Ocean news from around the world

Blue economy /

UK

As seaweed slips the net, can farmers help save the ocean?

Seaweed habitats are largely unprotected despite their role in carbon capture and marine biodiversity. Scientists suggest partnering with local seaweed farmers to conserve wild stocks, enhance genetic diversity, and safeguard ecosystems and livelihoods. Read More

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Marine Life /

South Africa

Overfishing and environmental shifts drive massive penguin losses

Collapsing sardine stocks off South Africa have caused catastrophic declines in African penguins, with up to 95% dying at key colonies during moulting. Researchers warn recovery depends on improved prey availability and targeted conservation efforts now. Read More

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North America /

Sustainability

Global fisheries bodies 'falling short' ahead of High Seas Treaty

New analysis finds Regional Fisheries Management Organisations are underperforming across key conservation measures, with over half of assessed fish stocks overexploited. The findings come as the UN’s High Seas Treaty approaches enforcement. Read More

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Deep sea mining /

North America

Hidden deep-sea mining exploration brought to new light

An upgraded transparency portal from Global Fishing Watch and UC Santa Barbara brings unprecedented visibility to deep-sea mining, tracking vessel activity, exploration zones and emerging industrial impacts across the world’s oceans. Read More

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Marine Life /

North Atlantic

Unprecedented animal abuse case halts Faroe Islands' Grindadráp

Authorities have issued the first-ever animal-abuse charges over a 2024 pilot-whale hunt in the Faroe Islands, prompting a regional suspension of grindadráp hunts and drawing praise from campaigners. Read More

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Arctic /

Deep sea mining

Norway extends Arctic deep-sea mining freeze through 2029

In a decision reverberating across the ocean governance community, Norway’s newly elected government has moved to halt all deep-sea mining activity in its Arctic waters until at least the end of 2029. Read More

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Marine Life /

North Atlantic

Ocean whirlpools reveal their power over North Atlantic food web

Research reveals how North Atlantic whirlpools influence zooplankton abundance and diversity. Using decades of plankton data and satellite observations, scientists show they shape food webs, carbon cycling, and ecosystem responses. Read More

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Marine Life /

Sweden

Sea sponge discovery pushes animal origin back 100 million years

Researchers at Uppsala University’s Museum of Evolution have unveiled a new order of marine sponges. The group, named Vilesida, doesn’t just rewrite sponge taxonomy but may push the origin of animals back by 100 million years. Read More

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Marine Life /

Spain

Scientists' global call to save ocean’s hidden Marine Animal Forests

An international coalition of marine scientists is calling for global action to safeguard Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) - 'living architectures' that act as biodiversity refuges, nursery grounds for fisheries, and key players in carbon cycling and coastal protection. Read More

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