Vivid orange shark caught by anglers in Costa Rica in first-of-its-kind sighting
Garvin Watson and Juan Pablo Solano set out on a sport fishing trip with the Parismina Domus Dei tour company in August 2024 to fish near Tortuguero National Park, according to a study published Aug. 1 in the peer-reviewed journal Marine Biodiversity.
During the trip, the anglers caught and released a 6-foot-long nurse shark with 'intense yellow-orange' coloring, the study said.
Photos shared on Facebook by Parismina Domus Dei show the odd-colored shark, which clearly stands out against the blue-green water. Normally, nurse sharks are uniformly gray.
Seen up close, the shark had 'white eyes, with no visible iris' instead of 'the typically black iris,' the study said.
Researchers later reviewed the photos, spoke with the fishermen and identified the animal as an adult nurse shark with a 'rare' condition known as albino-xanthochromism and a first-of-its-kind record.
Xanthism and albinism are two types of 'abnormal pigmentation' caused by genetic mutation and rarely seen in wild sharks, the study said. Albinism reduces the amount of melanin or pigmentation in an animal's skin and eyes, while xanthism results in 'partial or predominantly yellow pigmentation.'
The orange nurse shark was 'the first scientifically documented case of total xanthism in the species and the first record from the Caribbean Sea,' researchers said.
Based on the size of the shark, researchers concluded that 'this unusual pigmentation did not affect its survival.'
Still, 'the discovery of a xanthic G. cirratum (nurse shark) — a rare occurrence among elasmobranchs — raises important questions about the genetic variability and adaptability of nurse sharks,' the study said. 'Is this an isolated case? Could it represent an emerging genetic trend within the regional population?'
Researchers suggested 'further investigation into how local environmental conditions influence the expression of such genetic traits.'
The research team included Marioxis Macías-Cuyare, Gilberto Rafael Borges Guzmán and Daniel Arauz-Naranjo.
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Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Miami Herald
Vivid orange shark caught by anglers in Costa Rica in first-of-its-kind sighting
Anglers on a sport fishing trip off Costa Rica reeled in their lines and were stunned when a bright orange shark surfaced near the boat. The 6-foot-long predator turned out to be a first-of-its-kind catch. Garvin Watson and Juan Pablo Solano set out on a sport fishing trip with the Parismina Domus Dei tour company in August 2024 to fish near Tortuguero National Park, according to a study published Aug. 1 in the peer-reviewed journal Marine Biodiversity. During the trip, the anglers caught and released a 6-foot-long nurse shark with 'intense yellow-orange' coloring, the study said. Photos shared on Facebook by Parismina Domus Dei show the odd-colored shark, which clearly stands out against the blue-green water. Normally, nurse sharks are uniformly gray. Seen up close, the shark had 'white eyes, with no visible iris' instead of 'the typically black iris,' the study said. Researchers later reviewed the photos, spoke with the fishermen and identified the animal as an adult nurse shark with a 'rare' condition known as albino-xanthochromism and a first-of-its-kind record. Xanthism and albinism are two types of 'abnormal pigmentation' caused by genetic mutation and rarely seen in wild sharks, the study said. Albinism reduces the amount of melanin or pigmentation in an animal's skin and eyes, while xanthism results in 'partial or predominantly yellow pigmentation.' The orange nurse shark was 'the first scientifically documented case of total xanthism in the species and the first record from the Caribbean Sea,' researchers said. Based on the size of the shark, researchers concluded that 'this unusual pigmentation did not affect its survival.' Still, 'the discovery of a xanthic G. cirratum (nurse shark) — a rare occurrence among elasmobranchs — raises important questions about the genetic variability and adaptability of nurse sharks,' the study said. 'Is this an isolated case? Could it represent an emerging genetic trend within the regional population?' Researchers suggested 'further investigation into how local environmental conditions influence the expression of such genetic traits.' The research team included Marioxis Macías-Cuyare, Gilberto Rafael Borges Guzmán and Daniel Arauz-Naranjo.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
THE BAHAMAS TAKES AGGRESSIVE STEPS TO COMBAT CORAL REEF CRISIS
-- The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a cornerstone of the country's national commitment to coral conservation and marine resilience -- -- The Bahamas' first coral gene bank to preserve DNA, propagate and replant coral to reverse devastation from rising ocean temperatures and a rapidly spreading disease -- PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Bahamas has launched an aggressive national conservation initiative to address and reverse the devastating effects of warming ocean temperatures and a disease ravaging its coral reefs. The country's first coral gene bank opened today at Atlantis Paradise Island to house, propagate, and replant healthy coral on damaged reefs. The coral rescue initiative is the result of a powerful collaboration between the government of The Bahamas through the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the Office of the Prime Minister, as well as Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI). "Today's opening marks a major milestone and also represents just the beginning," said Atlantis Blue Project Foundation Executive Director Debra Erickson. "The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is more than a facility—it is a symbol of hope, a safeguard for biodiversity, and a strategic investment in long-term reef resilience. It not only strengthens national conservation capacity but also inspires young Bahamians to take on leadership roles in the stewardship of our natural resources." The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island can accommodate up to 200 large, mature coral colonies, in addition to smaller fragments and juvenile corals. Fifteen coral species have been relocated to the Atlantis Paradise Island-based biosecure Gene Bank research facility. Coral fragments collected from the ocean are placed in pristine, on-site aquaria, and once stable, they grow and reproduce quickly with the aid of innovative reproduction techniques such as lunar-cycle simulations. Part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' global Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, onsite management of the new bank is led by PIMS experts, including a former BAMSI graduate and student interns from BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, with support from marine-life experts at Atlantis. "Coral has become increasingly endangered over the years, but the introduction of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease completely changed the game and created extreme urgency to act," said PIMS Executive Director Dr. Craig Dahlgren. "Transmitted among corals through direct contact and water circulation, the disease has spread to all major Bahamian islands and causes a high death rate in corals. Treatments are emerging slowly, but corals need to be rescued and isolated from the disease while these methods are perfected. Our collective vision is not only to preserve coral currently under threat, but also to foster new generations of corals that, when replanted, are more resilient to disease and other dangers. Longstanding support from our partners over the past decade, including vital contributions that helped establish The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island, has been essential in making this national effort possible." The Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island is a pioneering initiative to ensure that no coral species in The Bahamas is lost due to disease, bleaching, or other environmental stressors. Addendum: Coral Conservation in The Bahamas The Bahamas is home to some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. These include one of Earth's largest barrier reefs—located off Andros Island—and extensive fringing reefs surrounding most of the nation's 700 islands and 2,400 cays. These vibrant ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, and shoreline protection, but they are under increasing threat. Two of the most serious challenges facing Bahamian reefs today are Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. In some areas, water temperatures now regularly exceed 31°C (88°F) during the summer months. These stressors are causing unprecedented coral mortality, pushing several Bahamian coral species to the brink of extinction, while many others are now classified as threatened or endangered. Without immediate action—such as the Coral Gene Bank—we may lose iconic species like pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) from The Bahamas within the next 5–10 years. Atlantis Paradise Island and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation are proud to partner with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), a leader in studying and addressing the spread of SCTLD across The Bahamas and in advancing efforts to protect these critical marine ecosystems. Coral Bio-BankingCorals in land-based facilities such as The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island receive regular health checks, strict water quality control, and isolation from disease exposure. These "corals in waiting" serve as a living library to preserve biodiversity and support future reef restoration. Live corals are collected from the wild and placed under expert care, where Marine Animal Care Specialists monitor their health, manage water quality, and isolate them from potential harm. These corals represent the genetic diversity needed for future reef recovery. Coral ReproductionIn The Bahamas, coral reproduction is supported both sexually and asexually. Assisted sexual reproduction in laboratories helps produce genetically diverse coral offspring, as researchers encourage spawning by mimicking natural cues. Microfragmentation is used to stimulate rapid growth by cutting corals into small pieces that rapidly fuse and expand. These techniques make it possible to rebuild reefs with healthy, resilient corals. Coral ProtectionMarine Protected Areas (MPAs), coral nurseries, and targeted reef monitoring programs are helping protect threatened coral species across The Bahamas. By reducing damage from anchors, overfishing, and pollution, these protections create safer habitats where coral communities can recover and thrive. Coral RestorationRestoration projects across The Bahamas reintroduce nursery-grown or lab-reared corals to damaged reefs. Programs like PIMS's Reef Rescue Network—which includes sites at Atlantis—are scaling up these efforts, rebuilding reef structure, enhancing biodiversity, and giving hope for long-term reef recovery. What Is a Coral Reef? Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built by tiny marine animals called corals, which live in colonies and create limestone skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons accumulate to form vast reef structures that support a kaleidoscope of life. Corals are closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones, and they rely on warm, clear, sunlit waters to survive. Their reef structures provide shelter for over 25% of all marine life, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They also buffer shorelines from storms and erosion, and support sustainable tourism and fishing in The Bahamas. Help protect coral reefs by being a responsible visitor: refrain from touching or standing on coral, avoid handling marine life, and never remove reef pieces or shells. Always follow local marine park rules—they're designed to keep these fragile ecosystems healthy. Together, our actions can safeguard reefs for future generations. PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Atlantis, Paradise Island View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Washington Post
10-06-2025
- Washington Post
High Seas Treaty gains momentum as 18 new countries pledge support
NICE, France — Eighteen countries ratified the High Seas Treaty on Monday, bringing the total to 49 — just 11 short of the 60 needed for the ocean agreement to enter into force. The surge in support, occurring during the U.N. Ocean Conference in Nice, France, adds momentum to what could become a historic shift in how the world governs the open ocean. Here's what the treaty is, why it matters and what happens next. Formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, the High Seas Treaty is the first legally binding agreement focused on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters. These waters, which are beyond the jurisdiction of any single country, make up nearly two-thirds of the ocean and almost half the surface of the planet. Until now, there has been no comprehensive legal framework to create marine protected areas or enforce conservation on the high seas. Despite their remoteness, the high seas are under growing pressure from overfishing, climate change and the threat of deep-sea mining . Environmental advocates warn that without proper protections, marine ecosystems in international waters face irreversible harm. 'Until now, it has been the wild west on the high seas,' said Megan Randles, global political lead for oceans at Greenpeace. 'Now we have a chance to properly put protections in place.' The treaty is also essential to achieving the global '30x30' target — an international pledge to protect 30% of the planet's land and sea by 2030. The treaty creates a legal process for countries to establish marine protected areas in the high seas, including rules for destructive activities like deep-sea mining and geo-engineering. It also establishes a framework for technology-sharing, funding mechanisms and scientific collaboration among countries. Crucially, decisions under the treaty will be made multilaterally through conferences of parties (COPs) rather than by individual countries acting alone. Once 60 countries ratify the treaty, a 120-day countdown begins before it officially enters into force. That would unlock the ability to begin designating protected areas in the high seas and put oversight mechanisms into motion. As of Monday evening, 49 countries and the EU had ratified, meaning 11 more are needed to trigger that countdown. The first Conference of the Parties (COP1) must take place within one year of the treaty's entry into force. That meeting will lay the groundwork for implementation, including decisions on governance, financing and the creation of key bodies to evaluate marine protection proposals. Environmental groups are pushing to surpass the required 60 ratifications, and to do so quickly – the more countries that ratify, the stronger and more representative the treaty's implementation will be. There's also a deadline: only countries that ratify by COP1 will be eligible to vote on critical decisions that determine how the treaty will operate. 'To reach 60 ratifications would be an absolutely enormous achievement, but for the treaty to be as effective as possible, we need countries from all over the world to engage in its implementation,' said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance. 'So the next step will be to go from 60 to global.' The surge in support on Monday has raised hopes that 2025 could mark a turning point for high seas protection. 'We're on the brink of making high seas history,' Hubbard said. ___ Follow Annika Hammerschlag on Instagram @ahammergram ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit
