Daily Summary
Blue whales. Photo credit: Dan Shapiro, NOAA.
Blue whale protection may need to increase
Previously, it was thought that blue whales only visited New Zealand when they passed through the South Taranaki Bight during migration to and from Antarctic feeding grounds. But a new study reveals that the whales are present on a pretty regular basis. The researchers think the whales stay to feed which could be a very important finding. There are only four known feeding grounds in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Antarctic waters so those areas need to be well protected.
Shark conservation holds key to healthy marine ecosystem
Researchers in Australia will begin investigating international shark conservation and management laws to determine any changes that need to be made. Recent studies have shown that sharks play a key role in the health of marine ecosystems, but existing conservation laws aren’t doing enough to protect them.
Tiger shark found in the bahamas. Photo credit: WIlly Volk via photopin cc.
Why we need to put the fish back into fisheries
New research shows that traditional fisheries that target large fish like cod and haddock have declined steadily over the past hundred years. As overfishing continues, those fisheries are turning to shellfish that are thriving in environments without larger fish. In many places now, shellfish are becoming the most valuable marine resource. The research shows that while this is good for the economy, it is not so good for the environment. It is also very risky to depend these shellfish because shellfisheries are unstable in the long-term and face major threats from climate change.
Copyright © 2013 by Marine Science Today, a publication of Marine Science Today LLC.
