December 3, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Male Galápagos Sea Lions Take More Time to Raise, Cosmetic Contaminants Found in Antarctica, and More
– Scientists say that chemicals in soaps, lotions, sunscreen, and other fragrances have made it to Antarctic waters. The scientists also found traces of chemicals in clams, fish, and sea urchins, and say that some predators like seals could now possibly become exposed to the chemicals. The Guardian
– A new study shows that young male Galápagos sea lions are much more dependent on their mothers than young females. By tracking young sea lions with recording devices, scientists found that females dived more frequently, farther, and deeper for food than males. National Geographic
– For the first time, a Caribbean box jellyfish—native to Jamaica and capable of producing powerful stings—was spotted along Australia’s Queensland coast. Scientists suspect it reached Australia through a ship’s ballast water, but aren’t entirely sure. ABC
– A new study found that oil from the 2010 Gulf oil spill disaster was still found along Alabama beaches, mostly in the form of tar balls, as recently as this past August. The report also found that oil from the spill could pose ecological risks for years to come. The Associated Press
– New regulations passed yesterday advance protections for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The new regulations, set to take place in 2015, will restrict longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico during spawning season, and will tighten catch quotas in North Carolina. Reuters