Science
A new deep-sea coral has been discovered in the western Pacific, named for its long, hair-like branches that resemble Chewbacca from Star Wars.
Oysters, our unsung climate warriors, absorb and lock away more carbon than they release, helping to fight climate change and ocean acidification.
Fisheries
The vulnerable Northeast Atlantic spurdog population is starting to recover, but it’s still far below historic levels and needs careful management.
Unregulated Chinese squid fishing in the Southwest Atlantic is damaging ecosystems and putting workers at risk, while Brazil considers tougher regulations on shark fishing and trade.
A recent YouGov poll indicates that 86 per cent of French citizens support reallocating fishing quotas to favour small-scale fishers and environmentally sustainable practices.
The first phase of the World Trade Organization (WTO) treaty to curb harmful fisheries subsidies officially took effect this week after 24 years of negotiation and three years of ratification.
The Russian government is planning to phase out all fishing vessels over 40 years old by 2030.
UK Overseas Territories
The Mauritian government plans to establish a new marine protected area around the Chagos Archipelago, celebrating this biodiversity hotspot. Studies show that very large MPAs like this are highly effective, with over 95 per cent of tracked marine species staying within the protected boundaries. India has become a key strategic partner for Mauritius in managing the archipelago and supporting its conservation efforts.
A new study has created a model to predict Argentine shortfin squid numbers around the Falkland Islands, showing how changes in ocean conditions strongly affect this important species.
Marine Protection
Vietnam has formally appealed to the United States over a forthcoming ban by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on 12 Vietnamese fisheries deemed non-compliant with the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Indonesia has reopened nickel mining on Gag Island in Raja Ampat, despite studies showing it harms coral reefs and causes pollution.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched an eight-week public consultation (closing 6 November 2025) on proposed policies for a new Fisheries and Water Environment Bill.
Conservation
Endangered pink river dolphins in the Amazon are suffering from mercury contamination in the fish they eat, a consequence of illegal gold mining.
Scientists are using zooplankton data to better predict where North Atlantic right whales feed, helping improve conservation efforts.
The Chicago River is showing a strong ecological comeback, with 24 fish species, including sensitive species, successfully spawning again.
Climate Crisis
Australia has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 62–70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035.
Peru created the Medio Putumayo Algodón Conservation Area to protect 283,595 hectares of rainforest, 53 per cent of the region’s carbon, and support 16 Indigenous communities.
Arctic sea ice has hit its yearly low, matching 2008 as the 10th-lowest on record and continuing a long-term decline.
A new study has revealed that over 70 per cent of coral reefs in the western Atlantic will cease growing by 2040, and more than 99 per cent will stop by 2100 if global temperatures rise 2°C above pre-industrial levels. However, corals in the Gulf of Aqaba have survived multiple intense heatwaves, including the 2024 extreme event, showing remarkable resilience.
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
