Even if today, we are aware about marine pollution, 250 000 tons of microplastic swim in the ocean. Every year, we emit almost 10 million tons, the equivalent of a garbage truck per minute. Scientists who have looked into microplastic research have determined that marine biodiversity is strongly impacted. Microplastics affect it on their diet and reproduction behaviour and could, by the end, even affect humans.
In the Strait of Gibraltar, incidents concerning sailboat damages have been recorded since 2020. These phenomena, caused by orca’s behaviour, raise questions for scientists...
Scientists from the International Whaling Commission demonstrated that “interactions have more elements consistent with fad behaviour or play/socialising”. Nonetheless, marines, fishers, and tourists are afraid of orcas adopting violent behaviour whereas this specific group is critically endangered.
Did you know that sperm whales do indeed form ‘Bromances’!!! Like humans, male sperm whales create bonds with fellow male companions that last at least five years! Male sperm whales exist in matriarchal pods and leave before they reach sexual maturity. Until recently, it was believed that they spend most of their lives in isolation, yet studies have found that some male sperm whales find friends to accompany them on their journeys across the oceans far and wide. It is said that many male sperm whales spend all their lives in isolation, yet results show that 1 in 10 male sperm whales will travel in groups or pairs. The results from a recent study, performed over a period of...
As most of us know, plastic packaging has detrimental impacts on the natural and marine environment and wildlife. Over time, plastics are broken down into small particles such as microplastics and phthalates and impact soil and water health. Although plastics breakdown into smaller pieces, they never actually naturally biodegrade and therefore result in ruining natural environments and decreasing animal populations. Plastics are ingested by animals such as marine mammals and birds and can lead to suffocation, starvation and death, with an estimation of 100 million marine mammals dying each year from plastic waste. Humans ingest micro-plastics by drinking contaminated water and eating fish and, due to plastics being so prominent in packaging, it is seen that we take...
Finally, our survey results are here! In November 2021 Manon, completing a masters in Marine resources science, conservation and valorization, helped CuriOcean create a survey on the relationship between Irish people and the sea. The extent of knowledge Irish people have towards marine biodiversity, environmental issues and future sustainable actions were surveyed. The survey received 1100 participants and in conclusion found the majority of Irish people would prefer to be more informed about the Irish marine environment and, in order to live more sustainably, would happily adjust their ways of life. Thank you to all those who participated!
