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Scientists Discover Unseen North Atlantic Right Whale Calf, Boosting Conservation Hopes

Scientists Discover Unseen North Atlantic Right Whale Calf, Boosting Conservation Hopes

Scientists have identified a previously unrecorded North Atlantic right whale calf, a species critically endangered with only about 380 individuals remaining globally. The 15,000-pound baby whale was photographed off Anticosti Island in Quebec in September by researchers from Mingan Island Cetacean Study. Experts at the New England Aquarium in Boston confirmed this week that the calf was born months ago, likely off the southeastern U.S., but went undocumented during winter surveys. This discovery increases the total number of calves from the most recent birthing season to 24, marking the most productive year since 2009 and the fourth-highest count on record. The calf was observed with its 38-year-old mother, known as Silt.
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Hong Kong Customs Seizes Endangered Shark Fins at Airport, Arrests Passenger

Hong Kong Customs Seizes Endangered Shark Fins at Airport, Arrests Passenger

Hong Kong Customs seized approximately 31 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins from endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7. The estimated market value of the seized fins is about $130,000. A 51-year-old Mainland female passenger, who arrived in Hong Kong from Brazil via Ethiopia, was intercepted during customs clearance. The suspected shark fins were discovered in her check-in baggage. Following an inspection by officers from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), it was confirmed that the dried shark fins were likely from endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and regulated by Hong Kong's Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). The woman was subsequently arrested by Customs officers and has been charged by the AFCD with one count of illegal import of an Appendix II species. The case has been handed over to the AFCD for f...
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Zoo Atlanta Mourns Loss of 2-Year-Old Southern White Rhino, Zuri

Zoo Atlanta Mourns Loss of 2-Year-Old Southern White Rhino, Zuri

Zoo Atlanta is grieving the unexpected death of Zuri, a 2-year-old female southern white rhino, following a brief illness. Zuri, the first southern white rhino calf born at the zoo, experienced a rapid decline in health and behavior earlier in the week, with blood tests revealing severe anemia. Despite immediate and extensive treatments by the Veterinary Team, including an emergency blood transfusion, Zuri continued to decline and passed away on November 6. Sam Rivera, DVM, Vice President of Animal Health, expressed the devastating loss, highlighting Zuri's value as an individual and as a member of her vulnerable species. The Rhino Care Team is closely monitoring Zuri's mother, Kiazi, and 'aunt' Dakari, providing them with extra care. A necropsy will be performed to determine the specific cause of death.
The DodoThe Dodo
Rescuers Race To Save Seal With A Dangerous Ring Around Her Neck

Rescuers Race To Save Seal With A Dangerous Ring Around Her Neck

When volunteers from the Friends of Horsey Seals Charity (FHSC) spotted a young seal with a bright orange collar around her neck earlier this summer, they knew they had to help her.
FactloreFactlore
Scientists find microplastics inside coral skeletons

Scientists find microplastics inside coral skeletons

A shocking discovery reveals plastic pollution isn't just surrounding coral reefs—it's becoming a part of their very skeletons, posing a grave new threat.
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Marine Biologist to Discuss Marine Heatwaves and Kelp Forest Changes at Science Pub Event

Marine Biologist to Discuss Marine Heatwaves and Kelp Forest Changes at Science Pub Event

Dr. Kristen M. Michaud, a marine biologist and the newest Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, will present her research on marine heatwaves and their impact on kelp forests at a Science Pub event. The event, scheduled for December 14, 2026, at Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, will delve into how kelp forests have responded to past marine heatwaves, specifically the prolonged 'Blob' event from 2014–2015. Dr. Michaud will utilize long-term monitoring data from her dissertation work to explain community shifts within these vital ecosystems. Additionally, she will provide insights into her current observations regarding the El Niño phenomenon and how warm-water species are expanding their ranges into local waters. The presentation aims to shed light on predicting future ecosystem responses to warming oceans.
For the WinFor the Win
Floating trash reveals 'itty-bitty' El Niño surprises for fishing crew

Floating trash reveals 'itty-bitty' El Niño surprises for fishing crew

"They don't have to be big to be cool."
TrendlineTrendline
Four Seasons Los Cabos Launches Whale Shark Adoption Program to Support Conservation Research

Four Seasons Los Cabos Launches Whale Shark Adoption Program to Support Conservation Research

Four Seasons Los Cabos Launches Whale Shark Adoption Program to Support Conservation Research
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USF Researchers Document Significant Decline in Deep Gulf Marine Life Post-Deepwater Horizon Spill

USF Researchers Document Significant Decline in Deep Gulf Marine Life Post-Deepwater Horizon Spill

Researchers, including marine biologist Heather Judkins from USF St. Petersburg, are documenting substantial declines in deep-sea marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. These findings, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, raise concerns about the long-term impact of the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The EPA reported that the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and sinking resulted in 11 deaths and was the largest oil spill in marine drilling history. The DEEPEND research consortium, a nationwide effort, began its work in 2011 to assess the damage. Their studies, focusing on waters between 200 and 1,500 meters below the surface, revealed steep declines in certain fish populations from 2011 to 2015. Specifically, squid and octopus populations decreased by approximately 60% in the midwater column, while other creatures like krill and lanternfishes saw declines of up to 85%. Tracey Sutton, director of the DEEPEND Research Consortium, noted that oil exposure can lead to...