Alfred Wegener Institute

Based on the nesting density of the surveyed area, and the nature of the surrounding seafloor, it is estimated that the colony is made up of approximately 60 million active nests

Biology

"Largest-ever" fish breeding colony may contain up to 60 million nests

German scientists have announced the discovery of what is claimed to be the world's largest fish breeding area known to date. Described as a globally unique ecosystem, it consists of tens of millions of icefish nests on the Antarctic sea floor.

Although the research was conducted on sea bass (pictured), the scientists believe that their findings could be applied to other bony or cartilaginous fish

Environment

If you don't want to eat microplastics, sea bass may be the way to go

For some time now, there have been concerns that microplastic particles eaten by fish could be passed along to human seafood consumers. According to a new study, though, such may not be the case with sea bass, and possibly not with many other fish.

Snowy, with a good chance of microplastics

Environment

Arctic snowfall found to carry tiny fragments of plastic

One disconcerting consequence of our huge plastic pollution problem is that we really have no idea where the stuff can end up. The latest locale to surprise scientists looking into such matters is the Arctic, who say that snowfall there is bringing tiny fragments of plastic along for the ride.

Samples of Arctic sea ice have been found to contain up to 12,000 particles per liter

Environment

Arctic sea ice is packed with huge amounts of tiny plastic particles

The insidious spread of microplastics through our environment is something that we really don't know enough about. Researchers have now found unexpected quantities of the material lodged in Arctic sea ice, shedding new light on how they move through the ocean.