Arctic
Ocean Sea Ice Predicted to Be Entirely Melted by 2045
A
scientific paper published in Science revealed the average American creates
enough carbon emissions to melt 500 square feet of Arctic Sea ice annually. The
scientists compared anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions with yearly
September sea ice totals from 1968 to 2000 and found a strong linear
relationship between the two. The resulting equation shows a loss of 33 square
feet of sea ice for every metric ton of carbon dioxide going into our
atmosphere. Leading oceanographers believe computer models
underestimate sea loss in the Arctic Ocean, and believe of 2045 is a more realistic project for total ice loss. Click to
Read More.
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Canadian
Scientists Seek to Find Source of Beeping Ocean Sounds
The residents and visitors to Baffin Island have heard of a pinging
sound coming from the Fury and Hecla Straits. Area hunters are claiming the
sounds are driving away whales, seals, and other marine life. The mysterious
beeping sounds seem to be emanating from the ocean floor. The Canadian
Department of National Defense used high-tech sensors to investigate, but
discovered no definite evidence of the sounds. Click to Read
More.
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Oceanographers
Study Humpback Whale Songs
Biology
Letters recently
published a new study completed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Scientists studied the communication of humpback whales along the coast of Maui. Humpback
whales are well known for their songlike communication, consisting of drawn
out, mournful melodies. Researchers analyzed two distinct elements of the whale
song, pressure waves and particle motion, to determine whether whales can sense
particle motion. Scientists are concerned that human induced ocean sounds could
disrupt whale communication and resulting interaction. Click to
Read More.
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European Union Proposes 14 Key
Actions for Sustainably Managed Oceans
The
European Commission issued a press release this week focused on three key areas of
international ocean governance. The European Union assessed the economic value
of the world’s oceans as approximately €1.3 trillion and is taking the lead on
gathering international cooperation for sustainable ocean management. Fourteen actions are being proposed to improve the framework of existing ocean
regulations, reduce the pressures of human induced climate change impact, and
increase scientific ocean research and data. Click to
Read More.
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Ocean Plastic Smells Like Food
to Seabirds
A
study published in Science Advances
explains why so many seabirds are confusing ocean plastic pollution as a food
source. Normally, seabirds use the chemical compound produced by algae,
dimethylsulfide (DMS), as a signal for a potential food source. However, this
mutualistic interaction does not benefit seabird species when ocean plastic is
the cause of algae accumulation, causing the birds to consume deadly plastic. Click to
Read More.
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Climate Change Causes Widening
of Indian Ocean Current
Researchers
have recently determined that the Indian Ocean, Agulhas Current, is growing wider
in response to global climate change. The Agulhas Current is one of the
strongest currents on the planet and has a significant impact on global climate
patterns. Scientists believe the widening of the current is causing regional
wind intensity to become stronger, increasing the turbulence of the current.
Data collected during the study show the western boundary current areas warming
three times faster than the mean international rate. Click to
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.
