Iceland Sea in Bloom
The waters off Iceland rank among the world’s most productive fisheries. The reason for the abundance is an ample supply of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain. Like any plant, microscopic phytoplankton need sunlight and nutrients to survive. Iceland’s coastal waters offer both during the long days of summer.
Australian Surfer Sent Flying by Visiting Whale
A huge whale made an appearance among the wave riders at Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach early Sunday and sent one of them flying with its tail. Whales are a common sight off Sydney’s coast at this time of year as they migrate north, but it is very rare for them to swim so close to beaches.
Military Sonar Can Alter Blue Whale Behavior
Some blue whales off the coast of California change their behavior when exposed to the sort of underwater sounds used during U.S. military exercises. The whales may alter diving behavior or temporarily avoid important feeding areas, according to new research.
Japanese Whaling Ban Urged By Australia In Highest U.N. Court
Australia’s case at the International Court of Justice, supported by New Zealand, is the latest step in years of attempts by governments and environmental groups to halt the Japanese whaling fleet’s annual trips to harpoon minke and fin whales in the waters around Antarctica.
Migrating Animals Add New Depth to How the Ocean ‘Breathes’
The findings reveal a crucial and underappreciated role that animals have in ocean chemistry on a global scale..
Light Pollution Deters Nesting Sea Turtles
Light pollution along the Mediterranean is changing the nesting habits of sea turtles in Israel, according to new research.
NOAA proposal extends rule reducing risk of whale ship strikes along U.S. East Coast
The North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered species in the world, and are highly vulnerable to ship collisions. The whale primarily occurs in coastal or shelf waters. Its known range includes winter calving and nursery areas in coastal waters off the southeastern United States.
Study Reveals How Fishing Gear Can Cause Slow Death of Whales
Using a “patient monitoring” device attached to a whale entangled in fishing gear, scientists showed for the first time how fishing lines changed a whale’s diving and swimming behavior.
Costa Rica Has a Sea Turtle Egg-Poaching Problem
Besides being beautiful, Costa Rica’s beaches are the nesting sites of four endangered sea turtle species, which return each year to lay their eggs. But there is trouble in paradise for these reptiles, namely, from egg thieves.