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Sharks, sutures & science
From learning how to do surgical sutures on a silicone mat to exploring the anatomy of sharks, frogs and other animals, students are diving into hands-on wildlife science this summer during the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife's Conservation Summer Camp. With various camps designed for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, CROW's annual camp combines wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine and outdoor discovery through
Positive outlook for cattle business
Policy discussions at the gathering focused on emerging challenges like conservation programs and disease prevention measures.
Elevating citizen science: How IUCN Members are advancing a global conservation tool
This article shares reflections from an IUCN Member organisation about its efforts to elevate citizen and community science within the global conservation community. We demystify the IUCN motions process and show how it contributes to the IUCN Strategic Vision and Programme through the IUCN World Conservation Congress and its quadrennial cycle. Specifically, we outline the steps to organise support for Resolution 125 'Advancing citizen science to support and democratise conservation'.
Stewardship beyond politics
What does Public Lands Rule repeal mean for wildlife professionals and conservation?
Why Robert Irwin prefers deadly challenge over 'Dancing with the Stars'
NEW YORK – Robert Irwin is both a "Dancing with the Stars" champion and a wildlife conservationist. Faced with a "Would you rather?"
New Transfer Agreement Established for Fisheries Students
Under the agreement, Carteret Community College graduates will be eligible to transfer into NC State’s Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology program.
New report finds health of Snake River has improved, recommends further intervention
Idaho Conservation League study found the concentration of phosphorus, historically the river’s main pollutant, has declined substantially.
Vision for a Wild Coast at Point Conception
“Vision for a Wild Coast at Point Conception: Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve” explores conservation, restoration, science, and stewardship at
EAST TEXAS POLITICS: Reps. Hefner & Harris weigh in on East Texas groundwater fight
State Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, discusses efforts to create a new regional groundwater conservation district. Holland asks Hefner about the process, how the district would be funded and his response to those who worry about adding another layer of bureaucracy and regulation. Hefner also reacts to Gov. Greg Abbott calling for a ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods and whether he thinks a special session should be called to create new legislation related to data centers.
A scientist built 200 hotels for bees. Three years later, the guests he found changed what we know about pollinators and biodiversity
Hotels are usually built for travellers, but some are designed for creatures no bigger than your thumb. Scientists and conservationists have spent years creating these miniature refuges for wild bees in the form of small nesting structures fitted with narrow tunnels that mimic the hollow stems and cavities many solitary bee species naturally use to lay their eggs.
Kids program in Old Forge to focus on loon conservation, lead-free fishing
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation will lead a children’s program on loon protection and lead-free fishing practices from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Old Forge Library.
Ecuador Robot Climbs Chimborazo as Science Gets Altitude and Attitude
A humanoid robot named Pemba Jose has climbed above 6,000 meters on Ecuador’s Chimborazo, turning a surreal mountain test into a serious question about conservation, climate science, national pride, and how Latin America monitors its hardest-to-reach frontiers today under pressure.
This toad exists only in Canada—and scientists have finally discovered why
Scientists have identified something that may be even more uniquely Canadian than the beaver or moose: a genetically distinct western toad population found only in Canada. The discovery, made by researchers from the University of Ottawa, points to a rare and previously unrecognized group of toads living in the Canadian Rockies and raises fresh questions about conservation, biodiversity, and how much wildlife still remains to be fully understood.
Cornell Yang Center for Wildlife Health awards seed funding to five conservation efforts around the globe
The CCF provides catalytic seed funding to spark pioneering applied research to advance wildlife conservation solutions. The fund prioritizes initiatives that improve the health of free-ranging wildlife and/or solve environmental problems via a One Health lens.
Some upcoming public talks on shark science and conservation
I will be giving some public talks on shark science and conservation this summer. Here’s how to find me! Tuesday, July 7th, Silver Spring, Maryland (Wheaton Library, 5:30 P.M.) This talk is k…
Conservation efforts emphasize the lesser prairie chicken
Reid DeWalt, deputy director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, spoke to the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee about the Lesser Prairie Chicken and moving conservation forward. He said in 2026, CPW staff counted 77 males on 13 leks, a number that has dropped year over year since 2024. There are fewer than 1,000 chickens […]
Gas prices, health, quality of life drive push for more Coloradans to trade four wheels for two, even if safety is a worry
Bike to Work Day brings out the cyclists in Denver, but many already pedal to their jobs and back.
How sports betting became Colorado’s ticket to funding $140 million in water conservation projects
Supporters say the gambling money is a godsend. Critics say legalized sports betting has come at a cost — fueling an addiction crisis that Colorado is unprepared for.
FIU professor selected as a lead scientist aboard cutting-edge ocean research vessel
Mark Bond has been selected as a lead scientist for the maiden voyage of REV, one of the world's most advanced research vessels dedicated to ocean science and conservation.
After-hours party at Detroit Zoo includes food, cocktails and dancing
Sunset at the Zoo, which returns June 18, is a fundraiser for animal animal welfare efforts and global conservation programs.
Judge orders Trump administration to restore National Park changes at sites
The order comes in response to a lawsuit by conservation and historical organizations over National Park Service policies.
Judge orders Trump administration to restore National Park changes at sites
The order comes in response to a lawsuit by conservation and historical organizations over National Park Service policies.
Judge orders Trump administration to restore National Park changes at sites
The order comes in response to a lawsuit by conservation and historical organizations over National Park Service policies.
Mississippi teachers learn field science skills at conservation workshop
Teachers from across Mississippi participated in an Environmental Education Skills Workshop hosted by Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation.
Mississippi teachers learn field science skills at conservation workshop
Teachers from across Mississippi participated in an Environmental Education Skills Workshop hosted by Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation.
Air quality health advisory for ozone issued for Long Island on Thursday
An air quality health advisory has been issued for Nassau and Suffolk counties for Thursday, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Two NAU environmental science and policy master’s students receive national conservation scholarships
Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability and the Wyss Foundation have named environmental science and policy graduate students Taylor Hartness and Tia Hatton as 2026-2027 Wyss Conservation Scholars. The prestigious program supports innovative graduate-level education to advance a new generation of leaders in U.S. land conservation. Scholars are chosen for their commitment to conservation and their leadership qualities. They are pursuing interdisciplinary graduate studies to develop effective new approaches to today’s most…
All-new Lab in Kenya Fills Critical Gap in Wildlife Health
/PRNewswire/ -- Conservation stakeholders gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LiNK), an all-new veterinary...
UND to train 15 graduate students in National Science Foundation program; focus on water, land conservation
The National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program focuses on training STEM graduate students in interdisciplinary or convergent research areas.
World Ocean Day Celebration at Seacoast Science Center
For Seacoast Science Center, this year marks a remarkable 35 years of providing outstanding coastal and ocean education at Odiorne Point State Park along the New Hampshire seacoast! World Ocean Day, a global celebration that honors our one shared ocean, presents the perfect opportunity for us to invite our community to come together and celebrate the ocean that connects us all.On June 20th, the Center will host its flagship World Ocean Day celebration from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy hands-on games, educational activities, naturalist-led tide pooling sessions, music, and much more! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet local scientists, divers, artists, and conservationists who are dedicated to safeguarding our one world ocean. See the schedule and the organizations joining us on our event web page: https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/world-ocean-dayWe can’t wait to see you by the coast for learning, discovery, and plenty of fun, all aimed at inspiring the conservation of our Blue Planet!
How a Citizen Science Organization Aims to Preserve the Places It Brings Tourists to Study
The actual eco-friendliness of ecotourism varies considerably. One research station in the Peruvian Amazon is out to prove it can bring visitors to the area without disrupting the environment.
Chuck Schumer Privately Backs Haley Stevens in Michigan Democratic Senate Primary
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader, has remained officially neutral on the race, but in conservations with donors, he has been clear about which candidate he supports.
Launch of new WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance
On 11 June 2026, WHO/Europe will launch the new WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance, an international point of reference for systematic, evidence-based health action in preparation for and response to extreme heat. The launch of the new Guidance will take place in Berlin, at a joint hybrid press conference hosted by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, together with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, the Senator for Science, Health and Care of the State of Berlin, and a senior representative from the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action.
Disney World Makes Change to Bluey Attraction After One Week
Soon, guests will no longer need a virtual queue reservation to visit Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station.
As Federal Wetlands’ Protections Falter, Washington State Scientists Turn to AI as a Conservation Tool
The new Wetland Intrinsic Potential tool provides both agricultural and conservation interests a more accurate way to find wetlands that might need preserving.
Arvin High School students explore ocean science through pilot conservation program
Arvin High students partnered with marine scientists and National Geographic Explorers in a first-of-its-kind ocean conservation pilot program.
A state grant to boost soil health is in high demand among Minnesota farmers
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture awarded $4.7 million in grants this year. The funds are intended to share the cost of purchasing equipment needed for improved conservation practices.
Tree shortages in coastal towns a risk to health, charity says
A lack of tree cover in urban areas could be affecting people's health, conservation charity warns.
This conservation nonprofit founder says he’s the GOP’s best shot at retaking HD 87
Jonathan Rubin says local Republican voters have soured on the party’s preferred candidate in the district.
As wildlife races poleward, scientists warn the old conservation playbook is breaking down
The changes are not happening in a simple, uniform pattern.
Who reports wildlife the most? 300,000 citizen science records uncover participation bias
In recent years, citizen science methodology has gained significant momentum and is becoming increasingly important in large-scale ecological and conservation research. By involving volunteers, it enables ...
Where do citizen science data come from?
Citizen science projects are playing an increasingly important role in ecological and conservation research worldwide. In these programs, members of the public support researchers by submitting photographs, audio recordings, observations, or even by contributing to data analysis. In Hungary, no fewer than 17 such initiatives combined their datasets in a joint study. The authors aimed to understand which socio-economic and environmental factors influence participation patterns in Hungary. By comparing the spatial distribution of citizen science data with an independent administrative dataset (municipality level data on income, education, demography, density and protected areas), the researchers identified several general trends as well as numerous project-specific relationships. For example, they found more per capita observations from municipalities with higher proportions of protected natural areas and lower population densities. Furthermore, excluding Budapest, the capital, both the proportion of people with diplomas and the proportion of elderly people showed a positive correlation with participation activity. In contrast, no consistent general pattern emerged regarding wealth or the proportion of children, although several project-specific relationships were observed. The study not only reveals how citizen science data are distributed across Hungary, but also provides robust support for the view that various biases must be taken into account when analyzing such data. The authors hope that their findings will help researchers in other countries design more effective projects and produce more accurate analyses by accounting for some of these or similar biases.
Tybee Island, Marine Science Center to host free Community Day
The City of Tybee Island and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center are teaming up for a special Community Day offering free admission for Tybee Island residents. The event will include interactive exhibits, family activities, raffle prizes and opportunities to learn more about coastal conservation.
Gentoo Penguins Are Actually Four Different Species, Scientists Say, Revealing They're Not Quite 'Winners' of Climate Change After All
A new study indicates the adaptable birds evolved into distinct lineages as isolated populations shifted to match their environmental conditions over time. The work has implications for how conservationists assess threats to gentoos
Sky bridges, citizen science protect endangered Malaysia monkeys
A graceful black monkey edges across a swaying red rope bridge strung over a busy residential road in Malaysia's Penang, watched by local conservationists who carefully record her movements.
Sky bridges, citizen science protect endangered Malaysia monkeys
A graceful black monkey edges across a swaying red rope bridge strung over a busy residential road in Malaysia's Penang, watched by local conservationists who carefully record her movements.Key to the...
Scientists use DNA from poop to save the world’s rarest marsupial
Scientists in Australia are using cutting-edge DNA techniques to help save one of the world’s rarest marsupials — the critically endangered Gilbert’s potoroo, with fewer than 150 left in the wild. By analyzing tiny traces of DNA in the animals’ scat, researchers uncovered clues about the elusive fungi the potoroos depend on for survival. The findings could help conservationists identify safer new habitats and establish backup populations before disasters like bushfires wipe them out.
Scientists call for stewardship practices to be integrated into biodiversity conservation frameworks
A new article in the journal BioScience argues that the stewardship practices of Indigenous Peoples and other place-based knowledge holders have been systematically underrepresented in both conservation ...
Women in Science: Dr Lauren Snyder - TIB-Blog
The blog series “Women in Science” introduces women from the TIB who give insights into their careers and personal experiences in science. Dr Lauren Snyder studied Ecology and Conservation Biology at Boston University and earned her PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. Now, she is the co-founder of the TIB Knowledge Loom, an Open Science digital library. In this interview, she talks about why having clear goals is just as important as being open to the unexpected, and why the people you work with play such an important role.
DNA floating in seawater is now enough to let scientists monitor the health of America’s dolphin populations
Sequencing environmental DNA in seawater shows the local presence or absence of species, but until now could give little information about those measures of biodiversity that are the most useful in conservation. As a proof-of-principle, scientists in the US have now shown that mitochondrial DNA in water sampled near schools of dolphins contains enough information to measure their local effective population size and monitor the health of these populations.
Water Science, Community Conservation Efforts Hold Key To India’s Future: Experts
Nagpur: Padma awardees and experts said that water conservation cannot succeed through infrastructure projects alone and requires a deeper understanding of water science, grassroots participation and stronger public awareness.
New Science Plan Spurs DWR Efforts for Longfin Smelt
Tucked within the UC Davis campus, a quiet but critically important effort is helping preserve the Longfin Smelt, a vulnerable fish species native to the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. Scientists with DWR and UC Davis are collaborating to better understand and conserve this declining species through immediate conservation actions and long-term research.
Science Pub: Fifty Years of Paleontology at John Day
With Nicholas Famoso, PhD, Paleontology Program Manager and Museum Curator at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and Colin Deverell, Acting Northwest Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association. Bringing one of Oregon’s great national parks to you, learn about the incredible paleontological history preserved and studied at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument from its chief paleontologist, Nick Famoso, as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary. In addition, learn from the National Parks Conservation Association about efforts to protect the greater John Day landscape so its remarkable history and natural wonders are preserved for generations to come. Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.
Corals and cacti: ASU grad is building a future in conservation science
Inspired by childhood trips to the ocean and years spent exploring the Sonoran Desert, Ariana Ewell is building a future in conservation science that bridges ecosystems, research and community engagement.
As federal scientists faced turmoil, the Devils Hole pupfish reached a crisis point
The Devils hole pupfish lives in just one spot in Death Valley. Wildlife officials have managed this iconic fish for decades, and last spring, just as the Trump administration was laying off all kinds of scientists, the wild population of this fish plummeted to only 20 individuals. Officials then took an irrevocable step.
As David Attenborough turns 100, four experts explore his legacy, from science to storytelling
Attenborough has influenced everything from conservation and documentary production to the communication of the biggest story of all – climate change.
BIG AMBITIONS: LHU undergrad’s research bridges the gap between student science, large-scale conservation in Susquehanna watershed
In a lab where streams run indoors and ecosystems are built by hand, Emily Gonzalez is doing more than collecting data. She’s helping answer questions that could shape the future of Pennsylvania’s waterways — and directly support large-scale restoration efforts already underway in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Gonzalez, a biomedical sciences major […]
How Sen. Richard Neuberger transformed Oregon politics
Historian Stephen Forrester examines how Richard Neuberger reshaped Oregon politics and advanced conservation in the U.S. Senate.
‘Water‑sowing’: When science and ancestral knowledge join forces to fight drought in the Venezuelan Andes
This ancestral practice combines reforestation, soil conservation, and the protection of frailejones — the tall, fuzzy Andean plants that harvest water — to capture fog and rain, recharge aquifers, and ensure the flow of rivers
CU-Lock Haven undergraduate’s research bridges gap between student science and large-scale conservation
LOCK HAVEN — In a lab where streams run indoors and ecosystems are built by hand, Emily Gonzalez, of Wilkes-Barre, is doing more than collecting data. She’s helping answer questions that could shape the future of Pennsylvania’s waterways — and directly support large-scale restoration efforts already underway in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. […]
Michigan League of Conservation Voters calls out utilities for $156K+ in political campaign spending
MI League of Conservation Voters calls out utilities for $156K+ in political campaign spending
Every Bird Counts – Delivering Gold Standard Science for North America’s Birds
Each spring, as migratory birds span continents, our ability to protect them depends on one simple but powerful force: people paying attention. This World Migratory Bird Day, the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” underscores how everyday observers and community scientists provide the essential data that drives bird conservation.
New science cracks open the mystery of the world's largest fish
For a decade, Konservasi Indonesia — Conservation International's local partner — tracked whale sharks across the open ocean, offering new clues for how to protect them.
Citizen Science Goes Underwater With Global Shark Census Launch
A new global shark and ray census paired with a hands-on conservation course could turn everyday dives into powerful scientific data, at a time when nearly one-third of these species face extinction.
Sixth annual Brookgreen Gardens Spring Wine Festival deemed a success
Proceeds from the sold-out event benefit the mission and programs of Brookgreen Gardens, providing support for garden enhancement and renovation, educational offerings, preservation and conservation of sculpture and protection and care for native plants and endangered animals.
Malta workshop to address town rezoning plans
The town recently released a new draft of a land conservation map, showing multiple ways the town could be rezoned.
Bensonwood completes high-performance education center for Beaver Brook Association
Bensonwood, a leader in high-performance offsite construction, has completed the design, fabrication, and installation of the program building at Beaver Brook Association, a conservation and environmental education center in Hollis.
Science Central hosts Earth Day celebration
Earth Day, which brings awareness and action to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability efforts, is April 22. A local museum is celebrating this weekend with Earth-themed programming.
Rediscovered after 100 years: scientists reveal status of the critically endangered Osmanthus pubipedicellatus
Integrative morphological and molecular evidence confirms the rediscovery of a long-lost Osmanthus species, revealing its declining population and urgent conservation needs.
Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”
I am pleased to announce that I’ll be leading a symposium at the upcoming 8th International Marine Conservation Congress in Scotland! We’ll be discussing new developments and emerging t…
Earth Day Spotlight: Florida International University showcases world-leading ocean science — from unique undersea lab to global shark conservation
FIU's commitment to ocean science spans ecology, policy, forensics and public engagement.
Why forest conservation is also public health
In a lowland forest in southeastern Madagascar, what was missing proved as telling as what was found. Researchers trapping small mammals in the Manombo Special Reserve caught tuft-tailed rats in the intact interior forest. In the nearby littoral forest, despite repeated efforts, they found none. The traps held black rats instead. The observation appears in […]
Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement
Abstract submissions are now open for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8), taking place November 13–17, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland—and we’re excited to announce an open sym…
FIU experts in oceans, marine technology and sustainable policy
FIU has a team of conservation scientists, protecting some of the world’s most endangered and threatened species.
Dolphin Week: science, awareness, and conservation of local marine mammals
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Lowcountry Dolphin Week is making waves of change in Charleston, promoting awareness, community, and conservation efforts for local wildlife. Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network...
Dolphin Week: science, awareness, and conservation of local marine mammals
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Lowcountry Dolphin Week is making waves of change in Charleston, promoting awareness, community, and conservation efforts for local wildlife. Lowcountry Marine Mamma…
Greensboro Science Center celebrates birth of 3 Allegheny woodrat pups, supporting species recovery efforts
GREENSBORO, NC — The Greensboro Science Center is aiming to help restore the Allegheny woodrat, a species of conservation concern, by welcoming three new pups born on March 26. According to a press…
Kelly Burke's love for Grand Canyon leaves her mark on the landscape
A gig as a shuttle driver for Grand Canyon river rafters led Kelly Burke to a life of science and conservation.
Centipede consumption boosts growth and gut health in endangered crocodile lizards
A new study in Biological Diversity reveals that centipede consumption enhances growth and gut microbiome homeostasis in juvenile crocodile lizards by enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria and elevating short chain fatty acid production, underlining the critical role of dietary diversity in the conservation of endangered reptiles.
Science center celebrates birth of Allegheny woodrat pups
A managed breeding and release program is part of the Greensboro Science Center’s conservation work.
Governor’s wildlife commission picks face pushback ahead of Colorado Senate hearing
Colorado’s largest coalition of hunters, anglers, and wildlife conservation groups is urging state lawmakers to reject two of Gov. Jared Polis’ latest nominees to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, setting up a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee next week. Gaspar Perricone, speaking for the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, […]
UF opens Whitney Marine Research Center, expanding marine science innovation in St. Augustine
The University of Florida celebrated the opening of its new Whitney Marine Research Center on April 14, marking a significant expansion of marine science research, education and conservation efforts at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.
New maps assess health of sagebrush ecosystems across the West
Conservation groups, state and federal agencies and local leaders partnered to create digital maps that provide a broad view of where sagebrush ecosystems are thriving and where they hang in the balance.
In Louisville, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
Dan Price, a NASA solar system ambassador and volunteer naturalist at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, discusses how dark skies connect astronomy, bird migration and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
From curiosity to conservation: How citizen science is teaching children and adults to see, experience nature
It often starts with something small, such as a new bird in a branch, a vibrant butterfly in a yard, a colorful plant growing through a crack in the sidewalk, or as part of a lawn. Suddenly, you are engaged and can't help ...
From curiosity to conservation: How citizen science is teaching children and adults to see, experience nature
It often starts with something small, such as a new bird in a branch, a vibrant butterfly in a yard, a colorful plant growing through a crack in the sidewalk, or as part of a lawn. Suddenly, you are engaged ...
Conservation groups call for 'science-based' approach to Alberta grizzly bear hunt proposal
Conservation groups say recent calls for the provincial government to legalize the hunting of threatened grizzly bears in Alberta aren't justified by science due to a lack of up-to-date population studies.
Citizen Science Opportunities in Oregon
Adventure Scientists is currently seeking conservation-minded volunteers who want to contribute their skills and time to citizen science.
World's fattest parrot — on the verge of extinction 30 years ago — has record-breaking breeding season
Conservationists are celebrating the 105th kākāpō chick to hatch during the 2026 breeding season — the highest number reported since such records began 30 years ago.
Turn blueprint into action with the Outdoors Opportunities Act
Nearly a year has passed since Gov. Jared Polis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and other key partners finalized the visionary Colorado Outdoor Strategy, establishing the framework to ensure Colorado’s outdoor recreation and conservation legacy for generations to come. Now it’s time for action. Action […]
Issue of wildlife trafficking a $20B a year business, Wildlife Conservation Society EVP says
Wildlife Conservation Society executive vice president John F. Calvelli details the impact of the DHS shutdown on zoos and aquariums, the illegal wildlife trafficking trade and the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act on 'Mornings with Maria.'
Scientists Stunned: Colossal Eggs Discovered 3,500 Meters Beneath an Active Volcano
Beneath an active seafloor volcano off Vancouver Island, researchers have documented a congregation of giant eggs at roughly 3,500 meters, a discovery that reframes how life can flourish under extreme conditions. The eggs belong to the Pacific white skate, an elusive deep‑sea species adapted to cold, crushing pressure and perpetual darkness. What seemed an unlikely nursery is actually a geothermally warmed refuge, where subtle heat helps embryos survive a marathon incubation. The finding links volcanic energy to a quiet engine of biodiversity, turning a hostile landscape into an incubator. A living volcano, a hidden nursery The seamount long assumed dormant now exhales mineral‑rich, shimmering plumes, proof of hydrothermal life at depth. Expedition cameras swept across black basalt and pale bacterial mats, revealing vents that pulse with warmth. That warmth, though modest by human standards, alters the physics of development for cold‑adapted embryos. In a realm where metabolism creeps, even a few degrees can mean faster growth and higher survival. The volcano is not only active; it is ecologically formative, drafting a blueprint for a thriving oasis. Giant eggs and a skate built for the abyss The Pacific white skate, Bathyraja spinosissima, is built for the abyss: broad wings, armored spines, and a life history that trades speed for endurance. Females lay outsized, rectangular “mermaid’s purses,” often 46–50 centimeters long, packed with rich yolk to fuel years of growth. In the frigid deep, embryos can require around four years to hatch, a timeline that magnifies every energetic advantage. The scale is striking—large eggs, large adults, and a textbook case of deep‑sea gigantism. The volcano’s gentle heat may literally shave months or years from the wait. Why heat matters at the bottom of the sea Hydrothermal circulation delivers low‑level warmth without the turbulence that would scatter fragile egg‑cases. Slightly elevated temperatures accelerate enzyme kinetics, nudging development along while keeping embryos within a safe range. Mineral‑laden fluids likely shape local microbiomes, which, in turn, can influence biofilms on egg surfaces. The environment acts like a slow, steady incubator, countering the deep sea’s tyrannies of cold and scarcity. For a species with long maturation and few offspring, every incremental boost compounds across generations. An ecosystem sculpted by fire and water Seafloor volcanoes create steep environmental gradients, stitching together hot vents, cool eddies, and mineral gardens into mosaic habitats. Microbes harvest chemical energy, seeding food webs that support crustaceans, fishes, and skates. Cameras documented egg‑cases nestled among rocky ledges, near communities nourished by vent‑driven chemistry. These islands of productivity behave like deep‑sea oases, sustaining life far beyond the vent orifice’s flickering light. The nursery’s success underscores how geological forces engineer biological opportunity. “Finding a cradle of life tucked beneath a breathing volcano reminds us that the planet’s harshest places can be profoundly generous.” What the discovery could change The nursery reframes conservation priorities in regions where volcanism quietly underwrites reproduction. Protecting hydrothermal corridors could safeguard entire lifecycles, not just charismatic adults spotted during occasional surveys. It also sharpens questions about how climate‑driven shifts in ocean circulation might influence vent activity, temperature fields, and embryo survival. With methodical mapping, time‑series cameras, and environmental DNA, scientists can track whether nurseries remain stable or drift with geologic rhythms. Key implications include: Enhanced understanding of deep‑sea reproduction at hydrothermal sites. New conservation targets centered on geothermal nurseries. Comparative studies with other volcanic regions, from the Galápagos to rift zones. Biotechnological insights from organisms adapted to long, cold development. Better models of how seafloor heat shapes regional biodiversity. Methods behind the revelation Remotely operated vehicles threaded through chimney fields, gathering video, temperatures, and mineral signatures. High‑definition imagery captured the distinctive, horned egg cases, their edges dusted with fine volcanic silt. Geochemical profiles mapped how heat and chemicals disperse, outlining the “thermal lanes” where eggs most cluster. Combined, these datasets reveal a nursery organized by geothermal topography, with egg‑cases concentrated in pockets of gentle, sustained warmth. A fragile boon in a changing ocean Deep‑sea environments feel remote, yet they intersect with global pressures: mining proposals, cable routes, and shifting oxygen levels. The nursery’s resilience hinges on stable heat flow, intact substrates, and minimal disturbance from noise or sediment. Safeguarding such places is not just about protecting novelty; it preserves a slow, ancient strategy that lets large, long‑lived animals endure in the coldest reaches of the Pacific. Where geology and biology meet, the planet’s deep time still writes living stories. This volcano‑warmed nursery adds a vital chapter to that story, revealing how subtle thermal gifts can tip the scales toward life in the abyss. With each dive, researchers trace the contours of an unseen world, where fire feeds water, and water—against all odds—feeds the future.
Commentary: When conservation becomes entertainment
My parents love to tell the story about the time I protested going to the aquarium when I was eight years old.
Temple biologist and deep-ocean expert Erik Cordes named AAAS Fellow
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has elected Erik Cordes an AAAS Fellow for his research, exploration and conservation efforts in the deep ocean.
Join award-winning filmmaker for conversation on conservation
A free conservation event featuring a six-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker will take place Saturday morning at First Congregational Church in La Crosse.
Billy Goat Hole Ramp at Dauphin Island Back in Business
Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Billy Goat Hole Ramp at Dauphin Island Back in Business
Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Augmenting citizen science with computer vision for fish monitoring
Monitoring river herring migration is essential for conservation and fisheries management. Researchers have now demonstrated a method using video and computer vision to supplement traditional methods and volunteer-based programs.