The Next Swell

The United Nations?@General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 3rd as the United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD). This day holds significance as the day that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973. The UNGA Resolution designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar. Wildlife is the heartbeat of our planet, supporting ecosystems, economies, and communities. Yet, with 1M+ species at risk, it is incredibly important to act now!?For us to enjoy the benefits and the beauty that nature brings us and our planet, people have been working together to make sure ecosystems are able to thrive and plant and animal species are able to exist for future generations. Did you know? Over half of the world’s GDP?depends on nature, yet current funding for biodiversity falls $681B short of what’s needed annually. It's time to rethink how we invest?in our planet! This World Wildlife Day, conservationists are exploring innovative ways to fund conservation—from Debt-for-Nature swaps to Wildlife Conservation Bonds? ?—to secure a sustainable future for people & planet. Photo: WWD Poster, design by Marc Petrelis. Credit: United Nations Source: https://lnkd.in/grBStKHk . . . . . #TheNextSwell #UnitedNations #WorldWildLifeDay2025 #WorldWildLifeDay?#FinanceForNature #InvestInWildlife #BiodiversityMatters #NatureEconomy #SDGs #SustainableFuture

Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, have been around for 400+ million years, but their reproductive habits remain a mystery. Despite their massive size (up to 18 meters!), baby whale sharks (neonates) are rarely seen—only ~35 sightings worldwide in 50 years! A new study in Ecology and Evolution connects neonate sightings to Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs)—areas with extremely low oxygen levels. Researchers propose two theories: 1. Intentional birth near OMZs – offering protection from predators and abundant food. 2. Random birth, but forced near the surface – since neonates can’t tolerate low oxygen, making them easier to spot. With climate change increasing OMZs, the survival of these endangered sharks could be at risk. Protecting key habitats, using biologging tech to track oxygen levels, and studying climate impact are crucial steps forward. Photo: Whale sharks give birth to live young. Credit: Wildestanimal???| Getty Images Source:?Womersley, F.C., Waller, M.J. and Sims, D.W. (2025), Do Whale Sharks Select for Specific Environments to Give Birth?. Ecol Evol, 15: e70930.?https://lnkd.in/eUifz9ms . . . . . #TheNextSwell #SaveTheWhaleSharks #OceanConservation #SharkScience #EndangeredSpecies #ClimateChangeImpact

In an exciting new collaboration, the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has partnered with innovative AI startup Brightband?to transform decades of weather data into an AI-ready, open-source treasure trove. Over the next two years, experts will convert diverse observations—from satellites and weather balloons to ground-based stations—into a unified archive spanning from 1970 to today. This project aims to simplify access for researchers and enthusiasts by creating a one-stop repository that lowers entry barriers for using machine learning in weather forecasting. By modernizing outdated formats into streamlined, cloud-optimized versions, the initiative will speed up data processing and empower the development of next-generation forecasting tools. A project leader explained that having a comprehensive, easy-to-use dataset will accelerate scientific discovery and drive innovative AI applications in climate modeling. The transformation promises to enhance forecast accuracy and support broader efforts in environmental research, paving the way for more reliable weather predictions. Committed to open data and global collaboration, this venture merges deep scientific expertise with cutting-edge AI techniques to push the boundaries of weather and climate research. By fostering interdisciplinary innovation, the project is set to revolutionize our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and improve forecasting capabilities worldwide. This initiative not only represents a significant leap forward in weather data utilization but also inspires new approaches in environmental forecasting that can benefit communities across the globe. Photo Credit: Theo Stein, NOAA Communications Source:?https://lnkd.in/eHaGDJn9 . . . . . #TheNextSwell #AIWeather #ClimateTech #OpenData #Innovation #DataScience #WeatherForecasting

An international team of scientists just completed an epic 55-day deep-sea?expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) off the coast of Chile, uncovering nearly 20 methane seeps and exploring four never-before-seen submarine canyons! With cutting-edge ROV tech streaming live from the deep, researchers documented possibly 60+ new species, spotted commercially valuable fish thriving near seeps, and mapped vast underwater landscapes never seen by human eyes. Highlights from the expedition include: o Massive tubeworm mounds attracting Chile’s iconic congrio colorado eel o Glowing deep-sea anglerfish still awaiting identification o Humboldt squid congregations feasting near the seeps o Shimmering polychaete worms that went viral! This mission proves deep-sea ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots, playing a crucial role in ocean health. Scientists?will now analyze samples to confirm their groundbreaking finds! Source:?https://lnkd.in/eVFn836c Photo:?A basket star, sea urchin, and sea star perch on a tubeworm casing near the Concepción Seep off the coast of Chile. Bivalve mollusk shells can also be seen in the background. Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute. . . . . . #TheNextSwell #DeepSeaDiscovery #OceanExploration #ScienceAtSea #Biodiversity #SchmidtOcean #FalkorToo #ChileExpedition

Are you a graduate student focused on marine?conservation? Are you in need of funds to support tuition or research costs? If so, then check out The Next Swell scholarship! https://lnkd.in/ehdusfUJ The application window opens at midnight (EST) and goes to 15 March 2025. Those selected will receive $5,000?to be used towards their?research. Check out the eligibility requirements:? Must be pursuing a graduate degree The degree must focus on ocean conservation Must be a U.S. citizen/legal permanent resident Funds must be used for used for your degree Shoot us a DM?or email?([email protected]) with any questions! Happy applying! . . . . . #TheNextSwell #scholarship?#funding?#marinescience?#marineconservation?#oceanconservation?#phd?#masters?#graduate?#graduatefunding

As we dive into 2025 and all the positive changes it will bring, let's take a moment to celebrate some inspiring conservation successes of 2024 highlighted by Conservation Optimism. Nine countries unite to protect endangered river dolphins, creating safe habitats and advancing research to halt their decline. Nepal celebrates a tiger population that tripled from 112 to 335! With 66 hectares of restored forest and 40,000+ community members involved, this is a game-changer. Indigenous leaders in the Pacific grant whales legal personhood, a bold move to protect these majestic creatures and press governments to take action. The Iberian lynx has officially bounced back! Numbers have doubled, and the species is no longer considered endangered after years of dedicated conservation efforts. UNESCO adds 6 new natural World Heritage Sites, preserving some of the planet's most unique ecosystems, from pristine peat bogs to remote species hotspots. Major win for Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia! 60 hatchlings were born in Cardamom National Park, giving hope for the survival of this critically endangered species. 1,000 rescued lemurs and tortoises are heading back to their rightful home in Madagascar, marking a triumph for wildlife protection and restoration. Rangers in the DRC are turning the “triangle of death” into a thriving wildlife reserve, proving that even the most challenging areas can recover with dedication and support. Let's carry this momentum into 2025! See more highlights at: https://lnkd.in/eRQm9u2k . . . . . #TheNextSwell #ConservationWins #WildlifeProtection #SaveOurPlanet #2024Success #NatureIsResilient #EcoWarriors #Biodiversity #ConservationHeroes #EarthLove #SustainableFuture #TogetherWeCan

The hottest fashion trend of the season is here, and the new go-to accessory is salmon hats. Yes, you heard that right. Hats made of salmon. It goes with everything and every occasion! These hats are not worn by humans, but by orcas (Orcinus orca) - an orca off the coast of Washington State was spotted with a dead salmon on its head. And while scientists are not sure exactly why they're exhibiting this behavior, they do know that it has happened before. This is the first time they've donned the bizarre headgear since the summer of 1987, when a trendsetting female West Coast orca kickstarted the behavior for no apparent reason. Within a couple of weeks, the rest of the pod had jumped on the bandwagon and turned salmon corpses into must-have fashion accessories. Researchers think the orcas sporting salmon hats now may be veterans of the trend when it first appeared nearly 40 years ago. But they still don't know the reason for the original trend or it's resurgence.?Salmon hats are a perfect example of what researchers call a "fad" - a behavior initiated by one or two individuals and temporarily picked up by others before it's abandoned. Back in the 1980s, the trend only lasted a year; by the summer of 1988, dead fish were totally passé and salmon hats disappeared from the West Coast orca population. Orca researchers' best guess is that salmon hat fads are linked to high food availability. South Puget Sound is currently teeming with chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), and with too much food to eat on the spot, orcas may be saving fish for later by balancing them on their heads.?Orcas have previously been spotted stashing food away in other places, too. Large chunks of food have previously been noted carried under the pectoral fins. Salmon is probably too small to fit securely under orcas' pectoral fins, so the marine mammals possibly opted for the top of their heads instead. What do you think - are salmon hats the fashion craze that will sweep across the world's oceans, or will this go the way of mullets, shutter shades, and long-sleeved shirts under t-shirts and be gone just as fast? Let us know what you think in the comments! Photo: An orca spotted in Puget Sound in October 2024 wearing a salmon on its head.?Credit: Jim Pasola/Orca Network Whale Sighting Report. https://lnkd.in/eanAMPdQ . . . . . ?#TheNextSwell #Orcas #SalmonHats #WildlifeBehavior #MarineConservation #OrcaTrends #AnimalCulture #OceanLife #EvolutionaryEcology #MarineResearch #WildlifeMysteries??

It's #GivingTuesday, and we would love your support at The Next Swell! Over the past four years, The Next Swell has awarded 13 scholarships and two grants, totaling almost $50,000! These students work on all conservation areas, from abalone and oysters?? to sharks?? and monk seals to coral reefs ?? , whales ?? , and manta rays. To see a complete list, check out thenextswell.org But none of this would be possible without you ?? . So, let's keep it going and fund more scholarships to help save our oceans! Please visit our website or visit our Facebook page and donate today!

A new study in Ocean & Coastal Management examines how alternative conservation methods, called "Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures" (OECMs), can complement Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in protecting biodiversity, using Indonesia?as a case study. While MPAs are vital for preserving marine life, they alone aren't enough to combat growing environmental threats. OECMs, managed by Indigenous peoples, local communities, or private sectors, can help meet global biodiversity goals by incorporating local values and sustainable practices. In Indonesia, the study found 382 potential marine OECMs covering over 10 million hectares, protecting key coastal habitats like seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reefs. Combining OECMs with MPAs could enhance conservation efforts, protecting more than half of Indonesia’s seagrass and coral reefs. These OECMs also act as ecological corridors, improving connectivity between MPAs and supporting sustainable resource management. The study suggests that recognizing OECMs alongside MPAs could increase Indonesia's marine conservation network by 13% by 2030, helping the country meet its conservation targets. OECMs are especially valuable in areas where traditional MPAs are not feasible and can enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change. Photo: Infographic detailing the advantages of recognizing OECMs as an addition to MPAs. Credit: Estradivari et al, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) https://lnkd.in/e9mYCtvq . . . . . #TheNextSwell?#MarineConservation?#Biodiversity?#OECMs?#MarineProtectedAreas?#Indonesia?#ClimateResilience?#SustainableDevelopment?#OceanConservation

?? Monthly Feature: Eco-Friendly Companies We Admire! ?? This month, The Next Swell is barking with excitement over ?? West Paw! ?? This eco-conscious brand creates durable, non-toxic dog toys and cozy beds filled with recycled water bottle fibers. Not only are they perfect for your pet ?? , but their sustainable packaging uses recycled paper and soy-based inks, too! West Paw goes beyond green by encouraging customers to ?? return worn-out toys to be recycled ?? into new ones, supporting a true circular economy. Why we’re obsessed: ?? B-Corp Certified ??Built-to-last durability ??Non-toxic & pet-safe ??Recycled packaging with soy ink ??Reuse program for damaged toys Price Range: $10 – $99 Check them out here: www.westpaw.com #EcoFriendly #WestPaw #SustainableLiving #TheNextSwell #EcoPets