November 10, 2014
Ocean Roundup: Polar Bears Have Smelly Feet, 21 Sharks, Rays, and Sawfish Gain Protection, and More
– The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has put new fishing regulations in place for striped bass. Amid population declines, the Commission imposed a 25 percent catch rate reduction for 2015, and recreational fishermen can only catch one fish. Providence Journal
– A new study revealed that polar bears have smelly feet, and not because polar bears are unsanitary. Scientists say their smelly feet allow polar bears to communicate, leaving chemical hues to mark their territory and find other polar bears for breeding. BBC
– Over the weekend, the UN Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) granted protections to 31 new species, including a record-number of 21 sharks, rays, and sawfish. Other marine species protected include polar bears and Cuvier’s beaked whales. The Sydney Morning Herald
– Tensions between Japan and China have risen following a surge in illegal red coral poaching near Japan’s Ogasawara islands in its Exclusive Economic Zone. The Japanese have warned that they won’t offer refuge to Chinese poachers on the Ogasawara islands as a typhoon is expected to hit the area this week. The Guardian
Long Read:
– Oyster farming is on the rise in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, but its surge is causing conflicts with other fishermen. As more cages used to cultivate oysters are placed along the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, it’s causing problems for fishing lines and crab pots. The New York Times