News
Great Barrier Reef Corals are ‘eating plastic’, say scientists
It’s been discovered that the Great Barrier Reef’s corals are starting to eat plastic, causing concern among marine biologists.
Coral consumes practically anything that is available in the water. When microplastics are present in the ocean, corals will consume them. Unfortunately microplastics can’t be processed by the corals, and the substance collects within their digestive systems.
“If microplastic pollution increases on the Great Barrier Reef, corals could be negatively affected as their tiny stomach-cavities become full of indigestible plastic,” said Mia Hoogenboom from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University.
Microplastics are common throughout many of the World’s oceans. Negative environmental impacts of contamination by these fragments can be severe, particularly in regions occupied by inshore coral reefs, researchers report. Despite their effects on marine lifeforms, little is known about the effect of microplastics on the ocean environment.
Waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef were studied and found to contain various forms of plastics, including polystyrene and polyethylene, although their concentrations were limited.
To test how these tiny pieces of plastic can affect lifeforms in the Great Barrier Reef, researchers placed corals into a tank laced with microplastics. Investigators found the corals started to eat the pollution within just a couple of days.
“Corals get energy from photosynthesis by symbiotic algae living within their tissues, but they also feed on a variety of other food including zooplankton, sediment and other microscopic organisms that live in seawater. We found that the corals ate plastic at rates only slightly lower than their normal rate of feeding on marine plankton,” said Nora Hall, a James Cook University graduate.
In fact, the researchers discovered that the corals consumed microplastics at nearly the same rate as they do plankton. When researchers examined the corals, they found plastic stuck inside digestive tissue within the polyp of the marine organisms. This could suggest that the pollution could prevent corals’ ability to digest food effectively.
Future research will examine the effect these microplastics have on the health of corals, as well as other marine species. Part of this study will determine if fish around coral reefs also consume plastics, and how the pollution could alter their digestive processes.
Source: www.techtimes.com
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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