Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Intense geomagnetic storms could make auroras visible in southern US

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:51:05 +0000

Major disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field may make northern lights visible far more south than usual

The aurora could be visible across Canada and much of the northern tier of US states on Monday night, and possibly even further south, following a major disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field, a forecast shows.

The forecast, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather prediction center, comes amid intense geomagnetic and solar radiation storms, said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at the center.

Australia’s largest coal power plant to operate an extra two years to support national grid

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:46:21 +0000

Life of Eraring power station in Lake Macquarie extended to April 2029, Origin Energy says

Water firms could be let off pollution fines as part of government overhaul

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 22:30:06 +0000

Exclusive: Campaigners claim changes will let companies ‘off the hook’, as government prepares to unveil new white paper for water industry

Water companies could be let off fines for polluting the environment under changes announced in the government’s new white paper.

The environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, hailed the changes as “once-in-a-generation reforms” featuring “tough oversight, real accountability and no more excuses”.

Bill Gates charity trust’s holdings in fossil fuel firms rise despite divestment claims

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:00:25 +0000

Trust had $254m invested in companies such as Chevron, BP and Shell in 2024, a nine-year record, analysis shows

The Gates Foundation Trust holds hundreds of millions of dollars in fossil fuel extractors despite Bill Gates’ claims of divestment made in 2019.

End-of-year filings reveal that in 2024 the trust invested $254m in companies that extract fossil fuels such as Chevron, BP and Shell. This was a nine-year record and up 21% from 2016, Guardian analysis found. Adjusting for inflation, it was the highest amount since 2019.

Scientists warn of ‘regime shift’ as seaweed blooms expand worldwide

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:21 +0000

Study links rapid growth of ocean macroalgae to global heating and nutrient pollution

Scientists have warned of a potential “regime shift” in the oceans, as the rapid growth of huge mats of seaweed appears to be driven by global heating and excessive enrichment of waters from farming runoff and other pollutants.

Over the past two decades, seaweed blooms have expanded by a staggering 13.4% a year in the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific, with the most dramatic increases occurring after 2008, according to researchers at the University of South Florida.

‘We thought they would ignore us’: how humans are changing the way raptors behave

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:20 +0000

Experts call for tighter regulation as GPS tracking reveals how people’s behaviour affects the lives of some of the world’s largest birds

Many people look up to admire the silhouette of raptors, some of the planet’s largest birds, soaring through seemingly empty skies. But increasingly, research shows us that this fascination runs both ways. From high above, these birds are watching us too.

Sydney Harbour shark attack: second incident in two days as police warn against swimming

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:06:25 +0000

Police praise fast actions and bravery of boy’s friends on Sunday as he faces ‘fight for his life’ in hospital

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Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44183-025-00173-y

Trophic group responses to marine reserve protection in temperate and tropical reefs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Walking the talk: voluntary actions on marine protected areas on the high seas

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

npj Ocean Sustainability, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44183-026-00181-6

Walking the talk: voluntary actions on marine protected areas on the high seas

15 years after Fukushima, Japan prepares to restart the world’s biggest nuclear plant

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:46:10 +0000

A return to nuclear power is at the heart of Japan’s energy policy but, in the wake of the 2011 disaster, residents’ fears about tsunamis, earthquakes and evacuation plans remain