An organism that has plagued Florida waters since 2017, bringing an assault of toxic green algae and red tide blooms, is finally disappearing, according to a report released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The announcement was made a few weeks after marine scientists observed that Karenia brevis, the microscopic algae responsible for the harmful blooms, … Continue reading It’s a simple chain of cause-and-effect: Toxic green algae in Florida is the result of man-made pollution
All our bodies are filled with plastic
Experts estimate that at least 70 percent of all plastic is not recovered or recycled, and that more than eight million tons of it end up in our oceans each year. With over 150 million tons of plastic in the oceans right now, unless drastic steps are taken there will be more plastic than fish … Continue reading All our bodies are filled with plastic
With plastic pollution in the oceans at 16xs more than previously thought, is it even possible to clean it up?
There was a time when the sea was the go-to place for keeping the body clean and catching fresh fish free from harmful chemicals. Beach lovers didn’t think twice about swimming there because they knew it was perfectly safe, and good for their health besides. But recent figures show that those who hesitate to swim … Continue reading With plastic pollution in the oceans at 16xs more than previously thought, is it even possible to clean it up?
Researchers create robot fish that can swim right next to real ones in coral reefs
There are plenty of unexplored areas in Earth’s seas and oceans, and scientists are always looking for ways to observe these places better in the name of science. Now a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have reportedly developed a soft robot fish that could make it easier to do just that. Dubbed “SoFi,” the … Continue reading Researchers create robot fish that can swim right next to real ones in coral reefs
The Pacific Ocean is becoming the world’s largest trash dump
For years, the Pacific Ocean has inspired composers, painters, and writers to come up with masterpieces that praise its beauty. Sadly, these could now be things of the past. The Pacific Ocean is now one huge garbage dump that covers 600,000 square miles, no thanks to all kinds of debris — including bottles, ropes, plastic bags, fishing … Continue reading The Pacific Ocean is becoming the world’s largest trash dump
San Francisco Bay shellfish found to be contaminated with four different types of toxins
An alarming number of different toxins was found in mussels collected from the San Francisco Bay, reported a Science Daily article. A research team determined four different kinds of toxins, including one located in freshwater environments, in a study published in the journal Harmful Algae. The team found that the San Francisco Bay now houses a concoction of multiple toxins found … Continue reading San Francisco Bay shellfish found to be contaminated with four different types of toxins
Small fish found to be essential to coral reef health by keeping them clean, according to new study
If human communities have health professionals, coral reefs have small fish called “cleaner fish” that keep them healthy. A Canadian-led study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences says their veterinarian-like services help ensure the health of the marine communities they live in, reported ScienceDaily. According to the study, coral reef fish suffering from parasite infestation cannot … Continue reading Small fish found to be essential to coral reef health by keeping them clean, according to new study
How about plastic for dinner? It is showing up in mussels from the Arctic to China, and ending up on our plates
While some moules et frites (mussels and fries) sounds delicious, the dish probably wouldn’t be as appetizing if every other bite had plastic in it. According to a recent study, mussels from the European Arctic to China are contaminated with “tiny bits of plastic.” Mussels in Arctic waters contain the most plastic of all specimens tested … Continue reading How about plastic for dinner? It is showing up in mussels from the Arctic to China, and ending up on our plates
The plastic pollution problem is wide AND deep: Study finds sea animals from the deepest parts of the ocean, 7 miles down, have plastic in their stomachs
Plastic pollution has drastically affected marine life that even animals living in the deepest parts of the sea have been found to contain trace amounts of plastic fibers in their bodies, a disturbing new study reveals. A team of researchers at the Newcastle University in the U.K. collected various crustacean specimens from the deepest trenches in … Continue reading The plastic pollution problem is wide AND deep: Study finds sea animals from the deepest parts of the ocean, 7 miles down, have plastic in their stomachs
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 