June 9, 2014
Ocean News: Japan Vows to Reinstate Whaling, Sea Level Rise Uncovers WWII Remains, and More
– It turns out that deep sea fish play a significant role in removing CO2 from surface water, according to a new study. The researchers found that deep sea fish are responsible for removing and storing more than one million tons of CO2 per year near Ireland and the United Kingdom. EurekAlert
– At least 26 Japanese World War II soldiers have been washed from their graves on a low-lying Pacific archipelago from sea level rise, officials said on Friday. Unexploded bombs and other military equipment have also recently washed up on these islands, which are only six feet above sea level at their highest point. Reuters
– Japan’s prime minister announced today that he vows to reinstate commercial whaling, even though the International Court of Justice ruled that Japan must stop killing whales in Antarctica. Shinzo Abe said he wants to resume whaling to collect data to inform whale management. Channel NewsAsia
– For World Oceans Day yesterday, the United Nations called on the international community to commit to maintaining vibrant, productive oceans for generations to come. “We have to ensure that oceans continue to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message. UN News Centre
– If you love ‘animal cams,’ new cameras by the U.S. Geological Survey are providing really up-close and personal footage of polar bears. As part of a study to assess how polar bears are adjusting to sea ice loss, researchers attached cameras to collars that track movement patterns and other data about polar bears. The Guardian