The whales that help cool the planet

When we think about tackling climate change, we picture land-based initiatives like wind farms, electric cars and forests of newly planted trees. We don’t usually picture a 40-tonne whale. But according to a group of economists writing for the International Monetary Fund, we probably should.
Early signs seabird protections are working

The numbers of seabirds dying on hooks in the New Zealand’s surface tuna longline fleet has dropped significantly – early signs that measures made mandatory in 2024 are working.
Largest-ever black petrel satellite tracking study reveals surprises as tākoketai takes flight for Bird of the Year

Young tākoketai black petrel fledglings have surprised researchers by flying up to 26,000km and as far north as Mexico over three months, with some birds taking massive detours on their migration to Ecuador.
New funding to help publish groundbreaking science on kelp forests and climate

Live Ocean today announced a further $100,000 donation from Hugo Charitable Trust that will help support Dr Caitlin Blain, of the University of Auckland, as she moves into the next phase of her pioneering research into the role kelp forests play in the coastal carbon cycle.
Researchers explain latest findings from largest tākoketai black petrel study

For years, tracking the migration of tākoketai black petrel was a race against the battery. Devices lasted only a couple of months – long enough to watch a chick leave the colony, but not long enough to see where its journey truly ended. That has changed.
New Zealand Renews Permit to Bottom Trawl South Pacific Seamounts

Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) issuing of an International Fishing Permit undermines obligations to protect seamounts and other vulnerable marine ecosystems on the high seas.
“It’s time to protect our seamounts for good”

The debate has gone on long enough. It’s time for action. There are practical steps that can be taken now to reduce the impact of bottom trawling while supporting a managed transition for industry. That should begin with protecting seamounts.
Live Ocean pushes the government to act on bottom trawling

The Swim4TheOcean petition was formally presented and read in Parliament on 29 April. Last week, on 10 June, Live Ocean and Jono Ridler lodged a written submission in support of the petition’s call to end bottom trawling, outlining in more detail our case for change. Our submission highlights that only Government can lead the change, based on the scientific evidence on bottom trawling impacts, the growth in public concern, and how New Zealand remains out of step internationally.
Tracking Giants Across the Pacific: Manta Watch’s Biggest Expedition Yet

Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for its biggest expedition yet, with Lydia Green joining a 1,100-nautical-mile voyage from Aotearoa to Tonga to investigate mysterious deaths of endangered oceanic manta rays.
47 young black petrels are heading across the Pacific, and for the first time, we can follow them

From Aotea to Ecuador, researchers are tracking the first migration of 47 young black petrels across the Pacific Flyway in the largest black petrel tracking study ever undertaken.