New Zealand’s seas warming faster than global average: Report

The seas around New Zealand are warming much faster than global averages, scientists said Wednesday in a new study warning how climate change could batter the island nation. Read more here.

‘A political failure’: Half of UK’s critical fish stocks face depletion

In one of the most comprehensive analyses of fish stocks since Brexit, a report from Oceana UK has revealed that half of the ‘top ten’ commercial fish stocks – those relied on most heavily by UK fishers – are now in a critical state of depletion facing collapse. Read more here.

Mining the deep sea could erase sharks we’ve only just discovered

New research reveals that 30 species, many already endangered, inhabit regions slated for mineral extraction on the seafloor. The disruption of delicate habitats, from egg-laying nurseries to sediment-sensitive ecosystems, could push some species closer to extinction before scientists have even fully studied them. Read more here.

Maldives’ gulper shark fishery plan faces ‘overwhelming backlash’

Plans to reopen the gulper shark fishery are at extreme odds with the country’s reputation as a ‘sanctuary for sharks.’ The Maldives is – currently – one of only 17 shark sanctuaries around the world, having banned all shark fishing in 2010. Read more here.

Octopus farming is a dangerous detour for marine conservation

Proponents of octopus farming claim it can reduce fishing pressure on wild octopus populations by supplying the seafood industry, and even suggest that these efforts could contribute to restocking wild populations in the future. Read more here.