1.     Killer Whales – Menopause 

Humans and killer whales are two of only three species that experience menopause. This biological process causes females to stop reproducing approximately halfway through life.   As part of a 40 year study, scientists have found that menopause in killer whales solves “reproductive conflict,” which is the conflict between mothers and daughters having calves at the same time. Read More…

 

2. Is That a Tapeworm in Your Sushi?

 

If you eat raw or undercooked fish, you are at risk of ingesting a parasite, including the one called the Japanese broad tapeworm.  This tapeworm infects about 1,000 people a year in the U.S.  Previously only thought to infect fish in Asia, it has now been found in Alaskan wild salmon. Read More…

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3.   Who Needs a Man?

 

A zebra shark living in an Australian aquarium has given birth to live offspring after being separated from her mate for three years.  This switch from sexual to asexual reproduction has only been observed three times in captivity.  The other two are an eagle ray and boa constrictor. Read More…

4.     Giant Ancient Shark May Have Gone Extinct Due to Extinction of its Small Prey

Extinct for millions of years, scientists may have come upon the reason for the Megalodon’s demise.  “Megalodon lived approximately 17 to 2.6 million years ago, and at least some of the giant sharks grew to over 50 feet long, with jaws 10 feet wide.”  Megalodon ate small whales, and when the whales went extinct, so did Megalodon.

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5. A Bright Day for Deep-Sea Corals
 

A new NOAA rule created the largest protected area of 40,000 square miles in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean for deep-sea corals, some which have been alive for hundreds of years. The Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area is now protected from deep sea trawling gear.

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Japan’s Environment Ministry has found that Japan’s Sekiseishoko coral reef is 70 percent bleached, with 91 percent at least partially bleached.  Coral bleaching is caused by warming sea temperatures.  The plant portion of the animal coral is expelled and the coral can no longer produce food for itself and it dies and turns ghostly white. Read More…

7. Unilever will Deliver 100% Recycled Plastic Packaging by 2025

Unilever will make sure all its plastic packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic by 2025.  Only 14% of plastic around the world is recycled, 40% is thrown out into a landfill and 33% ends up in the environment.  It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish by mass in the oceans. Read More…

Sea Save Foundation is committed to raising awareness of marine conservation. The Week in Review is a team effort produced by the Sea Save staff to provide a weekly summary of the latest in marine research, policy, and news.