Maldives revokes shark fishing ban after decades

The Maldives, a luxury holiday destination and top diving spot in the Indian Ocean, will lift a decades-old ban on shark fishing, the president’s office said on Wednesday. Read more here.

Unique shark sighted for the first time in 50 years

It had wide eyes, a large head and a short mouth. Soon after, researchers named the shark Gogolia filewoodi, or a sailback houndshark. Read more here.

Fossils can reveal a reliable record of marine ecosystems functioning

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that fossilized remains of marine invertebrates can accurately reflect the functional diversity of past ecosystems—offering a powerful tool for understanding long-term ecological change and informing modern conservation. Read more here.

South Africa restricts bunkering to protect endangered penguin

South Africa’s government has implemented new restrictions on STS transfers and bunkering off its coastline, hoping to head off environmental damage from a potential spill. Read more here.

Mongabay shark meat expose sparks call for hearing and debate

A Brazilian lawmaker said he would call for a parliamentary hearing after Mongabay’s shark meat investigation. Read more here.