OUR BLUE PLANET’S PULSE

Hello

What does it mean to ‘have heart’? 

The phrase often signifies a person’s courage, compassion, or a deep commitment to core values. Someone has heart if they stand up for what’s right or persevere through great challenges. 

But there exists a force on this planet that gives the word an even deeper meaning – a force that pumps like the Earth’s great heart and sustains all life on it. Naturally, we’re talking about the ocean. 

Fed by the world’s rivers, and circulating nutrients and water via its global currents, the ocean helps to regulate climate. In the same way that the human heart cleanses our bodies of carbon dioxide and sends it to the lungs for removal, the ocean absorbs a third of human carbon emissions. 

And if the ocean is the blue beating heart of our planet, then marine protected areas (MPAs) are its lifeline. 

HEART OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN

Right now, a crucial part of that lifeline is in the hands of CCAMLR – the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. 

CCAMLR is made up of 26 member countries and the European Union, which meet each year to decide on issues such as the closure and opening of fisheries in Antarctica, total allowable catches (TACs), and the designation of MPAs. CCAMLR’s annual meeting began in Hobart, Tasmania, on Monday. 

Since 2002, CCAMLR has aimed to create a network of MPAs across the Southern Ocean, with a formal commitment to complete this by 2012. When that original deadline passed, there were growing doubts about the organisation's ability to meet its mandate. CCAMLRs limitations come from their consensus-based decision making process; a proposal can only be adopted if all members agree, and can be prevented with a veto from any one member. 

This year two urgent tasks take centre stage at the meeting. The first is the establishment of the Antarctic Peninsula MPA, which is vital for preserving the region's unique biodiversity and strengthening its resilience against climate change. The second is a strong push for an ecosystem-based approach to krill fishery management. Krill are the cornerstone of the Antarctic food web, yet as human activity in the region increases, they face mounting pressure from expanding fisheries. Recent studies suggest that current krill biomass can't support both fishing demands and the recovery of whale populations.

Why is protecting this ecosystem so critical? The frozen continent serves as Earth's thermostat: its ice sheets reflect sunlight back into space and the Southern Ocean that surrounds it absorbs heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Together, these factors play a pivotal role in regulating our global climate.

The clock is ticking. CCAMLR's decisions this year will shape Antarctica’s future, determining the fate of these precious ecosystems and, by extension, the health of our planet. 

FURORE OVER OCTOPUS FARMING

Octopi, octopuses or octopodes? Whatever plural you choose (and all are correct) these blue-blooded, big-brained cephalopods with three hearts and eight arms are beloved for their intelligence and curiosity. But even as they earn our admiration, they face growing threats from cruel and unsustainable farming practices on a global scale. 

Recent research by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has uncovered a disturbing trend: governments worldwide have been investing millions into octopus farming. Spain leads the charge, having spent at least €9.7 million in development, with a significant portion coming from EU funds. Other countries, including Chile, New Zealand, and Australia have also spent millions on developing this controversial practice.

The full extent of funding remains unclear due to limited transparency in public spending. What is clear, however, are how harsh and unsuitable factory farm conditions are for the naturally solitary, highly intelligent octopus. Confined conditions can lead to severe stress and even cannibalism, and their diet of wild-caught fish further exacerbates issues like overfishing. 

CIWF surveyed nine EU countries, revealing that nearly 80% of people believe public funds for aquatic animal farming should only support sustainable farming. Last month the California State Senate voted to ban octopus farming on both land and water. The unanimous decision made history as they became the world’s first government to ban the sale of products from farmed octopuses.

Decisive and bold actions like these set a powerful precedent. Now it's time for other governments to follow suit and protect these remarkable creatures.

CHAMPIONS CORNER

If a person who has heart is one with courage, compassion, or a deep commitment to what they value most, then our LPF Champions embody this spirit. Whether in kelp forests, on coral reefs, along rivers or through sporting endeavours, they advocate for our planet and its fragile ecosystems. They’re committed to their cause, which makes them a busy bunch to keep up with. We’ve done our best to track their campaigns and research, films and exhibitions, new publications and innovative apps. Find them in the Champions Corner on our website.

OCEAN BULLETIN

🐠 World’s rivers dry up at the highest rate in 30 years as the Climate Crisis intensifies. 

🐠 Antarctic Peninsula turns alarmingly greener as rising temperatures fuel rapid plant growth.

🐠 Satellites unveil sea turtle mysteries, mapping their movements during their ‘lost years’.

🐠 A recent study warns that the climate crisis could skyrocket collisions between whale sharks and ships up to 15,000 times by 2100. 

🐠 Water companies forced to cut bills after failing to meet key targets on pollution and leaks.

CLASH OF THE PENGUINS

From this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, Andy Rouse brings us a shot of what looks like a heated penguin confrontation. It’s officially titled ‘Alright Mate Back off – this is my bird’. How would you caption this stand-off?

Image credits
 Iceberg heart © Kelvin Trautman | Adélie penguins swimming © Keith Ladzinski | Algae octopus © Jacob Guy | Penguin confrontation © Andy Rouse