Hi folks,
It’s been a month since I last published; so much has been going on. I spent a week working long dive days on another island, I went on vacation, and I got a puppy! She’s the best.
Like this post if you think she’s cute :) I’m writing this last-minute and itching to get back to playing with her, so without further ado, let’s get on to the science!
Turning the Tide
Well-written popular articles in marine science
Blue Bonds
Small island countries tend to be in the tough position of being hugely in debt and facing the worst consequences of climate change. Could blue bonds be a win-win for economy and environment? A recent deal in Belize could help the country reimagine its identity.
Anatoly Kurmanaev, The New York Times
Solid CO2
Climate change is causing all kinds of effects. The Mediterranean Sea is getting so warm that the carbon dioxide in it is solidifying. The consequences aren’t fully understood, but may be exacerbated by microplastics and will definitely reduce the amount of CO2 the sea can hold.
Tiny Rock Movers
What if I told you that tiny plankton could move mountains? It sounds crazy, but a recent study found good evidence that carbon from ancient dead plankton allowed rock slabs to stack into mountain ranges that still exist today all around the world.
John Parnell, The Conversation
Some Science
Fresh discoveries and peer-reviewed papers
Rare Reef Success
In 2009, a beautiful reef in Kiribati was at risk of death. Scientists convinced government to protect it, which saved its life. This reef survived through record levels of ocean warming: a rare reef success story.
Weird Fish
An expedition to the Cocos Islands off Australia has had a few fun discoveries. This is the first time the area is being mapped and surveyed for biodiversity. Read the story for some wonderfully wacky fish photos, including the stilt-walking tripod fish and the adorable batfish.
Alexandra Alvaro, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Eel Mystery Solved
Here on Submerged Science, we’ve featured the mysteries of eel migrations a couple of times. So of course when I saw a development I had to share: after years of mystery, researchers were able to track eels to the Sargasso sea, confirming hypotheses about their breeding location.
Deep Dive
Book recommendation
Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator by David Shiffman
If you like this newsletter, you’ll love this book. It has everything you need to know about sharks, and so much more. It’s funny, educational, and impactful. If you want to learn more, read my book note, or better yet, buy and read the whole book!
Fun and Fascinating
It’s a bit late for Halloween but I want to share this anyway:
Thanks for reading! Remember to drink water, eat plants, and don’t be too salty.
Til next time,
Sarah
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