In a significant development, wildlife traffickers in California have recently pleaded guilty to illegally importing endangered sea cucumbers from Mexico. Zunyu Zhao and Xionwei Xiao, the accused, have been charged with conspiracy and illegal importation of brown sea cucumbers valued at over $10,000, between 2017 and 2019. Both individuals are scheduled to be sentenced in …
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a bustling hub of activity. Located approximately 21 miles off the coast of Boston, this area serves as a prime fishing spot, a migratory path for whales, a shipping route, and a popular diving destination. The responsibility of overseeing the sanctuary falls on Deputy Superintendent Ben Haskell, along …
As the cruise ship, Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition, approached Torshavn, the capital of Denmark’s Faroe Islands, passengers were greeted with a disturbing sight. The water was stained red with blood due to the slaughter of nearly 80 pilot whales, a centuries-old event known as “grindadrap” or “the grind.” This tradition involves forming a circle of …
Surfers in Santa Cruz, California, are facing a new challenge in the form of an unruly southern sea otter. This otter has been causing havoc by approaching surfers, forcing them off their boards, and even chewing on them. Mark Woodward, who has been documenting incidents of sea otters harassing people, tweeted that the otter’s behavior …
In a historic move, the members of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life in the high seas. This groundbreaking agreement was praised by the UN’s chief for giving the ocean “a fighting chance.” The applause and standing ovation from delegates of the 193 member nations marked the approval …