A new study has found that pollution from microplastics is widespread in the Arctic Ocean, and 92% of those particles are minuscule synthetic fibers from our clothes. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/polyester-fibers-arctic-ocean-microplastic-pollution…
Tag: marine mammals
Pesticides and industrial pollutants found in snow atop Arctic glaciers
The long journey of these compounds – likely originating in the U.S. and Eurasia – shows the far-reaching impacts of industrial pollution. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/pesticides-industrial-pollutants-found-atop-arctic-glaciers…
An injured fin whale with no tail has been found in the Mediterranean
A fin whale in the Mediterranean has been left with no tail, probably after multiple collisions with ships, highlighting the threat shipping poses to the marine mammals Source: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2246837-an-injured-fin-whale-with-no-tail-has-been-found-in-the-mediterranean/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home…
Meet the narwhal, ‘unicorn of the sea’
This Arctic whale has the only spiral tooth found in nature. But there’s more to the narwhal than its unique tusk. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/narwhal-unicorn-of-sea-arctic-whale…
Why are whales big, but not bigger?
How did whales that feed on tiny prey evolve into the largest creatures on Earth? And why don’t they get even bigger? Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/why-are-whales-big…
2019 Arctic Report Card: Visual highlights
NOAA’s 14th annual Arctic Report Card recounts the ways that climate change continued to alter the north polar region during 2019. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/2019-arctic-report-card-visual-highlights-video…
Will sea otters return to San Francisco Bay?
A new study shows that, if they can be returned to San Francisco Bay, California’s southern sea otter population can be tripled. There are now only about 3,000 of the otters left. But, first, they’ll need some help getting past the great white sharks. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/southern-sea-otters-reintroduction-san-francisco-bay…
Arctic ice loss exposes sea mammals to deadly virus
Scientists have linked melting Arctic sea ice to the emergence of a deadly virus among sea lions, ice seals, sea otters and other marine mammals. Source: https://earthsky.org/earth/arctic-ice-loss-exposes-sea-mammals-to-deadly-virus…
Canada Plans To Ban ‘Harmful’ Single-Use Plastics By 2021
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that Canada will ban many single-use plastic items by 2021, including bags, straws, cutlery and stirring sticks, to cut harmful waste damaging the country’s ecosystems. CNN reports: Trudeau announced the measures Monday, describing “a problem we simply can’t ignore.” “Plastic waste ends up in our landfills and incinerators, litters our parks and beaches, and…
At War: Why Whales and Dolphins Join the Navy, in Russia and the U.S.
A former Navy officer who is now a New York Times reporter explains how the American military trains marine mammals for underwater operations. Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/magazine/beluga-whale-russia-military-dolphins.html?partner=rss&emc=rss…