Ocean Roundup: Sand Tiger Shark Embryos Found to Eat Each Other, Wind Turbines Could Weaken Hurricane Intensity, and More - Oceana USA
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September 29, 2014

Ocean Roundup: Sand Tiger Shark Embryos Found to Eat Each Other, Wind Turbines Could Weaken Hurricane Intensity, and More

– New research shows that young sea stars (Asterias rubens) in the Baltic Sea are more vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification than adults. The scientists found that young sea stars grew slower and ate less under more acidic conditions. Science World Report

– A new study shows that offshore wind turbines could alleviate hurricane strengths and impacts when they come ashore. Computer models show that arrays of turbines 20 miles long with blades 400 feet wide could cut wind force in half. The Wall Street Journal

– Scientists have known that sand tiger shark embryos engage in cannibalism around five months of gestation as they feast on their siblings, but couldn’t figure out why. New research shows that female sand tiger sharks mate with several male sharks, and that it’s the male shark who created the biggest, strongest embryos passing on his genes. Science Alert

Long Read:

One seabird species, sooty shearwaters, embark on one of the longest migrations each year, traveling about 40,000 miles annually. This article points out the seemingly endless hazards these birds face on their journeys, including fisheries, marine debris, pollution, and natural predators. Environmental Health News

Op-Ed:

– Lewis Pugh, the UN Patron of the Oceans, recently swam across seven seas to raise awareness for the oceans. Pugh says he was “shocked by what I saw in the seas, and by what I didn’t see,” and saw marine litter more often than he saw dolphins, whales, and other marine life. The New York Times