1. Save Cayman!
Many of us here at Sea Save had the honor of diving in the beautiful, rich, and pristine waters in the Cayman Islands. The Government has recently proposed the construction of a Cruise Berthing Facility to increase cruise tourism in the area. The construction of the piers will have significant negative impacts on the George town Harbour ecosystem. The increased silt areas as a result of the dredging will destroy hundreds of square footage of reef. The Environmental Impact Assessment reports the extend of the anticipated damage here. Save Cayman, a grassroots organization, has worked to educate the world on the impact of this development and has started a petition against the destruction of the precious reefs in the area. So, here's our call to action- if you are interested in making an impact, regardless of where you are in the world, please review the Save Cayman website and consider signing the petition here...
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2. Scientists Study Predator-Prey Behavior Between Sharks and Turtles
A study from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science & Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy examined the predator-prey interactions between tiger sharks and sea turtles. Using long-term tracking data from both species, scientist were able to determine that turtles have not altered their surfacing behavior to avoid the tiger sharks. It appears that sharks are no longer an important factor influencing the turtle movements which may be a result of decreased tiger shark populations. This report also discusses the "landscape of fear" model, a scientific theory that explains how animals move and interact with their environment based on their fear of being attacked. Read more...
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3. White House Launches American Business Act on Climate Pledge
blah, blah, blah, Read more...
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4. Over 600 Baby Sea Turtles Get a 2nd Chance
This week, over 600 baby turtles were released into the ocean off of the Boca Raton beach. These hatchlings missed their swim frenzy due to disorienting artificial light. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the US Coast Guard aided in the release to make sure that the sea turtles were able to begin their aquatic life on the right flipper! Read more...
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Scientist have predicted that Washington DC will drop by six or more inches in the next century. The US Capital actual sits on sit where a mile high ice sheet existed 20,000 years ago. This six inch drop, in addition to the predicted sea-level rise, will inevitably create flooding in the area. Although six inches may not sound like a lot, imagine having a constant pool of water around your feet and home all the time! Read more...
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6. Researchers Provide New Details About Sea Stars' Immunity
This week, scientists from the University of Texas at Arlington published a study in PLoS ONE examining the large mortality rate of sea stars along the West Coast. Over the last two years, disease has affected 20 different sea star species and created a 90% mortality rate. Scientists believe that the wasting disease is created by a virus that is related to rabies. The study describes findings on the rate of diseases and sea star immunity. Sea stars are an essential part of the marine ecosystem. Their role is to protect the rocky shores from mussel domination and maintain diversity. Read more...
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7. Study Highlights Major Flaw in Strategy to Halt Sea Lion Decline
The New Zealand sea lion was recently named as an endangered animal by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This species has declined 50% since 1998. Scientists at the University of Otago published a study in Marine Biology that suggested that the Government focus its attention on the conservation of female adult sea lions. The lead author Stefan Meyer states that, "the smallest improvement in adult female survival will have a positive effect on population growth, whereas much more effort and money will be required to improve pup survival to a level for it to have an important impact on population growth". Read more...
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8. Rare Deep-Sea Whale Washes Ashore in Massachusetts
Last week, a Sowerby's beaked whale was found washed ashore at a Plymouth, Mass. beach. Little is known about this whale species but it normally dwells in the deep waters of the North Atlantic. The species is extremely rare and has an extremely unique physique. There are approximately two dozen species of beaked whales, all named in this family for their pointed, dolphin-like noses. The whale was 17 feet in length and showed no signs that it had become entangled in fishing gear or struck by a ship. Read more...
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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.
