National Geographic News: Oceans

How Diving Mammals Stay Underwater for So Long

Jane J. Lee — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:31:16 -0400

Researchers have discovered the secret to how champion divers like sperm whales can dive for an hour or more.

Record-Breaking Mako Shark Tips Off Conservation Debate

Brian Clark Howard — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 01:07:41 -0400

Anglers spark controversy after hauling in a 1,300-pound shortfin mako shark in California.

Jindo Sea Parting: Science Behind the 'Magic'

Linda Poon — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:38:39 -0400

As locals and tourists celebrate the Jindo Sea-Parting Festival in Korea, we look at the science behind the "miracle."

Do Whales Have Culture? Humpbacks Pass on Behavior

Jane J. Lee — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:30:58 -0400

New feeding strategy spreads among whales gathered to gorge on fish, says a new study—but is it culture?

A Hidden Victim of Somali Pirates: Science

Paul Salopek in Djibouti city — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:47:10 -0400

Somali pirates have shut down crucial scientific research in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa.

Coelacanth Genes Mapped, "Living Fossil" Evolved Slowly

Jane J. Lee — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:27:20 -0400

Scientists have mapped the coelacanth genome and found that the ancient fish's genes evolved more slowly than those of other animals.

Shark-Tooth Weapons Reveal "Lost" Shark Species

Ker Than — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:33 -0400

Shark-tooth weapons once used for warfare in the Central Pacific have revealed two locally extinct shark species, a new study says.

New Theory for Why Antarctic Sea Ice Is Growing

Christine Dell'Amore — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:49:20 -0400

Melting ice shelves are keeping warm water away from the ocean surface, giving ice a chance to build, a new study suggests.

What's Behind Spike in Gulf Coast Dolphin Attacks?

Rena Silverman — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:13 -0400

Dead—and sometimes mutilated—dolphins have been turning up in recent months off the shores of Alabama, Florida, and Texas.

Trilobites Found With Mysterious Markings

Jane J. Lee — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:28:28 -0400

These ancient arthropods may have used their spots as camouflage, a new study says.

Once Decimated U.S. Fish Stocks Enjoy Big Bounce Back

Brian Handwerk — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:32:57 -0400

A new report highlights the success, and challenges, of American fisheries management.

Hundreds of Sick Sea Lion Pups Wash Ashore

Christine Dell'Amore — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:09:46 -0400

A mysterious tide of California sea lion pups continues to wash ashore, prompting one rescue facility to declare a state of emergency.

Dead Whale Contains a Bounty of Life

Brian Switek — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:05:43 -0400

"Snotworms" and carcass-hopping limpets are some of the creatures inhabiting the whale's skeleton.

Shark Dies During Kmart Commercial Filming

Jane J. Lee — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:31:48 -0400

Despite the efforts of trainers, a shark being filmed for a Kmart commercial dies.

A Picture We Love: I See You

Jane J. Lee — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:35:36 -0400

A fish on a Red Sea coral reef mugs for the camera in a pic our photo editors love.

Sharks Warn Off Predators By Wielding Light Sabers

Helen Scales — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:02:44 -0400

Glowing blue spines warn off would-be predators, according to a new study.

Oldest Known Wild Bird Hatches Chick at 62

Christine Dell'Amore — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:38:07 -0400

When Chandler Robbins banded a female albatross in 1956, he had no idea she would become a record-breaking bird that defied the odds.

New Ancient Members of Whale Family Found

Jane J. Lee in Boston — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:28:31 -0400

These ancient relatives of modern baleen whales had teeth instead of baleen, which modern whales use to filter-feed.

Will Deep-sea Mining Yield an Underwater Gold Rush?

Meghan Miner — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:41:41 -0400

The lure of precious minerals is provoking experiments with deep-sea mining—and causing some environmentalists to worry.

Deformed Dolphin Accepted Into New Family

Linda Poon — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:38:03 -0400

Swimming among a pod of sperm whales in the North Atlantic is a dolphin with an S-shaped spine.

Sharp-Eared Robots Find Whales—And Help Them Escape Danger

Brian Handwerk — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:15:16 -0400

Torpedo-shaped machines do their part to protect whales.

Embryonic Sharks Freeze to Avoid Detection

Jane J. Lee — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:01:22 -0400

Embryonic sharks still in their egg case will freeze to avoid predators.

Scientific Results From Challenger Deep

Jane J. Lee — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:26:33 -0400

Preliminary results from Challenger Deep give hints about destructive earthquakes, gigantic crustaceans, and the origin of life.

The Transporter: Cloud Banks Carry Mercury

Jane J. Lee — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:10:32 -0400

New results show that the oceans are responsible for the mercury content of coastal fog.

Bloody Ocean: Not Exactly The End of Days

Catherine Zuckerman — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:27:18 -0400

An algae bloom off the east coast of Australia turns the ocean blood red.