Science
1,121 species have been discovered in previously underexplored ocean habitats.
Researchers have documented the longest known humpback whale migration ever recorded, while scientists using satellite mapping technology have identified more than 1,000 previously undocumented coral reef structures in remote northern Australian waters.
Fisheries
Environmental groups have filed a legal challenge arguing that expanded South Atlantic red snapper fishing permits off the southeastern United States could exceed legal catch limits and place additional pressure on an already depleted stock.
Norway has reduced its mackerel quota for 2026 to 81,375 tonnes, representing a decrease of 3,065 tonnes, though the reduction is unlikely to significantly ease pressure on the overfished stock.
Norwegian scientists have recommended a complete halt to sandeel fishing in 2026 due to critically low stock levels across key management areas.
Fishers on the Congo River are turning to gathering and selling plastic debris caught in their nets as fish populations fall and water pollution increases.
UK Overseas Territories
During a recent visit to Bermuda, King Charles III attended public engagements and cultural events, highlighting close ties with the island through community visits and support for environmental initiatives.
Marine Protection
Researchers in San Francisco Bay are deploying AI tools to track whale movements and help prevent ship strikes, as shifting migration patterns and increased whale presence in busy waters raise the risk of collisions.
In Canada, conservationists are raising concerns that a proposed oil pipeline could further endanger southern resident orcas by increasing shipping and environmental pressures in already vulnerable coastal habitats.
Conservation
The Nature Conservancy and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have launched a three-year project in Yap to help protect coral reefs.
Scientists in Wales have begun rebuilding native oyster populations in Conwy Bay.
A coastal community in Thailand is working with scientists to restore seagrass habitats and protect declining dugong populations through community-led conservation and citizen science in response to habitat loss and environmental pressures.
Climate Crisis
A new report warns the UK is “built for a climate that no longer exists” and says urgent adaptation is needed to cope with rising risks from global heating, including more frequent extreme weather and flooding.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is backing plans to reduce legal delays to clean energy projects in order to speed up renewable infrastructure development.
Studies show that discarded food and beverage packaging makes up the largest share of litter found along coastlines globally.
A community-led restoration project in England has helped revive the River Mease by improving water quality, restoring habitats and supporting wildlife recovery after years of environmental decline.
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
“A fever of mobula rays off Mexico’s coast.”
“The Iran war reminds us: we’ll never be energy-independent with fossil fuels.”
“The UN has voted 141-8 to adopt a resolution backing a world court opinion that countries have a legal obligation to address climate change, with the US – which is the world’s biggest historical emitter – among the small group opposing it.”
