Marine life Archives

Tourist in Turks and Caicos loses both hands to shark attack while taking selfie

February 17, 2025

A Canadian tourist lost both hands after a shark attacked her while taking a selfie in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The woman’s husband tried to scare off the shark but was unsuccessful.
The incident led to a temporary beach closure in the area. The beach reopened after the shark moved to deeper water.
Shark attacks are expected to rise as water temperatures increase, despite data showing a decline in unprovoked attacks in 2024.

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A Canadian tourist lost both hands after a shark attacked her while she was taking a selfie in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The shark attacked the 55-year-old woman when she was only a few yards into the water.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the woman’s husband rushed into the water. He intended to scare off the shark. However, the shark had already inflicted severe injuries.

Following the incident, the Turks and Caicos Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV in Blue Hills. Officials confirmed the closure was out of an abundance of caution.

“The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9, at 1 p.m. after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water,” the government stated on Facebook.

Paramedics took the woman to a local medical facility for emergency treatment. She then returned to Canada for further care.

Shark attacks expected to rise

Shark activity near shorelines is expected to increase as water temperatures rise. Warmer waters bring sharks and other marine wildlife closer to beaches, increasing the risk of encounters.

A shark bit two Florida tourists in the Bahamas on the same day as this attack.

Data shows a decline in shark attacks

Despite recent reports of shark attacks, data from the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File shows that unprovoked attacks dropped in 2024.

There were 47 unprovoked attacks worldwide last year, a decrease of 21 from 2023.

Former Marine accused of training Chinese pilots to be returned to US

December 23, 2024

Australia has approved the extradition of former U.S. Marine Daniel Duggan as of Monday, Dec. 23, over accusations he illegally trained Chinese pilots. The move, rubber-stamped by Australia’s Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, puts an end to Duggan’s nearly two-year attempt to avoid a return to the United States.

Dreyfus said he came to the decision that Duggan should be sent back to the U.S. to face prosecution after a New South Wales magistrate found him eligible in May for surrender to American authorities.

Dreyfus also contends that “given the opportunity” to argue against his surrender to the U.S., Duggan did not do so. Duggan, a 55-year-old naturalized Australian citizen, was arrested in rural New South Wales in 2022 after returning home from China, where he had lived since 2014.

U.S. authorities said that Duggan traveled to Australia, the U.S., China and South Africa between 2009 and 2012. They said Duggan agreed to provide services to a Chinese-owned company, including evaluation of Chinese military pilot trainees and instructions on landing on aircraft carriers.

U.S. prosecutors assert that Duggan reportedly received more than $60,000 for his services. However, Duggan denies the allegations leveled by U.S. law enforcement.

Meanwhile, his lawyers contend that there is no evidence the Chinese aviators trained were military. They also argue he was no longer an American citizen when the alleged offense occurred, and his actions are “not considered a crime in Australia.”

Duggan’s defense notes that their client renounced his American citizenship in 2016 at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, reportedly backdated to 2012 on a certificate. Duggan served in the U.S. Marines for 12 years, and he is a father of six.

His family told Reuters that they are “devastated by the decision,” and his wife told the news outlet that she received a letter from the government stating Duggan’s extradition will take place between Dec. 30, 2024, and Feb. 17, 2025.

If convicted in the United States, Duggan reportedly faces up to 60 years in prison.

More than 30 stranded pilot whales rescued in New Zealand

November 25, 2024

An effort to save dozens of whales from certain death is being hailed as “incredible” by New Zealand conservationists. More than 30 stranded pilot whales were reportedly rescued on Sunday, Nov. 24, by residents and conservation workers in New Zealand.

“We’ve had, you know, a really awesome response from the community,” Dave Milner, who works with the resource management unit, which helped with the rescue, said. “Thousands of people have come down to help, and you know, it was great to see their unity, you know, for the same purpose.”

Volunteers used sheets to lift the whales back into the water off of the coast of northern New Zealand.

“So, there were a lot of people in the water, obviously, you know, safety is a real priority here and so Project Jonah has got a whole team of trained, you know, volunteers who support events like these,” Joel Lauterbach, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Department of Conservation, said. “And they’re trained to be in the water, they’re trained to be around these amazing animals and basically making a lot of noise and really encouraging them back out by splashing, and yeah, and refloating as well.”

Despite the mass effort, four whales died, including three adults and one calf.

Conservationists watched on Monday, Nov. 25, to make sure there were no cases of restranding.

New Zealand is a hotspot for whales swimming ashore. The country recorded more than 5,000 whale strandings since 1840, according to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.

The largest whale stranding occurred in 1918 when around 1,000 whales became beached.

It’s unclear how or why the strandings happen so often, but biologists believe the island nation’s geography plays a role.

New Zealand’s north and south islands are home to extended coastlines with sloped beaches and can sometimes confuse whales, which rely on echolocation to navigate.

California’s offshore wind plans spark debate over environmental impact

November 11, 2024

California’s offshore wind plans are seeing pushback from a local non-profit that warns moving ahead with constructing this renewable energy infrastructure will “harm or kill” local marine life. However, developers of these projects refer to the claims made by those environmental advocacy groups as “misinformation.”

The Golden State is aiming to generate 25 gigawatts of energy from offshore wind by 2045. That would be enough to power 25 million homes and provide around 13% of the state’s electricity needs.

However, these projects face resistance from the Responsible Energy Adaptation for California’s Transition Alliance (REACT), a nonprofit group arguing that the planned offshore wind projects could harm marine ecosystems.

The organization points to potential aquatic ecosystem disruptions as a result of noise pollution from the equipment used for underwater surveys, which they claim is expected to produce sounds up to 228 decibels, equivalent to the volume of a jet engine.

Offshore wind developers disputed these claims, arguing that while decibel level is high, the frequency and the depth at which these sounds are generated would likely minimize any negative impact on marine life. According to the developers, REACT selectively presented data to fuel opposition against offshore wind.

Meanwhile, commercial fishing groups in central California have also voiced their concerns. Two fishing associations recently filed lawsuits claiming that offshore wind projects would harm fish populations and disrupt commercial fishing. They cite past experiences with underwater surveys that reportedly reduced catch rates for certain fish species by up to 70%.

Maryland offshore wind project sued over economic and environmental concerns

October 29, 2024

A proposed offshore wind project off Maryland’s coast is encountering resistance from the nearby community of Ocean City. The city challenged the federal government’s approval of the development and filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The project aims to generate over 2 gigawatts of renewable energy, potentially powering more than 700,000 homes.

The planned wind farm, located approximately 10 miles off Maryland’s coast, will consist of 1,143 turbines, each exceeding 900 feet in height. Ocean City, several industry groups and Fenwick Island, Delaware, are moving forward with the litigation process against this development in response to concerns about the project’s impact on tourism, fishing and the environment.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan claimed the city’s years-long collaboration with state officials to address these concerns has been met with inadequate responses. He added that the large-scale wind farm could significantly alter the community’s coastline and local economy.

Environmental concerns, particularly for marine wildlife, are also central to the opposition. Local residents worry about potential harm to whale populations from construction activities.

“We have a responsibility to protect our ecosystem, our economy, view shed and our future,” Meehan said in a statement. “For the past seven and half years we have been trying to work with the State of Maryland and the federal government to address our concerns with this project. All of our concerns were either ignored or considered insignificant. It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but the Town was left with no choice but to file suit against BOEM.”

Just days before news of the lawsuit broke, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established protective regulations to safeguard marine mammals during construction, including required monitoring, safe distancing, and noise reduction measures. These protections will be in effect for five years, with the potential for adjustments as more information about the project’s environmental impact becomes available.

US funds projects to protect marine life during offshore wind farm construction

October 25, 2024

The Departments of Energy and the Interior announced nearly $17 million in funding to support the offshore wind industry, including efforts to protect marine life. Despite the U.S. government having said there are “no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities,” federal officials are investing in additional measures to enhance protections for marine animals during the construction of wind turbines.

A portion of the new funding will be used to develop technologies and strategies aimed at reducing underwater noise during the installation of offshore wind farms. Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said these efforts will help ensure “environmentally responsible development” of this infrastructure.

Marine experts highlighted the potential impacts of noise from wind farm construction. Pile driving, the process of hammering turbines into the seafloor, can produce sound levels exceeding 225 decibels underwater, which is comparable to the volume of noise that a person would hear from putting their head near a Boeing 747 engine at full power.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently acknowledged that the sounds from these activities could “adversely affect” nearby whale populations and marine life. However, NOAA officials have stated they do not anticipate that the construction will result in any whale fatalities or serious injuries. They assert that these activities will not jeopardize the continued existence of any whale species, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

In total, seven projects have been selected to receive federal funding to address the noise issue. The largest grant, nearly $4 million, will go to Purdue University for its efforts to mitigate the underwater sound generated during turbine installation.

$20k reward offered after sea lion shot and killed on California beach

October 11, 2024

A young sea lion was found dead at a California beach in early August 2024 after being shot. Now, officials are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to those responsible.

The two-year-old male sea lion was discovered struggling between two lifeguard stations on Aug. 7 at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, California. Rescuers from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center were called to the scene after beachgoers noticed the animal in distress.

Although the sea lion briefly returned to the water, it soon came back to the shore, allowing rescuers to retrieve it. The animal died the following day.

A necropsy confirmed that a gunshot wound to the sea lion’s back caused its death. The bullet punctured the animal’s lung and caused additional internal injuries.

NOAA Fisheries launched an investigation and urged the public to come forward with any information about the shooting. Under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harm sea lions. Violators face penalties up to $34,000. The bullet retrieved from the sea lion is still being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials reminded the public that harassing or killing marine mammals is a serious crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police in Los Angeles.

Iconic SS United States to become world’s largest artificial reef

October 2, 2024

The historic ocean liner SS United States, once a symbol of American engineering and a vessel that ferried immigrants, Hollywood stars, and heads of state, may soon find its final resting place at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Okaloosa County in Florida’s Panhandle has tentatively agreed to sink the ship, turning it into the world’s largest artificial reef.

The deal, approved by Okaloosa County officials, hinges on court-imposed mediation after a judge ordered the SS United States to vacate its berth in Philadelphia due to years of unpaid rent and dockage fees.

Built in 1952, the SS United States was the largest passenger ship constructed in the U.S. and set a transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage, crossing the Atlantic in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. It remains the fastest ocean liner ever.

Since being decommissioned in 1969, the vessel has struggled to find a permanent home, with various redevelopment plans falling through due to high costs. The ship has been docked in Philadelphia for nearly 30 years as legal battles persisted.

To prevent scrapping the ship, Okaloosa County plans to turn it into an artificial reef, adding to its network of over 500 reefs. The project is expected to generate millions in tourism, attracting divers, fishermen, and tourists alike.

“To have an opportunity to have the SS United States right here by our shore is a heritage and a legacy that is generational,” Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder said. “I’m very excited for not only what it does for the diving community, but also the fishing community, but the community at large.”

The deal to purchase the ship is expected to cost over $10 million, with the process of cleaning, transporting, and sinking the vessel likely taking at least 18 months.

Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, the nonprofit working to preserve the ship, said, “The SS United States has inspired millions as a symbol of American pride and excellence. Should the ship be converted into an artificial reef, she will become a unique historic attraction above and below the waterline.”

Mega-solar farm project could impact threatened Japanese giant salamanders

September 17, 2024

The Japanese giant salamander, a species that has inhabited Earth for approximately 23 million years, is now facing the threat of extinction. Conservationists are raising concerns about new solar energy developments encroaching on its natural habitat.

A proposed mega-solar farm on the small island of Hokkaido in northern Japan has sparked protests from local officials and residents, who argue that the project endangers the vulnerable salamander population.

The island was identified as an ideal site for solar energy due to its low-cost land, long daylight hours, and proximity to metropolitan areas that could utilize the energy generated. However, the planned site overlaps with the natural habitat of the salamanders, which are revered in Japan as a national treasure and celebrated in cultural legends.

While developers have conducted an environmental impact assessment to address potential risks to the species, community members remain concerned that the solar farm will adversely affect the salamander population.

NOAA says Vineyard Wind won’t kill sea life, issues permits for it to do just that

September 6, 2024

The Vineyard Wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts is once again facing scrutiny due to concerns about its potential effects on marine wildlife. As the project approaches its final stages, with 15 wind turbines still to be installed, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has been investigating how construction operations might be impacting nearby animals.

The process of pile driving, which involves pounding large turbine foundations into the ocean floor, has been identified as a significant source of underwater noise. NOAA’s experts recently issued a new opinion on the matter, acknowledging that the construction is likely to adversely affect marine life, including fish, sea turtles and whales.

However, the agency emphasized that the disturbances are expected to be temporary, and it does not anticipate any serious injuries or fatalities among endangered species.

This conclusion is crucial for the continuation of the project. Under the Endangered Species Act, federal agencies are prohibited from authorizing any actions that could jeopardize the existence of listed species. NOAA’s assessment, which suggests no long-term harm to endangered animals, allows the Vineyard Wind project to proceed.

Yet, despite the assertion that no significant harm is expected, in the same opinion which stated that, NOAA has also issued an exemption allowing for the possibility that a small number of endangered whale species might be killed during the wind farm’s installation. NOAA has stated that the full opinion, including details of its findings and the rationale behind the exemption, will be released to the public and published in its library in about 10 days.