Ocean Life News in Brief: February-01-2016
NASA Jason 3 Ocean Climate Change Satellite in Orbit
NASA latests ocean-exploring satellite was put in orbit by Space X. On January 18 Al Jazeera reported that the new satellite developed by US and French scientists is “capable of measuring the height of the world’s oceans to within 4cm”. The mission named Jason 3 had a total investment of 180 million USD and is expected to provide vital data to track long-term changes to climate and the ocean’s role in global warming.
Ocean Conservancy Says that 60% of Ocean Plastic Trash Comes from Asia or Pacific Islands
CNBC reported on January 13 that half of the ocean's plastic trash comes from 5 countries. Ocean Conservancy said in a new report countries in focus are located in Asia or the Pacific Islands.
Ocean Conservancy New Paper Assesses Ocean Trash Impact on Marine Life
Ocean Conservancy released a new report which they described as the most “comprehensive assessment” when it comes to ocean trash impact on marine life. Sea turtles, birds and mammals are the most affected according to the report.
WHOI New Paper Says Rover REMUS SharkCam Key for Science and Conservation
On January 8 the Woods Oceanographic Institute WHOI reported on the advances made by REMUS SharkCam in the study of shark behaviour. “The scientific understanding enabled by the REMUS SharkCam is just as groundbreaking and provides critical data for efforts to conserve these animals,” WHOI stated. Results of REMUS expeditions were recently published in the Journal of Fish Biology.
Ocean Portal Ancient Seas Calls for Deep Research
Ocean Portal Ancient Seas Section compiled in early 2016 collection of inspiring ancient ocean science. From strange “rudists” to top predators of the ancient past oceans which ruled the seas to Sirenians, seacows and clams which formed massive reefs in the days of the dinosaurs Ancient Seas proved to be inspiring.
CSIC New Paper Says Ocean Acidification Has Energy Costs for Bacteria
The CSIC Spanish National Research Council reported on January 12 on the finding of new study which focuses in the acidification of the ocean and the alteration of bacteria metabolism. Working with the Linnaeus University of Kalmar Sweden Sweden CSIC discovered that alterations of the metabolism cause bacteria to invest more energy to activate the biochemical mechanism necessary to revert environment stress. Results of the study were published in Nature Climate Change.
California Southern Coast on High Surf Alert: El Niño Driven Storms
Los Angeles Times reported on January 18 that high surf is expected to “hammer” the Southern coast of California. The National Weather Service issued warnings for high surf and leading dangerous rip currents. Minor coastal flooding is also expected. The events is linked to El Niño driven storms.
World Fastests Racing Teams Ready to Go at Mount Gay Round Barbados Race
On January 16 Sail World reported on the developments of the 2016 Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series. “With less than 24 hours before the start, a last minute rush has seen a significant boost in entries for the 80th anniversary Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series,” media assured. Some of the World's Fastest Racing Teams are ready to go.
2016 World Match Tour Tightens Security for Riding the New M32 Catamaran
The 2016 World Match Racing Tour which will take teams riding the impressive M32 Catamaran around the world released new rules. To ensure safety during the World Tour and to allow athletes to get to know the new M32 Catamaran the WMRT installed a “groundbreaking racing license programme”. Those that obtain their license will be able to tour the flying M32 throughout 2016 in Australia, US, Denmark and Sweden.
Jules Verne Trophy Team Spindrift Shares Around-the-World Regatta Experience
Now that the Jules Verne Trophy is over recalling the event begins. On January 18 Sailing Scuttlebutt News released video on Team Spindrift sharing their experience for the Around-the-World race.
Pacific Disaster Center Tracks Cyclone Pali and Victor Across Ocean
The Pacific Disaster Center tracked Tropical Cyclone Pali and Tropical Cyclone Victor across the Pacific Ocean. On January 15 the Center reported that remnants of former Tropical Cyclone Pali were located about 1700 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. The Center gave final advisory for the active Tropical Cyclone Victor active located about 262 miles east of Pago Pago, American Samoa.
US Geological Survey Scientists Calls for Revision of Tsunami Plans from Alaska to Hawaii
PHYS reported on January 12 on Tsunami prevention work conducted near a remote island near Dutch Harbor. The evidence which rises from the study assures that the Aleutian Subduction Zone fault could potentially generate an earthquake great enough to send a large Tsunami across the Pacific to Hawaii. A team of scientists led by US Geological Survey geologist Rob Witter published the findings in the Geophysical Research Letters -Journal of the American Geophysical Union.
Nature Published Global Ocean Heat Content Paper from 1865 to 2015 -Industrial Era
Nature released a study on January 18 which evaluated heat uptake since the early Industrial Era. Scientists studied and analyzed Global Ocean Heat Content OHC from 1865 to 2015. “We examine OHC changes in the context of the Earth’s global energy budget since early in the industrial era for a range of depths,” the paper states. The report concluded that nearly half of the Industrial Era increases in global OHC have occurred in recent decades.
North Atlantic Right Whale Sighted in South Carolina for First Time in Three Years
On January 18 an endangered North Atlantic Right Whale was sighted off the coasts of South Carolina for the first time in three years, local press reported.
81 Pilot Whales Wash Up in Mass Stranded in Southern India
On January 12 Earth Touch News reported that 81 Pilot Whales washed up in mass stranded in Southern India. Whales were rushed to be rescued by local fishermen who managed to rescue 36 whales but 45 were reported dead. "The whales started reaching the shore in groups around 5pm on January 11," a local fishermen told Times of India. "It is very strange. In 1973, when we were boys, we witnessed the same phenomenon," fishermen added.
Super Station Warns on Subduction and Activity in West US Coast
Super Station warned on January 17 on activity registered in the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the west coast of Oregon US. ”An ocean data buoy is alerting to an event in the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the west coast of Oregon,” the report stated. The data buoy showed sharp drops in water column height in just minutes -data which is interpreted as subduction process, when land beneath the ocean floor “sinks”.
UK Doubles Ocean Conservation Zones
Telegraph reported on January 17 that the UK ocean conservation zones have doubled. “In all, when added to the 27 zones created in 2013, MCZ status will now apply to an area covering 7,886 square miles - about the size of Wales, and including around one fifth of all English waters,” the Government said.
Fossil Whales Emerge from Saharan Desert
Egypt opened a new museum and on ground locations of ancient fossil whales. Incredibly the fossils have emerged from the heated sands of Egyptian Sahara desert.
