All articles tagged with #marine environment
Scientists have identified that some of the mysterious 'halo' barrels submerged off Los Angeles contain caustic alkaline waste, which has persisted for decades, creating extreme environments on the seafloor and potentially leaching toxic metals, highlighting long-term environmental impacts of historical dumping of industrial and chemical waste.
New research reveals that decades-old barrels of industrial waste, containing caustic alkaline substances, are still impacting the ocean floor off Los Angeles, creating extreme environments and persistent pollution, with potential long-term ecological consequences.
Scientists conducted the first close-range, long-term measurements near the massive iceberg A-68A, revealing how melting ice impacts ocean stratification, nutrient distribution, and marine life, providing new insights into the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems.
A new species of ghost shark, Chimaera Supapae, has been discovered in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand, bringing the total known ghost shark species to 54. This elusive fish was hauled up from nearly half a mile down and identified through genetic testing. Named after fish researcher Supap Monkolprasit, the 10.9-inch-long creature has unique features, including a massive head with oval eyes, and a sex organ on its head used for mating. The discovery highlights the mysteries of the deep sea and the ongoing exploration of the marine environment.
A new species of "ghost shark" called Chimaera supapae, with giant, glow-in-the-dark eyes and feather-like fins, has been discovered in the Andaman Sea near Thailand. These chimaeras, distant relatives of sharks and rays, are among the oldest lineages of fish, dating back 300-400 million years. The elusive deep-sea creatures face threats from habitat degradation and overfishing, with some species listed as "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. The discovery highlights how little is known about the marine environment and the need for further exploration.
The flight data recorder of a US Navy P-8A plane that overshot a runway near Honolulu has been recovered as the military investigates the cause of the accident. A hydrographic survey was conducted to assess the plane's structural integrity and the impact on the coral and marine environment. Concerns have been raised about potential damage to the coral reef and contamination from fuel or chemicals. The Navy has implemented containment measures and is monitoring the area. No injuries were reported in the accident.
A new study reveals that true crabs (Brachyura) have left the marine environment multiple times, with around 17 independent transitions to land and freshwater over the past 100 million years. The research, spanning almost 20 years, found that true crabs are older than previously estimated, dating back to the Middle Triassic. The study provides insights into convergent evolution and the adaptation of organisms from water to land, shedding light on the early processes of adaptation to new environments. The researchers also discovered evidence of crabs returning to fully marine life at least 2 to 3 times.
The prime ministers of Tuvalu and Antigua and Barbuda appeared at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea seeking an advisory opinion on countries' obligations to combat climate change. They argued that nations have a duty to protect the marine environment from greenhouse gas emissions under the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. The tribunal will issue a non-binding advisory opinion that could guide countries in crafting climate protection laws. Small island states are at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The legal hearings represent a significant step in defining climate-related obligations under international law.
The prime ministers of Tuvalu and Antigua and Barbuda will appear at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to seek an advisory opinion on countries' obligations to combat climate change. They will argue that nations have a duty to protect the marine environment from greenhouse gas emissions under the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. The tribunal will issue a non-binding advisory opinion that could guide countries in crafting climate protection laws. Small island nations, facing the impacts of rising sea levels, have been seeking legal clarity on climate obligations in various courts.
A 51-year-old Australian man, Marcus McGowan, survived a crocodile attack while snorkeling off the Cape York coast. He managed to pry the crocodile's jaws open to escape after his head was inside the animal's mouth. He suffered injuries to his arm, scalp, and hand. McGowan was taken to the hospital and transferred to two more hospitals for treatment. The Queensland science department is investigating the incident and urged people to report such attacks as soon as possible.