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Atlantic Shark Institute Discovers Hammerhead Sharks During Tagging Mission

Atlantic Shark Institute Discovers Hammerhead Sharks During Tagging Mission

Researchers from the Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) set out to tag sandbar sharks off the coast of Rhode Island but encountered an unexpected discovery. During their mission, a drone captured footage of a scalloped hammerhead shark, a rare sight in the area. The ASI team, initially focused on tagging sandbar sharks, which are common in New England's waters during the summer, was surprised by the presence of the hammerhead. This discovery marks the first-ever tagging of a hammerhead shark by ASI in Rhode Island. The team successfully tagged a 6-foot-long female smooth hammerhead, allowing them to track its movements for up to a decade. This event highlights the shifting migration patterns of marine species due to rising water temperatures.
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Massachusetts Health Officials Warn of Spread of Venomous Asian Needle Ants

Massachusetts Health Officials Warn of Spread of Venomous Asian Needle Ants

Health officials and entomologists in Massachusetts are raising concerns about the spread of Asian needle ants, an invasive species known for its painful sting. According to USA Today, a colony of these ants has been identified in Waltham, Massachusetts, adding the state to the list of New England locations affected by this species. Other colonies have been reported in Providence, Rhode Island, and heavily invaded forests in Georgia. The ants are small, about 0.2 inches long, and can be difficult to identify due to their resemblance to other species. They are glossy and dark brown to black, with orange-brown antennae and back legs. The sting of the Asian needle ant can cause a throbbing, stinging sensation lasting over 30 minutes, with potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Their venom may carry a higher risk of allergic reaction than a honey bee sting.
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Bivalves: Essential Marine Invertebrates Shaping Aquatic Ecosystems

Bivalves: Essential Marine Invertebrates Shaping Aquatic Ecosystems

Bivalves, including clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops, are highlighted for their ecological roles in marine environments. These two-shelled mollusks are known for their ability to filter water, build reefs, and support diverse marine life. Bivalves are found in various aquatic habitats, from tidal mudflats to deep-sea hydrothermal vents. They play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and providing habitat for other species. The article explores their unique adaptations, such as filter feeding and symbiotic relationships with bacteria, which enable them to thrive in diverse environments.
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UH Researchers Identify Blacktip Shark Nursery in Hilo Bay

UH Researchers Identify Blacktip Shark Nursery in Hilo Bay

Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Hilo have discovered the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hawaiian waters, located in Hilo Bay. The study, led by former UH-Hilo graduate student Lauren Moe, involved tagging juvenile blacktip sharks with acoustic transmitters to monitor their movements. The findings indicate that these sharks predominantly reside in Hilo Bay during their early years, with peak activity from March to August. The research highlights the importance of nursery habitats for providing food and shelter to young sharks and the potential impacts of environmental changes on these habitats.
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Documentary 'A Life Illuminated' Showcases Dr. Edie Widder's Deep Sea Discoveries

Documentary 'A Life Illuminated' Showcases Dr. Edie Widder's Deep Sea Discoveries

Documentary 'A Life Illuminated' Showcases Dr. Edie Widder's Deep Sea Discoveries
USA Today USA Today
Shark myths debunked: Inside the world of sharks

Shark myths debunked: Inside the world of sharks

Go inside the world of sharks as a shark expert explores myths, conservation, great whites, whale sharks and more.
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Great White Shark Percy Tracks Near Long Island, Indicating Migration Patterns

Great White Shark Percy Tracks Near Long Island, Indicating Migration Patterns

Percy, a subadult great white shark, has been tracked moving up the coast of Long Island, New York, likely heading towards cooler northern waters. This movement was recorded by OCEARCH, a global nonprofit organization focused on researching and protecting marine life. Percy was tagged over a year ago off the coast of Nova Scotia as part of OCEARCH's summer residency field research study. Since then, Percy has traveled approximately 4,660 miles, moving from Canada down into the Gulf and back up the East Coast. Recently, Percy was detected about 14 miles from Ocean Beach, New York, after traveling from Sea Isle City, New Jersey, in less than a day. This tracking is part of OCEARCH's efforts to understand the migration habits and behaviors of young white sharks.
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Hammerhead Shark Tagging in New England Highlights Migration Concerns

Hammerhead Shark Tagging in New England Highlights Migration Concerns

The Atlantic Shark Institute in Rhode Island has tagged a hammerhead shark off Block Island, marking the first such event in New England waters. This development is attributed to rising ocean temperatures, which are drawing more hammerhead sharks northward. The tagged shark, a scalloped hammerhead, will be tracked electronically to study its migration patterns and habitat use along the East Coast. Executive Director Jon Dodd noted that this milestone raises questions about the impact of climate change on marine life. The presence of hammerheads, typically found as far north as New Jersey, indicates shifting marine ecosystems due to warming waters.
For the Win For the Win
Hammerhead shark spotted off Rhode Island in rare, surreal scene

Hammerhead shark spotted off Rhode Island in rare, surreal scene

Warmer waters appear to be luring the sharks north of their typical range.
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Humpback Whales Captured in Stunning Video Near New York Coast

Humpback Whales Captured in Stunning Video Near New York Coast

Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have captured a remarkable video of humpback whales leaping out of the water near New York. The footage, taken 25 miles south of Long Island, showcases the whales emerging from the water in a spectacular display. Alongside the humpback whales, researchers observed fin whales lunging through schools of fish, minke whales feeding just below the surface, and dolphins riding the bow waves of their boat. The New York Bight, a busy marine ecosystem in North America, is increasingly becoming a popular habitat for these marine animals. Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the WCS's New York Bight program, emphasized the importance of the New York Bight, noting its extraordinary nature and significance.
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Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure

Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure

Two Maine Hotels Recognized Among World's Best by Travel + Leisure
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'Widow's Bay' Creator Explores Complex Character Dynamics in Emmy-Nominated Series

'Widow's Bay' Creator Explores Complex Character Dynamics in Emmy-Nominated Series

'Widow's Bay' Creator Explores Complex Character Dynamics in Emmy-Nominated Series