In the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, there is a fossil bed in which many ichthyosaurs (Shonisaurus popularis) have been found petrified in stone.

Over the years, there has been speculation that they had perished in a mass stranding incident or due to a nearby algal bloom. While these were possible, there had not been strong evidence to support these theories.

Marine scientists have invented a small device that can reduce shark bycatch numbers by emitting short electrical pulses as a deterrent.

When clipped on the fishing line next to a baited hook, the battery-operated SharkGuard works by emitting a short localised pulse every two seconds. This causes the shark’s ampullae of Lorenzini (electrical sensors around its nose and mouth) to be overstimulated, thus prompting it to swim away.

For the most part, most research have focussed on the impact of oceanic temperature changes on adult animals, but few looked at the animals' early life stages. A study by researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara gives a useful insight into this specific area. 

Focussing on the larvae of the Kellet's whelk, a common sea snail in Southern California, it showed that rising temperatures will adversely impact the larvae. 

From March to July, phytoplankton blooms emerge along Calfornia’s Central Coast, as seasonal winds push the top layer of the waters out to sea, thereby allowing the cooler, nutrient-rich waters to rise to the surface.

Many marine animals are drawn to such oceanic upwellings, which consequently turn into their feeding grounds. For instance, krill gather to feed on the abundant phytoplankton, whilst blue whales converge to feed on the krill.

Once the upwelling ceases, these marine creatures move elsewhere.