The future is now: long-term research shows ocean acidification ramping up on the Reef
Australian Institute of Marine Science
Published: 28 October 2020
Ocean acidification is accelerating on the Great Barrier Reef, with seawater CO₂ rising 6% in a decade. AIMS and CSIRO data show negative impacts on coral and algae, urging urgent action in Reef management.
Keywords: ocean acidification, Great Barrier Reef, CO₂ rise, coral decline, AIMS, CSIRO, IMOS
The latest findings on the MOSAiC floe
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 July 2020
The MOSAiC floe, formed near the New Siberian Islands in Dec 2018, carried rare sediments, pebbles, and bivalves embedded in Arctic sea ice—now exposed by melting. This “dirty ice” reveals rapid change in sea ice formation, thickness, and transport.
Keywords: MOSAiC expedition, sea ice, New Siberian Islands, dirty ice, Arctic melting, sediment transport, biogeochemical cycles
Good news: European sea bass absorb virtually no microplastic in their muscle tissue
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 20 July 2020
In a lab study, sea bass fed microplastic-laced diets for 4 months had almost no particles in their fillets—just 1–2 particles per 5 g. Most microplastics were excreted, suggesting minimal transfer to edible tissue and low risk to consumers.
Keywords: microplastics, sea bass, AWI, food safety, fish fillet, aquaculture, bloodstream absorption
