Chinese researchers have discovered a unique marine blue hole in the Scarborough Shoal lagoon, formed by coral reef growth and dating back at least 3,200 years. This discovery is expected to provide fresh insights into the shoal's geological evolution and environmental history.
Coral researcher Anne Cohen has found a thriving "super reef" in the Marshall Islands, offering hope for coral survival amidst global bleaching events. The discovery is part of an initiative to identify and protect heat-tolerant reefs that could help restore damaged ecosystems.
Ecosystems are often described using functional language, implying they have purposes they can fail to perform. This essay argues that ecosystems lack intrinsic ends and cannot truly "break down," challenging the "ecosystem services" framework and advocating for clearer thinking about environmental crises.
Marine heatwaves have tripled since the early 1990s, signaling the ocean's strain from absorbing over 90% of Earth's excess heat. The Earth's energy imbalance, a key climate change indicator, has doubled, leading to rising temperatures, melting ice, and intensified weather extremes. Monitoring systems are under threat, just as clarity is most needed.
Cuban scientists and conservationists are facing significant challenges in protecting the island's marine ecosystems due to economic scarcity, US sanctions, and the climate crisis. Despite limited resources, they are employing innovative methods like coral farming and relying on local volunteers to mitigate damage from pollution, invasive species, and coral diseases.
Hong Kong authorities have assured that a planned marine park around Sharp Island will protect most coral reefs, addressing Greenpeace's concerns about insufficient coverage. Underwater mapping confirmed major coral spots fall within the proposed 63-hectare boundary.
Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong's Sharp Island for its tombolo also gained an appreciation for local coral reefs and marine life, thanks to increased government promotion and protection efforts.
