Emperor penguins granted protections under Endangered Species Act
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 25 October 2022
The U.S. lists emperor penguins as threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to shrinking sea ice from climate change. WHOI research was pivotal in the decision, urging urgent global climate action to protect the species’ future.
Keywords: emperor penguins, Endangered Species Act, sea ice, Woods Hole, threatened species, Antarctic
New Research Unlocks Clues About the Iconic Flight of the Wandering Albatross
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 2 December 2022
Researchers tracked wandering albatrosses to study their flight, revealing they limit speed to reduce wing stress. They soar using wind shear and wave updrafts, offering insights into bird flight and potential ocean-monitoring gliders.
Keywords: wandering albatross, dynamic soaring, wind shear, GPS tracking, wing stress, ocean gliders, WHOI
Palau’s Rock Islands Harbor Heat-resistant Corals
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 21 December 2022
Scientists discovered heat-tolerant coral lineages in Palau’s Rock Islands that resist bleaching and spread to cooler reefs. The findings support targeted conservation to safeguard “Super Reefs” as climate-resilient coral sources.
Keywords: coral bleaching, thermal tolerance, Palau reefs, Porites lobata, marine heatwaves, Super Reefs, coral conservation
