blooms in the UK: research continues to point towards manmade causes"
Mass gatherings of jellyfish of various species are becoming more frequent worldwide and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that the UK's seas are becoming more like a jellyfish 'soup' as huge swarms appear during summer. Scientists are unsure as to why, as little is known about these invaders. Research is now suggesting that pollution, overfishing and climate change may be responsible. Pollution run-off from the land into the sea can boost jellyfish numbers by causing plankton blooms, which they feed on along with fish. Overfishing removes jellyfish predators and competitors which usually regulate population growth. Climate change may cause more favourable conditions for jellyfish, "with their adaptability giving them an advantage over some other sea creatures." Jellyfish swarms can have serious economic consequences and in more developed nations, they can spoil entire commercial catches. Jellyfish numbers are a important indicator as to the state of our seas so do keep an eye out for them and report any sightings to the MCS for inclusion in their jellyfish survey data.
"Public urged to report whale shark sightings"
The Dubai-based research body, Sharkwatch Arabia, are asking members of the public to report any sightings of whale sharks in the wild, dead or alive, to them after a missed opportunity in Musandam last week. A dead whale shark washed ashore but was not reported to anyone, so scientists missed the opportunity to take tissue samples and analyse the whale's stomach contents. It is globally a very rare occurrence for a whale shark to wash ashore and scientists are keen to gather as much information as they can in order to determine where whale sharks feed, whether they are from a genetically different population or native to the area, sex, breeding maturity and possibly cause of death. If you see a whale shark contact Whaleshark Arabia as soon as possible, on sharkwatcharabia@gmail.com.
"NOAA rescuers free whale calf from fishing line"
NOAA officials have managed to rescue a 5-month old humpback whale that had become entangled in a buoy line. Tourist boats spotted the calf and it's mother and helped to keep track of them until NOAA were on the scene. Luckily the buoy, believed to have possibly come from a crab or shrimp pot, was only wrapped around the calf. The team analysed the ropes and realised they could remove it with a single snip, which they managed to do successfully after a few hours. A small of line remained on the calf but the team believe it will drop off on it's own.
"Scottish seas in good shape, say scientists"
A team of researchers from the University of Plymouth have been studying how acid can affect the sea, and ultimately the fish life within it. By focusing on a series of giant underwater volcanoes that emit CO2, they have established that the waters around Scotland are in good condition and should be able to survive the rising levels of carbon dioxide that are causing serious problems in other parts of the world. Scottish waters contain more food, which is likely to make them less vulnerable to acidification. Acidification can have dramatic consequences for marine life and is set to get worse, as more chemicals and materials are dumped into the sea.
"Experts start work on finding solutions to shark attacks"
Following the recent shark attacks in the Seychelles, it looks like the Seychelles government has now listened to concerns about indiscriminate sharks hunts. They have called in two experts from South Africa to work out what factors have led to the attack, and how best shark attacks can be avoided in the future. The experts are also attempting to work out the species of shark behind the attacks, now believed to have been a Great White or a Tiger shark. The swimming ban is still in place in Anse Lazio, Petit Anse Kerlan, Anse Georgette, Curieuse and St Pierre with swimmers and divers being asked to take necessary precautions in other areas. Air Seychelles pilots are flying over the area regularly on the lookout for sharks and the Government has stated that it does not want a bounty being put on the shark responsible for the attacks, nor an indiscriminate cull of sharks.
"Orphaned seal pups 'fall in love' after charity rescue"
This lovely story was spotted by Seal Scotland. The Scottish SPCA in Oban rescued two orphaned seal pups in June after they became separated from their mothers. The two pups, Jellyfish and Sand, have formed an unusually close bond whilst being cared for together, touching noses and sniffing each other frequently and even sleeping side by side. This is unusual behaviour for seals but they can't seem to bear being apart. The seals are set to be released together when they are old enough to fend for themselves and there is, "every chance" they will remain together in the wild.
"Shark Bay dolphins astound university researchers"
Researchers at Murdoch University have found an increased number of dolphins practicing the technique of 'conching' in Western Australia. The behaviour was first observed in bottlenose dolphins in 2007 and again in 2009, and involves the dolphin trapping small fish in an empty conch shell with it's beak, then taking the shell to the surface and shaking it, causing the water to drain out and the fish fall into it's mouth. The previously rarely witnessed phenomenon appears to be spreading, possibly through close associates of 'conching' dolphins watching them and then imitating the behaviour. Researchers are excited at the possibility of watching this learned behaviour spread, and hope to set up experiments to test how the dolphins are using the conch shells to trap small fish.
That's it for this week - please do leave your comments below and let us know what you think!
"Seeking Protection for Coral Sea 'Hotspot'"
The Coral Sea is best known for the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest barrier reef, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The Australian government designated the area a marine park in 1975 due to it's extensive biological diversity and richness, so some activities (e.g. fishing) are regulated in some areas and banned completely in others. A new report, "Australia's Coral Sea: A Biophysical Profile", by Pew Environment Group, is now suggesting that a similar level of protection should be extended to the sea as a whole, creating the world's largest marine park covering an area of nearly 1 million square kilometers or 386,000 square miles. The report notes that the Coral Sea contains 18 shallow reef systems which, due to their, "small size, isolation from each other and high exposure to cyclones and storms," may actually be more vulnerable than the better-known Great Barrier Reef. The Coral Sea is a global biological hotspot and some species are endemic, i.e. found nowhere else in the world. However, the report also notes that 341 bird and animal species in the sea are listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with 51% of these showing declining population trends. This is why Pew Environment Group are calling for protective action for the area. The Australian government has established a Coral Sea Conservation Zone whilst it assesses the area's potential designation as a permanent marine reserve, meaning that most commercial activities in the region now require permits. The government is expected to announce a formal decision later this year.
"Monster Algae Bloom Off Jersey Shore"
Images from a NOAA satellite have identified a "monster" algae bloom off the New Jersey coast, stretching from Brooklyn all the way down to Cape May, a distance of more than 100 miles. The bloom could soon affect fishing and beach goers and, when the algae dies within the next couple of weeks, it could create a huge 'dead zone' just off shore that will impact on marine life if the oxygen in the area in not replaced. The bloom was caused by, "an unfortunate combination of southwesterly winds that allowed the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters to come to the surface... [that] gave the algae so much food they could quickly multiply". Some of the nutrients appear to have come from New York Harbour, where heavy rains have caused an overflow of sewage and storm drain systems. As bacteria feed on the dead algae, they consume the oxygen in the water which can suffocate fish, or drive them away to more oxygen-rich waters. This could impact on fishing, and beachgoers may notice a brown foam on their skin as they get out of the water.
"BBC/Discovery 'Life' Giant Cuttlefish sequence"
This beautiful video of Australian Giant Cuttlefish mating strategies was filmed by cameraman Doug Anderson in South Australia.
"Sea Jelly Blooms in the UK: research continues to point towards manmade causes"
Mass gatherings of jellyfish of various species are becoming more frequent worldwide and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has reported that the UK's seas are becoming more like a jellyfish 'soup' as huge swarms appear during summer. Scientists are unsure as to why, as little is known about these invaders. Research is now suggesting that pollution, overfishing and climate change may be responsible. Pollution run-off from the land into the sea can boost jellyfish numbers by causing plankton blooms, which they feed on along with fish. Overfishing removes jellyfish predators and competitors which usually regulate population growth. Climate change may cause more favourable conditions for jellyfish, "with their adaptability giving them an advantage over some other sea creatures." Jellyfish swarms can have serious economic consequences and in more developed nations, they can spoil entire commercial catches. Jellyfish numbers are a important indicator as to the state of our seas so do keep an eye out for them and report any sightings to the MCS for inclusion in their jellyfish survey data.
"Public urged to report whale shark sightings"
The Dubai-based research body, Sharkwatch Arabia, are asking members of the public to report any sightings of whale sharks in the wild, dead or alive, to them after a missed opportunity in Musandam last week. A dead whale shark washed ashore but was not reported to anyone, so scientists missed the opportunity to take tissue samples and analyse the whale's stomach contents. It is globally a very rare occurrence for a whale shark to wash ashore and scientists are keen to gather as much information as they can in order to determine where whale sharks feed, whether they are from a genetically different population or native to the area, sex, breeding maturity and possibly cause of death. If you see a whale shark contact Whaleshark Arabia as soon as possible, on sharkwatcharabia@gmail.com.
"NOAA rescuers free whale calf from fishing line"
NOAA officials have managed to rescue a 5-month old humpback whale that had become entangled in a buoy line. Tourist boats spotted the calf and it's mother and helped to keep track of them until NOAA were on the scene. Luckily the buoy, believed to have possibly come from a crab or shrimp pot, was only wrapped around the calf. The team analysed the ropes and realised they could remove it with a single snip, which they managed to do successfully after a few hours. A small of line remained on the calf but the team believe it will drop off on it's own.
"Scottish seas in good shape, say scientists"
A team of researchers from the University of Plymouth have been studying how acid can affect the sea, and ultimately the fish life within it. By focusing on a series of giant underwater volcanoes that emit CO2, they have established that the waters around Scotland are in good condition and should be able to survive the rising levels of carbon dioxide that are causing serious problems in other parts of the world. Scottish waters contain more food, which is likely to make them less vulnerable to acidification. Acidification can have dramatic consequences for marine life and is set to get worse, as more chemicals and materials are dumped into the sea.
"Experts start work on finding solutions to shark attacks"
Following the recent shark attacks in the Seychelles, it looks like the Seychelles government has now listened to concerns about indiscriminate sharks hunts. They have called in two experts from South Africa to work out what factors have led to the attack, and how best shark attacks can be avoided in the future. The experts are also attempting to work out the species of shark behind the attacks, now believed to have been a Great White or a Tiger shark. The swimming ban is still in place in Anse Lazio, Petit Anse Kerlan, Anse Georgette, Curieuse and St Pierre with swimmers and divers being asked to take necessary precautions in other areas. Air Seychelles pilots are flying over the area regularly on the lookout for sharks and the Government has stated that it does not want a bounty being put on the shark responsible for the attacks, nor an indiscriminate cull of sharks.
"Orphaned seal pups 'fall in love' after charity rescue"
This lovely story was spotted by Seal Scotland. The Scottish SPCA in Oban rescued two orphaned seal pups in June after they became separated from their mothers. The two pups, Jellyfish and Sand, have formed an unusually close bond whilst being cared for together, touching noses and sniffing each other frequently and even sleeping side by side. This is unusual behaviour for seals but they can't seem to bear being apart. The seals are set to be released together when they are old enough to fend for themselves and there is, "every chance" they will remain together in the wild.
"Shark Bay dolphins astound university researchers"
Researchers at Murdoch University have found an increased number of dolphins practicing the technique of 'conching' in Western Australia. The behaviour was first observed in bottlenose dolphins in 2007 and again in 2009, and involves the dolphin trapping small fish in an empty conch shell with it's beak, then taking the shell to the surface and shaking it, causing the water to drain out and the fish fall into it's mouth. The previously rarely witnessed phenomenon appears to be spreading, possibly through close associates of 'conching' dolphins watching them and then imitating the behaviour. Researchers are excited at the possibility of watching this learned behaviour spread, and hope to set up experiments to test how the dolphins are using the conch shells to trap small fish.
That's it for this week - please do leave your comments below and let us know what you think!
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