Photo : Abc news
Photo : Abc news
By Kumari Krishna and Fleur E Phillip
BIODIVERSITY
Microplastics found in critical organs of loggerhead sea turtles
On 30 March, a group of University of Manchester researchers disclosed astonishing findings on microplastic contamination in loggerhead sea turtles, such as the highest level found in the reproductive tract of males.Researchers have examined 10 stranded turtles that were unintentionally caught. Microplastics were identified in the turtles' heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, muscles, stomach, and intestines. The most minute particles, measuring 15 microns, were found in the reproductive system. Lead author Leah Costello stated, "Microplastics are a ubiquitous marine pollutant, on a par with climate change and ozone depletion." The study found 98.8 per cent of tissue samples contained foreign particles, around 70 per cent of which were microplastics, such as polyethylene and polyester fibres from clothing and fishing gear. Co-author professor Holly Shiels cautioned that the buildup of microplastics might impair organ function and reproduction and endanger loggerhead turtle populations. Scientists are urging more research to examine the long-term effects on marine animals.(""Shocking" levels of microplastics found in sea turtle organs," Oceanographic, 01 April 2025)
Mars Inc's publishes a 'Reef Builders' documentary on coral restoration initiative
On 29 March, Mars Incorporated, through its Sheba Hope Grows initiative, published a documentary titled Reef Builders to put international action towards coral restoration into perspective. The project, spearheaded by professor David Smith, Mars Sustainable Solutions' senior director, has placed more than 87,000 reef stars steel reefs intended to revive coral reefs onto which around 1.3 million corals have been attached. The program has involved local communities in Indonesia, Kenya, Australia and Hawaii for the purpose of scaling conservation work. The documentary documents the wins and struggles of reef restoration, with actor and environmental activist Auli’i Cravalho. Experts are already predicting that by the year 2043, 90 per cent of tropical reefs may be lost due to lack of intervent, impacting marine biodiversity and millions of people who depend on these systems for their livelihoods. Mars Inc seeks to make use of its global reach to help inform awareness and action related to the continued protection of coral reefs. ("The secret to healthy coral? People and business working together," Oceanographic, 01 April 2025)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Iceberg A-84 break reveals hidden marine life
On 13 January, an iceberg named A-84, broke off the George VI Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This revealed 209 square miles of seafloor previously hidden under ice. A team aboard the R/V Falkor arrived at the site on 25 January and were the first to study the area. Patricia Esquete of the University of Aveiro commanded the team, who changed their original expedition plan to cross the newly revealed depths. Researchers used the ROV SuBastian to map the seabed as deep as 1,300 meters. They discovered a rich ecosystem made up of corals, sponges, icefish, and octopuses, giving scientists an idea of what lives beneath ice-covered grounds. Geological samples were utilized to gather essential data regarding the declining Antarctic ice sheet, which has been shedding weight due to climate change.The mission is part of UNESCO's Ocean Decade Action, specifically the Challenger 150 initiative. Findings from this mission will guide research in global marine conservation and projections of climate impact. (Eric Ralls, "Antarctic iceberg breaks away and reveals ecosystem never seen by humans," Earth.com, 13 January 2025)
University of Gothenburg suggests that climate change could cause the disappearance of an important Arctic ocean current, the Beaufort Gyre
On 31 March, Research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that climate change could cause the disappearance of an important Arctic ocean current, the Beaufort Gyre, this century. The Beaufort Gyre plays a crucial role in storing and releasing freshwater, affecting the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. As Arctic temperatures rise, the gyre is losing sea ice that helps maintain cooler temperatures, leading to higher ocean temperatures and the potential release of large amounts of freshwater into the North Atlantic. This could weaken the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key ocean current influencing global climate. Projections indicate that without urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the Beaufort Gyre could weaken further, disrupting the AMOC and potentially causing significant climate changes, especially in regions like Scandinavia. (Celine Heuze “Thinner Arctic sea ice may affect the AMOC,” University of Gothenburg, 31 March 2025)
DIPLOMACY
India and Chile signs pact to strengthen Antarctic research collaboration
On 01 April, India and Chile signed a letter of intent (LoI) to facilitate cooperation in Antarctic environmental protection and research. The pact was signed during Chilean President Gabriel Boric's official visit to India.The cooperation, facilitated by India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), is to facilitate increased cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty System.The two countries will exchange information, embark on joint expeditions, and promote research in the fields of climate science, geosciences, and microbiology. Union minister Jitendra Singh added: "This LoI is an expression of India's commitment to furthering our understanding of the Antarctic region and contributing to the cause of international environmental sustainability." India and Chile have scientific stations in different parts of Antarctica, Chile in the western Antarctic Peninsula and India in the eastern part of Antarctica. The agreement is expected to increase policy dialogue and expand scientific exploration of polar regions. ("Dr Jitendra hails India-Chile Antarctic agreement, its ‘polar’ impact," GlobalKashmir, 02 April 2025)
GEOPOLITICS
Arctic region is facing growing attention from various countries
On 01 April, International observers raised concerns about the Arctic region, stating that if left unchecked, could eventually spark conflict in the region. This comes as the climate changes in the Arctic, and the ice caps melts, paving way for the global powers to claim sovereignty. Many resources are not accessible due to the ice barrier, but with the planet warming, the resources will be exploited, and new trade routes will form which makes it increasingly viable. Unlike the Antarctic, which is demilitarised, and protected environmentally by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in Arctic, countries can claim territories and deploy military infrastructure.There is however an Arctic Council, that overlooks the environment, scientific research and the safeguard of indigenous tribes. Member countries include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US. These exercise their sovereignty over the Arctic, and can also use the resources within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (Franciszek Snarski,“Why are tensions high in the Arctic? | Explained,” The Hindu, 01 April 2025)
OCEAN ECONOMY
OECD warns global ocean economy at risk
On 01 April, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that the ocean economy of the world is at risk of severe disruptions if it is not better safeguarded. In a report released by OECD has identified the economic value of oceans, which stood at USD 2.3 trillion in 2020. Oceans provide food security to over three billion people and facilitate 80 per cent of global trade. However, climate change, environmental degradation, and illegal activities are eroding their sustainability. As per the report, if current trends persist, the ocean economy will increase four times by 2050.OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said: "By science-led policies and improved management, we can protect jobs, livelihoods, and food security for millions depending on the ocean." With rising levels of pollution and record-breaking ocean temperatures, action is needed now. A summit in Paris in June 2025 will attempt to deal with these and guarantee sustainable utilization of oceans. ("Ocean economy needs protection against wave of threats: OECD," ALJAZEERA, 31 March 2025)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Complex water vapour and isotopic prints found in Greenland
On 30 March, Brighter Side reported on a new discovery on the movement of water in the Arctic skies. A drone captures the water vapour and its isotopic prints above the ice sheets of Greenland. This water vapour is more complex than the one that is commonly understood. A fixed wing drone flew from the East Greenland Ice-Core Project camp. Their mission was to measure the air’s water vapour and analyse its isotopes. Water is constantly cycling through the planet, evaporating, freezing, sublimating and condensing. Throughout the changes, the isotopic composition shifts in ways that reflect temperature, humidity and mixing with the other air masses. They have recorded in snow, ice, and vapour making isotopes a powerful tool for the reconstruction and improving of the future models. Now scientists have had little access to isotope data from Greenland, because, the traditional aircrafts were expensive and risky, ground based towers can only simple 25 meters above the ground and that leaves a large data gap stretching up to the lower troposphere, where much of the vapour exchange happens. To fill the gap, scientists have loaded the drone with a 10 foot wingspan, and have in it sensitive instruments to capture air samples and measure meteorological data like temperature and humidity. Each flight has reached as high as 5000 feet above the ice sheet. (Rebecca Shavit, “Drone Technology Exposes Alarming Changes in Greenland Ice Sheet,” Brighter Side, 30 March 2025)
SHIPPING
Shipping Scrubbers: An Environmental Dilemma
In June 2024, 28.3 per cent of the world's shipping fleet utilized exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), or scrubbers, to reduce sulphur discharges. Efficient at curbing air pollution, the systems produce harmful wastewater to oceans, and that is producing catastrophic environmental concerns. Scientific studies show that scrubbers release heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into seawater, which harm aquatic life. "Even in small concentrations, the pollutants inflict heavy damage over time," said Anna Lunde Hermansson, a marine chemist at Chalmers University." More than 50 locations have banned scrubber discharges, countries are placing restrictions. In 2024, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) put forward a ban in the Arctic but postponed a final decision until 2026. Environmental groups still call for an international ban, arguing that other fuels must replace heavy fuel oil to prevent long-term harm to the oceans.The North, Baltic, and Mediterranean Seas are being argued over by the European Commission and sea protection organizations for a collective ban. While other shipping industry members accept stricter controls, most continue to install scrubbers, prolonging environmental risk. (Anna Napolitano, "How ‘scrubbers’ became a huge ocean problem," Dialouge Earth, 31 March 2025)