July 28, 2014
Ocean News: NC Fishermen Face Tighter Restrictions, Antarctic Fur Seals Hurt by Climate Change, and More
– North Carolina fishermen that use large mesh gill nets are now facing tighter restrictions after the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries failed to comply with federal requirements. Under the new requirements, the fishermen can only deploy their nets at limited times and to a certain depth in an effort to protect sea turtles. North Carolina Sportsman
– Antarctic fur seals are already feeling the effects of climate change as krill, their main food source, becomes less available, says a new report. The fur seals’ body mass has decreased and they’re also breeding later in life. BBC News
– Last week, the UN took steps forward with deep sea mining. The UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA) issued seven new exploration licenses to companies from India, Brazil, Singapore and Russia, bringing the total area available for deep sea mining around Europe to nearly 500,000 square miles. BBC News
– Thought to produce the world’s most strongest natural glue, scientists have finally determined why barnacles create such strong bonds with surfaces. It turns out they drop an oily substance on surfaces before adhering to them, and this new discovery could lead to advances in medicine and shipping technology. Science Daily
Long Read:
– The Outer Banks is one of the East Coast’s most popular tourist destinations, but climate change is already visibly taking a toll on these barrier islands. Even with severe erosion, flooding, and storm damage in place, can the state work to protect these islands? National Geographic