"Red Devils"

Flotillas of jumbo squid are invading the length of the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the voracious predators may be upsetting ocean ecosystems and threatening fisheries, scientists warn. Flotillas of jumbo squid are invading the length of the eastern Pacific Ocean, and the voracious predators may be upsetting ocean ecosystems and threatening fisheries, scientists warn.

These squids are nicknamed red devils for their powerful arms and tentacles, razor sharp beaks and insatiable appetites. These squid are spreading like wild fire to all areas of the oceans. They are found off the coast of California, Alaska and Chile. They travel in packs of thousands or more and consume everything in their paths. Researchers are worried that they will greatly effect the marine environment.

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/03/070330-giant-squid.html

Seal hunt delay

This article talks about the fact that baby seals are already dying from lack of sea ice. The largest marine-mammal hunt in the world was set to begin March 28th, and has now been postponed to later this week. Non-profit organizations say that the hunt should be canceld all together. The hold was place this year as well as last year because the ice floes where the harp seals meet to give birth and raise their pups are breaking up due to the above average temperatures we are experiencing. Because the pups don't have the swimming skills or body isulation needed to keep them safe, they are drowing or freezing. This years ice coverage is worse than that in 2002 when three-quarters of Canada's seal pups died because of the thin ice. This is apparently the worst one scientist has seen since 1981. This is the 5th year of bad ice in 7 and the common concenses is that it is due to GLOBAL WARMING!!!!! The pups are completing ice dependent. They are fed by their mothers for 12-14 days and then left alone. They need the ice to rest after fishing. They aren't great swimmers and need to be able to take a break, without ice the simply drown. The govenment is planning on decresing the quota from the proposed 335,000 to 270,000. The majority of the seals are caught off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, where the hunt is considered necessary to keep populations under control. IFAW an animal welfare group feels that this number is to high and unsustainable. They are worried the population will decline if more than 165,000 seals are caught. Records indicate that the seal population has been stable since 1994. The next survey has been moved up to 2008.

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070402-seals-hunt.html

Between 90 and 115 years old

This fish was caught in the Bering Sea, for easter dinner. Scientists believe it to be between 90 and 115 years old. The estimate came after NOAA scientists looked at growth rings in the fish's ear bone, or otolith.

The ability of the fish's reproduction was hindered by its excessive age.

The fish was hauled up from depths of 2,100ft. The fishermen were trying to catch pollock, because of the large nets that they use 10 other shortrackers were also pulled up. The fish in the picture was 44-inches long, and over 60 lbs. Her belly was large and her overies were filled with developing embyros.
This fish comes close to the oldest known limits for this species. The largest ever on record was 47 inches, and the oldest was 157 years old.

This has got to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life. Not to mention one of the oldest species. The question is did this fish deserve to die? Deep net fishing is a problem all over for this very reason, fish and other species that are not of interest are caught and then killed and thrown back into the water because they have no monitary value to the fishermen. This fish didn't have to die especially with a belly full of babies. New laws or better enforcement of laws are needed to protect such amazing creature who have lived in the oceans for thousands of years. We have no right in killing such an awesome fish.

Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070406-oldest-fish.html