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Tag: sea

The longest sea beach’s Red Crabs: A Natural Wonder Under Threat

Cox’s Bazar has the longest attractive sea beach in the world. The unique red crabs here fascinate tourists all the time. A few years ago, many red crabs could be seen at Sugandha, Kalatali, and Lavanya points in Cox’s Bazar. This attracted both local and foreign tourists.

Less rainfall and higher temperatures are making things worse for the red crabs. Illegal fishing on the coast of Cox’s Bazar is another big threat to them, especially with the use of prohibited nets. If the population remains low but the natural environment improves, the red crabs can still breed well. Several programs are being implemented to protect biodiversity and help these crabs thrive.

The red crab is known as the silent watchman of nature. It eats dead plants and animal parts, adding nutrients to the soil and maintaining the nutrient cycle. It also helps increase soil aeration, playing an important role in protecting coastal forests.

However, horse riding on the beach is destroying the crabs’ nests and affecting their reproduction process. Ocean pollution is one of the main enemies of red crabs in Cox’s Bazar. The polluted water has had a huge negative impact on the lives of these crabs. Climate change is also a threat to their existence. Recently, the temperature in Cox’s Bazar has increased due to reduced rainfall.

July 15, 2024
Chilean Researchers Uncover New Marine Species: The Sea Lily

Although ‘Sea Lilies’ may resemble delicate flowers, they are actually fascinating marine creatures capable of both movement and feeding. These animals possess numerous arms that enable them to navigate through the ocean waters with ease. These same arms serve a dual purpose which facilitating locomotion as well as aiding in the capture and consumption of small aquatic organisms.

The discovery of the ‘Sea Lily’ marks a significant find for the scientific community particularly for researchers studying marine life in the Antarctic region. While some sea lilies have been documented previously, the identification of this distinct species represents a notable addition to our understanding of the biodiversity in these remote and often harsh environments.

The expedition undertaken by the Chilean scientists to Antarctica underscores the importance of ongoing exploration and research in these regions. As members of the Antarctica Institute, the scientists embarked on their journey with the aim of uncovering new insights into the unique ecosystems that thrive in the Antarctic Ocean.

The viral video footage captured by the researchers has sparked widespread interest and fascination among viewers worldwide. The mesmerizing sight of the ‘Sea Lily’ gracefully moving through the ocean waters serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of marine life even in the most extreme and remote corners of the planet.

Moving forward, further studies and investigations will likely be conducted to learn more about this newly discovered species and its ecological role within the Antarctic ecosystem. Such research endeavors will contribute to our broader understanding of marine biodiversity and may provide valuable insights into the conservation and preservation of these fragile ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.

May 6, 2024
Bellied Sea Snake: Nature’s Aquatic Acrobat!

In the big oceans where many secrets hide and lives a fascinating creature called the Bellied Sea Snake. This snake with its long graceful body and special abilities, swims through the deep waters with amazing ease and showing us how incredible marine life can be.

The Bellied Sea Snake is quite a sight with its slim body that can grow over one meter long. It has colors like olive-green or dark brown on its back helping it blend in with the plants and rocks in its underwater home. But what’s really cool is its belly which has a unique pattern that looks like a fancy corset.

What makes the Bellied Sea Snake special is how well it has adapted to living in the sea. Unlike land snakes it has a flat tail that works like a paddle helping it move easily through the water. Its nostrils are on top of its head, so it can breathe without taking in too much water. And its sleek body shape lets it glide smoothly that making it a great swimmer in its watery world.

Even though the Bellied Sea Snake is venomous, it’s not really a threat to people. It mainly uses its venom to catch food, not to defend itself. The venom comes from fangs at the back of its mouth. Luckily, these snakes prefer to stay deep underwater, so human encounters are rare.

Bellied Sea Snakes are like superheroes of the sea because they help keep everything in balance. By eating certain animals, they stop those animals from eating too much of important underwater plants. This helps keep the ocean healthy and happy. And when we see these snakes around, it tells us that the underwater world is doing well.

May 6, 2024
Meet Manatee: Fascinating Dive into the Aquatic Lives of Sea Cows

Cows is typically known for grazing on grass and plants on land and it have a lesser-known aquatic counterpart known as the “sea cow,” or Manatees. Often mistaken for mermaids or sea monsters, Manatees are herbivorous marine mammals, feeding on underwater vegetation.

These gentle creatures, also dubbed as “sea cows,” are recognized for their harmless nature. Recently, two two-year-old Manatees were introduced to a zoo in Paris, with one named ‘Onai.’ They were brought to the zoo as part of a breeding program aimed at conserving this endangered species.

Manatees face numerous challenges in the wild, with their slow reproductive system being particularly vulnerable to environmental factors like temperature changes. Threatened by climate change, they require specific conditions for optimal growth and survival.

Adaptability is not a strong suit for Manatees, and they are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Pneumonia can occur in temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, while temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius hinder their growth.

These marine mammals primarily inhabit shallow waters in regions such as the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Amazon Basin, and West Africa. Despite their large size, Manatees are not swift swimmers, typically reaching speeds of up to five miles per hour.

With an average lifespan of around 40 years, Manatees rely on conservation efforts to ensure their continued existence in their natural habitat. Through initiatives like breeding programs, efforts are underway to protect and preserve these unique creatures for future generations.

April 4, 2024
Japan’s Skeleton Panda Sea Squirt Captivates Researchers

Many people may be unfamiliar with the name of this unique creature and it looks like a skeleton and transparent like glass. Recently discovered in Japan, these small animals are adorned with black spots on their bodies and it is resembling eyes and a nose.

Every intricate detail of its body is visible from the outside and it is showcasing its remarkable transparency. Netizens have dubbed this peculiar marine organism the “Skeleton Panda Sea Squirt” due to its panda-like appearance. The black spots evoke thoughts of a panda’s facial features.

In 2017, this rare marine creature was first observed in the Komijima Islands by a diver passing through the area. Researchers believe that this species has not been encountered anywhere else in the world prior to its discovery.

Subsequently, in 2018, the attention of scientists was once again drawn to this strange and rare species. Intensive research ensued and ultimately the result was leading to its classification as a new species. Many have christened it “Osipande,” a term meaning a small object resembling a panda in Bengali.

The white structures looks like a skeleton shape and in fact, blood vessels that may run parallel to the gills. Similar to a panda’s distinctive features, this creature also exhibits black-colored “eyes” and “nose.” Encounters with such unusual marine organisms are infrequent.

This discovery adds to the fascinating diversity of marine life and it was highlighting the vast array of species yet to be explored and understood. As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of the ocean, such findings shed light on the complexity and beauty of the underwater world.

March 20, 2024
Mystery of Europe’s Oldest Man-Made Structure: The Baltic Sea Wall

In the tranquil waters of the Baltic Gulf off the coast of Germany, a remarkable discovery has captured the attention of archaeologists and scientists alike. Nestled beneath the waves lies a long stone wall, stretching for approximately one kilometer. This enigmatic structure, composed of 1673 stones, is believed to be one of the oldest man-made creations in Europe, dating back to the Paleolithic era.

The origins of this ancient wall have sparked fascination and intrigue among researchers, prompting a concerted effort to unravel its mysteries. Recently, a group of students embarked on an educational mission to explore the site, accompanied by a team of scientists eager to unlock the secrets hidden beneath the sea.

Measuring less than one meter in height and spanning a length of 971 meters, the Baltic Sea wall is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancestors. Constructed from approximately 300 large boulders, the wall stands as a testament to the remarkable engineering feats achieved by early humans.

What makes this discovery particularly astonishing is the sheer size and weight of the stones used in its construction. These massive boulders, some weighing several tons, were transported and assembled without the aid of modern machinery, leaving scientists puzzled as to how such a feat could have been accomplished.

Upon closer examination, scientists have determined that the shape and size of the stones are not naturally formed, leading to the conclusion that the wall is indeed man-made. While natural rock formations can sometimes resemble constructed walls, the meticulous arrangement of the stones leaves little doubt that human hands were involved in its creation.

But what was the purpose of this ancient structure? According to researchers, the wall was likely built as a trap to hunt deer, providing early humans with a strategic advantage in their quest for sustenance. By funneling prey towards the wall, hunters could effectively corral and capture their quarry, ensuring a steady food supply for their communities.

The discovery of the Baltic Sea wall offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors, shedding light on their hunting practices and lifestyle. Through careful analysis and excavation, researchers hope to uncover further insights into the daily lives and rituals of these early humans.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Baltic Sea wall is its submersion beneath the waves. It is believed that approximately eight and a half thousand years ago, the wall sank beneath the sea, likely due to rising sea levels and shifting coastlines. This underwater preservation has helped to protect the structure from the ravages of time, providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study an ancient relic in its original context.

February 25, 2024
The Giants of the Sea: From Evergreen Containership to Azzam Yacht

Ships are a common and important mode of transportation for large-scale travel. These vessels come in various sizes and shapes, catering to different capacities and needs. A significant portion, around 90 percent, of global trade happens through ships, making them a familiar sight at sea.

Ships play a crucial role in transporting various goods, including clothing, coal, and oil. There are different types of cargo ships, such as container ships, ro-ro ships, bulb carriers, and oil tankers. The Evergreen Containership holds the title of the world’s largest cargo ship, capable of carrying over 24,000 standard-size containers. To grasp its enormity, picture three to four football fields combined. The ship has a length of 400 meters and a side width of 61.50 meters.

Developed by a Chinese company in 2022, this massive vessel showcases the advancements in shipping technology. Another notable cargo ship is the Hyundai Merchant Marine vessel Algesius, built in September 2019, and the Marine Oslo, constructed in 2020. The Marine Oslo can carry 23,900 standard containers and features a length of about 400 meters and a height of 61 meters. Its bottom can be submerged 13 meters below sea level.

Sailing ships, on the other hand, rely on the air as their medium of movement. The largest sailing yacht globally is the Sailing Yacht A, which can be considered a hybrid of a yacht and sailboat. With three massive masts, this luxury ship can accommodate 60 passengers and boasts a maximum speed of 21 knots. Its price tag reaches around 425 million euros.

The ‘Sea Cloud Two’ is another sailing ship, measuring 17 meters in length and featuring three masts with 23 sails. It can host 95 passengers and reach a maximum speed of 14 knots, with a price tag of 100 million euros. The ‘Wonder of the Sea’ is an astonishingly huge ship with a speed of 22 knots and the capacity to accommodate 60 thousand passengers. It offers luxurious facilities like swimming pools and restaurants.

The Azzam is a motor-powered ocean liner and holds the title of the world’s largest yacht. Valued at over 500 million euros, it can carry 36 guests and 80 crew members, achieving a speed of 32 knots. These ships, with their impressive sizes and capabilities, showcase the remarkable advancements in maritime technology.

January 9, 2024
72-million-year-old Ancient Sea Monster “Blue Dragon” Found in Japan!

Scientists in Japan have made a remarkable discovery, unearthing the near-complete remains of a colossal sea creature that dominated the ancient Pacific Ocean. This incredible find has been named the “blue dragon” due to its unique characteristics, setting it apart from any other aquatic animal, past or present.

The exceptional fossils, estimated to be around 72 million years old, were found along the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture on Honshu Island. They belong to a previously undiscovered species of mosasaur, a group of air-breathing aquatic reptiles that were apex predators during the Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago). This discovery is considered the most complete set of mosasaur fossils ever found in Japan and the northwest Pacific.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, researchers introduced the new species as Megapterygius wakayamaensis. The name “Megapterygius” translates to “large-winged,” referencing its unusually large rear flippers, and “wakayamaensis” honors the prefecture where it was discovered. To add a touch of mythology, the researchers affectionately nicknamed the creature the “Wakayama Soryu,” with “soryu” meaning a blue-colored aquatic dragon in Japanese folklore.

Mosasaurs typically share a similar body plan, with minimal variation among species. However, Megapterygius wakayamaensis stands out as an outlier, surprising scientists with its unique features.

The creature had a dolphin-like torso, four paddle-like flippers, an alligator-shaped snout, and a long tail—typical features of mosasaurs. What makes it extraordinary is the presence of a dorsal fin, similar to those found in sharks or dolphins, a feature not observed in other mosasaur species.

The most puzzling aspect for researchers was the size of the creature’s rear flippers, which were unexpectedly longer than the front flippers. This characteristic is extremely rare among all living and extinct aquatic species, challenging our understanding of aquatic anatomy.

Unlike most swimming animals, which have larger flippers at the front for efficient steering, Megapterygius wakayamaensis had an unconventional body structure. The researchers speculate that instead of using the longer rear flippers for steering, the creature angled them upward or downward, possibly for quick dives or ascents through the water column. The dorsal fin might have assisted in turning, compensating for the extra drag caused by the extended rear flippers.

December 22, 2023
Biodiversity and Challenges in Caspian Sea: Close Look at Natural Marvels

The Caspian Sea is a unique place that can be called both a lake and a sea. Even though its water is salty like the ocean, it’s not as salty. It can also be considered a lake because it’s not connected to any sea or ocean. Situated between the Caucasus Mountains to the east and grasslands to the west, it covers a vast area of 371,000 square kilometers.

The Caspian Sea is shared by five countries: Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan. About 5.5 million years ago, it completely separated into its own basin. Currently, the Caspian Sea has a salinity of 1.2 percent. The Volga River is its primary water source, and the South Caspian, with an average depth of 3,300 feet, contains 66 percent of the sea’s water. The sea’s islands are mostly close to the coast.

Many bird species use the Caspian Sea as a temporary residence, and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is located near its shores. A unique species, the Caspian seal, is found only in this region. Once numbering one million, the seals have decreased to 100,000 due to human hunting. Other whale fish species that were once present in the Caspian Sea have disappeared.

Surprisingly, special species of tigers, leopards, and lions, such as the Caspian tiger and Asiatic lion, were found in the Caspian region. The Persian cheetah is also a unique inhabitant. The Caspian Sea is home to specific sturgeon fish species not found anywhere else.

Iran’s part of the Caspian Sea holds significant oil reserves, estimated at 150 billion barrels. Iran regularly imports crude oil from this region. Russia’s part of the Caspian Sea contains reserves of fuel oil and natural gas.

Unfortunately, the construction of factories around the Caspian Sea has led to the dumping of waste, resulting in the loss of marine biodiversity. In response, the five littoral countries formed an organization and hold the Caspian Conference every two years to address these environmental challenges.

November 11, 2023
Caspian Sea Monster: Soviet Union’s Mysterious Amphibious Marvel

Back in the 1960s, a satellite taking pictures of the Soviet Union captured an unusual vessel or aircraft. This massive machine, neither a submarine, watercraft, nor aircraft, astounded everyone. Later named the Caspian Sea Monster, it was a remarkable creation that didn’t see much use.

Unlike today’s familiar sight of Boeing’s giant airplanes, the Soviet Union, six decades ago, built an enormous amphibious vehicle that took everyone by surprise. Unfortunately, despite its impressive design, it was not utilized effectively.

These colossal vehicles, a blend of ships and airplanes, were intended for warfare and posed significant risks. Specifically crafted for combat against adversaries, it remains preserved to this day, capable of flying without the need for an airport.

Designed to counter Soviet and Russian foes and dismantle opposing navies, this vehicle could effortlessly glide over several meters of water. Despite its potential, it never underwent official military testing or operations.

During its era, the Soviet Union took great pride in this creation, as no other country possessed such a formidable and unique ship. This project was shrouded in secrecy within the Soviet Army, with Ali Gazi Abdul Galimov serving as its chief architect.

Galimov dedicated 14 years to constructing this ship, and although its instruments are now non-functional, it has been preserved to honor the Soviet Union’s historical traditions. The intention is to showcase it in a military park, serving as a symbol of the Soviet Union’s might and magnificence, allowing future generations to appreciate its significance.

November 9, 2023