Ocean News: Whale Sharks Visiting Azore Islands More Frequently, Volunteers Help Disabled Sea Turtle Nest, and More - Oceana USA
Home / Blog / Ocean News: Whale Sharks Visiting Azore Islands More Frequently, Volunteers Help Disabled Sea Turtle Nest, and More

July 17, 2014

Ocean News: Whale Sharks Visiting Azore Islands More Frequently, Volunteers Help Disabled Sea Turtle Nest, and More

– After two attempts at nesting this summer, volunteers helped a loggerhead sea turtle missing her right rear flipper successfully lay a nest on Masonboro Island, North Carolina. The sea turtle tried to nest 15 times this summer before the volunteers were able to help her. Star News Online

A new study has linked dirty, polluted water with coral reef disease, and highlights how dredging in the Great Barrier Reef could be detrimental to coral communities there. The scientists found that sediment plumes spurred by dredging activities doubled coral reef diseases near Barrow Island in northwest Australia. National Geographic

– Following decades of overfishing, fishermen in the English Channel are “scraping the barrel” for shellfish to make up for lost catches of top predators. A new study found that sharks, rays, cod, haddock, and many other species are at historic lows. Phys.org

–  A new study shows that whale sharks have visited Portugal’s Azore islands more frequently in recent years. This biologically productive area is likely what’s causing the whale sharks to visit, since these islands are on the edge of their temperature range. Science Daily

Long Read:

An influx of jellyfish in Maine’s coastal waters this June has left researchers puzzled and the public wanting answers. Researching is ongoing, but a suspected cause is warmer ocean temperatures. Portland Press Herald