June 19, 2014
Ocean News: Whale Strandings Linked to Malnutrition, Another Town Joins the Fight Against Seismic, and More
– The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Species designated the Japanese eel as “endangered” this week, citing that this delicacy is at high risk of extinction. Japanese eel are catadromous, meaning they spawn in salt water but spend part of their lives in freshwater. The Associated Press
– A record number of humpback whale strandings and deaths off the coast of Western Australia have been attributed to malnutrition. Because humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere typically feast on krill, the scientists say that these strandings indicate that climate change could be affecting krill abundance. Science Network Western Australia
– Another coastal North Carolina town has joined the fight against seismic blasting. A resolution passed by the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners last week questioned figures about economic gains, and reasserted their opposition towards offshore exploration. The Outer Banks Voice
– Katherine and Betsy, two of the more famous great white sharks, are headed to the Texas coast, according to data from their satellite tags. They were last tracked off Florida’s west coast. KYTX News
– As the oceans warm and sea ice melts, icebergs increasingly batter the Antarctic seafloor. Now, in areas where species once competed for space, only single species often exist. EurekAlert