marine biology

Study finds microplastics in popular fish snacks from 7 Asian countries

chart showing microplastics environmental flow chart
Marine and Fisheries 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , , , , ,

A research team at a Taiwanese university found microplastics in 14 dried fish products from 7 different countries in Asia, according to a study published in the latest issue of The Journal of Hazardous Materials. The study conducted at the College of Marine Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University examined small whole dried fish products that are commonly eaten with peanuts as a snack or appetizer and are popular in Asian countries. The products were produced in Japan, China, Sri

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Rare pygmy sperm whale dies after stranding on Taiwan’s west coast

pygmy sperm whale
Marine and Fisheries 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , , ,

A rarely seen in Taiwan pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) died despite rescue efforts after stranding on a beach in Chiayi County this morning, Sunday, February 13. A fisherman found the pygmy sperm whale stranded on a beach in Budai Township at around 8:00 am. The fisherman reported the stranding to the local branch of the National Coast Guard Administration. Coast guard officers contacted the National Cheng Kung University Marine Biology and Cetacean Research Center, and attempted to keep the

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Manta Ray Rehabilitated: What’s Next?

a giant oceanic manta ray is lifted out of a transport unit in Taitung County Taiwan February 16, 2017
Marine and Fisheries 
Phillip Charlier 2 Comments , ,

A giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) rescued after being caught as by-catch in a fisherman’s net off the coast of Hualian County in February, has adapted well to its captive environment. Researchers at the Eastern Marine Biology Research Center say that the manta ray’s injuries have healed, and the 150 kilogram animal is consuming 10 to 15 kilograms of Antarctic krill every day. The ray was moved to a pool at the research facility after being caught on February

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