An oil spill off the southwest coast of the Mediterranean didn’t just leave a dark slick on the surface—it quietly rewired the entire underwater food chain. Scientists tracked what happened to plankton, the microscopic plants and animals that power ocean life, over 18 days. Right after the spill, ti
Out in the Mediterranean’s murky waters lives a creature most people never notice. Smaller than a thumbnail, this shrimp-like bug—Idotea balthica—quietly holds more genes than humans do. Researchers only noticed because its genetic mix was too complex to ignore. Even now, one-third of those genes mi
Sharks are a real concern for swimmers along California's coast. After a shark attack near Lovers Point in 2022, the Kelp Krawlers swim club started using shark deterrents. These devices are supposed to keep sharks away. But do they really work? Erica Fox, a member of the Kelp Krawlers, was found d
The ocean floor is a mysterious place, full of creatures we barely know. Recently, scientists found over 4, 000 tiny animals living in an area where companies want to mine rare metals. Out of these, they identified 788 unique species, including tiny crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. The team studie
In the southern Barents Sea, tiny creatures are making a big impact. These are zooplankton, the small animals drifting in the ocean. They are super important for fish and shellfish. This area is a hotspot for fishing. So, understanding zooplankton here is crucial. A recent study looked at these tin
Coastal areas often bear the brunt of human activities, with pollutants seeping into the water and settling into the sediments. Among the creatures affected are golden kelp, E. radiata, which can't just up and leave when things get tough. They have to toughen up or adapt to survive. Scientists want
In the vast waters of Mexico, a surprising scene unfolds. Orcas, also known as killer whales, have been caught on camera using clever tactics to hunt young great white sharks. They specifically target the sharks' livers, which are packed with energy. This behavior has been seen before in other place
Sharks are known for their sharp teeth and powerful bodies, but recent drone footage is revealing that their fins might be more than just stabilizers. Scientists have long studied shark behavior, but drones are now offering a unique perspective from above the water. This technology allows researcher
In the vibrant waters of Colombia's Caribbean coast, a 70-year-old marine biologist named Elvira Alvarado is on a mission. She's not just any scientist; she's a pioneer in coral reef restoration and has been dubbed "the mother of Colombian corals. " Her journey began nearly half a century ago when s
Ever wondered how seals can swim so deep and for so long without passing out? Scientists wanted to know too. They thought it had something to do with carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the seals' bodies. After all, in humans, high CO2 levels trigger the urge to breathe. But seals don't seem to have this
