Saturday, August 29, 2015

Week in Review: SHWEEKEND Begins, Shark Fin Substitutes, and More!

1. SHWEEKEND Begins!

I may have had a lot of plans this weekend but, those all went out the window after I remembered that this weekend is Discovery's SHWEEKEND. Concerned that you had to wait until next year for another dose of Shark Week? You'll be thrilled to know that is not the case! Saturday and Sunday nights will have a number of shark programs on. Sea Save is looking forward to them all but, we are particularly interested in watching the MythBusters vs. Jaws episode on Saturday night. In honor of the 40th anniversary of "Jaws", MythBusters will put some science behind the film.  Read more...

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2. Shark Fin Substitutes



This month, officials in Brooklyn seized more than 700 pounds of shark fins. This case was the first that was prosecuted under the 2014 NY law that banned the possession, sale, and distribution of shark fins. A New York Times article this week discusses the many fin and soup substitutes that the Chinese community has adopted. Stores have started to sell artificial shark fin made from muug bean and have suggested using sea cucumber instead of the fin. Unfortunately, shark fin trade is still legal in the neighboring state of New Jersey so many consumers resort to crossing state lines to purchase the fin cartilage. Read more...


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3. Desert Storms May Affect Ocean Phytoplankton

Intensity of desert storms may affect ocean phytoplankton
This week, scientists from MIT, Columbia University, and Florida State University published a research paper discussing the impact that the desert storms have on the oceans. Dust storms in the deserts of Mongolia and China send clouds of particulates into the atmosphere. The dust, containing minerals like iron, will ultimately settle in the ocean. Iron is an essential nutrients for many species of phytoplankton and this iron increase will impact the organism populations. The iron stays in 150 meters of the ocean's surface for around six months before sinking to the deep ocean. This gives the phytoplankton a relatively short time to absorb the iron. Therefore, to maintain the populations, the ocean will need a continuous supply of iron. Read more...



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4. As Ice Retreats, Walruses Flee to Shore 

The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that between 5,000 and 6,000 walruses are not seeking shelter on the Alaskan shore. Walruses will normally use ice floes as a resting place at sea. With the increase in melting ice as a result of climate-change, more and more walruses have been found on shore every year. It is essential that humans do not disturb these populations. Disturbances can cause walruses to stampede into the water and trample the small members of the heard in the process. These herds will likely remain on shore until October when the sea ice refreezes. Read more...


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5. Federal Government Investigating Alaska Whale Deaths



© RuptlyAccording to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 30 large whales have died in Alaska since May. NOAA has defined this as an "unusual mortality event". Scientists are testing water for bacteria, viruses, and biotoxis that may be prompting this phenomena. It is likely that is is a result of the major algae bloom that is stretched from central California to Washington.  Read more...



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6. 3D Printed Fish Can Detect and Remove Toxins From Liquid

MicrofishWhat's the next scientific development to help the preservation of our ocean? Tiny microrobotic fish! These 3D printed fish are only 120 microns long and 30 microns thick, smaller than a human hair. Scientists have added substances to the fish that are able to detect and absorb toxins. Although these fish are still in an experimental phase, it is possible that they may be able to detoxify contaminated liquid. According to researchers, it would be possible to print manta rays, sharks, and even bird shaped microbots! Read more...




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7. Why NASA's so Worried that Greenland's Melting Could Speed Up

On Wednesday, NASA held a briefing on its "intensive research effort into the rate and cause of sea level rise". The agency now reports that the ocean level is rising at a rate of 3.21 millimeters per year. Although Antarctica contains more ice, Greenland is losing ice mass considerably faster than Antarctica. Right around a gigaton a year. Yes, this was a new unit to us as well. A gigaton is a billion metric tons and is equal to .74 mm of sea-level rise per year. Ice sheet melting does not occur in a linear fashion and is dependent on a number of environmental factors. NASA has launched a research project to measure the hydrology atop the Greenland ice sheet to determine the actual amount of water during the melt season. Read more...

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8. Sea Ice: Ancient Oceans Birthed Diamonds

A diamond with a gem-quality core and a coating that contains tiny fluid inclusions from deep beneath Earth.
This month, a journal entry in Nature reported that diamonds can form with the help of ancient saltwater.  Diamonds crystallize under extreme heat and pressure in the Earth's mantle layer and are brought to the Earth's surface through powerful volcanic eruptions. Many scientist believe that diamonds actually crystallize from some kind of fluid. After analysis, it is possible the fluids from the oceanic crust react with the solid continental rocks to form the right mixture for diamond crystallization.  Read more...


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Be sure to "LIKE" http://facebook.com/SeaSave to ensure our "Week in Review" is delivered to your newsfeed every Thursday. 

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.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Week in Review: US Issues Arctic Drilling Permit, Global Ocean Cooling Halted, and More!

1. US Issues Arctic Drilling Permit to Royal Dutch Shell

An oil rig arriving in Port Angeles, Wash., in April before being moved to Seattle, where Shell faces opposition to storing its drilling ships.
On Monday the US government gave Royal Dutch Shell permission to drill for oil and natural gas in the Arctic Ocean. These permits will allow for exploratory drilling until late September. If Shell does discover oil or natural gas, they will have to apply for additional permits before going into production. After the 2012 mechanical failures and the environmental impact that followed the events, additional drilling activity raises significant global concern. Read more...

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2. 1,800 Years of Global Ocean Cooling Halted by Global Warming

oceanThis week, a paper published in the journal Nature Geoscience reported that, prior to the 19th century human-caused global warming, the surface layer of Earth's oceans had a 1,800 year long cooling trend. The study also indicated that the coolest temperatures occurred during the "Little Ice Age" spanning from the 16th to 18th centuries. According to one of the authors of the study, "the Earth is warming about 20 times faster than it cooled during the past 1,800 years".   Read more...


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3. Drone Video Captures Kayaker Paddling Whales

Image result for blue whalesAlright, we really do love our drone shots! This week some amazing drone footage recorded a single kayaker next to a blue whale. This was shot off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Blue whales can be up to 98 feet long and have been recorded as the largest animals on Earth. Watch the amazing video here...


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4. UPS Halts Shark Fin Shipments

UPS halts shark fin shipments photo




After years of discussions and petitions, UPS has agreed to stop accepting shipments of shark fins. Previously, UPS said that the shipments were being inspected but, as they learned from the World Wildlife Fund, that was not an accurate check. Every year millions of sharks are killed for their fins. This shipment ban will continue to make the business and trade of shark fins more difficult and aid to eradicate the practice.  Read more...



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5. Do Great White Sharks Grow Forever?


Image result for great white deep blueA few weeks ago, we reported on the largest shark ever caught on camera. The 20 foot long great white shark, named Deep Blue, has peaked scientist's curiosity. How did she grow so much larger than other sharks?! Great white sharks actually continue to grow through out their lives and Deep Blue was estimated to be around 50 years old. Once sharks reach maturity, they do not stop growing but just grow at a slower rate.   Read more...



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6. How Did Sea Turtle Get a Straw Up Its Nose?
Although the title of this article may sound funny the first time you  read it, it's actually quite upsetting! This is yet another example of how ocean pollution is harming the many wonderful creatures in the ocean. Scientists spent nearly ten minutes pulling a plastic straw from the nostril of an olive ridley sea turtle. Usually, turtles will be found with plastic bags or even toothbrushes in sea turtle's stomach but this was a true surprise to the rescue team. Makes you rethink using that plastic straw when out at a restaurant. Read more...

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7. Dolphin Health is Connected to Human Well-Being

Dolphin health is connected to human well-being
A research program called the Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) studied how diseases that affect dolphins are related to environmental stressors. These may provide an early warning system to some changes that could affect animal and human health. The program has studied more than 350 bottlenose dolphinsin the Indian River Lagoon over the last 12 years. Gregory Bossart, chief veterinary officer and senior vice president at Georgia Aquarium, stated that "dolphins are like the proverbial canaries in a coal mine...They can serve as indicators of ocean health, giving insight into larger environmental issues that may also have implications for human health. Read more...

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8. Australia and Indonesia Join to Curb Illegal Fishing 


A 14 July 2015 satellite image provided by DigitalGlobe shows two fishing trawlers load slave-caught fish onto the Silver Sea 2, centreSouth-east Asia has the highest number of fishing vessels in the world. For years there was tension between Indonesia and Australia due to illegal fishing that lead to a decrease in fish populations and other environmental concerns. The two nations have now paired up to tackle the illegal activity. This week, Indonesia demonstrated it's seriousness concerning the protection of their waters and ecosystem and sank 38 fishing vessels.  Read more...

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9. Marine Scientist Weighs in on Proposed Cruise Pier

A few weeks ago, our Week in Review showcased the proposed cruise pier in Grand Cayman and the environmental impact that it would have on the ecosystem. Dr. Ellen Prager, a marine scientist and oceanographer who works as a consultant to cruise lines, was interviewed this week by Cayman 27. Dr. Prager discussed both the environmental destruction that the port would create as well as ways for Grand Cayman to increase tourism in environmentally friendly ways. Read more...

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Be sure to "LIKE" http://facebook.com/SeaSave to ensure our "Week in Review" is delivered to your newsfeed every Thursday. 

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.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Week in Review: Synthetic Coral Could Remove Toxic Metals, Octopus Genome Discoveries, and More!


1. Synthetic Coral Could Remove Toxic Heavy Metals


Image result for coral reefScientist from Anhui Jianzhu University in China published a study in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science on a new material that could help remove pollutants from the ocean. The new material mimics coral and can help remove toxic metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic from the ocean. Removing these metals would not only be beneficial to the health of the ocean but also to humans. The World Health Organization reported that "between 1.5 and 17 in every thousand children living in selected subsistence fishing populations showed cognitive impacts caused by the consumption of fish containing mercury". Read more... 

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2. Octopus Genome Offers Insights Into Oddballs


A juvenile California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides).
  A recent report in the journal Nature reported one the complexity of the genetic code of the California two-spot octopus, scientific name is octopus bimaculoides. Scientists studied the species to understand how they are able to regrow lost arms, change the color of their skin, and travel through the ocean using jet propulsion. Surprisingly, the octopus genome was made us of 150-160 genes which is more than what was expected in invertebrates. The arm's suckers were a particular point of interest and reviews the gene activity that is similar to signaling between neurons in other animals. Read more...

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3. Meet the Echo Seeker 




Image result for echo seeker
Every week we discuss some of the deep water discoveries of  unmanned vehicles (UAV) but, do you really know what this technology looks like? Boeing has recently released information on their Echo Seeker submersible. Because of the extreme pressure, the design and function of this vehicle is significantly different from the defense contractor's  space vehicles. The UAV can submerge to depths of 20,000 feet and can perform 3 day long missions. Read more...

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4. India Could Lead on Climate Change




“India can show that you can be better off with basic needs fulfilled and a sustainable lifestyle,” says the Ambassador. Picture shows a solar thermal power plant in Aburoad, Rajasthan.
As the world prepares for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris at the end of this year, nations have prepared their proposals to change the energy policies. India is one nation that has already started the transformation. The country has embraced more sustainable lifestyle models, development into renewable energy, and increased access to energy and cleaner development.  Read more...

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5. Is This The Biggest Great White Shark Ever Filmed?



Image result for great white shark
This week, off of the coast of Mexico's Baja California, Guadalupe Island, biologist Mauricio Hoyos Padilla filmed a 20 foot great white shark. The average length of a great white shark is any where between 12 to 14 feet long. Padilla also believes the shark was pregnant which is always a positive considering the extremely low population numbers. To see the video recorded click here...



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6. Watch This Leaping Great White Shark Get Some Serious Air

Tracker
We have to admit, our mathematical minded members of Sea Save nerded out a bit when we came across this article. This insane video shows a shark launch itself out of the water like a missile coming out of a submarine. Wired did some of the math and determined that the shark, approximately 7.5 feet, launched itself at a velocity of 17.5 mph! That's extremely fast. See the video here...
 

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7. Humans Used Up a Year Worth of Natural Resources in Under 9 Months



landfill bulldozer




According to the Global Footprint Network, humans had consumed an entire year's worth of natural resources already this year. Resources reviewed include space, food, fiber, timber, and many more. Based on the current consumption rate, humans would require 1.6 planet earths to support this lifestyle.  Read more...






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Be sure to "LIKE" http://facebook.com/SeaSave to ensure our "Week in Review" is delivered to your newsfeed every Thursday. 

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.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Week in Review: Fewer Endangered Galapagos Penguins?, Exploring the World of Dolphins, and More!

1. Shifting Winds+Ocean Currents= Fewer Endangered Galapagos Penguins?

The Galapagos Islands are known for their diverse and unique species, one of which is the Galapagos penguin. This penguin is the only penguin species in the Northern Hemisphere and is not considered an endangered species as well as the rarest penguin in the world. A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reviewed the wind and current patterns over the last 30 years and the impact that they have had on the penguin population. Climate change could shift wind patterns and ocean currents, expanding cold water further north and increase the fish numbers. Penguins, as well as other animals on the islands, are innocent bystanders experiencing feast or famine depending on what the currents are doing from year to year. Read more...

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2. Exploring the World of Dolphins

"Anytime you're in the wild with a beautiful animal you're going to feel good," says Susan Casey, author of Voices in the Ocean: A Journey into the Wild and Haunting World of Dolphins.This week, NPR discussed Susan Casey's new book Voices in the Ocean: A Journey into the Wild and Haunting World of Dolphins. Casey's book discusses the fact and fiction of this species and the man-made threats that they face. Dolphins are still heavily hunted in Taiji and are sold to marine parks or even killed and sold for meat. Both sonar and noise have created disorientation and impacted the dolphin populations. To learn more about the book read and listen here...


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3. Ocean Changed Affect Salmon Biodiversity

Ocean changes are affecting salmon biodiversity and survivalA recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discusses the tracked survival of the chinook and coho salmon. Historically, many Pacific salmon species were thought to be influenced by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) but now the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) also shows that it may create an impact. This new study found that the NPGO has made a significant impact on the salmon survival rates. Read more...

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4. Drone Files Through Whales' Spouts

Here at Sea Save we love our oceans and we also love new technology that helps us further our education! The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) recently used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to take some full body pictures of 36 whales. the drone flew 125 feet above the ocean surface to take the shots but then dropped down for a closer look! At 10 feet above the water, the drone took 20 breath samples from 16 whales. These samples will help scientists analyze the DNA, hormones, and bacteria  to reveal species characteristics.  Read more...

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5. Gray Whale Calf Spotted off SoCal Coast


This week, a baby gray whale was spotted in Marina del Rey. The whale was likely feeding in the marina and got separated from its mother. The 15-foot gray whale mother beached itself over the weekend and while the calf reentered the water. It is unusual to see this species in the California waters as they should have already migrated to northern waters near Alaska. This disorientation is likely a result of warmer waters created by climate change. Read more...



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6. Fish That Have Their Own Fish Finders

Fish that have their own fish findersA few weeks ago we reviewed a story that discussed the electric signals that are used by a few fish species. A biologist at Washington University in St. Louis, Bruce Carlson, furthered this study to determine that the receptors in less discriminating fish encode signals differently than the more discriminating fish. The fish that are able to register the small differences in communication signals are generally solitary and territorial, whereas the fish tuned to group signals tend to be more gregarious. Carlson states that, "these two different lifestyles place a very different selective pressures on communication. If you're solitary and territorial and you detect another fish in the area, you want to know exactly who that shit is. Is it a potential competitor, a potential mate, or a different species you're not worried about ?"   Read more...

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7. Bill in South Carolina Would Protect Tiger Sharks

Although there have been a number of shark attacks on the Carolinas coast, the state continues to put in good shark conservation measures! The proposal required that those who may catch tiger sharks are required to release them back into the wild. In 2000 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature determined tiger sharks were a near threatened species. Read more...



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8. Whale Shark Sold at a Chinese Market While ALIVE

DISCLAIMER- This is an upsetting and appalling story. This week, a whale shark was brutally slaughtered in public on Guangdong shore in China. The gruesome, sickening, and cruel act was caught on tape. The whale shark is a second-class national protected animal in China. Chinese law states that the shark must be immediately released if caught and it is illegal to purchase or sell whale shark meat. Tragic news this week.  Read more...


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Be sure to "LIKE" http://facebook.com/SeaSave to ensure our "Week in Review" is delivered to your newsfeed every Thursday. 

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.