Oceans
From tackling marine plastic pollution to coral reef restoration, learn about humanity’s latest efforts to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife.
Game of Trawls: How AI-equipped fishing nets could help reduce by-catch
While a very popular practice in the fishing industry, bottom trawling has long been criticized for its huge negative impact on marine ecosystems. A new device from researchers in France, however, could finally help make the method more eco-friendly. What is bottom trawling and why is it bad for Read More...
Deep sea expedition uncovers impressive “underwater lakes”
Eighty percent of our oceans are unexplored by humans, and each dive into the deep depths of the uncharted ocean territory yields surprising and impressive discoveries. The most recent deep sea expedition off the coast of Baja in Mexico didn’t disappoint with the discovery of six new species and Read More...
US establishes protected zone for endangered North Atlantic right whales
The North Atlantic right whale is a species of whale that is currently considered critically endangered. Despite having been included in the Endangered Species Act since 1973, experts estimate that the North Atlantic right whale population has dwindled to fewer than 350. To help protect these Read More...
Study: Schools of fish operate like a superorganism
The world under the waves is still a mystery, with 95 percent of oceans yet to be explored. Scientists are always uncovering many new and exciting aspects of this ecosystem; from the importance of fish poop, to new species of whale, and even how fish use sharks like a day spa! Teams from the Read More...
New biodegradable glitter lets you sparkle guilt-free
As sparkly and magical as it is, glitter is actually a form of microplastic, and even products that claim to contain biodegradable glitter rarely actually are. This is a difficult issue to tackle because countries would need to reach an international consensus about regulating it, but fortunately, Read More...
Octopuses, crabs, and lobsters are now considered sentient beings in the UK
In a landmark achievement for animal welfare, octopuses, crabs, and lobsters will be considered sentient beings under UK law. The move follows an independent review led by scientists at the London School of Economics (LSE), which concluded that there is strong evidence these animals can feel pain, Read More...
Researchers push microalgae as the food source of the future
Facing food security issues on land, more researchers are turning to the untapped potential of the sea to meet the nutritional needs of the future. One new diet, called ocean flexitarianism, emphasizes eating food from low on the ocean food chain such as algae and seaweed. Advocated for by Read More...
5 Ways adults can reconnect with a love of scientific learning
Most of our childhood is spent exploring, learning, and absorbing new information, but once we leave formal education, this emphasis on cultivating new knowledge is largely lost to the world of work and adult responsibilities. Simultaneously, large portions of the adult population struggle to Read More...
Newly discovered beaked whale is named after Indigenous whale expert
Every deep-sea species discovery serves as a reminder of how much there is yet to be discovered in the depths of our oceans. These discoveries are especially resonant when the new species in question are giant mammals like whales. Now that’s exactly what scientists have recently identified with Read More...
Nova Scotia will be home to the first whale sanctuary in North America
The Maritime province of Nova Scotia, Canada, will soon be home to the first whale sanctuary in North America. The plans for the sanctuary, which is spearheaded by The Whale Sanctuary Project, commenced after Canada passed the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which prevents Read More...