October 14, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Oceans Seeing Largest Sea Level Rise in 6,000 Years, Red King Crab Fishery Opens in Alaska, and More
– New research suggests that icebergs from the North American ice sheet once drifted past Florida when it began to melt 20,000 years ago. This research is supported by “massive scars” found along the continental shelf off Florida. Discovery News
– A new study shows that the oceans have experienced their biggest sea level rise over the past 150 years than they have in 6,000 years. Researchers used sediment samples from Australia, Asia, and Pacific island nations to reach their conclusions. The Washington Post
– This month, the Philippines will adopt the UN’s Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which will advance conservation for highly migratory species. The Philippines join 80 other nations in adopting this agreement. Minda News
– The Bristol Bay red king crab fishery is set to open this week with an increase in catch quotas. The Pribilof Islands red and blue king crab fisheries remain closed, while the St. Matthews blue king crab season will reopen but with a low quota after being temporarily closed last year. Homer News
– A new government report has linked paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) with the deaths of multiple Kittlitz’s murrelet chicks, a seabird found on Alaska’s Kodiak Island. The scientists also said that PSP may be a leading cause of death in marine birds, but that many cases likely go “unreported.” Alaska Dispatch News