Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Orcas team up with dolphins to hunt salmon, study finds

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:18 +0000

Northern resident killer whales appear to use dolphins as ‘scouts’, in a surprising cooperative hunting strategy

Orcas and dolphins have been spotted for the first time working as a team to hunt salmon off the coast of British Columbia, according to a new study which suggests a cooperative relationship between the two predators.

Economic growth no longer linked to carbon emissions in most of the world, study finds

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:24:55 +0000

Analysis marking 10 years since Paris climate agreement underscores effectiveness of strong government policies

The once-rigid link between economic growth and carbon emissions is breaking across the vast majority of the world, according to a study released ahead of Friday’s 10th anniversary of the Paris climate agreement.

The analysis, which underscores the effectiveness of strong government climate policies, shows this “decoupling” trend has accelerated since 2015 and is becoming particularly pronounced among major emitters in the global south.

These Bald Eagles fly the wrong way every year and stun scientists

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:32:06 +0000

Scientists tracking young Arizona Bald Eagles found that many migrate north during summer and fall, bucking the traditional southbound pattern of most birds. Their routes rely heavily on historic stopover lakes and rivers, and often extend deep into Canada. As the eagles mature, their flights become more precise, but they also encounter significant dangers like electrocution and poisoning. These discoveries point to the need for targeted conservation of critical travel corridors.

Eight more UK universities cut recruitment ties with fossil fuel industry

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:14 +0000

Manchester Metropolitan University again wins top spot for climate and social justice in league table

More universities have severed ties with fossil fuel companies, banning them from recruitment fairs and refusing to advertise roles in the industry, according to the latest higher education league table.

MP calls for ban on ‘biobeads’ at sewage works after devastating Camber Sands spillage

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:16:45 +0000

Exclusive: Use of toxic plastic beads in treatment works is unnecessary and outdated, say conservationists

The use of tiny, toxic plastic beads at sewage works should be banned nationwide, an MP and wildlife experts have said after a devastating spill at an internationally important nature reserve.

Snakes, spiders and rare birds seized by Border Force in month-long operation

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:59 +0000

Wildlife smuggling is serious organised crime that ‘fuels corruption and drives species to extinction’, Home Office says

More than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products were seized at the UK border in a single month, new figures have revealed, including spiders, snakes and birds.

The illicit cargo was uncovered as part of an annual crackdown on wildlife smuggling known as Operation Thunder, which is led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation.

NSW koala numbers higher than previously thought, but new data may not show true picture

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:38:36 +0000

Updated estimate reflects more accurate technology and extensive survey work, rather than a true increase in the koala population

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

Sea urchin species on brink of extinction after marine pandemic

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:57 +0000

Ecologically important Diadema africanum almost eliminated by unknown disease in Canary Islands

A marine pandemic is bringing some species of sea urchin to the brink of extinction, and some populations have disappeared altogether, a study has found.

Identifying priority areas for marine protection in Europe to support fisheries

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 11 December 2025; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00176-9

Identifying priority areas for marine protection in Europe to support fisheries

‘Not normal’: Climate crisis supercharged deadly monsoon floods in Asia

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:00:54 +0000

Cyclones like those in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia that killed 1,750 are ‘alarming new reality’

The climate crisis supercharged the deadly storms that killed more than 1,750 people in Asia by making downpours more intense and flooding worse, scientists have reported. Monsoon rains often bring some flooding but the scientists were clear: this was “not normal”.

In Sri Lanka, some floods reached the second floor of buildings, while in Sumatra, in Indonesia, the floods were worsened by the destruction of forests, which in the past slowed rainwater running off hillsides.