Oceans

Climate

A rapid shift in ocean currents could imperil the world’s largest ice shelf

Roughly the size of Spain, the Ross Ice Shelf stabilizes major glaciers along Antarctica’s coast — and is at risk of retreating, a new study finds.

Animals

Eavesdropping on fish could help us keep better tabs on underwater worlds

Scientists are on a quest to log all the sounds of fish communication. The result could lead to better monitoring of ecosystems and fish behavior.

Animals

Migratory fish species are in drastic decline, a new UN report details

The most comprehensive tally of how migrating animals are faring looks at more than 1,000 land and aquatic species and aims to find ways to protect them.

Animals

Here’s how many shark bites there were in 2023

The chance of being bitten by a shark is still incredibly slim, according to a new report from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Physics

Invisible comet tails of mucus slow sinking flakes of ‘marine snow’

New measurements reveal the gunk that surrounds the particles, an important factor in understanding how the ocean sequesters carbon.

Oceans

Ocean heat waves often lurk out of sight

About 1 in 3 marine heat waves occur below the surface, a new study reports, suggesting these harmful events are more common than previously thought.

Life

Crabs left the sea not once, but several times, in their evolution

A new study is the most comprehensive analysis yet of the evolution of “true crabs.”

Animals

Fake fog, ‘re-skinning’ and ‘sea-weeding’ could help coral reefs survive

Coral reefs are in global peril, but scientists around the world are working hard to find ways to help them survive the Anthropocene.

Life

10 billion snow crabs have disappeared off the Alaskan coast. Here’s why

In the eastern Bering Sea, the snow crab population plummeted after a marine heat wave in 2018. The crabs may have starved, a new study finds.

Oceans

‘The Deepest Map’ explores the thrills — and dangers — of charting the ocean

A new book follows the race to map the seafloor, documenting how it’s done, why and what a clear view of the deep sea could mean for Earth’s future.

Climate

Extreme ocean heat off Florida has ebbed. But for marine life, the danger remains

After the recent heat wave, corals have received too much heat too early in the summer, and other sea life could see lingering effects too.

Climate

Antarctic sea ice has been hitting record lows for most of this year

Since hitting a record low minimum back in February, the amount of Antarctic sea ice has stayed well below normal all year.