On the remote coastline of Western Australia, American tourists Emily Wapman and Evan Risucci found themselves drifting over the stunning waters of Turquoise Bay. It’s a special kind of snorkeling experience called “drift snorkeling,” where the current carries you effortlessly over Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest and most pristine near-shore reefs in the world. But as the pair floated above the coral, they couldn’t ignore the reality beneath them. The vibrant, colorful coral they had expected to see was replaced with stark white skeletons — a clear sign of coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by the stress of rising ocean temperatures.

Wapman, a recent graduate in biological sciences, was struck by the sight of the bleached coral. “You hear about it in school, but seeing the scale of it was a real eye-opener,” she said. Risucci, a filmmaker who admitted to knowing little about coral reefs, was similarly shocked. He had assumed the white coral was alive. “Someone from the United States might come here and think, ‘wow, this is so pretty,’ but be completely oblivious to the fact that it’s all dead.”

But, as researchers like molecular ecologist Kate Quigley are quick to clarify, not all is lost. Ningaloo Reef is not dead — it’s simply sick.

A Reef Under Siege: The Impact of Climate Change

The Ningaloo Reef, like so many others around the world, is suffering from a severe marine heatwave. Oceans have absorbed 90% of the excess heat caused by global warming, and every year for the past eight years, ocean temperatures have set new records. Coral reefs, which are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes, are bearing the brunt of this warming. This year, mass bleaching spread across at least 82 countries and territories, impacting 84% of the world’s reefs.

Ningaloo had remained largely untouched by this phenomenon until now. A combination of unusually high ocean temperatures and the hottest March on record in Western Australia finally pushed the reef past its limit. Even the ancient, massive Porites corals, which had previously withstood heatwaves, are starting to show signs of distress. These centuries-old coral boulders, once thriving with life, are expelling their vibrant algae, leaving behind a ghostly white hue, with green algae slowly overtaking their surfaces — the telltale sign of death.

Dr. Kate Quigley, a principal research scientist with the Minderoo Foundation, says it was only a matter of time before the heat reached this far. “It’s no surprise that bleaching has finally reached Ningaloo,” she said. “Coral reefs are under increasing pressure from climate change.”

Scientific Efforts to Save the Reef

At the Minderoo Exmouth Research Lab, Quigley and her team are working tirelessly to develop more heat-resistant coral through selective breeding. By combining corals from warmer waters with those from colder regions, scientists are hoping to create offspring that can better withstand future marine heatwaves.

Zac Saber, lab manager at the facility, explains, “Our ability to regulate environmental factors within the lab allows us to simulate the effects of climate change on coral reefs, helping us predict how these ecosystems will respond in the future.”

Initial findings have shown promise. Baby corals bred from heat-tolerant parents are showing significantly more resilience to temperature extremes. “We found that offspring of mixed parentage — a heat-tolerant mother and a less heat-tolerant father — can double the heat tolerance of the coral,” Quigley says. “In some cases, the babies are even more heat-resistant than the mother.”

Bleaching Crisis: A Nation’s Wake-Up Call

The bleaching crisis in Australia is not limited to Ningaloo. In March 2024, both the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast and Ningaloo on the west bleached simultaneously for the first time in history, sending a stark message to all Australians.

Andrew Forrest, a billionaire philanthropist and founder of the Minderoo Foundation, put it bluntly: “When you see both reefs in crisis, it’s a clear sign that what we were warned about has come true.” For Forrest, the solution lies in accelerating the transition to renewable energy. “If we destroy the oceans, we destroy our economy,” he says. “Investing in clean energy is not just good for the environment — it’s also smart business.”

But despite these warnings, new fossil fuel projects continue to be proposed, including the controversial Burrup Hub gas project near Ningaloo. Conservationists are sounding the alarm about the environmental dangers of expanding fossil fuel extraction in a region already suffering from climate change.

A Fragile Ecosystem Facing Extinction

Ningaloo Reef has long been a beacon for tourists, especially those visiting Exmouth to swim with the famous whale sharks. Every year, the region attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience the reef’s incredible biodiversity — from humpback whales to manta rays and green turtles.

However, the very fossil fuel extraction that has fueled Australia’s economic growth is also a major contributor to the reef’s destruction. The state of Western Australia, rich in fossil fuels, continues to push forward with new projects that further threaten the environment. As Australia’s government grapples with how to balance economic growth and environmental responsibility, scientists warn that it’s a race against time.

The United Nations has emphasized the urgent need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C in order to save coral reefs, but the damage is already evident. Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, a non-profit science and policy institute, says that the continuation of fossil fuel projects undermines any progress made in climate action. “Coral reefs probably won’t survive much above 1.5°C of global warming,” he warns.

Hope Amidst the Decline: The Power of Regeneration

Despite the bleak outlook, there is still hope. Every year, Ningaloo Reef undergoes a mass spawning event, where coral releases eggs and sperm, creating the potential for regeneration. When CNN visited the reef in April 2024, scientists were relieved to witness the spawning — a sign that life still persists, even in the face of extreme stress.

Kate Quigley remains cautiously optimistic: “While the reef is under threat, the ability to regenerate is still there. This is an ecosystem under pressure, but we haven’t lost it yet. The next generation of corals can still be born, and that gives us hope.”

The Need for Action

Ningaloo Reef may still have a fighting chance, but time is running out. Scientists and environmentalists agree that coral restoration efforts, though valuable, cannot replace the urgent need to tackle climate change head-on. Without significant cuts to carbon emissions, the world’s coral reefs are unlikely to survive the coming decades.

As tourists like Wapman and Risucci experience the beauty and fragility of Ningaloo Reef firsthand, the reef continues to send a silent distress call — one that must not be ignored. The message is clear: protect our oceans, or risk losing the treasures they hold forever.

Source: CNN – This ancient Australian reef is sending a silent distress call

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Off California’s Channel Islands, the early morning light illuminates glowing strands of kelp, where sea lions and schools of fish swim through the golden seaweed. This stunning underwater world is a testament to over two decades of ocean conservation. It’s a vivid reminder of what protection can achieve.

However, things are taking a different turn in the Pacific. The Trump administration recently moved to open up 500,000 square miles of protected waters, including the vast Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, to commercial fishing. This shift marks a significant rollback of federal ocean protections, changing the landscape for marine conservation.

Meanwhile, California is heading in the opposite direction. As the state begins its first-ever 10-year review of its marine protected area (MPA) network, a coalition of scientists, tribal leaders, and environmentalists are pushing for even greater protections. Their goal? To expand these areas, ensuring that California’s oceans remain healthy, diverse, and resilient.

California’s Marine Legacy: A National Treasure

“These underwater ecosystems are our version of Yellowstone,” says Dr. Douglas McCauley, director of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory at UC Santa Barbara. He’s aboard a dive boat headed to the Channel Islands, where a large portion of waters have been protected since the early 2000s. This protection has been a win-win: not only does it safeguard marine life, but it also bolsters the tourism industry, attracting scuba divers and snorkelers from around the world.

California’s MPA network, established in 2003, now covers roughly 16% of state waters. Some of these zones are no-fishing areas, while others allow limited use. The idea, under the Marine Life Protection Act of 1999, was to create a scientifically backed system to rebuild ecosystems and reverse the damage done by overfishing and habitat loss.

The Channel Islands, one of the first protected areas, now sees about 20% of its surrounding waters fully protected. However, proposed expansions have sparked controversy, particularly among the fishing community.

Fishermen Weigh In: Balancing Protection and Access

Blake Hermann, a fourth-generation fisherman from Ventura County, has spent his life fishing around the Channel Islands. He understands the importance of protecting nearshore species like sea bass and lobster. However, he argues that some closures go too far, particularly for migratory species like swordfish and tuna, which only pass briefly through these zones.

“It’s important to protect what makes sense to protect, but we can also still give some access back to fishing,” Hermann says. He believes a balanced approach can allow for conservation without restricting fishermen’s livelihoods.

Fighting for the Future: The Case for Expanding Protections

Environmental advocates are pushing for an expansion of California’s MPAs, warning that climate change and new industrial activities are putting even more pressure on the ocean. Sandy Aylesworth, director of the Pacific Initiative for the NRDC, emphasizes that protecting the oceans is not just about preserving marine life but safeguarding the future of all who rely on it. “We’re really protecting ourselves,” Aylesworth says, noting that expanding protections will help California’s oceans face future challenges.

The final decisions on the MPA review are expected early next year, but it’s clear that finding the right balance between access and protection will be key.

A National Shift in Ocean Conservation

While California looks toward expansion, the Trump administration is rolling back protections at the national level. Under an executive order, the administration has lifted restrictions on fishing in the Pacific Remote Islands, a vast area originally protected by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Supporters argue this will benefit commercial fishing interests, but conservationists fear the move will harm the rich marine life in the region, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and whales.

In the face of these federal rollbacks, experts like Molly Morse of the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory stress the importance of local action. “It makes it even more critical here at the state level that there is this expansion of protections to balance out some of those rollbacks,” she explains.

A Glimpse of the Wild: A Powerful Reminder

Back on the boat near Anacapa Island, a school of sardines shimmers beneath the surface, drawing seabirds and dolphins into a feeding frenzy. Humpback whales surge up from the deep, mouths wide open, consuming fish by the gallon. Despite the bustling ports, oil rigs, and fishing boats nearby, these waters remain a sanctuary of wildness — a reminder of what’s at stake and why expanding protections is crucial for the future.

Dr. McCauley puts it simply: “We’ve got a lot of industries here, but in the middle of all that, we still have a place where nature can thrive.” Expanding marine protections may be the key to preserving that wildness for generations to come.

Source: AP News – As Trump pares back ocean protections, California weighs expanding them

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Corals, typically known for being stationary organisms, have just been observed displaying a surprising ability to “walk” toward blue light, similar to the pulsing movement of jellyfish. A new study focused on the free-living mushroom coral Cycloseris cyclolites has shed light on this unexpected behavior, offering new insights into coral movement and survival strategies.

A Shift from Stationary to Active Movement

While most corals are sessile—remaining fixed to a surface throughout their life—the mushroom coral C. cyclolites starts life anchored to a substrate. As it matures, it becomes mobile, dissolving its stem and moving to new locations. This species is typically found in high-energy areas of the Indo-Pacific, where strong waves and competition for space make survival challenging. The ability to migrate toward deeper, calmer waters helps these corals survive by reducing wave energy and competition for food and sunlight.

Dr. Brett Lewis, lead author of the study and postdoctoral research fellow at the Queensland University of Technology, explained that these environmental pressures force C. cyclolites to move and relocate, enhancing their chances of reproduction and survival.

Groundbreaking Discovery of Active Movement

Previous studies hinted that some free-living corals could move in response to light, but how they navigated their environment remained unclear due to limitations in imaging technology. This new research, published in PLOS One on January 22, 2025, reveals that C. cyclolites moves actively by a technique known as pulsed inflation when exposed to blue light. This movement pattern mimics the pulsing, swimming motions of jellyfish, challenging prior assumptions about coral behavior.

The Fascinating Behavior: Toward the Blue Light

To explore this, Lewis and his team collected five C. cyclolites specimens from the coast of Cairns, Australia, and transported them to an aquarium at Queensland University of Technology. There, they tested the corals’ response to blue and white light.

The results were striking: C. cyclolites showed a strong preference for blue light, with most corals moving toward it in a clear phototactic response. The corals exhibited periodic bursts of movement, or pulsed inflation, that lasted for one to two hours. In blue light trials, some corals moved as far as 220 millimeters (8.7 inches) within 24 hours, despite being limited by the tank walls.

In contrast, only 13.3% of the corals moved in response to white light, traveling significantly shorter distances. When both blue and white light were presented together, all corals moved toward the blue light, completely avoiding the white light.

Understanding the Mechanism: Pulsed Inflation

The movement was driven by a combination of three factors: tissue inflation, the expansion of pads on the coral’s underside, and the twisting and contracting of the outer tissues. These mechanisms work together to create the pulsed inflation movement, allowing the coral to “walk” across surfaces.

While this is similar to how jellyfish move through water using pulsed inflation, C. cyclolites uses this technique to traverse surfaces, not swim through water. This unique movement suggests that corals may share similar complex biomechanics and possibly a comparable nervous system to jellyfish, their evolutionary relatives.

Why It Matters: Implications for Conservation and Ecology

The study’s findings could have far-reaching implications for coral conservation and understanding coral ecology. According to marine biologist Andrew Davies, who was not involved in the study, understanding how species like C. cyclolites respond to light could shed light on their development and behavior, including the role of light in spawning and the behavior of coral larvae.

For coral restoration and conservation efforts, this research highlights the importance of understanding coral movement and how light influences coral behavior. If other corals exhibit similar light-responsive behaviors, it could inform strategies for restoring coral habitats and ensuring more successful outcomes in conservation programs.

Conclusion

The discovery that Cycloseris cyclolites actively “walks” toward blue light not only surprises us but also opens a window into the complexities of coral life. This study challenges the long-standing assumption that corals are purely passive organisms, revealing that some species have sophisticated, light-driven behaviors that may be crucial for their survival and reproduction. The knowledge gained could guide future conservation efforts, offering hope for the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.

Source

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In a groundbreaking moment for marine science, Anton van Helden, a senior marine science adviser with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC), identified a spade-toothed whale — the rarest whale species in the world — from a photo sent to him in July. This extraordinary discovery, sparked while van Helden was recovering from surgery, has set the stage for unprecedented research on a species so elusive it has never been observed alive at sea.

A Near-Mythical Creature

The spade-toothed whale is one of the rarest and most enigmatic members of the beaked whale family, known for their dolphin-like snouts and deep-ocean lifestyles. Only seven specimens have ever been recorded. This whale’s existence was first hinted at in 1874, through a lower jaw and teeth found on Pitt Island, about 500 miles off New Zealand’s coast. Subsequent discoveries of partial skulls in New Zealand and Chile confirmed the species. However, the first complete bodies were only documented in 2010, when a mother and calf were stranded on New Zealand’s North Island.

An Unprecedented Opportunity

In July, a spade-toothed whale washed ashore at the mouth of New Zealand’s Taiari River, presenting a rare chance to study this species. The local tribal authority, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, immediately recognized the significance of the event. They named the whale Ōnumia, after the traditional name of the area, and preserved it for dissection. “For our tribe in particular, whales are highly revered animals,” said Tumai Cassidy, cultural advisor for Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou. The dissection became a collaborative effort between the DOC and the local Māori community, blending scientific inquiry with cultural respect.

Unlocking the Whale’s Secrets

The 16-foot, 3,000-pound whale underwent meticulous examination by some of the world’s leading whale scientists. Starting with external measurements and blubber analysis, researchers worked to uncover insights into the whale’s adaptations for life in extreme ocean depths. The spade-toothed whale is part of a family renowned for its extraordinary diving capabilities; one relative, the goose-beaked whale, holds the world record for the deepest and longest dive.

“These are extreme animals,” said van Helden. “They’ve got all sorts of adaptations for that remarkable environment.” The team planned to use CT scans to study the whale’s skull and investigate how it produces sound in the deep sea, an area of particular interest given the species’ elusive nature.

A Robust and Powerful Creature

Up close, the spade-toothed whale surprised even seasoned researchers. “It’s a really stocky, powerful-looking little animal,” van Helden observed, noting its shorter, more compact frame compared to other beaked whales. This robustness likely plays a role in its survival in the challenging depths of the ocean.

A Holistic Approach

The dissection was not just a scientific endeavor but also a cultural milestone. “For our people, we are really open and are wanting to have collaboration, cooperation, partnerships,” Cassidy explained. This partnership underscored a shared responsibility to protect marine life and foster greater understanding of these incredible creatures.

As each layer of the whale’s anatomy is revealed, researchers gain precious insights into a species shrouded in mystery. The spade-toothed whale remains a symbol of nature’s vast, uncharted wonders, and this discovery marks a significant step in unlocking its secrets.

Source

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