In Coastal California, the Tongva Sustainably Hunted Marine Mammals for Centuries

By targeting subadults instead of pups, the Tongva of Santa Catalina Island may have mitigated their effect on marine mammal populations.

Sep 10, 2021 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Beached Whales Are a Lure for Hungry Sharks

They also cause great white sharks to behave differently—circling and swimming more quickly.

Mar 5, 2021 | 800 words, about 4 minutes

Scientists Just Found a New Kind of Whale

It’s a pretty big thing to have remained overlooked for so long.

Feb 3, 2021 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Where Do Sharks Go in Hurricanes?

Fearing yet another sequel to Sharknado, sharks get out of the way when a hurricane approaches.

Dec 18, 2019 | 450 words, about 2 minutes

Parasites Are Helping California Mussels Beat the Heat

The parasites change the mussels’ shells from black to blue-gray, causing them to absorb less sunlight.

Apr 29, 2019 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Watch the Captivating Courtship Dance of Manta Rays

Female manta rays lead males on an underwater mate train.

Dec 6, 2018 | 350 words, a quick read

Sneaky Arrow Squid Prevent Females from Using Other Males’ Sperm

Researchers discovered that so-called “sneaker” males use plugs of sperm to block females’ reproductive systems.

Oct 25, 2018 | 500 words, about 2 minutes

Oil Spills Are Bad for Shipwrecks

By enhancing microbial activity, oil spills may speed up the corrosion of historical shipwrecks and artificial reefs.

Oct 18, 2018 | 450 words, about 2 minutes

Bad News Bacteria for Bears

A plan to relocate bears to Washington’s North Cascade region could face a formidable obstacle from salmon poisoning disease.

Aug 29, 2018 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

Is a Chemical Used in MRIs a Threat to Marine Ecosystems?

Gadolinium, a rare earth element important for medical testing, has found its way into coastal waters.

Jun 14, 2018 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Historical Art Paints a Picture of Past Shark Abundance

Researchers comb through art and literature to illuminate the ancient ecology of the Mediterranean Sea.

May 22, 2018 | 1,500 words, about 8 minutes

Eau de Toilette

Coastal cities struggle with poopy shorelines, mostly from their own citizens.

Oct 30, 2017 | 500 words, about 2 minutes

Meet the Sunfish’s Cuter, Faster, More Agile Cousin

It’s a miniature version of the ocean’s derpiest fish.

Jun 16, 2017 | 700 words, about 3 minutes

Tracking the Scars of Dolphin-Shark Battles

It’s almost impossible to witness skirmishes between dolphins and sharks, so researchers look to their battle scars for clues.

Mar 8, 2017 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Glow-in-the-Dark, Inflatable Sharks Can Also Reproduce Asexually

Because three superpowers are better than one.

Nov 22, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Killer Whales Are Bullies, and Humpbacks Are Bouncers

Humpback whales seem to protect other species from killer whale attacks.

Aug 3, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Old Coast, New Coast: Rio de Janeiro

Botafogo Bay, a cornerstone of Rio since early colonial days, still looks lovely on the surface. The lead up to the 2016 Summer Olympics, however, has revealed a thoroughly modern Brazilian beach.

Jul 22, 2016 | 400 words, about 2 minutes

Hawai‘i’s War on the Weeds

Researchers are conducting an air raid on one of the world’s most invasive plants.

May 27, 2016 | 700 words, about 3 minutes

Dungeness Crab Fishing Is Even More Dangerous than Thought

Long work hours and extreme conditions make the industry among the most deadly in the United States.

Mar 9, 2016 | 900 words, about 4 minutes

Beating Back the Crazy Ants

An innovative—if horrifying—approach and a five-year effort seems to have rid Johnston Atoll of its yellow crazy ant infestation.

Dec 9, 2015 | 1,000 words, about 5 minutes

Messing With Their Rhythm

Ocean warming is quickening the pace of the painted goby’s drumming.

Oct 21, 2015 | 300 words, a quick read