Study Tracks Severe Bleaching Events on a Pacific Coral Reef Over Past Century
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 8 November 2018
A WHOI-led study reveals that corals on Jarvis Island have endured repeated bleaching events since 1912 due to El Niño heatwaves. Despite past resilience, a record 2015 bleaching killed 95% of corals, raising concerns about future reef recovery.
Keywords: Anne Cohen, Hannah Barkley, Communications Biology, ocean acidification, coral core samples, NSF
Alvin Submersible Makes 5,000th Dive
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 26 November 2018
Alvin, the WHOI-operated deep-sea submersible, made its 5,000th dive in 2018. Since 1964, Alvin has advanced ocean science with discoveries like hydrothermal vents and deep-sea life, and is soon to reach 98% of the seafloor at 6,500 meters.
Keywords: chemosynthesis, deep ocean, submersible upgrade, seafloor access, Titanic, Deepwater Horizon
Flounder Now Tumor-free in Boston Harbor
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 28 November 2018
Boston Harbor’s winter flounder have recovered from widespread liver disease, thanks to a $3.8B cleanup project and decades of monitoring. WHOI scientists report no tumors since 2004, showing how long-term investment in pollution control pays off.
Keywords: pollution reduction, marine recovery, public works, Michael Moore, marine biology, wastewater treatment, harbor restoration
