1. Largest Walrus Gathering Blamed on Shrinking Sea Ice
As the sea ice shrinks due to climate change, walruses must come on shore to rest. On a beach in northern Alaska, the largest walrus gathering in history is occurring. An estimated 35,000 walruses are currently resting on shore and are predicted to remain for another two to four weeks until winter sea ice begins to form. Read more here...
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2. The Secret Lives of Sharks
Some species of sharks are known to be mellow. Others are more aggressive. But did you know that shark personalities can vary widely within a species? Researchers examining the spotted catshark have found distinct social behavior traits between individual sharks. This was the first scientific study to show that sharks have unique personalities. Read more here...
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3. Polluted Hawaiian Waters Leading to Sick, Dying Sea Turtles
Sea turtles living in Hawaiian waters have disproportionately high rates of fibropapillomatosis, a tumor causing disease that is a leading cause of death for sea turtles. Scientists have uncovered nitrogen pollution from cities and agriculture as the tumor-causing agent. Sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis have elevated levels of arginine, an amino acid that is the product of nitrogen. Read more here...
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Virgin Holidays has announced a pledge with theme parks and resorts to stop the capture of cetaceans from the wild. The pledge, which starts on Feb. 14 of next year, has been signed by 27 resorts, including Sea World. While a step in the right direction, the pledge is being criticized by animal welfare groups as not doing enough. Critics argue that the pledge should include an agreement to end shows, halt captive breeding programs, and develop sanctuaries to help already captured animals. Read more here...
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Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.
