State of the Oceans — Log 87
YOUR WEEKLY BRIEFING FROM PARLEY
This image by the NOAA. Header image by Maria Teneva
MARINE LIFE
Once prized as pelts, sea otters across North America’s Pacific coast have slowly recovered from centuries of hunting. Now, a new study published in Science shows that their return brings economic and ecological benefits. Sea otters are a fundamental part of their coastal habitats. They are keystone predators, meaning their presence helps to support the whole ecosystem. Now that otters are back, fish numbers have increased, tourism has boomed, and carbon-absorbing kelp forests have rebounded too. While the region’s shellfishery argues that sea otters compete for their catch, this research estimates that the economic gains of otters’ return were seven times greater than the costs to commercial fisheries.
CLIMATE CHANGE
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world has sixth months to avoid a resurgence in carbon emissions that would exacerbate the climate crisis. Previously, the IEA reported that COVID-19 could mean the permanent end of fossil fuels if governments prioritize green stimulus packages. Now that social distancing restrictions are beginning to lift - and emissions reductions have begun to wane - the agency again warns that a global, renewable recovery is needed to mitigate climate change. How we recover from this pandemic could determine the state of the planet in 2050. As the IEA explains: “If emissions rebound, it is very difficult to see how they will be brought down in future. This is why we are urging governments to have sustainable recovery packages.”
OIL SPILL
In late May, a fuel tank ruptured at a Russian nickel mine, sending 150,000 barrels of oil into one of the country’s northern rivers. Now, nations are bracing for impacts as the oil slick begins to move towards the Arctic Ocean. Responding to this disaster is no small feat. Ships and personnel must travel quickly from southern ports. Experts must track the spill through multiple river systems and shifting sea ice. Most difficult of all, the Arctic Council must act with the upmost diplomacy. In 2013, the council’s eight member countries agreed to share information and resources throughout oil spill responses, but the group’s relations have been strained since Russia invaded Ukraine. According to the council, Russia has not yet asked for aid. Worst of all, it is the largest recorded oil spill in Arctic history.
INNOVATION
In the UK, construction is underway for the world’s largest liquid air battery – a revolutionary technology that could help reduce carbon emissions and store renewable power. The new device works by using renewable energy to compress air into a storable liquid. When power is needed, the air is turned back into a gas that spins a turbine. The turbine, in turn, supplies the grid with renewable power. Unlike comparable hydro or gravity batteries, which have specific spatial requirements, this one only needs air. To Javier Cavada – CEO of Highview Power – the beauty of his company’s product is that it can be built anywhere: “Air is everywhere in the world. The main competitor is really not other storage technologies but fossil fuels, as people still want to continue building gas and coal-fired plants today, strangely enough.”
CORALS
Off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, the Fujairah Adventure Center is building artificial coral reefs with the hope of reviving local sea life. By breaking live corals up into smaller pieces and re-planting them, the team plans to cover 300,000 square meters with 1.5 million corals in just five years. With the help of volunteers, this project has already planted 9,000 corals across 600 square meters. While experts say it will take time to rehabilitate the local coral ecosystem, the country’s government has promised to support the project and provide technical assistance. “We’re recreating the coral reef environment and system,” said the country’s ministry director of marine environment research, “Which will become a habitat for species that are threatened and become a nice environment for diving tourism.”
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