Ocean Roundup: Endangered Orca Pod Welcomes Calf, Atmospheric CO2 Levels Reach Record High, and More - Oceana USA
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September 9, 2014

Ocean Roundup: Endangered Orca Pod Welcomes Calf, Atmospheric CO2 Levels Reach Record High, and More

– A new study found that tiny crabs of the species Planes major, which were thought to hitch rides on the back of sea turtle shells and remain there for life with a mate, may not be as monogamous as once thought. New research shows that males may actually hop off turtles in search of a mate in what researchers are calling “risky behavior.” Smithsonian Science

– The UN World Meteorological Organization announced today that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rose to 396 parts per million molecules of air in 2013—the largest annual increase since 1984. Officials say this rise will severely impact ocean acidification and weather patterns. Bloomberg

For the first time since 2012, a new orca calf has joined the famous southern resident population in the Puget Sound. Because this population is endangered and lost two whales this year, scientists say this is a reason to celebrate. The Dodo

Long Read:

– Reuters is launching a series of investigative articles uncovering the effects of rising sea levels on the United States and the country’s response. In this first piece, Reuters travels to coastal Virginia and looked at how a lack of inaction is taking a toll on the region. Reuters

– You’ve likely heard by now about a federal judge’s ruling last week that found BP guilty of reckless and negligent behavior in relation to the 2010 oil spill. This Q&A answers many questions you may have related to the ruling — such as what the state of the Gulf is now and what the future looks like for BP. National Geographic