Megan Chen
Orca vs Narwhal
Orcas are natural predators of narwhals, but they are seasonally kept at bay by Arctic sea ice. As the Arctic becomes increasingly ice-free, killer whales are arriving earlier and hanging out longer in narwhal habitat. How do narwhals fare? Read more to find out!
Does long term SCUBA diving affect shark behaviour?
What happens when SCUBA divers and sharks mix? Do divers scare off sharks or attract them? Read more to find out!
Sea lampreys: grow faster = grow male
A new study suggests that growth rate may determine if lampreys, an invasive fish in the Great Lakes becomes male or female. Read to find out more!
Seagrasses reduce the risk of disease outbreaks
Seagrasses are one of humans’ greatest sidekicks. They are nursery areas for many species including commercially important ones, they protect coastal communities from extreme weather, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen via photosynthesis and much more. Now, research shows that seagrasses can also reduce rates of disease in humans, fishes and invertebrates such as corals. Read more to find out how!
Should all shark fishing be banned?
It might seem like a no-brainer to ban shark fishing as well as the sale and trade of shark products. But scientists wonder: is there a more effective management strategy? Read more to find out!
A scientist’s guide to addressing fake science
Do scientists have a responsibility to address fake science? If so, what should their role be?
First evidence of plastic microfibre consumption by deep-sea animals
For the first time ever, scientists have found evidence that deep sea animals are actually consuming plastic microfibres. Read more about the study and why we should care.
7 Reasons to Give Thanks For Our Ocean
This Thanksgiving, let’s give pause and reflect on reasons to be thankful for the ocean!
Why do restaurants join sustainable seafood labelling programs?
Why do some restaurants join sustainable seafood eco-labeling programs? A new study identifies some motivating factors that can help the continued expansion of these programs to enhance their ability to harness consumer demand and encourage positive change in seafood production.
How is the changing diet of farmed Atlantic salmon affecting their nutritional value?
We eat oily fish to get the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the level of omega-3s in farmed salmon is changing. How does this stack up to wild-caught salmon? Read more to find out!
Scientists reveal a greasy discovery: swordfish lubricate their heads for speed!
Swordfish boast a variety of adaptations that makes them one of the fastest swimmers on the planet! Everything from their bills to their body build and their crescent-shaped tails helps them shave seconds off their swim time. Scientists have recently discovered yet another adaptation that allows swordfish to swim fast: they lubricate their heads. How does it work? Read more to find out!
Marine Educator Conference Highlights: Glowing jellyfish, bad petitions, lost sharks & affordable VR
An ocean pharmacy made possible by jellyfish, the danger of bad petitions, the importance of understanding ‘lost sharks’, and affordable virtual reality–all highlighted in this post covering just a sliver of the National Marine Educators Association Annual Conference!
Green Eggs & Sand: A Horseshoe Crab Workshop
This month, a whole post about horseshoe crabs! How do they grow? How have they saved lives? The answer to those questions and to many more!
How fish can help design better filters
This new study takes a closer look at the fluid dynamics happening inside filter-feeding fishes. How might this save industries valuable time and money? Read more to find out!
What happens to human health when we feed crops to farmed fish?
Feed for farmed seafood is relying on more land-based ingredients. As aquaculture production is projected to increase in response to rising human demand, the consequences for resource use and human health is changing. Read more to find out how!
Ice-Proof Penguin Feathers Inspire New Material
Unlocking the secrets behind penguin feathers’ ability to stay ice-free may help us make safer and better products. Read more to find out!
Sea of (Unromantic) Love: Strange Mating Behaviours
Tired of being alone on Valentine’s Day? Well, picture yourself in any of these animals situations and well, maybe it’s for the best. Featuring indiscriminate mating, golden showers and stabby & disposable penises.
Whale earwax: a hearing aid & time capsule
How is whale earwax essential to whales, and how can it help whale conservation? Read more to find out!
How to Stop Dragging Our Assets: The World’s First Fishery Habitat Quota
Setting limits on fish catch is standard practice in fisheries management. For the first time in history, limits on habitat damage was introduced in 2012 for the groundfish bottom trawl fishery in British Columbia. Was it successful? Read to find out!
Northern Atlantic cod make an epic comeback
The collapse of Northern Atlantic cod was the textbook example of how overfishing can lead to a population crash. Decades after a moratorium was established, the cod are finally making a recovery. Find out why!
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