Science
The white oval squid combines colour changes, body shape, movement and coordinated group behaviour to disguise itself as rocks, algae, or the seafloor and avoid predators.
Scientists have discovered a deep‑sea hotspot off Papua New Guinea where hot hydrothermal vents and cold methane seeps occur side by side, supporting a diverse array of species.
Fisheries
Ireland’s fishing leaders have warned that excessive catches by Norway are shrinking shared fish populations and could severely damage Ireland’s fishing sector and coastal livelihoods if the situation continues. Meanwhile, the Norwegian fishing fleet has just secured a 25 per cent increase in its Atlantic Bluefin Tuna quota and the European Union has gained 17 per cent.
UK Overseas Territories
A new permanent whale memorial, the first artwork ever installed on South Georgia island, has been unveiled, commemorating the 175,250 whales killed there.
A firm in the Falkland Islands has taken ownership of Cornwall’s oldest fishing company.
Mauritius’ vision for a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) around the Chagos Archipelago.
Leaders from the UK and its Overseas Territories met in London this week to discuss growth, climate, security and good governance.
Why biodiversity in the UK Overseas Territories matters.
Marine Protection
Over 40 more shark species, such as houndsharks and gulper sharks, may soon be granted international trade protections through CITES.
The Abrolhos Seascape in the South Atlantic, home to Brazil’s largest humpback whale nursery and diverse marine life, is increasingly threatened by fishing and mining activities.
Sargassum seaweed washed ashore on Florida beaches is creating thick mats, blocking sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the sea.
Vessels navigating Arctic seas are overpowering the sounds of narwhals and other whales, severely hindering their ability to communicate, locate food and find their way.
Conservation
Remote Pacific islands such as the Galápagos, Malpelo, and Revillagigedo Islands continue to host some of the most abundant shark populations on Earth despite declines in shark numbers elsewhere.
A global wildlife-trade body rejected a proposal to extend protections to more eel species, while granting stronger protection to the endangered oceanic whitetip shark
A new study reveals that thousands of species in Wales risk extinction due to limited habitats, but simple, low-cost conservation efforts focused on key nature reserves could help protect and restore these vulnerable populations.
Discover the nature photography awards from BirdLife Australia and the Oceania, highlighting the beauty and diversity of wildlife.
Climate Crisis
With coral reefs on the brink and rising sea levels accelerating beach erosion worldwide, COP30 in Brazil saw countries commit to increasing climate adaptation funding for vulnerable nations, but they fell short of agreeing on a concrete plan to phase out fossil fuels. See what COP30 delivered for the ocean here.
The UK Government will ban new North Sea oil and gas exploration but will allow limited new drilling linked to existing fields.
New research has revealed that many ships are still breaking air pollution limits, even with stricter regulations in place.
Misc
This week’s wildlife photos.
“Thirty captive beluga whales in a Canadian amusement park have become pawns in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and animal rights activists.”
“The message coming out of Belém was clear: despite the noise, clean energy and climate action remain the foundation on which the global economy is being remade and rebuilt. We are up against the march of time and massive global forces that would slow down or stop action. In the face of this opposition, multilateralism is our best hope. For all its flaws, Cop has reaffirmed the belief of the vast majority of the world in this ideal. Those who would deny or prevent action are not winning the argument, they are losing.”
