SAMS Oceanographic Array Will Aid Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Observations
Marine scientists in Scotland have helped to develop the most comprehensive view yet of how large-scale north Atlantic currents that dictate our climate may be changing.The scientists at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban, a partner of UHI, have combined data from a range of sources to measure the mass formation of Atlantic currents, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).Their Scotland-Canada Overturning Array (SCOTIA) of observations incorporates data from scientific moorings on the existing sub-polar OSNAP array and the 50-year Extended Ellett Line
Project CETI Tracks Sperm Whale Conversations in Real Time
whales use clicks to navigate and hunt, and also produce patterned sequences of clicks, known as "codas," that are thought to play a role in communication. Scientists first identified that sperm whales vocalize in 1957. But understanding how they communicate has remained difficult because these marine mammals dive to depths of more than 1.6 km (one mile) for around 50 minutes each hour, making continuous observation challenging."The underwater glider is listening for whales via four hydrophones and then steering itself toward them using a feature called backseat driver," said David Gruber
Puntacana Foundation Launches Coral Restoration Farm in Dominican Republic
The Puntacana Foundation inaugurated the Marine Innovation Center (CIM), a new facility designed to promote research, environmental education, and the restoration of coral reef ecosystems throughout the Caribbean. Located in Playa Blanca, within the Puntacana Resort, on one of the country's most iconic coastlines, the CIM represents the next step in a conservation commitment that began more than thirty years ago.The inauguration, held in conjunction with Earth Day on April 22, 2026, brought together partners from the environmental, business, and philanthropic sectors, including the Puntacana Group
Brazilian Abrolhos Corals Decline as Climate Warms
Coral cover of Brazil’s Abrolhos reefs, the most biodiverse coral ecosystem in the South Atlantic, has fallen by around 15% over 18 years due to climate change and human activity, researchers in Rio de Janeiro told Reuters.Marine heatwaves linked to climate change have intensified so-called bleaching events where corals expel the algae that call them home, which permanently undermines coral health, said Rodrigo Leao de Moura, a marine biologist at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.“With the increasing frequency of heatwaves, corals may regain their color, but they develop necrosis
North Atlantic Right Whales Produce Highest Number of Births This Calving Season Since 2009
The North Atlantic right whale calving season has come to a close with the highest number of calves recorded since 2009.The annual calving season in the southeastern United States, which runs from mid-November until mid-April, produced 23 mother-calf pairs, the fourth-highest count ever. It’s positive news for the critically endangered species with an estimated population of about 380.Scientists with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium have been tracking the season closely and were pleased to see shorter intervals between calving for the majority of the
Teledyne Marine Launches New Global Video Contest
Teledyne Marine has opened submissions for its new 2026 Video Contest, inviting customers and partners around the world to bring their missions to life through video.Building on the success of its annual Teledyne Marine photo contest, the new video competition focuses on real missions, real data, and real innovation highlighting how Teledyne Marine technologies are used across ocean science, offshore operations, and subsea exploration.Entrants are encouraged to think outside the box and submit engaging videos that demonstrate the real-world uses of Teledyne Marine’s technology, such as:Products
Mysterious "Golden Orb" Identified by NOAA Scientists
The now two-and-a-half-year-old mystery of the "golden orb," an unidentified object that captured significant public interest when it was collected during a 2023 NOAA expedition, has finally been solved.Scientists have determined that the mysterious golden mass, discovered at a depth of 3,250 meters (over 2 miles) in the Gulf of Alaska, is a remnant of the dead cells that formed at the base of a giant deep-sea anemone, Relicanthus daphneae. It was the part of the anemone that attached to the rock substrate.During NOAA Ocean Exploration expeditions on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, it’s
Over 1000 Coral Reefs Mapped in Northern Australia
Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) scientists have unveiled and mapped more than 1000 previously uncharted coral reefs in northern Australia, all without setting foot on a boat, or even leaving their offices.Despite being a habitat for a wide range of marine life, and possibly known by locals, reefs from Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia through to western Cape York in Queensland have until now been mostly invisible and overlooked in conservation and development planning. The Marine and Coastal Hub project, led by AIMS, and run in partnership with the University of Queensland (UQ)
eDNA Analysis Detects Invasive Species from Biofouling
Antarctic scientists have trialed a DNA ‘barcoding’ technique that could improve biosecurity measures that help protect polar ecosystems from invasive marine species.The research, led by Australian Antarctic Program scientists, used environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples, to detect species known to hitch-hike on ships’ hulls.The work was conducted during a voyage from Tasmania to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, on MPOV Aiviq in 2022.Molecular biologist Dr Leonie Suter said the research showed that eDNA sampling could help ensure effective biosecurity practices (such as hull
February 2026
