In 1831, a volcanic island named Ferdinandea emerged off Sicily, sparking claims by Britain, France, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The island, about 800m across and 60m high, eroded and disappeared by 1832, leaving behind a submerged volcanic cone now home to a marine ecosystem.
A 60% drop in humpback whale sightings off Western Australia and rare seabird appearances on Australia's east coast signal potential disruptions in the Southern Ocean. These events coincide with persistent marine heatwaves and the confirmed presence of H5N1 bird flu, prompting scientists to call for urgent, coordinated monitoring.
Unusual drops in humpback whale sightings and rare seabird appearances off Australia coincide with persistent marine heatwaves in the Southern Ocean. Scientists are concerned these events signal broader changes in ocean conditions, potentially linked to climate change and disease risks like H5N1.
The Moon is receding from Earth at 3.83 cm per year, a rate precisely measured by lunar laser ranging data. This slow but steady distancing will lead to longer days, fewer total solar eclipses, and weakened tides over hundreds of millions of years, fundamentally altering Earth's environment.
A deep-water coral reef off Benin, believed dead for 60 years, has been rediscovered alive and thriving over 50 meters below the ocean surface by the COREB project. Using sonar and deep-sea imaging, researchers found a healthy mesophotic ecosystem with various fish and coral species.
A new study reveals how changes in sea level influenced ocean phosphate levels, which in turn affected atmospheric carbon dioxide and regulated Earth's climate over the past 60 million years. Published in PNAS, the research identifies a crucial part of the planet's natural climate control system involving marine organisms.
Kyoto University researchers used passive acoustic monitoring in Wakasa and Aso Bays, Japan, finding dolphins visit the Sea of Japan coast about once every 10 days. This provides vital baseline data for understanding marine life and supporting regional conservation efforts.
Offshore wind farms, crucial for renewable energy, may impact marine ecosystems, particularly harbour porpoises. Studies show mixed findings on porpoise activity around these sites, with ongoing research to understand the reasons.
A University of Oklahoma paleontologist has discovered a 450-million-year-old crinoid fossil preserving soft tissue, including tube feet. This rare find offers unprecedented insights into early marine ecosystems and the evolution of life on Earth, predating dinosaurs by over 200 million years.
A marine heatwave is expected to reach extreme levels around the UK this week, with sea temperatures potentially 4-5C above average. This could harm marine life, including seagrasses and shellfish, while encouraging warm-water species.
Ocean surface temperatures outside polar regions reached a new record high on June 21, surpassing 2023 and 2024 levels, according to Copernicus. This coincides with a forecast strong El Niño, raising concerns for extreme global heat, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems.
Ghost nets and plastic waste are severely impacting marine ecosystems in Asia, particularly in Indonesia. Coastal communities and conservationists face the burden of collection, with limited regulations to stop vessels from discarding nets. A 2024 report highlights Indonesia's significant plastic waste production and its discharge into the marine environment.
A Coogee woman, Leah Stewart, 35, was attacked by a suspected great white shark while swimming between flags. The incident has heightened the author's fear of sharks, questioning the balance between the euphoria of ocean swimming and its inherent risks, and sparking debate on shark culling versus conservation.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines has raised the seabed by up to 2 meters, exposing coral reefs and seagrass beds, and killing marine life. At least 61 people died and 40 are missing.
An earthquake in the Philippines has caused coastal uplift, raising the seabed by up to two meters and exposing marine life. The phenomenon, reported by locals, has extended shorelines and affected areas near the Cotabato Trench.
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.
Antarctica's west coast is experiencing a severe deficit of winter sea ice, with an area the size of France missing in the Bellingshausen Sea. This alarming loss raises concerns for penguins, marine life, and global sea levels, and may have intensified a recent heatwave on the continent.
Scientists discovered the deepest, oldest, and largest whale graveyard in the Indian Ocean, with remains dating back 5.3 million years. Thriving ecosystems of marine life feed on the carcasses, revealing insights into deep-sea adaptation.
Hong Kong reports a decline in cetacean strandings to 29 in 2025 from 41 in 2024, with 4 suspected to be linked to human activity, according to a joint government-Ocean Park report.
Papua New Guinea's government warns communities not to fish along parts of the New Ireland coastline due to detected metals in water samples, following months of dead marine life reports and illness among residents.
A new study reveals high levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in the Solent strait, impacting marine life and protected sites. Pollution exceeds safe thresholds, with calls for a blanket ban at source and government action.
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.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced extra protection measures for Cheung Chau island during the Labour Day golden week, deploying 11 officers and five marine staff to patrol and monitor visitor behaviour. The department is seeking to turn the bio-sensitive area into a marine protected region to enforce conservation laws. An estimated 1,000 visitors daily are expected during the holiday period, while Hong Kong anticipates 6 million passenger trips from May 1-5.
Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced extra protection measures for Cheung Chau island during the Labour Day holiday, deploying 11 officers and 5 marine staff daily. The department is seeking to turn the bio-sensitive tourist area into a marine protected region to enforce conservation laws. An estimated 1,000 visitors daily are expected during the five-day golden week, with 6 million passenger trips projected across all entry points.
