Science
For the first time in a decade, a rare purple sea snail was discovered on a Southern California beach, likely drawn closer to shore by warming oceans. As ocean temperatures rise, tropical fish are also moving south and teaming up with local species to thrive, but this new alliance is putting pressure on native fish populations.
Mesopelagic fish, which constitute up to 94 percent of the world’s fish biomass, excrete carbonate minerals at rates comparable to shallow-water species – a discovery that could transform our understanding of the deep sea’s role in global climate processes.
Male leopard seals in Antarctica sing songs with patterns like nursery rhymes, using them to communicate more than just for mating.
Fisheries
A recent survey in the Norwegian Sea found fewer mackerel, more blue whiting, and many killer whales, showing changes in the ecosystem.
Large gas companies moving into coastal areas in the Philippines are pushing out local fishers, hurting their catches and livelihoods.
A coal power plant in Central Java is using a lot of seawater for cooling, harming marine life and local fishing communities.
It has been revealed that Brazil is serving shark meat in many public places like schools and hospitals.
UK Overseas Territories
Pollution is damaging Cayman Islands reefs by causing coral diseases and reducing fish populations, highlighting the urgent need to improve wastewater management.
Ascension Island in the South Atlantic has fewer than 800 residents who protect its turtle sanctuary, and visitor numbers are limited to under 600 each year to help preserve the area.
A shark researcher who has travelled globally to study whale shark behaviour in locations such as St. Helena and the Galapagos Islands, focusing on their migration, reproduction, and ecological role, has shared insights from his work.
Marine Protection
The UK Stage 3 Marine Protected Areas consultation has been extended by 4 weeks and will now close on 29 September 2025 to allow more time for stakeholder feedback.
The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan, focusing specifically on protecting and restoring our marine and coastal environments.
Authorities have launched an investigation after around 150 dead fish were discovered in the Luggie Water, a river running between Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch in Scotland.
Conservation
A critically endangered angel shark has been filmed off the Welsh coast in Cardigan Bay, marking the first sighting since 2021.
Whales are now believed to travel around 20 per cent further than previously estimated during migration, with some covering up to 14,000 kilometres each season.
Killer whales in Norway have been observed working in pairs to catch herring by stunning them and blocking their escape.
For the first time, Cape clawless otters have been seen hunting African penguins in South Africa, posing a new risk to this endangered bird.
Scientists are successfully growing and restoring deep-sea corals harmed by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with plans to plant them back in the ocean soon.
Climate Crisis
Climate change is making storms more frequent and intense, which could harm mangrove forests that protect coastlines and support millions of people. New research suggests they may not have enough time to recover between storms.
Over the past 20 years, more than 20 per cent of the world’s oceans have darkened, shrinking the sunlight zone where most marine life lives, mainly due to pollution and climate change. Experts warn that while ocean-based climate interventions like coral restoration and seaweed farming are accelerating, they must be governed responsibly to ensure long-term effectiveness.
After Donald Trump cancelled plans for new U.S. offshore wind projects, the Scottish Government approved Berwick Bank which is set to be the UK’s largest windfarm, despite concerns about potential risks to seabirds.
Misc
See this week’s wildlife photos.
Check out the 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards showcasing striking photos that highlight the beauty and importance of mangrove ecosystems around the world.
“Extinction is an overwhelming concept, difficult to grasp in its enormity and finality. Thousands of species are barreling toward that grim fate, unless we help.”
“To protect coral reefs, we must also protect the people that depend on them.”
“In the UK, we sometimes think that to connect with nature you have to go to really exotic, faraway places and spend a lot of money. But actually, it can be more effective to connect with the local marine life on your doorstep.”
