Science
A new study suggests sperm whales modify key features of their vocal signals when ships are close.
Camera footage has revealed that whale sharks use a surprisingly diverse set of feeding behaviours, allowing them to exploit food sources in different parts of the water column and adapt to changing conditions.
Fisheries
ClientEarth has urged Spanish authorities to take stronger action to prevent dolphins and whales from being unintentionally caught in fishing gear, arguing that current safeguards are falling short.
The UK government has dropped plans for a new marine planning framework after criticism from the fishing sector.
A new report from the Adam Smith Institute argues that allocating fishing quotas directly to fishermen could create stronger incentives for responsible management and support the future of the UK fishing sector.
Calls have been made for Northern Ireland to provide clearer guidance on whether live lobster boiling should be prohibited, as debate continues over the welfare implications of the practice.
UK Overseas Territories
Argentina has joined the FAO’s international agreement to combat illegal fishing, strengthening efforts to improve monitoring and enforcement across the South Atlantic.
As Montserrat became the newest member of the Blue Belt Programme, the Blue Belt team visited the island to engage with local fishermen, communities, and marine stakeholders, ensuring local perspectives help guide future marine management strategies and support long-term conservation goals.
See the report from the Beyond the Reef: Blue Belt Programme expedition, where scientists collected vital ocean data across Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Cayman Islands to deepen understanding of marine ecosystems and support evidence-based conservation across UK Overseas Territories.
Marine Protection
Scientists studying the Great Barrier Reef’s microscopic life have identified hundreds of new bacterial species.
New tracking technology is providing fresh insights into the movements of migratory shorebirds across Africa, highlighting important habitats that may need stronger protection.
Researchers have identified the Alcatrazes Archipelago off Brazil’s São Paulo coast as an important refuge for endangered sharks.
Conservation
Orcas have been observed engaging in high-impact interactions with prey that appear to be linked to social behaviour, with recent footage capturing them ramming into a sharp-tail sunfish until it burst apart. Meanwhile, new research has revealed that humpback whales can use the ocean floor as part of their feeding strategy, highlighting the surprising diversity of hunting techniques employed by these marine giants.
Conservationists are raising concerns that Peru’s Humboldt penguins could face increased pressure from changing ocean conditions linked to El Niño and the continued threat of bird flu, adding to challenges for the species’ survival.
Six beluga whales have been relocated from the now-closed Marineland Canada in Niagara Falls to facilities in the United States, marking progress in efforts to secure long-term care for the animals.
Scientists studying Hawaiian coral reefs have found signs that some corals may tolerate rising sea temperatures, providing new insights into their ability to withstand the effects of a changing climate.
Climate Crisis
Researchers have found that falling oxygen concentrations in marine and freshwater environments are creating increasing pressures on aquatic life, highlighting a growing global challenge for ecosystems.
Plans to allow exploration rights for deep-sea mining in waters near American Samoa have been announced by the US government.
The UK’s June heatwave is estimated to have caused around £1 billion in economic losses, as soaring temperatures disrupted workplaces, reduced productivity and affected everyday life.
Researchers have discovered that microplastics can provide surfaces where bacteria gather and develop stronger communities, suggesting plastic pollution may contribute to the persistence of harmful microbes.
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
The July 2026 ministerial appointments include several changes across government departments. See more here.
“I’ll keep asking the question, regardless of who occupies this office: do you know the name of the environment secretary? The answer is likely to depend on one factor: whether they are ready to break the grip of corporate power, and defend us and the rest of the living world. Whether, in other words, they want to do their job.”
