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ocean ecosystems
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- 1This year's record El Niño and its global impacts●The impacts of this year’s record-shattering El Niño
The 2023-24 El Niño is described as record-shattering, with analysis of its wide-ranging effects on global temperatures, weather patterns and ecosystems. The event has driven exceptional ocean warming in the tropical Pacific, contributing to record global heat, shifts in rainfall, droughts and flooding in various regions, and stress on fisheries and agriculture. Commentators are weighing how much of the recent temperature surge should be attributed to El Niño versus longer-term climate change.
- 2Corals Face Existential Threat as Super El Niño Heats Oceans▼Corals Face an Existential Threat as the Super El Niño Heats Up
Conservationists warn that the current super El Niño is pushing ocean temperatures to levels that could trigger mass coral bleaching and death on reefs worldwide. Rising heat stress is described as an existential threat to coral ecosystems, which support vast marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. Environmental groups are urging attention to the accelerating damage as sea surface temperatures break records.
- 3NYC Climate Week highlights smart grids and ocean resilience▼From smart grids to ocean resilience: What happened at NYC Climate Week
Climate Week NYC has wrapped up, with coverage pointing to two major themes: the build-out of smart electricity grids and growing attention to ocean resilience. Businesses, governments and campaigners used the annual New York gathering to announce commitments and debate how to finance cleaner energy systems and protect marine ecosystems.
- 4Scientists and fishermen urge continued funding for deep-ocean observation●Scientists, fishermen want feds to keep funding deep-ocean observation system
Scientists and fishermen are pressing the federal government to continue funding a deep-ocean observation system, warning that losing the data stream would hurt marine research and fisheries management. The program monitors ocean conditions in deep waters, information both communities rely on for understanding ecosystems and making decisions. Supporters say the system's value extends well beyond academia into the fishing industry.
- 5
A new study questions the widely held idea that climate change is driving a boom in global squid populations. Researchers challenge assumptions that warming oceans have benefited squid, suggesting earlier conclusions may need revision. The findings matter for fisheries and marine ecosystems, where squid play a key role and where management decisions have partly relied on expectations of continued growth.
- 6Scientists probe the ocean's mysterious deep reefs▼Inside a quest to learn about the ocean’s mysterious “deep reefs”
A newly reported scientific effort is shedding light on the ocean's 'deep reefs' — little-known coral and rocky ecosystems lying in dim waters beyond the reach of typical diving surveys. Researchers are using advanced exploration methods to document what lives there and how these hidden habitats function, as interest grows in protecting deep-sea environments.
- 7Patricia Manterola Teams Up With PETA Latino Against Fishing▼Patricia Manterola and PETA Latino Are Making Waves to End Fishing
Singer and actress Patricia Manterola has joined forces with PETA Latino in a new campaign calling for an end to fishing. The animal rights group announced the collaboration, positioning the Mexican star as a high-profile voice for ocean life. The campaign targets fishing practices PETA describes as cruel to fish and damaging to marine ecosystems.