Ocean Roundup: Giant Clam Could Inspire Solar Technology, Thousands of Seamounts Discovered, and More - Oceana USA
Home / Blog / Ocean Roundup: Giant Clam Could Inspire Solar Technology, Thousands of Seamounts Discovered, and More

October 3, 2014

Ocean Roundup: Giant Clam Could Inspire Solar Technology, Thousands of Seamounts Discovered, and More

Improvements in radar satellite technology have allowed scientists to discover thousands of underwater seamounts around the world. The scientists say this discovery is important for fisheries management and conservation since wildlife tends to congregate around these seamounts. BBC News

– New modeling simulations reveal that current changes in ocean water around Antarctica are similar to patterns 14,000 years ago, when layering patterns of seawater led to sea level rises of up to 13 feet. This layering, with warm water growing beneath cold water, is happening today, say scientists. AccuWeather

– New research shows that the mechanisms behind the giant clam’s vibrant lips could inspire new solar technology. Scientists found that the colorful outer lips direct sunlight into the clam, where photosynthesis occurs and provides algal energy. Live Science  

Long Read:

– Barrier islands, like the nationally designated seashore Fire Island, were once great defenders at protecting coastlines from hurricanes and sea level rise. But now, with so many being altered by manmade structures like jetties and seawalls, many barrier islands cannot keep up with sea level rise. The New York Times

Op-Ed:

President Obama’s new protections of the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument is like protecting the “Grand Canyon of our oceans,” says the author, but argues there is so much more to do. He argues that only one percent of the oceans are protected, and that the oceans need a similar “National Park System” as on land to preserve their ecological and cultural important areas. The Hill