Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:21 +0000

Study links rapid growth of ocean macroalgae to global heating and nutrient pollution

Scientists have warned of a potential “regime shift” in the oceans, as the rapid growth of huge mats of seaweed appears to be driven by global heating and excessive enrichment of waters from farming runoff and other pollutants.

Over the past two decades, seaweed blooms have expanded by a staggering 13.4% a year in the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific, with the most dramatic increases occurring after 2008, according to researchers at the University of South Florida.

‘We thought they would ignore us’: how humans are changing the way raptors behave

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:20 +0000

Experts call for tighter regulation as GPS tracking reveals how people’s behaviour affects the lives of some of the world’s largest birds

Many people look up to admire the silhouette of raptors, some of the planet’s largest birds, soaring through seemingly empty skies. But increasingly, research shows us that this fascination runs both ways. From high above, these birds are watching us too.

Sydney Harbour shark attack: second incident in two days as police warn against swimming

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:06:25 +0000

Police praise fast actions and bravery of boy’s friends on Sunday as he faces ‘fight for his life’ in hospital

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00173-y

Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

15 years after Fukushima, Japan prepares to restart the world’s biggest nuclear plant

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:46:10 +0000

A return to nuclear power is at the heart of Japan’s energy policy but, in the wake of the 2011 disaster, residents’ fears about tsunamis, earthquakes and evacuation plans remain

It’s been a busy month for Anthony Albanese on the environment | Jess Harwood

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:28:11 +0000

Talk about climate whiplash

The Guardian view on microplastics research: questioning results is good for science, but has political consequences | Editorial

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:58:25 +0000

Errors in measuring microplastic pollution can be corrected. Public trust in science also needs to be shored up

Why am I a vegan? I do it for my mental health | Emma Beddington

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:00:58 +0000

Vegan restaurants are closing, RFK Jr is sounding the drum for carnivores, and the protein cult is bigger than ever. But eschewing animal products helps me ward off a sense of impotence – and despair

Inventor says robo-vaccination machine could be used to combat bovine TB

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 07:00:48 +0000

Tony Cholerton created Robovacc to inoculate a timid tiger at London zoo – but says it could administer jabs to badgers

It began with the tiger who wouldn’t come to tea. Cinta was so shy that she refused to feed when keepers at London zoo were around, and staff wondered how they would ever administer the young animal’s vaccinations without traumatising her.

So Tony Cholerton, a zookeeper who had been a motorcycle engineer for many years, invented Robovacc – a machine to quickly administer vital jabs without the presence of people.

How Trump’s promise to slash energy bills in half has failed across the US

admin — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:00:29 +0000

Guardian analysis shows electricity bills were up 6.7% last year, and much higher in some states, and gas bills up 5.2%

Trump’s failed energy bill pledge leaves US households struggling: ‘It’s obscene’