The Ocean Brief
Ocean stories and insights covering science, policy, innovation, and the ocean community
Sea angling competitions could help fill in data gaps
Community science project Competitive Angling as a Scientific Tool (CAST) could provide a unique insight into the distribution, life stages and habitat preferences of data-poor fisheries.
Marine Protected Areas don’t line up with core habitats of rare migratory fish
62% of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) designated to protect rare migratory fish species are outside of their core habitats, according to a new modelling study.
Celebrating marine pollinators
It’s World Bee Day! Bees are famous for their pollination, but did you know that there are many other pollinators? Some even live in the sea.
Giant, prehistoric salmon had tusk-like teeth
Palaeontologists believe the teeth may have been used for defence, competitive fighting, or as digging tools
The loneliest penguins in the world?
This World Penguin Day we take a look at the Galapagos Penguin - arguably the loneliest penguins in the world.
Baby sharks stick close to shore
Scientists have shown for the first time that juvenile great white sharks gather in nearshore waters up to 10 meters deep with temperatures between 16 and 22 °C – a very different habitat from that of adults. These preferences may optimize their growth and minimize the risk of predation. These results can inform conservation efforts and help avoid unwanted encounters with swimmers.
750+ Oil Slicks Found in Mediterranean Sea
A new report released at the Our Ocean Conference in Greece by SkyTruth, a nonprofit conservation technology organization, identified 757 oil slicks covering 1.9 million hectares in the Mediterranean Sea between July 2020 - January 2024. Most of these slicks were discharged from vessels in transit.
Data collected by record-breaking rowers shows Great Britain’s warming seas
The data reveals UK coastal seas were on average 0.39 Celsius warmer in 2023 than in 2022.
2023’s remarkable ocean discoveries
Thousands of marine species are discovered every year. Discover the top ten new finds in 2023, as chosen by my taxonomists.