July 31, 2014
Ocean News: Brazil Bans Catfish Fishery to Protect Pink River Dolphins, Arctic Ice Melt Leading to Large Arctic Waves, and More
– In its biggest fisheries ban since 1967, Brazil banned its commercial catfish fishery that uses pink river dolphins as bait. Dolphin populations have severely declined over the past decade, and one population saw a 50 percent drop in numbers since 2004. New Scientist
– New research shows that a deep sea octopus species, Graneledone boreopacifica, guards their eggs for 53 weeks—longer than any other creature in the animal kingdom. The time this octopus spends sitting on eggs is longer than most cephalopods actually live. United Press International
– Arctic sea ice melt is opening the region for wave activity, especially during storms with high winds. In a new study, scientists revealed that they recorded a 16-foot high during a storm. The Washington Post
Long Read:
– Since the Obama Administration reopened the East Coast to offshore oil and gas exploration, public outcry hasn’t stopped. This piece, “Boom! There Goes the Neighborhood,” looks at the effects of tremendously loud airguns on marine life. OnEarth
– New technology is providing clues into the underwater world in regions that aren’t suitable for humans to visit. Wave Gliders, high-tech drones, were released in multiple different ocean environments this summer and are providing clues acidification, environmental damage, and wildlife information. CNN