Why are people arguing over the Great Barrier Reef?
Plus rare orca sightings, sea lion invasions, underwater spies and a seafloor mapping milestone
Happy Monday pod!
Firstly, welcome to all our new members - it’s lovely to see you here!
It’s been a busy week this week. After writing about why you can’t be swallowed by a whale for Nat Geo, I followed up with a second article busting other misconceptions about whales (did you know whales have hair?). It’ll be onto sharks next… watch this space!
But let’s not keep you from this week’s ocean news. Buckle up and let’s dive in…
🐳 Whales
Big mama: British Colombia’s waters, once home to just one humpback whale, are seeing a ‘humpback comeback’ (Global News Canada)
Killer encounter: epic footage of an amazing up-close orca encounter (News 24)
Whale, that’s a surprise: in an incredibly rare sighting, orca may have been seen in Brighton, UK (The Argus)
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🐬🐙 Marine animals
Where’s Wally? The famous walrus is still in the Isles of Scilly and experts remind the public not to disturb him (BBC)
“I’m just big boned”: scientists have been trying to find out how elephant seals get so fat when their food is so tiny (Phys.org)
On the brink: why the discovery of the Coelacanth’s 100-year lifespan means they’re closer to extinction than previously thought (WIRED)
Taking refuge: Hundreds of sea lions have taken over a Chilean port town (Yahoo! News)
Spybot: the Mesobot is a new innovation helping scientists learn more about the unexplored areas of the ocean (WIRED)
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🚯 Pollution & threats
Preventing invasions: Researchers have been trying to solve the problem of biological invadors hitching a ride on ships (Phys.org)
BP drilling plans: in west Africa could have hugely negative impacts on nearby coral reefs (Independent)
Ocean treasures: A rush to mine the ocean floor poses huge environmental concerns (Guardian)
Snot for long: Turkey has now begun cleaning the ‘sea snot’ that has accumulated on its shores (Smithsonian)
Scarred seabed: the Dorset coast has been severely damaged by moored cruise vessels (BBC)
Deep sea mining: Nauru is due to ask the International Seabed Authority to fast track mining regulations, a source reveals (Reuters)
Space data: satellites are helping track the movement of microplastics in our oceans (NASA)
💰 Funding & opportunities
World’s first female coral restoration team: Gili Shark Conservation is hiring! Deadline: 15 July 2021
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🐚🐠 Ecosystems
20 percent: of the seafloor has now been mapped (Live Science)
Overtopping: of coastlines has increased by 50 percent in 20 years due to sea level rises, tides and storm surges (Phys.org)
The worst is yet to come: UN report suggests climate impacts will hit sooner than anticipated (Phys.org)
GBR under threat: UNESCO wants the Great Barrier Reef to be added to world heritage sites listed as being in danger (Guardian)
Hot debate: But the Australian government disagrees with UNESCO’s decision, claiming it is ‘flawed’ (Sky News)
🎣 Fisheries
Going deeper: Could submerged cages reduce the common problems associated with aquaculture? (Phys.org)
Combatting illegal fishing: a joint statement urges the EU to put cameras on vessels (EJF)
Bottom trawling maps: show fishing pressure and impact around the Atlantic, Baltic EU and UK (ICES)
That’s it for this week - hope you all enjoyed the latest ocean news. Which story did you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments!
FYI my comms consultancy and writing services are almost maxed out for July so if you're interested in finding out how I can help you, get in touch before I'm fully booked! 🤓
Melissa
Baleen is provided completely free each week to help you keep on top of the latest marine conservation news - if you find it useful, shout me a coffee (thanks!)