Since the 1978 discovery of an islet “Oodaaq Island” north of Greenland, then considered to be the northernmost island in the world, multiple islets have been reported and apparently disappeared with regular intervals in the permanent sea ice-covered area offshore the northernmost part of Greenland. In this paper, we report results of comprehensive investigations at all quoted positions of reported islets, with bathymetry measurements, as well as supplementary lidar, ice thickness and gravity measurements during a helicopter reconnaissance. The bathymetry measurements confirm the non-existence of all the reported islets, and the northernmost land in the world is thus confirmed to be the moraine island “Inuit Qeqertaat” (Kaffeklubben Island) at latitude 83°39′54″ N, 30°37′45 ″ W. All reported islet positions are found at ocean depths from 26 m to 47 m, with no indications of shallow banks or submarine rocks at the reported positions. It is therefore concluded that all reported islets or new islands since 1978 have been stranded icebergs, likely originating from marine-terminating glaciers near Cape Morris Jesup, and stranded for up to several years in the relatively shallow and nearly permanently sea ice-covered areas around Inuit Qeqertaat.

We document the first recorded nesting attempt by a green sea-turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Pemba located in the Cabo Delgado Province of northern Mozambique – an urban area with a population of 200,529 inhabitants. This sighting expands the known nesting range of sea-turtles by 40 km south of the Quirimbas Archipelago, highlighting Pemba’s potential as a critical nesting site. In July 2021, local fishermen were observed by a tourism operator killing the turtle and selling its meat. Consequently, the absence of eggs at the presumed nesting site suggests that the turtle was intercepted before it could lay eggs. This incident highlights the threats to sea-turtles and the need for conservation while emphasising the importance of collaboration among communities, government, and researchers to protect nesting activity.

Surface migratory myctophids migrate nocturnally from the mesopelagic to the near-surface layers and are the dominant components of oceanic neuston fish assemblages. We examined the horizontal distribution and habitat conditions of juvenile surface migratory myctophids in the Kuroshio region in late winter from 2003 to 2016. In total, 9098 myctophid juveniles, including 17 species, were collected in the surface layer at night. Of these, the eight most abundant species accounted for 99.0%. They showed five distinct distribution patterns closely related to the position of the Kuroshio axis. Dasyscopelus orientalis was restricted to the inshore side of the Kuroshio axis (INK), where sea surface temperature (SST) was lowest but zooplankton biomass (ZPB), a proxy for food availability, was highest. The centre of distribution of D. asper and D. obtusirostris was in the area of the axis (KUA), where the highest SST and intermediate ZPB were observed, although they were also abundant in INK. Dasyscopelus spinosus was collected mainly in the area south of Kyushu Island adjacent to upstream of the Kuroshio. The distributions of Symbolophorus evermanni, Centrobranchus nigroocellatus, and Myctophum nitidulum were restricted to the offshore side of the axis (OFK), where intermediate SST and lowest ZPB were observed. Hygophum reinhardtii was collected abundantly in both OFK and KUA. Spatial habitat segregation of juveniles would result from differences in spawning grounds and larval and juvenile transport routes. The Kuroshio contributes to the biodiversity of myctophids along the Pacific coast of southern and central Japan by creating adjacent but distinct habitat conditions.

Monthly sampling of cephalopod at Port-en-Bessin fish market (Normandy, France) over a 30-year period, combined with commercial fishery statistics, provides essential insight into the exploitation patterns, composition and size frequencies of these resources. Port-en-Bessin cephalopod landings are shown to decrease which is consistent with the decline observed in the entire French fleet operating in the English Channel. Cuttlefish landings exhibit a bimodal length distribution which is expected for this 2-year life cycle (and two-cohort) population. Juveniles of the year are recruited from October (from 8 cm). By the end of their second year of life, cuttlefish reach their maximum size (on average about 22 cm in April–May) prior to dying following spawning. Cuttlefish average size of the second cohorts has decreased from 20 to 17 cm over the period 1996–2022. This seems to be a reduction in size rather than a change in the timing of catches. Squids are not segregated in commercial landings, and the protocol was developed to inform on the prevalence of Loligo forbesii and L. vulgaris in the catch. Both species have a 1-year life cycle with a 3-month offset (recruitment of L. forbesii occurs in June and L. vulgaris in September). Over the 30 years of data, an increase in L. vulgaris landings is observed, while L. forbesii landings have decreased. These findings, in line with climate change, consider biases such as fishermen behaviour determining landings geographical origin.

This perspective article takes up the challenge of articulating a political epistemology for extinction studies, centered around how both the systematic-scientific and mythopoetic traditions conceive of the idea of preservation. Political epistemology offers a solution to this for impasse because it asks the question of the social orientation or “end” of knowledge formations, thereby questioning what the larger goal of preservation might be. By focusing on the example of the thylacine, I outline one strand of what a political epistemology for contemporary justifications of preservation in the Museum might look like. Then I discuss how the mode of storytelling in extinction studies also conceives of preservation. Finally, I introduce the idea of replenishment as contrary to the preservation, focused on the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples in North East Arnhem Land, and ask whether new developments in the techno-scientific tradition will begin to turn to replenishment as well.

Andean Condor Vultur gryphus populations are particularly low in the northern Andes. The species is considered nearly eradicated from Venezuela and listed as “Endangered” in Ecuador and “Critically Endangered” in Colombia. Even though it is severely endangered, the size of the Colombian condor population remains unknown. Using a citizen science-based approach, we conducted the first Andean Condor count for Colombia with the help of 207 observers at 84 simultaneous observation points. We used N-mixture models for spatially replicated counts to estimate the condor population. The total number of condors recorded simultaneously was 63 individuals, and we estimated a population size of 175–269 individuals using a maximum likelihood approach and 165–222 and 172–229 for the two best models using the Bayesian approach. Adults were observed more frequently than juveniles (1:0.43), a common pattern among raptors related to the higher mortality rates of immature birds, which is a prominent conservation concern due to the status of the species and the threats it currently faces throughout the northern Andes. Our citizen science-based study made it possible to gather, for the first time in Colombia, consolidated information on the status of the Andean Condor population using a standardised methodology to provide a reference for future counts and conservation actions, both at the national level and throughout the geographical range of the species.

Due to the provisions of the Svalbard Treaty, Russia has kept a presence on this Norwegian archipelago – primarily based on coal mining – and has regularly made it clear that ensuring the continuation of this presence is a political goal. Since the late 2000s, Russia has attempted to revitalise its presence, stressing the need for economic efficiency and diversification away from coal. This includes tourism, fish processing and research activities. In recent years, Russia’s official rhetoric on Svalbard has sharpened, i.a. accusing Norway of breaching the treaty’s provisions on military use of the islands. The article contrasts the statements with the concrete actions undertaken by Russia to preserve and develop its presence. Russia’s policy of presence on Svalbard is not particularly well-coordinated or strategic – beyond an increasing openness to exploring new ways to sustain a sufficient presence. Financial limitations have constrained initiatives. The search for new activities and solutions is driven primarily by the need for cost-cutting and consolidating a limited presence deemed necessary for Russian security interest, not as strategies aimed at increasing Russian influence over the archipelago.

Changing sea-ice conditions have significant societal impacts and implications across Alaska and the Arctic. This research examined the relationship between sea ice and extreme weather events with socio-economic impacts in Nome, Alaska (1990–2020), a community that has experienced notable changes in sea ice and impacts from extreme weather events. The research is based on the analysis of sea-ice concentrations from passive microwave data, socio-economic impacts of extreme weather events from an archival analysis of newspaper coverage, and an examination of the relationship between sea-ice concentrations and impacts. We found that sea-ice concentrations at the time of the reported socio-economic impacts were all characterised by ice-free conditions. Additionally, extreme events linked to socio-economic impacts occurred when sea-ice concentrations were at or below their historical (1979–2000) median for the day. Key implications for the observed increased probability of ice-free conditions in the autumn include a greater likelihood that a given coastal storm from November to mid-December may contribute to socio-economic impacts, which may have been mitigated by sea ice in the past, as well as an increased potential for impacts to occur when they have previously not been experienced.

In the Caribbean Sea, orcas (Orcinus orca, also known as killer whales) are present throughout the year. The most recent review confirmed seven strandings of the species in the Caribbean Sea in the period May 1851 to January 2023, all of which were single strandings and only one of which occurred in Venezuela. In this publication we document the circumstances of the successful rescue, by local fishers and authorities, of seven orcas that stranded in August 2023 on the coast of the State of Sucre, north-eastern Venezuela. Worldwide, this is only the second mass stranding of the species within the tropics (23.5°N to 23.5°S). We also documented the presence of a probable whalesucker (Remora australis) on a juvenile orca. The present case represents the first mass stranding event of orcas in Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea and only the second in a tropical location worldwide.

This study explores the leadership dynamics, conflict, and group cohesion during Roald Amundsen’s South Pole expedition, with a particular focus on the critical confrontation between Amundsen and Hjalmar Johansen. Through a dual-method approach that integrates Narrative and Thematic Analysis, the research delves into the diaries and autobiographical writings of key expedition members. The findings reveal that while Amundsen’s authoritative leadership was pivotal to the expedition’s success, it also fostered significant internal conflict, particularly with Johansen. This tension highlights the delicate balance between decisive leadership and the need for inclusiveness in high-stakes environments. The study provides a nuanced understanding of how varying levels of loyalty among team members influenced group dynamics, offering insights that extend beyond the historical context of polar exploration to contemporary leadership challenges in extreme conditions.

Cycads, an ancient lineage, face a higher threat of extinction than any other plant group. To address this urgent issue, a more comprehensive method for assessing extinction threat, the Conservation and Prioritization Index (CPI), is proposed and tested for cycads in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. The CPI is a multifaceted approach that incorporates techniques used in conservation status assessments by the IUCN and the Mexican NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 but incorporates other information, including georeferenced distribution data, endemism in Veracruz, number of locations, extent of occurrence, and distribution area. Using CPI, correlations were found between longitude and extinction risk for Ceratozamia species in Veracruz. Zamia vazquezii and Z. inermis were assessed to have the highest level of extinction risk. Overall, this study indicates that a more holistic approach, incorporating broader sources of environmental health, can be used to more effectively and proactively manage extinction threats to cycads in Veracruz. In this sense, Veracruz can serve as a model for conservation planning in different states in Mexico and worldwide. CPI is a tool that can be applied to other regions to manage another threatened biota. This method enhances objectivity and effectiveness in conservation efforts, promoting data-driven decision-making that can be used globally.

The brachyuran crab fauna (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) collections in the extensive exploratory fishery survey cruises from the northeast coast of India was studied from June 2018 to March 2020. During the study period, 81 species of brachyuran crabs belonging to 19 families and 46 genera were recorded. Among these, 21 species were newly recorded from the northeast coast of India, and 1 species, Naxioides taurus (Pocock, 1890) represents a new record for the mainland coasts of India. This study serves as a baseline for understanding the diversity and distribution of brachyuran crabs in the region. It provides valuable insights for future research and conservation efforts.

Historically, the picking of cloudberries (Rubus chamaemorus) for sale and subsistence has been of fundamental importance to Sámi livelihoods. Even today cloudberries are commonly described as the “gold” among berries. Based on anthropological fieldwork, participant observation and in-depth interviews with berry pickers in the Várjjat municipality of Unjárga-Nesseby, Northern Norway, this article investigates how relationships of humans, animals, plants and berries take part in the making and remaking of home place landscapes. I emphasise Sámi landscape research and theorizations to elevate their productive contributions to the ongoing, international landscape debates, by engaging with landscapes as homes.

The possibility of human extinction has received growing academic attention over the last several decades. Research has analysed possible pathways to human extinction, as well as ethical considerations relating to human survival. Potential causes of human extinction can be loosely grouped into exogenous threats such as an asteroid impact and anthropogenic threats such as war or a catastrophic physics accident. In all cases, an outcome as extreme as human extinction would require events or developments that either have been of very low probability historically or are entirely unprecedented. This introduces deep uncertainty and methodological challenges to the study of the topic. This review provides an overview of potential human extinction causes considered plausible in the current academic literature, experts’ judgements of likelihood where available and a synthesis of ethical and social debates relating to the study of human extinction.

This research focuses on pteropods of the family Cavoliniidae, which remains an under-studied taxa in Indian waters. Sediment samples collected by the FORV Sagar Sampada from the Andaman Islands, India, yielded eight species of the family Cavoliniidae, representing the genera Cavolinia and Diacavolinia of the subfamily Cavoliniinae, and the genus Diacria of the subfamily Diacriniinae. Notably, four species – Diacavolinia aspina, D. bandaensis, D. deblainvillei and Diacria erythra represent new distributional records for India. Furthermore, Cavolinia uncinata, Diacavolinia angulata, D. bicornis and D. flexipes are recorded for the first time in the Andaman Sea. This study is significant in expanding the understanding of pteropod diversity in the Indian Ocean, contributing to a better understanding of their ecosystem and geographical range.

The ghost shrimp Audacallichirus mirim had been previously recorded along the Brazilian coast. However, this study marks its first report in southern Espírito Santo and northern Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. Two male specimens were collected at Piúma Beach (Espírito Santo) and Guaxindiba Beach (Rio de Janeiro) in March 2023, using a steel suction pump in the intertidal zone. The individuals were identified in a laboratory based on taxonomic characteristics. Abiotic factors such as salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured at the collection sites, revealing distinct environmental conditions between the two beaches. Granulometric analysis showed significant differences in sediment composition, with Piúma characterized by finer sands and Guaxindiba by a more poorly sorted sediment, with a higher contribution of coarser grains. This record contributes to understanding the biogeographical distribution of A. mirim, emphasizes its ecological role, and highlights the need for further research on its population dynamics and habitat preferences in southeastern Brazil.

In order to evaluate the seasonal responses of periphytic protozoan fauna to the antibiotic nitrofurazone at sensitive concentration, a 1-year baseline survey was carried out in Chinese coastal waters of the Yellow Sea. To assess the nitrofurazone (NFZ)-induced toxicokinetics in different season, the test protozoan samples were collected using microscope slides and exposed to the sensitive NFZ concentration of 8 mg ml−1. Differences in species composition and typical species were observed in the test organism fauna in the control and treatment among four seasons. However, the community patterns were significantly shifted under the sensitive concentration, with a part of stressed test samples significantly departed from a respected taxonomic pattern. Therefore, it is suggested that periphytic protozoan fauna may be significantly changed at the same sensitive concentration in both the species composition and community pattern, although there were significant differences in tolerant species among four seasons in marine environments.