New study maps highest shark population in Eastern Pacific Islands

A major survey reveals a stark divide. Extensive survey of Eastern tropical Pacific finds remote protected areas harbor some of the highest concentrations of sharks. It covers seven major marine protected areas. Read more here.

El Nino causes massive coral die-off at Costa Rica’s Isla Del Cano

Scientists report that the 2023-2024 El Niño event delivered a severe blow to coral reefs around Isla del Caño, one of Costa Rica’s key marine protected areas. The warming ocean temperatures pushed these ecosystems past a critical threshold, leading to widespread bleaching and a sharp drop in live coral. Read more here.

Taiwan coast guard arrests 7 selling ‘sawfish swords’

Seven people were arrested on suspicion of trafficking protected wildlife products. The operation was carried out by the Beimen Brigade under the Coast Guard Investigation Branch, with searches conducted in New Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, per CNA. Read more here.

Fujitsu accelerates blue carbon certification with Ocean Digital Twin Technology

Fujitsu today announced the development of a technology for rapidly and accurately quantifying blue carbon, i.e., carbon absorbed and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, from seaweed and seagrass, supporting the restoration and conservation of seagrass beds. Read more here.

Behind Sri Lanka’s ‘fish rain’ lies a web of migrations now blocked by rising dams

Sri Lanka recently reported a “fish rain,” where fish were found far from water bodies after heavy rains; but rather than falling from the sky, experts say these were amphibious fish that “walked” overland after the rains, making a rare but real phenomenon appear mysterious. Read more here.