A groundbreaking study published in Science has unveiled the dire consequences of overfishing on shark populations, particularly reef sharks. The research, conducted by the Global FinPrint project and led by Florida International University, analyzed an impressive 22,000 hours of underwater video footage from monitoring stations across 391 reefs in 67 countries and territories. The findings …
Measuring of a Thresher Shark by conservationists in Indonesia. Irwan Hermawan Researchers and conservationists off Alor Island in the expansive Indonesian archipelago are employing tagging technology to monitor the movement of endangered pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus), many of which are young individuals or pregnant females. The pelagic thresher shark, known for its elongated tail …
In the realm of ancient ocean predators, the Megalodon stands as an enigmatic and awe-inspiring creature. Extinct for millions of years, this massive shark continues to captivate scientists who strive to uncover its secrets. Thanks to a recent study conducted by paleobiologist Kenshu Shimada from DePaul University, we now have fascinating insights into the physiology …
Space exploration has always captivated our imagination, but have you ever pondered its potential effects on marine life? In a groundbreaking study, scientists have delved into the lesser-known consequences of the Brazilian Space Program on coastal sharks. The global space sector has undergone remarkable transformations, driven by the ongoing privatization of space activities and the …
Pregnant grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus), a species that appears fierce but has a gentle personality, are venturing outside of no-take marine protected areas at night. This puts them in danger of extinction as there are only around 400 breeding individuals remaining in the wild. The findings come from a decade-long study that tracked 34 …
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 …
To attract visitors to aquariums, sharks are often considered the main attraction, even though they are not the best candidates for long-term captivity. Typically, sharks kept in aquariums are caught from the wild, and larger species cannot be kept for long periods due to their size and pelagic lifestyles. Despite this, little is known about …
It is possible to discover a new species out in the field, but it is more likely to occur within the four walls of a museum. Curators and biologists alike will find treasure troves here, many containing specimens that have long since disappeared from our blue planet. I would be lying to you if I …
Skates, a type of cartilaginous fish, have pectoral fins that resemble wings, allowing them to thrive in benthic ecosystems. However, the molecular basis of this unique trait remains unknown. University College London researcher Ferdinand Marlétaz aimed to investigate the evolutionary origin of these wing-like fins. Vertebrates evolved alongside key developmental innovations, including different fin structures …
In the light of the setting sun, the water lapping against the rocky shore glistened like freshly spilt ink. Despite the fact that it is frigid to the touch, this cold environment is home to a wide range of wildlife including bowhead whales, polar bears, beluga whales, seals, walruses, and more – all threatened with …