Seized vessel shines light on illegal fishing

Illegal fishing has become a serious problem that affects countries worldwide. The U.S and other nations are determined to face this issue that accounts for up to $23.5 billion a year in global economic losses. There is therefore no question as to why they are putting all their efforts to eliminate or highly reduce this illegal activity. The plan of action include searching for vessels in the open sea although it is said to be extremely difficult. Despite the challenge of finding the ships, the Coast Guard was able to do so recently. Although the captain and crew members intended to escape, authorities were able to capture them and the tons of squid and shark carcasses. This incident motivated the plan to stop illegal fishing once and for all.

Hellbender Salamander Gets Endangered Species Designation, but No Habitat Protection—and That May Be a Good Thing

The Ozark hellbenders are at risk of extinction yet critical habitat was not set aside for this species. The population has shown a significant decline and the reasons for such decline are many. The most important factor putting in danger the bellbenders is the illegal pet trade. The population has also been altered due to loss of habitat, poor water quality, mining, and sedimentation. Logically, these are enough reasons as to why the hellbender species would become extinct so why is there no habitat protection for the population? The FWS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, declared that putting the hellbenders aside would only attract pet traders therefore making the situation worse. Although many do not agree with this decision, it does seem reasonable and will hopefully benefit the species.

Some 'fish out of water' do well

The movement of fish on land seems absurd yet surprisingly researchers have seen this happen.Professor Alice Gibb and her research team at Northern Arizona University created a study in which they suggested legs are not needed to move on land.  According to their study, the nervous system is in charge of these movements in fish. The observation that fish can move outside of water indicates that most likely vertebrates invaded land more often than what was previously thought.