Positive News

The largest known deep-sea coral reef has been mapped off of the Atlantic coast of the U.S., made possible by advanced underwater geographic technology that uncovers the reef's intricate formations in stunning 3D images. These visuals reveal a reef that's a whopping 310 miles long and 68 miles wide — a total area larger than the state of Vermont! 🪸 Source | The Guardian

Scientists discovered four new species of octopus off the coast of Costa Rica. One of the newfound four cephalapod species was discovered brooding in a region nearly 3,000 meters deep, near an expansive array of hydrothermal vents. All of the octopuses were found in previously uncharted areas, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts across the oceanic depths. 🐙 | Source: Smithsonian

New fund supports Indigenous-led land management in Bolivia. Two organizations have partnered to support four Indigenous groups in the Madidi landscape region — an area renowned for its biodiversity, hosting the most species of plants, butterflies, birds, and mammals of any terrestrial protected area in the world. 🏞️ | Source: WCS

Conservationists have discovered nine sea turtle nests on a remote island off the southwest coast of Cambodia. This discovery has renewed hope for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered sea green turtle at a time when their populations are facing serious decline. 🐢 | Source: Mongabay

Community collaboration leads to groundbreaking Manatee rescue efforts in Colombia. Regional environmental agencies, NGOs, and local communities have all joined forces in a strategic coalition to protect the endangered Antillean manatee. Part of their mission is to rescue manatees stuck in drained streams, rivers, and swamps. 🛟 | Source: GoodGoodGood

An oceanic expedition has discovered three hydrothermal vent fields in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an area that stretches more than 400 miles! These vents can be recognized as openings on the ocean floor, an area of intensely heated, mineral-rich water home to all kinds of fascinating marine animals like the bigfin squid. This kind of discovery offers a fascinating insight into hydrothermal systems and their resident animal communities, hopefully exclude these sites from consideration for mining and other human interference. 🦑 | Source: Nice News

Scientists have discovered that some coral species can “remember” how they lived through marine heat waves, with a study exploring reefs off the coast of Mo’orea in French Polynesia documenting an area with a devastating history of annual heat wave events since 2016. Despite the legacy of heat events, scientists have observed a microbial resilience, resistance, and acclimatization to repeated heat stress in many coral species in the area, consistent with a theory of an ecological coral “memory”. 🧠 | Source: Good News Network

The government of Papua New Guinea has declared two new marine protected areas totaling more than 16,000 square kilometers, reportedly tripling the country’s marine area under protection! The six-year process involved consultation with more than 9,000 people in more than 100 Indigenous communities, resulting in an ambitious community-led and locally co-managed MPA project. 🇵🇬 | Source: Mongabay

A multiyear “shark census” in the Republic of the Congo — conducted in partnership with artisanal fisherfolk — has documented a remarkable 42 species of sharks and rays off the coast of Songoro, 34 of which are at an elevated risk of extinction. By developing long-term, trusted relationships with the local community, the research was designed to minimize disturbance to fishing activities and prioritize the people whose daily livelihoods depend on the water. 🦈 | Source: Mongabay

A new study shows that the global diving community is uniquely positioned to improve the health of the ocean through diver-driven citizen science, advocacy, and increased coordination. With a focus on Indigenous knowledge and stewardship, the research highlights how fostering a sense of community and ensuring equitable access to our shared waters is vital to inspiring the next generation of divers, conservationists, and ocean lovers. 🤿 | Source: Nice News