Unexpected climate feedback links Antarctic ice sheet with reduced carbon uptake
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Published: 2 February 2026
A Nature Geoscience study finds iron-rich sediments from Antarctic icebergs are too weathered to fertilize marine algae, potentially weakening the Southern Ocean's CO2 absorption as ice sheets retreat.
Keywords: Antarctic ice sheet, carbon uptake, Southern Ocean, iron fertilization, icebergs, climate feedback, Nature Geoscience
Scientists forecast milder Chesapeake Bay dead zone in 2026
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
Published: 27 May 2026
VIMS researchers predict the 2026 Chesapeake Bay dead zone will be among the mildest 10% since 1985, driven by river flows 32% and nitrogen loads 39% below average from January to April.
Keywords: dead zone, hypoxia, Chesapeake Bay, nitrogen, water quality, ocean forecasting, dissolved oxygen
Chesapeake Bay blue crabs rebound; scientists urge continued caution
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
Published: 2 June 2026
The 2026 Winter Dredge Survey estimates 349 million blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay, a 46% increase from 2025, with juvenile numbers at their highest since 2019, though adult females declined 25%.
Keywords: blue crabs, Chesapeake Bay, population survey, winter dredge survey, marine ecology, fisheries management, crab abundance
