Latest news with #Oceanographic
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make revolutionary breakthrough with tool that could solve major issue with offshore wind farms: 'Can help us make more informed decisions'
The clean energy revolution has a collision problem. As wind farms rapidly multiply along U.K. coastlines, seabirds are paying the price, flying into turbine blades or losing access to the feeding zones they depend on for survival. Now, a team of researchers at the University of Glasgow has designed a powerful tool to fix that. They have created the first model that can accurately map where seabird colonies forage without relying on satellite tags or GPS trackers, Oceanographic reported. That's a major shift, especially given that, until now, developers haven't had a reliable way to map seabird movements, which makes it harder to avoid disrupting their routes. This new tool could change that, improving how we plan offshore wind projects and making it easier to strike a balance between renewable energy progress and biodiversity protection. "Accurate estimation of the impacts of offshore wind farms and other stressors on seabirds can help us make more informed decisions about offshore wind farm plans and protect the species living around our coasts," said lead author Holly Niven, a doctoral candidate in the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine. Published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, the model was tested using data from eight northern gannet colonies. It outperformed existing industry standards by a wide margin, predicting bird movements with 73% accuracy, compared to just 41% and 31% for current methods. Those outdated tools often miscalculate risk, leading to unnecessary project cancellations or worse, wind farms built in high-density bird zones. "Many seabird colonies are located at remote islands or cliffs that make GPS tracking studies extremely challenging or even impossible," co-author Jana Jeglinski explained. "Our method can predict biologically realistic home ranges and exposure for such inaccessible colonies." With the United Kingdom looking to double its onshore wind and quadruple offshore wind capacity by 2030, this tool couldn't come at a better time. If that rollout is going to happen responsibly, it and other instruments will be essential — not just for birds, but also for all species (humans included) that rely on healthy ecosystems. Beyond seabirds, the researchers believe this model could be adapted to protect other colony-based species such as bats, seals, and even pollinators. As demand for clean power grows, solutions will be required to make the green transition safer, smarter, and more sustainable for both humans and wildlife. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
WATCH: Increased sightings of humpback whales seen around UK coast in 2025
Humpback whales can usually only be seen near the UK's coast in the first few months of the year, but there has been an increased number of sightings in 2025. Numerous videos have been shared on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and TikTok, showing the sea creatures breaking out of the ocean relatively near the UK's shoreline. The humpback whale's migration season usually runs from around December to March, which is why they can sometimes be seen this time of year. However, according to Oceanographic, there has been surprise at the increasing number of humpback whale sightings throughout the winter months. Humpback whales are most commonly seen in the waters near Cornwall, but there have also been sightings near Sussex, the English Channel and Kent this year. Between December 29 and January 8, the Isles of Scilly reported 17 sightings while the Sussex Dolphin Project reported 26 sightings between November and January. Humpback whales tend to reach around 49 to 52 feet in length, so can make for an impressive sight when they emerge from the water. However, despite it being an impressive thing to take in, the increase might not necessarily be a good sign. Incredible moment a whale was spotted off the Margate coast today. It was spotted by crew of the Cwind Tempest heading out to the Kentish flats windfarm. Captain Jon Gosman said "It Made my day. We see alot out here but this is a special sight" #humpback #whale #whales #margate — Get Wild 🐦 🦋 🐝 🍃 (@mitchellsnik) February 26, 2025 Researchers believe the increase could be an indication of changing food availability due to a warming ocean. Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation for the Wildlife Trusts, said in a comment to The Guardian: 'We're seeing a lot of bait fish – smaller fish like anchovies – around the south west coasts. "They are very quick reproductively, and with climate change their stocks are moving up closer to our waters.' The whales migrate from their feeding grounds near Tromsø, Norway, to warmer waters around the Cape Verde islands, where they rest and breed. Traditionally, the whales move around the western side of Britain but some are now swimming down the east coast and through the Strait of Dover. The warmer oceans are possibly causing a more northerly distribution of prey which could explain their change in route. To not disturb the whales, people are encouraged to keep their distance. Recommended reading: 'Mysterious' 400-year-old sharks found lurking in the depths of British waters Shark season arrives as giant spotted lurking around our shores Snake species not seen in UK for 300k years returns after 'accidental release' Minke whales and killer whales can sometimes be seen off the coast of the UK but are rare overall. Dolphins and seals are more common around various parts of the coast during a lot of the year.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Octopus hitches ride on shark's back in remarkable footage that is ‘a reminder of the wonders of the ocean': ‘Sharktopus'
Forget 'sharknado' — this footage shows a new feat of nature. Researchers from the University of Aukland got a chance sighting of an octopus hitching a ride on the back of a shark, which they have dubbed 'sharktopus.' The team was off the Northern coast of New Zealand in the Hauraki Gulf in 2023 when they spotted a shortfin mako shark with an orange blob attached to its back. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was a Maori octopus when they spotted its tentacles moving. 'At first, I was like: 'Is it a buoy?'' marine scientist Rochelle Constantine told the New York Times. ''Is it entangled in fishing gear or had a big bite?'' The phenomenon was particularly remarkable because of the nature of both creatures. Octopuses usually are on the ocean floor, where shortfin mako sharks typically do not go. 'It makes no sense that these two animals should be at the same place and time to encounter each other,' Constantine said, adding that both marine animals seemed 'quite happy.' 'We have no idea how they found each other.' While the researchers only stayed to watch the aquatic animals for 10 minutes, Constantine mused that the octopus was in for the ride of its life. 'The octopus may have been in for quite the experience, though, since the world's fastest shark species can reach 50 kilometers per hour,' she told Oceanographic. But, according to the outlet, octopuses can travel at a maximum of 40 kilometers, or 25 miles, per hour. 'The 'sharktopus' encounter is a reminder of the wonders of the ocean,' Constantine continued. 'One of the best things about being a marine scientist is that you never know what you might see next in the sea. By supporting conservation initiatives, we can help to ensure that such extraordinary moments keep happening.'
The Guardian
21-03-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Octopus jumps shark and goes for a ride on its back
Footage of an octopus riding a shark has stunned scientists – and delighted marine animal enthusiasts. Researchers spotted the orange Maori octopus clinging to the back of a large shortfin mako shark in the Hauraki Gulf off the northern coast of New Zealand in December 2023. The University of Auckland research team was searching the ocean for feeding frenzies at the time. The marine scientist Rochelle Constantine was confused at first about what exactly she was seeing, thinking the orange patch on the shark's head might be an injury. 'At first, I was like: 'Is it a buoy?'' Constantine told the New York Times. ''Is it entangled in fishing gear or had a big bite?'' A technician set up a drone for a closer look. As they drew nearer, they saw tentacles – thereby discovering the world's first 'sharktopus'. The Maori octopus is the largest octopus in the southern hemisphere. 'You can see it takes a fair amount of real estate on the shark's head,' Constantine said. Octopuses are typically found on the seabed, which shortfin mako sharks rarely visit, making the incident even stranger. 'We moved on after 10 minutes, so I can't tell you what happened next,' Constantine told Oceanographic. 'The octopus may have been in for quite the experience, though, since the world's fastest shark species can reach 50km per hour.' She said the unusual encounter is another example of how much of the ocean and marine life is still unknown, including the crucial and diverse role sharks play in the marine ecosystem. 'The 'sharktopus' encounter is a reminder of the wonders of the ocean,' Constantine said. 'One of the best things about being a marine scientist is that you never know what you might see next in the sea. By supporting conservation initiatives, we can help to ensure that such extraordinary moments keep happening.'
