Despite their ecological importance, sharks face one of the highest extinction risks among vertebrates, with more than a third of shark and ray species currently at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Overfishing is a primary driver of this decline, exacerbated by the life history traits of sharks, including …
Shark nets are set to make a return to the waters of Australia’s New South Wales next month, despite calls for the program’s discontinuation. Shark nets serve as a protective measure deployed at select beaches worldwide, including various coastal areas of Australia, such as along NSW’s beaches. Functioning as a physical barrier, these nets are …
NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer crew spotted a strange shiny orb on the seafloor in the Gulf of Alaska. NOAA Ocean Exploration Space isn’t the only final frontier. There’s a lot we don’t know about the ocean depths and the creatures that live there. A NOAA ocean expedition spotted a mystery from the deep during a remote-controlled …
Have you ever wondered why spotting a magnificent great hammerhead shark seems more likely during a full moon? Researchers in the Central Pacific Ocean have unraveled the pivotal role played by the lunar cycle in shaping the presence of these apex predators. The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is an iconic shark species, recognized by its …
At first glance, our skin may look boring to you. But if you take a closer look, every cell carries within them a hidden world of microbes that orchestrate intricate networks on their surface. These tiny organisms might not be visible to the naked eye, but they play a pivotal role in maintaining the health …
Running along the beach in the early morning before the heat of the summer day sets in, one usually settles into a cadence that allows their mind drift off as their feet hit the sand. You might spot a fellow runner, a couple walking their dog, or seabirds fighting over a fresh catch. You don’t …
Amongst the colorful Australian coral reefs, a remarkable story of survival has unfolded as sharks and rays demonstrate a resilient spirit. Earlier in 2023, research that examined nearly 400 coral reefs worldwide discovered a chilling pattern: the once-thriving shark populations that graced these bustling waters were disappearing. The collective effort of around 150 researchers found …
In the vast expanse of our ocean realm, where dominance is often determined by speed and skill, a special group of fast-swimming predators has risen to the top. These apex predators, known as ‘regional endotherms,’ possess unique characteristics that support their fast and predatory lifestyle. These features include elevated body temperatures, centralized red muscles, and …
This captivating photo, provided by OceanGate Expeditions, showcases the remarkable submersible vessel called Titan. The purpose of this vessel is to explore the wreckage site of the legendary Titanic. Currently, a race against time is underway in the vast North Atlantic, as an international armada of ships and airplanes tirelessly search for the missing submersible. …
In spite of their size, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are filter feeders, feeding on plankton, small fish, and other microscopic organisms. To capture their prey, they typically swim slowly near the water’s surface, opening their massive mouths up to filter large volumes of water. In its throat, specialized structures called gill rakers filter out food …