Deep-sea aliens, a trillion tonne iceberg, and new species discovered in Peru
Big Blue Bulletin #39
Welcome to the latest edition of the Big Blue Bulletin – a weekly roundup of marine conservation news and updates. Expect good news, bad news, and a cute creature in your inbox every Friday.
Let’s dive in 🐬
Ocean news
🗞️ Big news of the week -
🧊 One trillion tonne iceberg breaks free in Southern Ocean
“Twice the size of Greater London, the 'mega-berg' A23a has broken free and is now drifting in the ocean.”
🐋 A rescue crew tried to untangle a humpback in Newport Beach. The whale has not been spotted since
“A rescue team dispatched to aid an entangled whale spotted in the waters off Newport Beach was unable to free the whale from a rope.”
🇩🇰 Denmark frees anti-whaling activist Watson, rejecting Japan extradition
“Denmark released anti-whaling activist Paul Watson from detention on Tuesday and said it had rejected a Japanese request to extradite him over criminal charges dating back more than a decade.”
👽 Scientists discover alien-like creature in deep ocean
“Scientists discovered Dulcibella camanchaca, a rare predatory amphipod in the Atacama Trench, which may help unlock mysteries of the hadal zone, the ocean's deepest regions.”
🏭 The controversial machine sending CO2 to the ocean and making hydrogen
“Equatic is among a wave of start-ups exploring how the ocean could be harnessed to capture and store carbon. But not everyone is sure it's such a good idea.”
🐠 Blob-headed fish and amphibious mouse among 27 new species found in ‘thrilling’ Peru expedition
“Scientists surprised to find so many animals unknown to science in Alto Mayo, a well-populated region.”
🛢️ 'Oil is everywhere': Russians tackle Black Sea spill
“Volunteers work to clean up spilled oil on the shoreline following an incident involving two tankers damaged in a storm in the Kerch Strait, during an emergency response operation in the Black Sea.”
🐟 Saving bluefin tuna: The sushi delicacy threatened by climate change
“Once pushed to the brink of extinction by overfishing, bluefin tuna has experienced a spectacular rebound in recent years. But can it survive the onslaught of climate change?”
🌊 CO2 emissions from new North Sea drilling sites would match 30 years’ worth from UK households
“New research comes as dozens of small potential fields have received some form of license from the government.”
🐬 Bottlenose dolphins smile at each other when they play – new study reveals how and why
“Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which live in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, including the African coasts, play with other dolphins in the first weeks of life.”
🎣 Manta and devil rays face rising trade threats despite decade of global protections
“Despite their protected status under international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix II, they continue to face severe threats from international trade.”
🐋 Dead minke whale washes up on Irvine beach
“A dead minke whale has been found washed up on Irvine beach in Ayrshire.”
🇧🇷 Brazil heron takes flight after plastic cup removed from throat
“A heron took flight in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, stretching its wings and soaring over a river after veterinarians saved it from near-certain death by removing a plastic cup attached to its neck and blocking its throat.”
🪨 The bitter final showdown over British coal, as sun sets on ‘dirtiest fuel’
“The county of Cumbria in Northern England has become the battleground for a final war which is raging over plans to build a new coal mine.”
🇦🇶 Dwindling Antarctic sea ice driving more storms, study warns
“Record ice loss in 2023 has added up to seven extra storm days per month in some areas.”
🇯🇵 Fresh fin whale meat is auctioned for the first time in decades in Japan
“Meat from fin whales caught for the first time in nearly 50 years off Japan’s northern coast fetched up to more than $1,300 per kilogram (2.2 lbs) at auction Thursday, as officials try to keep the struggling industry alive.”
🐢 Turtle experts call for cross-border conservation
“Turtle researchers in the South West have called for cross-border protection efforts, after a new study found females only spend about a fifth of their time in conservation zones.”
🎨 Ocean Artwork
📸 2024 in photos: the world under water
Have a great weekend! 📸
Cover image by Maxar Technologies
That amphipod though…! 👽
Re: Scientists discover alien-like creature in deep ocean - Now I know where Ridley Scott got inspiration for his 1979 movie.