Science
Scientists have discovered a range of previously undocumented marine life, including a blue octopus in the deep waters off the Galápagos, a tiny sesame sea slug in Taiwan, two new aquatic insect species in the Middle East and four new records of the rare blue-spotted bamboo shark in Madagascar after nearly two decades without confirmed sightings.
Researchers have documented a rare wild observation of a male red pipefish carrying eggs, offering new insight into the species’ unusual role reversal in parental care.
Fisheries
The Greenland halibut fishery has had its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification suspended after exceeding agreed catch quotas.
Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister has introduced new restrictions to help restore eel populations in Lough Neagh, including a multi-year closure to yellow eel fishing, tighter catch controls for silver eels and financial support for those affected.
UK Overseas Territories
The Sea Lion oil field off the Falkland Islands is set to be developed after final approval.
PwC in Bermuda has entered a long-term partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation, offering financial backing, resources and expertise to help advance coral reef restoration and conservation work in Bermuda.
Stakeholders in the Cayman Islands say that promoting responsible tourism is key to safeguarding coral reefs and marine ecosystems while supporting the local economy, by encouraging visitors to adopt more environmentally responsible behaviour. “If we lose the corals, we lose the fish and other species that live there. We lose a food source. We lose shoreline protection. We lose tourists. In addition to a biological disaster, it would be a massive societal catastrophe.”
Marine Protection
International shipping diverted around South Africa due to global disruption is funneling more vessel traffic through key whale habitats, increasing the risk of ship–whale collisions in the region.
Hundreds of fish have died after a sudden equipment malfunction at Greenock’s Spring Dam caused the reservoir to empty unexpectedly.
A study has found that saltmarshes in South Wales serve as crucial nurseries for juvenile fish, supporting significantly higher abundance of biodiversity than adjacent unvegetated coastal habitats.
Conservation
“Since 2010 the world has been gaining more mangroves than it has been losing”, with global mangrove forests, vital for protecting coastlines and storing large amounts of carbon, recovering due to stronger protections, growing awareness of their importance, and their natural ability to regenerate once deforestation declines.
A pod of around 35 orcas were spotted in Scottish waters near Oban in a rare sighting, observed hunting dolphins.
Endangered basking sharks spend significant time in the ocean’s twilight zone during migrations, suggesting these deep waters play a key role in their feeding behaviour.
Climate Crisis
“Next El Niño could be strongest in decades.”
A study has found that electromagnetic fields from offshore wind farm cables can affect the sensory systems and behaviour of sharks and rays.
A proposed U.S. federal budget under the Trump administration could significantly reduce funding for fisheries and climate research, prompting concern among scientists about its potential impact on ocean monitoring and environmental management.
Global meat production has risen significantly since the 1960s, but did you know that the average person today consumes around six times more chicken than in 1961?
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
The shortlist for new UK banknote designs includes wildlife such as puffins, dolphins, and bumblebees, highlighting a move to celebrate British nature and biodiversity. Which animal would you choose to feature on a new £10 note? You can vote here.
