In a daring maritime rescue operation, three individuals were saved from a dire situation in the Coral Sea, just off the coast of Cairns, Australia. Their catamaran had suffered severe damage during a series of shark attacks.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) orchestrated the early morning rescue, which took place approximately 835 kilometres&nbsp;away from Cairns. The distress signal received from the vessel prompted this swift response.

<h2>Rescue coordination&nbsp;</h2>

At 1:30 am, AMSA sprang into action upon detecting an emergency beacon, registered under the Russian flag. The beacon emanated from the nine-metre&nbsp;inflatable catamaran named "Tion," which had embarked on its journey from Vanuatu with Cairns as its intended destination. The statement issued by AMSA confirmed that multiple shark assaults left both of the catamaran's hulls damaged, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-surfer-rides-wave-with-large-shark-on-paddleboard-video-628670">Australian surfer rides wave with large shark on paddleboard | Video</a>

<h2>Multi-pronged rescue efforts&nbsp;</h2>

Facing this dire predicament, AMSA called upon the assistance of the Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, the Dugong Ace. Additionally, they deployed the challenger rescue aircraft based in Cairns to the location of the distressed vessel.

The operation concluded on a triumphant note as the Dugong Ace successfully saved the three individuals onboard, consisting of two Russian nationals and one French citizen. They are expected to reach Brisbane safely by Thursday&nbsp;morning.

AMSA took this opportunity to emphasise the importance of carrying a distress beacon when navigating the open waters. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of being prepared for emergencies at sea.

Australia stands out as a global hub for dangerous wildlife, particularly in the realm of marine predators, with nearly 200 shark species making its waters their home.

February this year witnessed a tragic incident in which a 59-year-old Australian tourist fell victim to a shark attack while swimming near a pontoon in New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory. The attack occurred 150 metres&nbsp;offshore, emphasising the proximity of these predators to recreational beachgoers.

Experts have pinpointed great white sharks as the primary culprits of attacks on humans, closely followed by tiger sharks, underlining the heightened risk swimmers may face in Australian waters.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indonesian conservationists save wild sharks using 'trackers'

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Aside from bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great white sharks, even in regions far beyond Australia, interactions between sharks and humans are a cause for concern. Recently, Kevin Christopherson, a wildlife photographer, captured startling footage at San Onofre State Beach in the US, revealing just how closely sharks can approach unsuspecting beachgoers.

Adding to the apprehension, a recent study conducted by California State University unveiled that sharks frequently swim closer to humans than previously assumed. Over two years, researchers conducted more than 1,500 drone flights in southern Santa Barbara County and central San Diego County. The findings indicated that sharks were observed in proximity to humans on 97% of the surveyed days, often within 50 yards of wave breaks. Surfers and stand-up paddleboarders, in particular, were found to be in closer proximity to these marine predators. This study underscores the importance of vigilance and safety precautions when sharing waters with these remarkable yet potentially perilous creatures.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a daring maritime rescue operation, three individuals were saved from a dire situation in the Coral Sea, just off the coast of Cairns, Australia. Their catamaran had suffered severe damage during a series of shark attacks.

In a daring maritime rescue operation, three individuals were saved from a dire situation in the Coral Sea, just off the coast of Cairns, Australia. Their catamaran had suffered severe damage during a series of shark attacks. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) orchestrated the early morning rescue, which took place approximately 835 kilometres away from Cairns. The distress signal received from the vessel prompted this swift response. Rescue coordination At 1:30 am, AMSA sprang into action upon detecting an emergency beacon, registered under the Russian flag. The beacon emanated from the nine-metre inflatable catamaran named "Tion," which had embarked on its journey from Vanuatu with Cairns as its intended destination. The statement issued by AMSA confirmed that multiple shark assaults left both of the catamaran's hulls damaged, as reported by Reuters. Also read | Australian surfer rides wave with large shark on paddleboard | Video Multi-pronged rescue efforts Facing this dire predicament, AMSA called upon the assistance of the Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, the Dugong Ace. Additionally, they deployed the challenger rescue aircraft based in Cairns to the location of the distressed vessel. The operation concluded on a triumphant note as the Dugong Ace successfully saved the three individuals onboard, consisting of two Russian nationals and one French citizen. They are expected to reach Brisbane safely by Thursday morning. AMSA took this opportunity to emphasise the importance of carrying a distress beacon when navigating the open waters. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of being prepared for emergencies at sea. Australia stands out as a global hub for dangerous wildlife, particularly in the realm of marine predators, with nearly 200 shark species making its waters their home. February this year witnessed a tragic incident in which a 59-year-old Australian tourist fell victim to a shark attack while swimming near a pontoon in New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory. The attack occurred 150 metres offshore, emphasising the proximity of these predators to recreational beachgoers. Experts have pinpointed great white sharks as the primary culprits of attacks on humans, closely followed by tiger sharks, underlining the heightened risk swimmers may face in Australian waters. Also watch | Indonesian conservationists save wild sharks using 'trackers' Aside from bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great white sharks, even in regions far beyond Australia, interactions between sharks and humans are a cause for concern. Recently, Kevin Christopherson, a wildlife photographer, captured startling footage at San Onofre State Beach in the US, revealing just how closely sharks can approach unsuspecting beachgoers. Adding to the apprehension, a recent study conducted by California State University unveiled that sharks frequently swim closer to humans than previously assumed. Over two years, researchers conducted more than 1,500 drone flights in southern Santa Barbara County and central San Diego County. The findings indicated that sharks were observed in proximity to humans on 97% of the surveyed days, often within 50 yards of wave breaks. Surfers and stand-up paddleboarders, in particular, were found to be in closer proximity to these marine predators. This study underscores the importance of vigilance and safety precautions when sharing waters with these remarkable yet potentially perilous creatures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Dramatic rescue at sea: Catamaran survives shark attacks in coral sea

Here, we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: China has launched military drills around Taiwan Beijing has described the drills as a serious warning against Taiwan's Independence.

China launches military drills around Taiwan

Conservationists are on a mission to rescue a reef along the Florida Keys from an intense ocean heatwave. This heatwave has caused some serious coral bleaching, with certain areas of the reef already experiencing a whopping 100 percent bleaching.

Warm seas lead to coral bleaching off Florida coast

In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California.

This escalating wave height has been attributed to the warming of the planet, as evidenced by meticulous analysis of seismic records dating back to 1931, an approach devised by Oceanographer Peter Bromirski at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

The study stands as a testament to the profound impact of climate change on oceanic dynamics and coastal regions, reported the Associated Press.

<h2>Seismic records unveil waves' escalating stature</h2>

The methodology employed by Bromirski is distinctive in its use of seismic records to chart the transformation in wave height.

As waves crash against the shore, they generate a reverberation of energy through the seafloor, a signal captured by seismographs designed to detect seismic activity.

The intensity of this signal correlates with the height of the waves.

Conventionally, wave height data relied on buoys deployed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but these records only extended back to 1980, limiting the ability to comprehensively analyse historical trends.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/move-over-blue-whale-scientists-discover-40-million-year-old-earths-biggest-animal-ever-621809">Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth</a>

<h2>Unearthing decades of data: A gruelling endeavour</h2>

To extend the timeline of investigation, Bromirski enlisted a team of undergraduate students to scrutinise seismic data spanning decades.

This painstaking endeavour involved digitising voluminous paper records, a process that unfolded over several years.

Despite its labour-intensive nature, this undertaking yielded invaluable insights into the evolution of wave heights along California's coast over nearly a century.

The results of this study were striking. Average wave heights during winter months have augmented by up to a foot since 1970, a period that coincides with the onset of accelerated global warming.

Moreover, occurrences of swells measuring at least 13 feet have doubled in frequency between 1996 and 2016, in contrast to the period from 1949 to 1969.

A notable revelation was the absence of prolonged periods of exceptionally low wave heights prior to 1970, a phenomenon that has become virtually non-existent in subsequent years.

Also watch |&nbsp;What caused record rainfall in Beijing &amp; North China?

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<h2>Implications for coastal communities&nbsp;</h2>

These escalating wave patterns are not confined to the realm of statistics.

They manifest in tangible ways, with cascading consequences for coastal regions. Erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to vital infrastructure have surged, particularly when coupled with the rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Bromirski emphasised that these changes amplify the likelihood of destructive events and their frequency, contributing to a heightened risk landscape.

Oceanographer Gary Griggs, from the University of California Santa Cruz, who spoke to the Associated Press, noted that while a one-foot increase in wave height over half a century might not seem dramatic, it aligns with the broader trends seen in the world’s oceans.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California.

In a groundbreaking study, novel research has revealed a concerning trend — waves are surging to greater heights and surf reaching at least 13 feet (approximately 4 metres) is becoming more frequent off the coast of California. This escalating wave height has been attributed to the warming of the planet, as evidenced by meticulous analysis of seismic records dating back to 1931, an approach devised by Oceanographer Peter Bromirski at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The study stands as a testament to the profound impact of climate change on oceanic dynamics and coastal regions, reported the Associated Press. Seismic records unveil waves' escalating stature The methodology employed by Bromirski is distinctive in its use of seismic records to chart the transformation in wave height. As waves crash against the shore, they generate a reverberation of energy through the seafloor, a signal captured by seismographs designed to detect seismic activity. The intensity of this signal correlates with the height of the waves. Conventionally, wave height data relied on buoys deployed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but these records only extended back to 1980, limiting the ability to comprehensively analyse historical trends. Also read | Not blue whale, this 40mn-year-old animal is largest ever to have lived on Earth Unearthing decades of data: A gruelling endeavour To extend the timeline of investigation, Bromirski enlisted a team of undergraduate students to scrutinise seismic data spanning decades. This painstaking endeavour involved digitising voluminous paper records, a process that unfolded over several years. Despite its labour-intensive nature, this undertaking yielded invaluable insights into the evolution of wave heights along California's coast over nearly a century. The results of this study were striking. Average wave heights during winter months have augmented by up to a foot since 1970, a period that coincides with the onset of accelerated global warming. Moreover, occurrences of swells measuring at least 13 feet have doubled in frequency between 1996 and 2016, in contrast to the period from 1949 to 1969. A notable revelation was the absence of prolonged periods of exceptionally low wave heights prior to 1970, a phenomenon that has become virtually non-existent in subsequent years. Also watch | What caused record rainfall in Beijing & North China? Implications for coastal communities These escalating wave patterns are not confined to the realm of statistics. They manifest in tangible ways, with cascading consequences for coastal regions. Erosion, coastal flooding, and damage to vital infrastructure have surged, particularly when coupled with the rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Bromirski emphasised that these changes amplify the likelihood of destructive events and their frequency, contributing to a heightened risk landscape. Oceanographer Gary Griggs, from the University of California Santa Cruz, who spoke to the Associated Press, noted that while a one-foot increase in wave height over half a century might not seem dramatic, it aligns with the broader trends seen in the world’s oceans. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ocean waves are getting bigger as Earth gets warm, study says

The Defense Minister of Taiwan reports Chinese vessels crossing the media line and entering Taiwan's air defence identification zones. Philippines military expresses concern about an increase in Chinese fishing vessels in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, particularly near the oil and gas-rich Reed Bank.

Tensions rise over Chinese vessels in South-China sea

With the growing interest in mineral deposits, countries have joined the race to mine the deep sea. Norway intends to be among the first nations to allow deep-sea mining in its waters. The country plans to mine its continental shelf to procure minerals critical for renewable energy technologies.

Why Norway wants to mine the deep sea?

The Ukraine Black Sea grain deal has been extended for two more months, in what U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed as "good news for the world," a day before Russia could have quit the pact over obstacles to its grain and fertiliser exports.

Ukraine Black Sea grain deal extended for two months

Researchers have found the second-deepest blue hole in the world just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The underwater cavern, located in Chetumal Bay is said to be approximately 900 feet deep and 80 or so feet less than the world’s deepest known blue hole which was discovered nearly seven years ago in the South China Sea.

While the blue hole was discovered back in 2021, it was not until recently that it was studied and documented in the scientific journal Frontiers In Marine Science. The site dubbed, Taam ja’ which means “deep water” in Mayan, was surveyed and sampled by scuba divers, undersea sonar, and using various other methods.&nbsp;

What are blue holes?

According to LiveScience, blue holes are large, undersea vertical caves or sinkholes found in coastal regions. They are also typically home to a range of plant and marine life, including corals, sea turtles and sharks.&nbsp;

Blue holes form when seawater meets limestone. Since limestone is very porous, the water easily permeates the rock while the chemicals present in the water slowly eat the limestone away over time.&nbsp;

However, blue holes, due to a lack of proper means to access them remain largely insufficiently studied by scientists. In an email, a coastal geologist from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Christopher G. Smith told LiveScience, “They are largely poorly understood.”

The coastal geologist added that the unique seawater chemistry in blue holes suggests that they might interact with groundwater and possibly aquifers. Blue holes also contain very little oxygen, while sunlight only shines on their surface but despite these factors, they are home to various species that have adapted to the low-oxygen environment.&nbsp;

What do we know about the recent discovery?

Taam ja’, spans an area of 147,000 square feet and also has steep side slopes with a nearly 80-degree angle which form the “large conic structure,” noted the study. The mouth of the cavern sits around 15 feet below sea level. In 2021, scientists from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur), a public research centre coordinated by Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) first discovered the sinkhole.&nbsp;

The “origin and geological evolution of the TJBH (Taam ja’ Blue Hole) deserves further investigation,” researchers noted in the study. 
 
&nbsp;

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Researchers have found the second-deepest blue hole in the world just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The underwater cavern, located in Chetumal Bay is said to be approximately 900 feet deep and 80 or so feet less than the world’s deepest known blue hole which was discovered nearly seven years ago in the South China Sea.

Researchers have found the second-deepest blue hole in the world just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The underwater cavern, located in Chetumal Bay is said to be approximately 900 feet deep and 80 or so feet less than the world’s deepest known blue hole which was discovered nearly seven years ago in the South China Sea. While the blue hole was discovered back in 2021, it was not until recently that it was studied and documented in the scientific journal Frontiers In Marine Science. The site dubbed, Taam ja’ which means “deep water” in Mayan, was surveyed and sampled by scuba divers, undersea sonar, and using various other methods. What are blue holes? According to LiveScience, blue holes are large, undersea vertical caves or sinkholes found in coastal regions. They are also typically home to a range of plant and marine life, including corals, sea turtles and sharks. Blue holes form when seawater meets limestone. Since limestone is very porous, the water easily permeates the rock while the chemicals present in the water slowly eat the limestone away over time. However, blue holes, due to a lack of proper means to access them remain largely insufficiently studied by scientists. In an email, a coastal geologist from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Christopher G. Smith told LiveScience, “They are largely poorly understood.” The coastal geologist added that the unique seawater chemistry in blue holes suggests that they might interact with groundwater and possibly aquifers. Blue holes also contain very little oxygen, while sunlight only shines on their surface but despite these factors, they are home to various species that have adapted to the low-oxygen environment. What do we know about the recent discovery? Taam ja’, spans an area of 147,000 square feet and also has steep side slopes with a nearly 80-degree angle which form the “large conic structure,” noted the study. The mouth of the cavern sits around 15 feet below sea level. In 2021, scientists from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur), a public research centre coordinated by Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) first discovered the sinkhole. The “origin and geological evolution of the TJBH (Taam ja’ Blue Hole) deserves further investigation,” researchers noted in the study. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists discover world’s second-deepest blue hole off the coast of Mexico

A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore.

This ‘vampire fish’, as it is called due to its nature to extract the blood of its prey, was discovered on the Dutch island of Texel, reports UK-based Metro newspaper.

“I always have my eye out when driving on the beach for other interesting finds, and I saw a large eel-like fish lying on the water’s edge when driving by," he was quoted as saying.

“I immediately knew it was a sea lamprey, they are incredible fish. They resemble eels but they are jawless fish, they have a disc-like mouth filled with teeth.”

“I have never found one on the beach. They are amazing, almost alien-like looking fish, with an equally amazing lifestyle,” he added.

Known for sucking and drinking the blood of its prey, the seam lamprey is considered elusive as it was last sighted on the island in 2017.

According to experts, the nearly three-foot-long fish is incredibly old. They belong to the oldest group of vertebrates, the Agnatha, which existed more than 400 million years ago before there were fish with jaws.

The sea creature was later given to Ecomare, a nature museum, aquarium and sanctuary for seals and birds.

According to museum officials, sea lampreys are mainly found in the spring when they migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn.

It is said that sea lampreys do not have a jaw but instead have a sucker-shaped mouth with teeth in it—which they use it to attack fish and suck the blood out.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore.

A marine biologist who was walking on the shores of a beach in the Netherlands was startled when he found a rare and evasive creature, sea lamprey, washed ashore. This ‘vampire fish’, as it is called due to its nature to extract the blood of its prey, was discovered on the Dutch island of Texel, reports UK-based Metro newspaper. “I always have my eye out when driving on the beach for other interesting finds, and I saw a large eel-like fish lying on the water’s edge when driving by," he was quoted as saying. “I immediately knew it was a sea lamprey, they are incredible fish. They resemble eels but they are jawless fish, they have a disc-like mouth filled with teeth.” “I have never found one on the beach. They are amazing, almost alien-like looking fish, with an equally amazing lifestyle,” he added. Known for sucking and drinking the blood of its prey, the seam lamprey is considered elusive as it was last sighted on the island in 2017. According to experts, the nearly three-foot-long fish is incredibly old. They belong to the oldest group of vertebrates, the Agnatha, which existed more than 400 million years ago before there were fish with jaws. The sea creature was later given to Ecomare, a nature museum, aquarium and sanctuary for seals and birds. According to museum officials, sea lampreys are mainly found in the spring when they migrate from the sea to freshwater to spawn. It is said that sea lampreys do not have a jaw but instead have a sucker-shaped mouth with teeth in it—which they use it to attack fish and suck the blood out. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Rare blood-sucking fish found washed ashore at the Netherlands beach

Thousands of people dressed in white take to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to lay flowers and other gifts for Yemanja, the goddess of the sea in the Afro-Brazilian religions of Umbanda and Candomble.

Watch: Brazilians celebrate sea goddess Yemanja on Rio beach

In what is being seen as a 'Christmas miracle', four teenagers were found alive on an island in southwestern Australia today, after drifting overnight on choppy waters for about 30 kilometres (19 miles), authorities said. They drifted the whole night on inflatable paddleboards in choppy waters off Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula after being unable to fight the strong gusts of winds. They floated with the tide and arrived at Swan Island, a military training base on the opposite side of the bay, at around 2 a.m., police said. According to reports in the Guardian, the set of friends described their escape as a “miracle.”

The two boys aged 18 and two girls aged 18 and 19 were found on Swan Island off the Bellarine Peninsula about 9 am today after they got caught in strong easterly winds. 
Victoria Police said the group had set off Monday on two stand-up paddle boards from the town of Rosebud before the strong winds pushed them onto Port Philip bay, according to reports in CNN.

Read now | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australia-to-open-mission-in-maldives-invest-in-bangladesh-452325">Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh</a>

After battling the cold and feeling disoriented, the four found shelter in a hut but once the morning sunset in, they wandered the island and were finally found by security and then taken to hospital, said local police, according to CNN affiliate Nine News.

The police had serious concerns about the safety of the group and it was almost a miracle that they were found alive, said Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Terence Rowlands. Local residents claimed the teenagers were safe and well when they encountered them on their regular morning walk. Initially, the police had launched an emergency search overnight, patrolling the area in helicopters and boats with no success.&nbsp;

Read now | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-australia-virtual-summit-both-countries-firm-up-series-of-initiatives-to-boost-ties-464458">India-Australia virtual summit: Both countries firm up series of initiatives to boost ties</a>

Jack Shi, father of one of the teens was quoted as saying that they were happy and relieved that the group was found as they had become very desperate after not knowing about their whereabouts initially.

One of the teenagers, Rong Shi, 18 describes it as an ordeal that now feels like a dream, after their much-anticipated adventure went wrong.&nbsp; 
Reports in the Guardian say that Shi who was speaking from a hospital in Geelong explained how they were swept away by strong winds and carried across the bay.&nbsp; 
“There was a point where we were really tired. When I closed my eyes, I felt like I couldn’t feel my hands were still attached to my nerves. It still feels like a dream to me. I can’t believe we made it – if you look back, it’s really, it’s a miracle," he told the ABC.&nbsp;

Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Australia seeks to grow plants on moon by 2025

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As they drifted further from shore and failed to attract the attention of passing boats, two of them fell in the water and they decided to stay on the boards. 
“We found out that we really couldn’t turn direction so we just decided to stay on board and do nothing, to keep some energy. There was a point that it was really hard, because we could see the helicopters and boats searching for us,” Shi said.&nbsp;

Island security and military personnel ultimately alerted police who after the rescue said that this was like a Çhristmas miracle.' 
Winds in the area were easterly and south-easterly on Monday evening and overnight, blowing at 20-30km/h, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. 
However at South Channel Island – a close observation point – they reached 30-40km/h. The highest gust recorded was 52km/h at about 4 am, although the observation point is particularly exposed, duty forecaster Ilana Cherny said.&nbsp;

The group’s belongings including phones and IDs were found on the beach by a passerby at about 8 pm on Monday, triggering the search. The effort was called off at about 4 am due to deteriorating conditions but resumed at first light.

Rosebud is a popular summer tourist destination. Its main beach faces Port Phillip bay, approximately 25km from where the bay opens out into the Bass Strait.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being seen as a 'Christmas miracle', four teenagers were found alive on an island in southwestern Australia today, after drifting overnight on choppy waters for about 30 kilometres (19 miles), authorities said.

In what is being seen as a 'Christmas miracle', four teenagers were found alive on an island in southwestern Australia today, after drifting overnight on choppy waters for about 30 kilometres (19 miles), authorities said. They drifted the whole night on inflatable paddleboards in choppy waters off Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula after being unable to fight the strong gusts of winds. They floated with the tide and arrived at Swan Island, a military training base on the opposite side of the bay, at around 2 a.m., police said. According to reports in the Guardian, the set of friends described their escape as a “miracle.” The two boys aged 18 and two girls aged 18 and 19 were found on Swan Island off the Bellarine Peninsula about 9 am today after they got caught in strong easterly winds. Victoria Police said the group had set off Monday on two stand-up paddle boards from the town of Rosebud before the strong winds pushed them onto Port Philip bay, according to reports in CNN. Read now | Australia to open mission in Maldives; invest in Bangladesh After battling the cold and feeling disoriented, the four found shelter in a hut but once the morning sunset in, they wandered the island and were finally found by security and then taken to hospital, said local police, according to CNN affiliate Nine News. The police had serious concerns about the safety of the group and it was almost a miracle that they were found alive, said Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Terence Rowlands. Local residents claimed the teenagers were safe and well when they encountered them on their regular morning walk. Initially, the police had launched an emergency search overnight, patrolling the area in helicopters and boats with no success. Read now | India-Australia virtual summit: Both countries firm up series of initiatives to boost ties Jack Shi, father of one of the teens was quoted as saying that they were happy and relieved that the group was found as they had become very desperate after not knowing about their whereabouts initially. One of the teenagers, Rong Shi, 18 describes it as an ordeal that now feels like a dream, after their much-anticipated adventure went wrong. Reports in the Guardian say that Shi who was speaking from a hospital in Geelong explained how they were swept away by strong winds and carried across the bay. “There was a point where we were really tired. When I closed my eyes, I felt like I couldn’t feel my hands were still attached to my nerves. It still feels like a dream to me. I can’t believe we made it – if you look back, it’s really, it’s a miracle," he told the ABC. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Australia seeks to grow plants on moon by 2025 As they drifted further from shore and failed to attract the attention of passing boats, two of them fell in the water and they decided to stay on the boards. “We found out that we really couldn’t turn direction so we just decided to stay on board and do nothing, to keep some energy. There was a point that it was really hard, because we could see the helicopters and boats searching for us,” Shi said. Island security and military personnel ultimately alerted police who after the rescue said that this was like a Çhristmas miracle.' Winds in the area were easterly and south-easterly on Monday evening and overnight, blowing at 20-30km/h, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. However at South Channel Island – a close observation point – they reached 30-40km/h. The highest gust recorded was 52km/h at about 4 am, although the observation point is particularly exposed, duty forecaster Ilana Cherny said. The group’s belongings including phones and IDs were found on the beach by a passerby at about 8 pm on Monday, triggering the search. The effort was called off at about 4 am due to deteriorating conditions but resumed at first light. Rosebud is a popular summer tourist destination. Its main beach faces Port Phillip bay, approximately 25km from where the bay opens out into the Bass Strait. (With inputs from agencies)

Teenagers found alive on island after drifting away overnight on Australian waters

Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens. The seemingly laughable assumptions do sometimes have a point. How else would we fully explain construction of pyramids? The jury is still out.

Just like pyramids, how do we account for a 'yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below the sea level?

The question came into larger consideration after researchers from Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the University of Tubingen (Germany) found this underwater 'road' ('to Atlantis' they said!).

Nautilus, a sea exploration vessel, stumbled upon this 'road' earlier this year. The vessel was exploring a deep sea ridge just north of Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The 'brick road' was observed while the Nautilus surveyed the Liliʻuokalani ridge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).

PMNM is a huge marine conservation area, one of the world's largest. PMNM is so big that its total area exceeds that of all national parks in the US combined.

When Nautilus stumbled upon the 'road' it was time for researchers who were transfixed to screens at the surface to jump in their chairs.

"It's the road to Atlantis," a researcher on the radio can be heard saying

"The yellow brick road?" says another voice&nbsp;

"This is bizarre," added another member.&nbsp;

"Are you kidding me? This is crazy."

Best part is, we can see this moment as the expedition is available on Youtube.

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Those searching for conspiracy theories for this structure may have to be dejected this time. This 'brick road' has formed due to fractures in volcanic rocks on the seabed.&nbsp;

"The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin," reads a caption to the YouTube video.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-might-have-found-first-record-of-a-dinosaur-eating-a-mammal-544987">Scientists might have found ‘first record of a dinosaur eating a mammal’</a>

The conspiracy theorists need not be crestfallen. First glance at this structure may make anyone think that its a road to the unknown. And when it comes to sea exploration isn't this a fitting ode to our efforts till date?

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Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens.

Wondering whether aliens exist is perhaps the most favorite pastime of the modern era. Though the topic has, and continues to get serious scientific consideration, popular culture has been creative enough for people to periodically claim that they have seen or have been abducted by aliens. The seemingly laughable assumptions do sometimes have a point. How else would we fully explain construction of pyramids? The jury is still out. Just like pyramids, how do we account for a 'yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below the sea level? The question came into larger consideration after researchers from Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the University of Tubingen (Germany) found this underwater 'road' ('to Atlantis' they said!). Nautilus, a sea exploration vessel, stumbled upon this 'road' earlier this year. The vessel was exploring a deep sea ridge just north of Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean. The 'brick road' was observed while the Nautilus surveyed the Liliʻuokalani ridge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). PMNM is a huge marine conservation area, one of the world's largest. PMNM is so big that its total area exceeds that of all national parks in the US combined. When Nautilus stumbled upon the 'road' it was time for researchers who were transfixed to screens at the surface to jump in their chairs. "It's the road to Atlantis," a researcher on the radio can be heard saying "The yellow brick road?" says another voice "This is bizarre," added another member. "Are you kidding me? This is crazy." Best part is, we can see this moment as the expedition is available on Youtube. × Those searching for conspiracy theories for this structure may have to be dejected this time. This 'brick road' has formed due to fractures in volcanic rocks on the seabed. "The unique 90-degree fractures are likely related to heating and cooling stress from multiple eruptions at this baked margin," reads a caption to the YouTube video. Also Read | Scientists might have found ‘first record of a dinosaur eating a mammal’ The conspiracy theorists need not be crestfallen. First glance at this structure may make anyone think that its a road to the unknown. And when it comes to sea exploration isn't this a fitting ode to our efforts till date? You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Yellow brick road' found 3000 metres below surface of the sea

A research mission in the Maldives is diving 1,000 metres to probe the links between surface water and deep water. Can this underwater mission uncover deep sea mysteries? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary: Maldivian mission to probe deep sea mysteries

Three European MPs claim that by permitting raw sewage to be thrown into the North Sea and the Channel, the UK is endangering the health and marine life along the French coast.

Following sewage overflows into rivers and the sea brought on by heavy rain, pollution alerts have been issued for over 50 beaches in England and Wales.

The French MEPs charge that the UK has disregarded its environmental obligations and put fishing and marine life at risk.

British water firms have stated that they are spending money to find a solution.

The MEPs said in a letter requesting that the European Commission take legal or political action that the United Kingdom has ignored its environmental obligations since leaving the European Union.

Their claim was "just not true," according to a UK government spokesperson.

The UK was still a signatory to pertinent United Nations conventions on protecting shared waterways, the MEPs contended, even though it was no longer subject to EU laws.

The three MEPs are all members of En Marche, a pro-EU group supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. The chairman of the fishing committee of the European Parliament is one of them, Pierre Karleskind.

He stated that the UK could not be permitted to disregard its obligations under the terms of Brexit and jeopardise the 20 years of advancement of water quality standards in Europe.

The MEPs warn that short-term sewage leaks could endanger fishing, oyster farming, and bathing waters around the French coast. They could also have a negative impact on marine biodiversity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three European MPs claim that by permitting raw sewage to be thrown into the North Sea and the Channel, the UK is endangering the health and marine life along the French coast.

Three European MPs claim that by permitting raw sewage to be thrown into the North Sea and the Channel, the UK is endangering the health and marine life along the French coast. Following sewage overflows into rivers and the sea brought on by heavy rain, pollution alerts have been issued for over 50 beaches in England and Wales. The French MEPs charge that the UK has disregarded its environmental obligations and put fishing and marine life at risk. British water firms have stated that they are spending money to find a solution. The MEPs said in a letter requesting that the European Commission take legal or political action that the United Kingdom has ignored its environmental obligations since leaving the European Union. Their claim was "just not true," according to a UK government spokesperson. The UK was still a signatory to pertinent United Nations conventions on protecting shared waterways, the MEPs contended, even though it was no longer subject to EU laws. The three MEPs are all members of En Marche, a pro-EU group supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. The chairman of the fishing committee of the European Parliament is one of them, Pierre Karleskind. He stated that the UK could not be permitted to disregard its obligations under the terms of Brexit and jeopardise the 20 years of advancement of water quality standards in Europe. The MEPs warn that short-term sewage leaks could endanger fishing, oyster farming, and bathing waters around the French coast. They could also have a negative impact on marine biodiversity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French MEPs outraged by the UK's discharge of raw sewage into the sea

Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves.

Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline. They warned that the issue could rapidly become widespread, reports The Guardian.

Scientists have dubbed it an “alarming” development, saying that it highlights the&nbsp;climate crisis&nbsp;the world is facing.

Sea sponges are marine animals that have been around for about 600 million years. Their skeletons are dense and porous, and they adapt well to their particular habitat, attaching themselves to different types of surfaces, from rocks and corals&nbsp;to soft sediments, like mud and sand. They have even been known to fasten themselves to&nbsp;floating debris, according to the National Ocean Service.

Sponge gardens play a key role in marine ecosystems by creating habitats for fish and releasing carbon that other species feed on.

“As far as we’re aware, it’s the largest scale and largest number of sponges bleached in one event that’s been reported anywhere in the world… certainly in cold waters,” said James Bell, marine ecologist and professor at Victoria University of Wellington, as reported by The Guardian.

Bleaching does not necessarily mean the death of sponges per say, rather it evicts those organisms that dwell within them after they struggle to get food through photosynthesis, denying nutrients and reducing their defences. As a result, the sponges turn completely white.

Bell said that while some species can recover from severe bleaching, others do not.

She said that at least millions of sponges have been bleached in those environments, “maybe even tens of millions - this is one of the most abundant sponges in Fiordland and so it’s a really wide-scale event.”

Till last month, such bleaching had never been seen before in New Zealand, and there were few reports of it happening in cold waters internationally.

Bell said initial experiments confirmed warmer water was the likely cause of the bleaching.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves. Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline.

Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves. Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline. They warned that the issue could rapidly become widespread, reports The Guardian. Scientists have dubbed it an “alarming” development, saying that it highlights the climate crisis the world is facing. Sea sponges are marine animals that have been around for about 600 million years. Their skeletons are dense and porous, and they adapt well to their particular habitat, attaching themselves to different types of surfaces, from rocks and corals to soft sediments, like mud and sand. They have even been known to fasten themselves to floating debris, according to the National Ocean Service. Sponge gardens play a key role in marine ecosystems by creating habitats for fish and releasing carbon that other species feed on. “As far as we’re aware, it’s the largest scale and largest number of sponges bleached in one event that’s been reported anywhere in the world… certainly in cold waters,” said James Bell, marine ecologist and professor at Victoria University of Wellington, as reported by The Guardian. Bleaching does not necessarily mean the death of sponges per say, rather it evicts those organisms that dwell within them after they struggle to get food through photosynthesis, denying nutrients and reducing their defences. As a result, the sponges turn completely white. Bell said that while some species can recover from severe bleaching, others do not. She said that at least millions of sponges have been bleached in those environments, “maybe even tens of millions - this is one of the most abundant sponges in Fiordland and so it’s a really wide-scale event.” Till last month, such bleaching had never been seen before in New Zealand, and there were few reports of it happening in cold waters internationally. Bell said initial experiments confirmed warmer water was the likely cause of the bleaching. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New Zealand sees record sea sponge bleaching, scientists 'alarmed'

A study published in a scientific journal has rung alarm bells for Indian megacity Mumbai. The study says that the coastal city is sinking into the sea. And though the rate of 2 mm per year may seem small, the report has recommended that urgent remedial measures should be taken in order to avoid increased flooding in future.

The study has been published in Geophysical Research Letters journal. It said that sinking of Mumbai city was due to a phenomenon called land subsidence. The study, carried out by researchers at University of Rhode Island is titled Subsidence in Coastal Cities Throughout the World Observed by InSAR. It studied land subsidence in 99 countries in the world.

It found that Tianjin in China was the fastest sinking city in the world. The city is sinking at the rate of 5 cm per year.

Land subsidence is downward, vertical movement of the earth. Land subsidence is permanent and irreversible. This is why it is critical to prevent it rather than try for measures afterwards.

The study has found that Tianjin is the fastest sinking city in the world. These are the cities that find place on the list next.

Semarang (3.96cm per year) and Jakarta (3.44cm per year) in Indonesia, Shanghai (2.94cm year) in China, and Ho Chi Minh (2.81mm per year) and Hanoi (2.44cm per year) in Vietnam.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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&nbsp;

A study published in a scientific journal has rung alarm bells for Indian megacity Mumbai. The study says that the coastal city is sinking into the sea. And though the rate of 2 mm per year may seem small, the report has recommended that urgent remedial measures should be taken in order to avoid increased flooding in future.

A study published in a scientific journal has rung alarm bells for Indian megacity Mumbai. The study says that the coastal city is sinking into the sea. And though the rate of 2 mm per year may seem small, the report has recommended that urgent remedial measures should be taken in order to avoid increased flooding in future. The study has been published in Geophysical Research Letters journal. It said that sinking of Mumbai city was due to a phenomenon called land subsidence. The study, carried out by researchers at University of Rhode Island is titled Subsidence in Coastal Cities Throughout the World Observed by InSAR. It studied land subsidence in 99 countries in the world. It found that Tianjin in China was the fastest sinking city in the world. The city is sinking at the rate of 5 cm per year. Land subsidence is downward, vertical movement of the earth. Land subsidence is permanent and irreversible. This is why it is critical to prevent it rather than try for measures afterwards. The study has found that Tianjin is the fastest sinking city in the world. These are the cities that find place on the list next. Semarang (3.96cm per year) and Jakarta (3.44cm per year) in Indonesia, Shanghai (2.94cm year) in China, and Ho Chi Minh (2.81mm per year) and Hanoi (2.44cm per year) in Vietnam. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mumbai is sinking in the sea, says a study

Bombings on Ukrainian cities has intensified. A report has claimed Russia is planning a "lightning advance" to encircle the Ukrainian army and claim victory. Palki Sharma brings you the top 10 updates from the battleground.

Gravitas: Will Russia target Ukraine from the sea next?

We often think ancient shipwrecks are found deep in sea but what if one is found just 50 metres from a busy beach? A roman-era merchant ship had sunk 1700 years ago. The shipwreck lay just 50 metres from a now-busy beach near Mallorca, Spain but it went undetected...for centuries.

Roman boat sinks 1700 years ago, remains undetected just 50 metres from a beach

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back.&nbsp;

Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination.&nbsp;

WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. 
&nbsp; 
Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437">Also read |&nbsp;India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources</a>

"Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vizag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vizag</a> and back.. 
 
It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/women?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#women</a> <a href="https://t.co/LGn9F5XY6U">pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1497220796451856385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days.&nbsp;

While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. 
&nbsp; 
According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army.&nbsp;

"I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said.

For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-change-your-photo-on-your-aadhaar-card-click-here-to-see-the-steps-456532">Also read |&nbsp;Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps</a>

"I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. 
&nbsp; 
Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal.&nbsp;

It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back. Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination. WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources "Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew. The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of @adgpi for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms #Chennai - #Vizag and back.. It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are #india #women pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 25, 2022 × At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days. While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army. "I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said. For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage. Also read | Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps "I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal. It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

7 days at sea, harnessing the wind, Indian army women officers sail 2000 kms, making history

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050.&nbsp;

It is projected that the sea levels will be higher along the Atlantic and Gulf shores. This is because of greater land subsidence there.&nbsp;

This development makes Americans vulnerable to disastrous flooding.&nbsp;

Bill Nelson, administrator of Nasa, in a report by The Guardian said, "Sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate, endangering communities around the world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-billion-thats-how-much-governments-fund-every-year-to-human-extinction-and-climate-change-454012">Also read |&nbsp;$1.8 billion; that's how much governments contribute every year to human extinction &amp; climate change</a>

Rick Spinrad, the administrator of the National oceanic and atmospheric administration, said that the report comes as a “wake-up call.”&nbsp;

The study has been designed as a planning tool to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels.&nbsp;

The seawater has already risen by about a foot since 1920. This is a &nbsp;faster increase than the 6-8 inches which is experienced regularly. This is expected to double within 30 years around the US.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050.

US sea levels are expected to rise to a foot over the next 30 years, revealed a major US federal government report. It claims that the sea levels along the US shoreline are expected to rise 10-12 inches on average by 2050. It is projected that the sea levels will be higher along the Atlantic and Gulf shores. This is because of greater land subsidence there. This development makes Americans vulnerable to disastrous flooding. Bill Nelson, administrator of Nasa, in a report by The Guardian said, "Sea levels are continuing to rise at an alarming rate, endangering communities around the world." Also read | $1.8 billion; that's how much governments contribute every year to human extinction & climate change Rick Spinrad, the administrator of the National oceanic and atmospheric administration, said that the report comes as a “wake-up call.” The study has been designed as a planning tool to mitigate and adapt to rising sea levels. The seawater has already risen by about a foot since 1920. This is a faster increase than the 6-8 inches which is experienced regularly. This is expected to double within 30 years around the US. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wake-up call': US sea level to rise majorly by 2050, reveals study

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. &nbsp;

The wave&nbsp;has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves. &nbsp;

Johannes Gemmrich, one of the lead researchers on rogue waves at the University of Victoria, said, "Only a few rogue waves in high sea states have been observed directly, and nothing of this magnitude. The probability of such an event occurring is one in 1,300 years." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drought-in-spain-gives-birth-to-a-ghost-village-its-truly-real-452580" hreflang="en">Drought in Spain gives birth to a ghost village. It’s truly real!</a>

It seems to have taken the scientific community by storm as it is proportionally the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded in the world. &nbsp;

The wave occurred in November 2020. But the study confirming it was released on February 2 this year. &nbsp;

"They look like a large four-storey lump sticking out of the water with a large peak and big troughs before it," Scott Beatty, CEO, MarineLabs, the company operating the buoy, which measured the wave, told CNN. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-deforestation-in-amazon-rainforest-hits-record-january-high-452599" hreflang="en">Brazil: Deforestation in Amazon rainforest hits record January high</a>

"Rogues, called 'extreme storm waves' by scientists, are those waves which are greater than twice the size of surrounding waves, are very unpredictable, and often come unexpectedly from directions other than prevailing wind and waves," The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explained. &nbsp;

In simple terms, "A rogue wave is actually just a wave that is large compared to the surrounding wave field," Gemmrich clarified. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. The wave has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves.

In a striking revelation, a rogue wave, which was measured 58 feet (17.6 meters) tall, was recorded off the coast of Vancouver Island. The wave has set new record as it was three times the size of the surrounding waves. Johannes Gemmrich, one of the lead researchers on rogue waves at the University of Victoria, said, "Only a few rogue waves in high sea states have been observed directly, and nothing of this magnitude. The probability of such an event occurring is one in 1,300 years." Also Read: Drought in Spain gives birth to a ghost village. It’s truly real! It seems to have taken the scientific community by storm as it is proportionally the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded in the world. The wave occurred in November 2020. But the study confirming it was released on February 2 this year. "They look like a large four-storey lump sticking out of the water with a large peak and big troughs before it," Scott Beatty, CEO, MarineLabs, the company operating the buoy, which measured the wave, told CNN. Also Read | Brazil: Deforestation in Amazon rainforest hits record January high "Rogues, called 'extreme storm waves' by scientists, are those waves which are greater than twice the size of surrounding waves, are very unpredictable, and often come unexpectedly from directions other than prevailing wind and waves," The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) explained. In simple terms, "A rogue wave is actually just a wave that is large compared to the surrounding wave field," Gemmrich clarified. (With inputs from agencies)

58-feet-high rogue wave recorded off coast of Vancouver Island, says study

As soon as the remotely operated camera glimpsed the bottom of the Weddell Sea, more than 1,000 feet below the icy ceiling at the surface, Lilian Boehringer, a student researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, saw the icefish nests. The sandy craters dimpled the seafloor, each the size of a hula hoop and less than a foot apart. Each crater held a single, stolid icefish, dark pectoral fins outspread like bat wings over a clutch of eggs.

Aptly named icefishes thrive in waters just above freezing with enormous hearts and blood that runs clear as vodka. Their blood is transparent because they lack red blood cells and hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body. Icefishes’ loss of hemoglobin genes was less an evolutionary adaptation than a happy accident, one that has allowed them to absorb the oxygen-rich Antarctic waters through their skin.

The sighting occurred in February 2021 in the camera room aboard a research ship, the Polarstern, which had come to the Weddell Sea to study other things, not icefish. It was 3 a.m. near Antarctica, meaning the sun was out but most of the ship was asleep. To Boehringer’s surprise, the camera kept transmitting pictures as it moved with the ship, revealing an uninterrupted horizon of icefish nests every 20 seconds.

“It just didn’t stop,” Boehringer said. “They were everywhere.”

Half an hour later, Autun Purser, a deep-sea biologist at the same institute, joined Boehringer. On the camera feed, there remained nothing but nests.

“We were like, is this ever going to end?” Purser said. “How come no one has ever seen this before?”

The nests persisted for the entire four-hour dive, with 16,160 recorded on camera. After two more dives by the camera, the scientists estimated the colony of Neopagetopsis ionah icefish stretched across 92 square miles of the serene Antarctic sea, totaling 60 million active nests. The researchers described the site — the largest fish breeding colony ever discovered — in a paper published Thursday in the journal Current Biology.

“Holy cow,” said C.-H. Christina Cheng, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved with the research. “This is really unprecedented,” she said. “It is crazy dense. It is a major discovery.”

The paper provides “evidence of a complex and so far undescribed benthic ecosystem in the Weddell Sea,” said Mario La Mesa, a biologist at the Institute of Polar Sciences in Bologna, Italy, who was not involved with the research.

“I would not be surprised to find other massive colonies of breeding fishes elsewhere,” said La Mesa, who last year described the same Antarctic icefish species’ nest-guarding behavior from sites near the newly discovered colony.

Each of the newly discovered nests held, on average, 1,735 large, yolky eggs — low fecundity for a fish. An unprotected clutch would prove an easy snack for predators like starfish, polychaete worms and sea spiders, Cheng said. So the males stand sentry to ensure their offspring are not devoured, at least not before they have the chance to hatch, and may clean the nests with their elongated lower jaw, according to Manuel Novillo, a researcher at the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science in Argentina, who was not involved with the research.

About three-quarters of the colony’s nests were guarded by a single fish. The others had eggs but no fish, a fish carcass furred white with bacteria or nothing at all. Near the edges of the colony, many unused or abandoned nests cradled several icefish carcasses, many with starfishes and octopuses feasting on their eyes and soft parts.

“If you die in the fish nest area, you rot there,” Purser said. “But if you die at the edges, then it seems to be everyone grabs you and starts eating you there.”

The researchers observed that the colony occupied an unusually warm patch of deep water, with temperatures up to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit — practically toasty compared to other Antarctic waters.

Although the discovery of the nests contributes to scientists’ understanding of the icefish life cycle, it raises even more questions. How often are the nests built, and are they reused? Do the fish die after the eggs hatch? Or, perhaps the most obvious: “Why there?” Cheng asked.

The authors have no sure answers, only speculations. Maybe the warm deep currents guide the fish to the grounds. Maybe there is a bounty of zooplankton for the fry to devour. Or maybe it’s something else.

But there must be something special about the location of the active colony. Around 31 miles west, the researchers found a patch of seafloor similarly littered with nests: all empty. These nests were abandoned, overtaken by sponges and corals — long-living creatures that take years to grow, Purser said.

Waters above the icefishes’ expansive settlement also host hungry, foraging Weddell seals. When the researchers collected satellite tracking data from seals during the expedition and analyzed it with historical data, they found, unsurprisingly, that the seals dive primarily to the icefish nests. “They’re having a nice dinner,” Purser said.

Before the end of the cruise, the researchers deployed a camera that will photograph the site twice daily for two years, hopefully revealing even more about the life cycle of the icefish. Novillo said he is looking forward to seeing what the camera captures. “It might constitute the first field observation of courtship behavior and/or nest preparation,” he wrote in an email.

New insights into how icefish reproduce and contribute to polar food webs could help manage and conserve populations. The authors argue the new paper provides enough evidence to protect the Weddell Sea under the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

“The seafloor is not just barren and boring,” Purser said. “Such huge discoveries are still there to be made, even today in the 21st century.”

As soon as the remotely operated camera glimpsed the bottom of the Weddell Sea, more than 1,000 feet below the icy ceiling at the surface, Lilian Boehringer, a student researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, saw the icefish nests.

As soon as the remotely operated camera glimpsed the bottom of the Weddell Sea, more than 1,000 feet below the icy ceiling at the surface, Lilian Boehringer, a student researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany, saw the icefish nests. The sandy craters dimpled the seafloor, each the size of a hula hoop and less than a foot apart. Each crater held a single, stolid icefish, dark pectoral fins outspread like bat wings over a clutch of eggs. Aptly named icefishes thrive in waters just above freezing with enormous hearts and blood that runs clear as vodka. Their blood is transparent because they lack red blood cells and hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body. Icefishes’ loss of hemoglobin genes was less an evolutionary adaptation than a happy accident, one that has allowed them to absorb the oxygen-rich Antarctic waters through their skin. The sighting occurred in February 2021 in the camera room aboard a research ship, the Polarstern, which had come to the Weddell Sea to study other things, not icefish. It was 3 a.m. near Antarctica, meaning the sun was out but most of the ship was asleep. To Boehringer’s surprise, the camera kept transmitting pictures as it moved with the ship, revealing an uninterrupted horizon of icefish nests every 20 seconds. “It just didn’t stop,” Boehringer said. “They were everywhere.” Half an hour later, Autun Purser, a deep-sea biologist at the same institute, joined Boehringer. On the camera feed, there remained nothing but nests. “We were like, is this ever going to end?” Purser said. “How come no one has ever seen this before?” The nests persisted for the entire four-hour dive, with 16,160 recorded on camera. After two more dives by the camera, the scientists estimated the colony of Neopagetopsis ionah icefish stretched across 92 square miles of the serene Antarctic sea, totaling 60 million active nests. The researchers described the site — the largest fish breeding colony ever discovered — in a paper published Thursday in the journal Current Biology. “Holy cow,” said C.-H. Christina Cheng, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved with the research. “This is really unprecedented,” she said. “It is crazy dense. It is a major discovery.” The paper provides “evidence of a complex and so far undescribed benthic ecosystem in the Weddell Sea,” said Mario La Mesa, a biologist at the Institute of Polar Sciences in Bologna, Italy, who was not involved with the research. “I would not be surprised to find other massive colonies of breeding fishes elsewhere,” said La Mesa, who last year described the same Antarctic icefish species’ nest-guarding behavior from sites near the newly discovered colony. Each of the newly discovered nests held, on average, 1,735 large, yolky eggs — low fecundity for a fish. An unprotected clutch would prove an easy snack for predators like starfish, polychaete worms and sea spiders, Cheng said. So the males stand sentry to ensure their offspring are not devoured, at least not before they have the chance to hatch, and may clean the nests with their elongated lower jaw, according to Manuel Novillo, a researcher at the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science in Argentina, who was not involved with the research. About three-quarters of the colony’s nests were guarded by a single fish. The others had eggs but no fish, a fish carcass furred white with bacteria or nothing at all. Near the edges of the colony, many unused or abandoned nests cradled several icefish carcasses, many with starfishes and octopuses feasting on their eyes and soft parts. “If you die in the fish nest area, you rot there,” Purser said. “But if you die at the edges, then it seems to be everyone grabs you and starts eating you there.” The researchers observed that the colony occupied an unusually warm patch of deep water, with temperatures up to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit — practically toasty compared to other Antarctic waters. Although the discovery of the nests contributes to scientists’ understanding of the icefish life cycle, it raises even more questions. How often are the nests built, and are they reused? Do the fish die after the eggs hatch? Or, perhaps the most obvious: “Why there?” Cheng asked. The authors have no sure answers, only speculations. Maybe the warm deep currents guide the fish to the grounds. Maybe there is a bounty of zooplankton for the fry to devour. Or maybe it’s something else. But there must be something special about the location of the active colony. Around 31 miles west, the researchers found a patch of seafloor similarly littered with nests: all empty. These nests were abandoned, overtaken by sponges and corals — long-living creatures that take years to grow, Purser said. Waters above the icefishes’ expansive settlement also host hungry, foraging Weddell seals. When the researchers collected satellite tracking data from seals during the expedition and analyzed it with historical data, they found, unsurprisingly, that the seals dive primarily to the icefish nests. “They’re having a nice dinner,” Purser said. Before the end of the cruise, the researchers deployed a camera that will photograph the site twice daily for two years, hopefully revealing even more about the life cycle of the icefish. Novillo said he is looking forward to seeing what the camera captures. “It might constitute the first field observation of courtship behavior and/or nest preparation,” he wrote in an email. New insights into how icefish reproduce and contribute to polar food webs could help manage and conserve populations. The authors argue the new paper provides enough evidence to protect the Weddell Sea under the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. “The seafloor is not just barren and boring,” Purser said. “Such huge discoveries are still there to be made, even today in the 21st century.”

‘Major discovery’ beneath Antarctic seas: A giant icefish breeding colony

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