Global fisheries must change to avoid ocean collapse, study finds

A new study by an international team of scientists finds that industrial fishing is driving the world’s oceans toward collapse. The report outlines 11 key actions needed to maintain healthy oceans, including the reduction of harmful fishing methods and keeping fish populations at 60% of their natural levels. Read more here.

Arctic sea ice hits summer minimum; Antarctic hovers at new winter lows

The Arctic summer sea ice minimum also stayed low this year, at 4.28 million km² (1.65 million mi²), making it the 7th lowest minimum in the satellite record. So far, 2012 saw the record minimum of 3.41 million km² (1.32 million mi²). Read more here.

Endangered sea lion shot dead in Caitlins

The Department of Conservation says the shooting of a young female sea lion in the Caitlins will affect the population growth of the vulnerable species, which has been slowly recovering in recent years. Read more here.

Workers make ‘extremely worrying’ discovery off Australia’s coast

The ability of a US multinational to keep Australia’s oceans free of pollution is in serious question after the company leaked 21,000 litres of diesel from an offshore rig. And in a damning report, the offshore petroleum regulator NOPSEMA found the problem is “likely to occur again”. Read more here.

Scientists find corals with a secret that could aid reef conservation

Earlier this year, the world’s fourth global mass bleaching event was declared. The Great Barrier Reef has suffered five mass bleachings since 2016 – most recently this past summer. The declarations followed the world’s warmest year on record. Read more here.