07 Jul 2025

Photo of volcanic activity at sea by Marc Szeglat   A massive underwater volcanic eruption in the South Pacific has devastated delicate deep-sea ecosystems, according to new research. The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, which took place in January 2022, released a towering ash plume and generated dense underwater flows that blanketed hydrothermal vent communities in […]

07 Jul 2025

Photo of iceberg in Antarctica by Rob Long   The waters surrounding Antarctica are becoming more saline, defying long-held expectations and raising fresh alarm over the accelerating collapse of sea ice. Scientists using European Space Agency satellite data and ocean-based sensors have found that the Southern Ocean has been steadily growing saltier since 2015—a trend […]

07 Jul 2025

Photo of Kuwait City by Mayer Tawfik   Kuwait has officially launched the Needlefish, a cutting-edge unmanned surface vessel (USV) developed by British companies SRT Marine Systems and Ocean Infinity. This launch represents a major advancement in maritime surveillance technology as part of Kuwait’s $213 million Project Vigilant, an integrated system designed to enhance maritime […]

07 Jul 2025

Photo of Tuna by Sean Robertson   Pakistan has landed a major victory in its fisheries sector by securing a 25,000-metric-ton tuna fishing quota from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), marking a turning point for the country’s marine economy. The quota includes 15,000 tons of Yellowfin Tuna and 10,000 tons of Skipjack Tuna, positioning […]

01 Jul 2025

New detailed assessments of marine protected areas (MPA) in Wales show which habitats and species are doing well in Welsh waters, but highlight the need for more action to improve habitat, biodiversity and water quality, according to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).     A total of 85 features designated across 17 marine special areas of […]

01 Jul 2025

Image description: A blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) photographed on a largely dead reef on the Coral Coast on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. The damage to the reef is likely caused by a number of stressors, including prolonged water temperatures, storm surges and fertiliser input from agriculture on land, as well as overfishing of […]

01 Jul 2025

Image description: Silhouette of windfarm against a sunset sky. Image by Anna Jiménez Calaf / Unsplash   Following recent reports that there are just two years remaining at current emission rates to meet the international target of 1.5°C, it is welcome news that the UK can meet its net zero targets for 2050, according to […]

01 Jul 2025

The long-running dispute over sandeel fishing in the North Sea has taken another turn, with the UK Government re-confirming its position that closures remain in place.     The dispute over sandeel fishing in the North Sea marked the first time the UK and EU had been in court since Brexit in 2020, with the […]