June 5, 2014
Ocean News: Sea Star Wasting Explodes in Oregon, Monterey’s Seafood Watch Gets Streamlined, and More
– Construction of the world’s largest artificial reef is underway in Mexico, a project aimed to rebuild habitat for marine organisms and protect the coast from erosion. Once completed, it will stretch longer than the Brooklyn Bridge and sit parallel to Punta Brava Beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. Mexico News Network
– Sea star wasting disease has exploded in Oregon—one of the few West Coast locations that originally appeared immune from the syndrome—over the past two weeks. Now, Oregon State University researchers predict the ochre sea star may be headed to localalized extension. KTVZ.com
– The Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Safina Center, and Whole Foods Market have joined forces to streamline their seafood sustainability ratings, and will now all follow Monterey Bay’s criteria. This move allows retailers to find consistent recommendations, and it also gives the groups a greater opportunity to expand their evaluations. Undercurrent News
– Katharine, one of the most famous satellite tagged great white sharks, has just made her way into the Gulf of Mexico, according to researchers. Her migration from Cape Cod to the Gulf is clueing scientists into this “shark highway” that exists along the Atlantic Coast. Reuters
Long Read: Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Bay used to grow brightly at night with bioluminescence. Being one of the world’s most famous bioluminescent bays, the loss of light has left scientists puzzled and affected locals who depend on Mosquito Bay tourism for income. The New York Times