ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Nations, NGOs, and Indigenous organizations unite to end bottom trawling on seamounts by 2026, marking a major victory for deep-sea conservation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reached a defining moment in global ocean governance, as delegates at the 2025 World Conservation Congress (WCC) overwhelmingly approved a motion to phase out destructive fishing practices on seamounts by the end of 2026.
Motion 032, spearheaded by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) and led by WWF Australia, calls for an end to bottom trawling on seamounts in international waters. The proposal passed with near-unanimous support — winning 95% of votes from States and government agencies and an extraordinary 99% from NGOs and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations.
“This is a tangible step toward ocean protection at a global scale,” said Bronwen Golder, Global Seamounts Campaign Director at the DSCC. “With the High Seas Treaty now ratified, 2030’s goal to protect 30% of the ocean fast approaching, and next year’s UN Bottom Fisheries Review, this is a critical moment to prioritize seamount protection worldwide.”
Seamounts — underwater mountains rising thousands of meters from the ocean floor — are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide feeding grounds and habitats for deep-sea corals, sponges, whales, sharks, and turtles. Yet for decades, industrial bottom trawling has devastated these fragile ecosystems, destroying ancient coral formations and threatening countless marine species.
The motion draws upon two decades of scientific evidence confirming that bottom trawling causes “widespread, irreversible degradation” to deep-sea environments. The United Nations’ Second World Ocean Assessment (2021) identified bottom trawling as the single greatest threat to seamount ecosystems.
Kate Noble, Senior Manager for Oceans Policy at WWF Australia, hailed the decision:
“The world is waking up to the vital importance of seamounts, for so long hidden in the depths. Whales, corals, seabirds,…
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Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals alarming findings about the impact of declining aerosol levels on heatwave occurrences in populated regions. As heatwaves become more frequent worldwide, this study—published in Environmental Research Letters—highlights how reducing aerosols, which contribute to air pollution, may be exacerbating…
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Sustainability Has Left the Silo
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First spotted in the 1980s, Bartram’s and Altamaha bass now officially distinct species
A team of ecologists from the University of Georgia has made a significant discovery, identifying two new species of black bass: Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass. This breakthrough is detailed in a new paper, expanding the understanding of these riverine fish.
Though these species are newly described, they have been known to local ecologists for years. Bud Freeman, the lead author of the study and a senior public service associate emeritus at the UGA Odum School of Ecology, first encountered what is now known as Micropterus pucpuggy, or Bartram’s bass, in the 1980s. Remarkably, a couple he met showed him the distinct fish in their cooler, but they declined his offer to buy it, opting instead to take the bass home for dinner.
Freeman’s interest was piqued by the fish’s unique characteristics, prompting years of research. The study involved collecting samples from 14 locations in the Savannah and Saluda River basins for Bartram’s bass and 14 locations in the Altamaha and Ogeechee River basins for Altamaha bass.
The two new species, previously thought to be the same as the redeye bass, display notable physical and genetic differences. Bartram’s bass are light gold with dark brown blotches, a rosy-pink fin, and striking red…
New Research Highlights Importance of Clear Regulations in Agricultural Gene Editing
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Bodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
A new study from the University of Vienna reveals that sea anemones use a molecular mechanism known from bilaterian animals to form their back-to-belly body axis. This mechanism (“BMP shuttling”) enables cells to organize themselves during development by interpreting signaling gradients. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that…
In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
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Kristina was more than a scholar—she was a force for change. A master’s…
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Bacteria that ‘shine a light’ on microplastic pollution
By Yves Ducrot / Environmental ReporterMicroplastics, tiny plastic particles often too small to see, have become a significant environmental concern found in our air, soil, and water. Measuring their presence is crucial for directing cleanup efforts, yet current detection methods are often slow, costly, or overly complex. In a groundbreaking study published in ACS Sensors, researchers have introduced a novel living sensor that attaches to plastic and generates green fluorescence, allowing for the quick identification of microplastics in real-world water samples.
Traditionally, scientists have relied on advanced microscopy or analytical tools like infrared and Raman spectroscopy to detect microplastics in water. While these techniques are accurate, they involve multiple steps for sample preparation and can be pretty time-consuming. In an effort to simplify the process, a team led by Song Lin Chua has engineered a living microplastics sensor using the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is commonly found in the environment and capable of forming biofilms on plastic surfaces.
The researchers modified a non-infectious strain of P. aeruginosa by incorporating two genes: one that activates when the bacterium comes into contact with plastic and another that produces a green-fluorescent protein in response. Laboratory tests revealed that the engineered bacteria glowed in the presence of various plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene, while showing no fluorescence with materials like glass and sand. Remarkably, fluorescence could be detected within just three hours, and the modified bacteria remained active for up to three days when stored at refrigerator temperatures.
To further assess the biosensor’s practical applications, the team tested it in seawater obtained…
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Investing in local communities: Clean Power Alliance invites applications for the 2025-26 Community Benefits Grant
The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) announced the opening of its 2025-26 Community Benefits Grant application period. This unique program, launched in 2021 in collaboration with Calpine Community Energy, aims to support nonprofit organizations that are advancing clean energy initiatives and promoting sustainability across Southern California.
This year, CPA has earmarked a total of $339,000 for this grant cycle. Of this funding, $50,000 was previously allocated to assist four local organizations in response to the recent Eaton and Palisades fires. The remaining $289,000 will be awarded to between nine to 12 organizations spread across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Gina Goodhill, Senior Director of Government Affairs at CPA, stated, “At Clean Power Alliance, our mission is to enhance Southern California’s resilience and sustainability through improved access to clean energy and community-driven initiatives. We aim to partner with nonprofit organizations that have a deep understanding of their communities’ needs. This grant is an opportunity to create a significant and positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Eligible projects may focus on five main pathways: 1) Research 2) Education 3) Environmental and Social Justice Communities 4) Workforce Development 5) Resilience. The grants, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, will be available to nonprofits operating…
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Led by graduate students Maria…
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