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The hole in the ozone layer can cause eye damage in Antarctic animals.

Antarctic Wildlife Threatened by Lingering Hole in Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is back on our radar. Although its condition has improved after the Montreal Protocol was implemented, the hole reappears every spring over the Antarctic. 

In recent years, it is no longer just a winter phenomenon anymore; it Is stretching into the early summer, coinciding with crucial times in the life cycles of local wildlife and emerging vegetation, exposing them to the sun's ultraviolet rays. As our planet changes, the timing of this exposure could have profound effects on the delicate ecosystems of the Antarctic.

New research reveals how some whales can sing while holding their breath underwater
New research reveals how some whales can sing while holding their breath underwater.

How Whales Can Sing Underwater

This discovery sheds light on the unique physiological adaptations that allow these marine giants to perform such vocal feats.

The research's primary focus involved examining humpback whales' laryngeal anatomy. Researchers found that specific adaptations in the whale's larynx enable it to produce song even without the continuous passage of air, contrary to what is typically required for sound production in most mammals, including humans.

Shipwreck "Adella Shores" Found After 112 Years

Shipwreck "Adella Shores" Found in Lake Superior After 112 Years

The "Adella Shores" disappeared in 1909 during a routine voyage across Lake Superior, carrying a crew of 14 and a full cargo. Despite extensive searches, no trace was found until now. The shipwreck was uncovered using modern sonar technology, revealing the ship almost perfectly preserved on the lake’s cold, dark floor.

The Taam Ja' Blue Hole sits underwater in Chetumal Bay, Mexico

Discovery of the World's Deepest Underwater Sinkhole

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified what is now considered the world's deepest underwater sinkhole, located off the coast of Mexico. This remarkable geological feature which reaches depths exceeding 1,300 feet (420 meters) could potentially house hidden caves and tunnels, offering new insights into Earth's subterranean mysteries.

Explorer Ventures' Galapagos Vessels Gain PADI Eco Center Designation

The addition of the PADI Eco Center designation to its Green Fins certification for its fleet vessels, M/V Humboldt Explorer and M/V Tiburon Explorer, operating in the iconic Galapagos Islands, marks a proud achievement. 

These vessels now stand as the pioneering Eco Centers and Liveaboards in Galapagos, showcasing a dedication to environmental stewardship. 

A spear squid.
A spear squid.

Birthdate Determines Mating Strategy for Spear Squid

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have discovered that a male spear squid’s birthday is not just a date—rather, it determines their mating strategy for the rest of their lives. 

According to their study, spear squid that are born early in the mating season (between early April and mid-July) grow to formidable sizes. Called “consorts“, they actively fight off any rivals in order to mate and then stick close to their mate as she lays her eggs. 

Juvenile Great White Shark
Juvenile Great White Shark (Elias Levy, CC BY 2.0)

Juvenile Great White Sharks Prefer Shallow Water

The groundbreaking study delved into the drivers behind how juvenile white sharks move. Using special tracking technology that listens to the sharks and tracks their positions, the team of scientists, led by Emily Spurgeon, gathered detailed information about how the varying temperatures of the layers of the sea affect their travels.

SeaLife Introduces New 6" Wide Angle Dome Lens for SportDiver Smartphone Housing

SeaLife, the leading maker of underwater imaging gear, has introduced a new Wide Angle Dome Lens for their popular SportDiver underwater smartphone housing that increases the phone’s camera lens field-of view by 40% and allows photographers to get closer to the subject while fitting everything into the image frame.

The 0.71x dome lens requires no skill, training, or adjustment; simply mount it and shoot. Split shots that split the topside view with the undersea view are especially easy. There’s a safety lanyard included to keep the lens with the housing should it get bumped off.

WRECKS4ALL 2.0 conference

The Adriatic Sea holds a wealth of underwater archaeological sites, from ancient shipwrecks to submerged archaeological landscapes. With the increasing interest in maritime cultural heritage, there is a growing need for responsible and sustainable management of these precious resources. 

The conference titled "The Future of the Adriatic Past - Challenges of the Adriatic Underwater Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Tourism Development" will take place on April 23, 2024, at Hotel Cattaro in Kotor.

Dhofar: Diving Oman’s Monsoon Sea

Diver with golden sweepers at Dhofar, Oman. Photo by Paul Flandinette.
Diver with golden sweepers at Dhofar, Oman

Dhofar, Oman’s southernmost region, offers a unique blend of tropical and temperate diving, with carpets of kelp and seaweeds, diverse marine life, a range of endemic tropical species, sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and Arabian Sea humpback whales. Paul Flandinette has the story.