Fisheries
Russia has officially withdrawn from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), a global marine science organisation that provides scientific advice on marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries management, formalising its exit following a three-year suspension and leaving the remaining members to continue their collaboration without Russian involvement.
Foreign fishing fleets operating just outside Argentina’s territorial waters are engaged in what has been described as “mad fishing,” heavily overexploiting squid stocks and threatening marine ecosystems.
Climate change is rapidly altering freshwater ecosystems worldwide posing severe new challenges for freshwater fish and the communities that depend on them.
New research has found that overfished coral reefs produce far less food than they could, but allowing fish populations to recover could boost catches by nearly 50 per cent.
UK Overseas Territories
Southern rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands are facing a severe environmental crisis, with climate change, extreme storms and food shortages contributing to long‑term population declines and threatening their survival.
Marine Protection
In 2025, the global network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) expanded, yet coverage remains far short of the international target to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Meanwhile, the Philippines has established a vast, community-backed MPA around Panaon Island, while the Azores stand out as a leading beacon for marine protection, boasting an exceptional network of MPAs dedicated to safeguarding its rich biodiversity.
Illegal fishing is accelerating the sharp decline of critically endangered great white sharks in the Mediterranean.
Fauna & Flora’s 2026 Species to Watch list highlights the steep decline of the critically endangered European eel and the blackchin guitarfish.
Conservation
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has launched a public survey to gather input on their priorities for the year ahead.
A rare North Atlantic right whale first seen off Ireland has resurfaced near Boston, highlighting how the endangered species continues to travel long distances while facing multiple threats like entanglement, ship strikes and shifting food supplies.
Sperm whale social relationships strongly influence how and where pods move in the Caribbean, with groups that are closely affiliated more likely to travel together rather than randomly through the region.
Climate Crisis
The year 2025 was the UK’s hottest and sunniest on record, highlighting the worsening impacts of global warming. At the same time, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has been linked to producing “an unbelievable amount of pollution,” presenting an increasing challenge to global climate targets.
A recent study has revealed that MPs in the UK and Belgium significantly underestimate public support for green policies, with environmentally conscious citizens forming a powerful ‘silent majority’.
The Trump administration is set to dismantle a key climate research centre in Colorado, while President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from a major international climate treaty has been widely criticised as ‘a new low’.
Scientists are studying methane emissions leaking from the ocean floor to better understand how this potent greenhouse gas may be accelerating climate change.
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
These animal stories of 2025 highlight remarkable scientific discoveries alongside hopeful wildlife sightings that have uplifted and inspired researchers throughout the year.
“It’s easy to feel powerless about climate chaos. But what’s given me hope during these six years of reporting as both an environmental and climate justice reporter are the people fighting to save our planet from catastrophe – in their communities, on the streets and in courtrooms across the world.”
