The Beacon
Hammerhead Shark Lands on Endangered List
Not exactly something to celebrate, the scalloped hammerhead shark will be added to the "globally endangered" species list this year.
Some 233 shark species are currently on the red list, with nine more to be added, including the hammerhead. Over-fishing and shark finning are two reasons these fish are in trouble.
Luckily (and you guessed it!) Oceana is working to reverse the dismal trend. Find out how HERE.
Ocean Fact O' the Day
Currently all six sea turtle species found in U.S. waters are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Ocean Fact O' the Day
Nearly a billion people worldwide depend on fish for at least 30 percent of their animal protein, and there are millions more who live in coastal communities which count on fishing for all or part of their income.
Take the Super Highway to the Nearest Cafe
Do sharks get road rage? What about heartburn? ... Only science will reveal.
For now all we know is a new study shows great white sharks travel predictable pathways, or "super highways," between feeding hot spots, dubbed "cafes."
In other news, international coffee chain Starbucks is considering expanding to the bottom of the sea. OK, not true, but maybe not such a bad idea. ...
Scientists Discover "Very Strange" Fish, Giant Sea Spider
And here I thought the spiders like the one I "discovered" the other morning in the bathroom of my basement apartment were big. ...
Australian scientists working on the floor of the Southern Ocean discovered several mysterious creatures including giant sea spiders and worms.
Scientists spent 20 days actually collecting samples from the Antarctic ocean floor, with an estimated 25 percent of those creatures thought to be new species.
Samples were shipped off to labs all over the world for identification as well as tissue and DNA samples.
The expedition had been researching climate change and its affect on corals and other hard-shelled creatures. Scientists are concerned that increasing climates will heighten the acidity of the ocean, which in turn would impact how crustaceans, corals and invertebrates grow and sustain their protective calcium carbonate shells. Learn more about climate HERE.
Update: Deep Sea News provides a glimpse into the world of giant sea spiders.
Ocean Fact O' the Day
The sperm whale is the largest of all toothed whales and is the largest toothed animal alive, with adult males measuring up to 20.5 m (67 ft) long.
Ocean Fact O' the Day
"Dolphins are known to have sex for reasons other than reproduction."
Makes sense to me, I mean, what would you do if you found out your world was about to end? And while you're pondering that, check out this way cool video. ...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fish in Space!
News from the Arctic Circle: Scientists blasted 60 baby cichlid fish into the atmosphere on a zero-gravity rocket ride. True story.
