Der Mensch beutet die Meere aus, warnen Umweltschützer. Doch wie sehr – und wie lange noch? SPIEGEL-Redakteur Philip Bethge diskutiert darüber an der Uni Kiel mit einem Greenpeace- und einem Fischerei-Experten. Die Ozeane stehen unter enormem Druck. Rund 4,6 Millionen Fischerboote machen weltweit Jagd auf Meeresbewohner aller Art. Über 80 Millionen Tonnen Meeresgetier ziehen Fischer jährlich […]
Tag Archives | marine science
Die Wal-Kämpfer
Paul Watson, Gründer der Meeresschutzorganisation Sea Shepherd, hat die Selbstjustiz auf den Ozeanen salonfähig gemacht. Mit rabiaten Methoden versuchen seine Ökopiraten, das Leben von Walen, Robben und Haien zu retten. Von Philip Bethge Wie geht das, einen Wal zu töten, tonnenschwer und sechs Meter lang, der im seichten Wasser liegt? Eine Handbreit hinter dem Blasloch […]
Die Qual der Wale
Kommentar zur Tagung der Internationalen Walfang-Kommission: Vor einigen Wochen bereiste ich die Ostküste der USA. Auf der Insel Nantucket, einst Hochburg des Walfangs, erfuhr ich im örtlichen Museum, dass die Indianer die Tiere dort vor 400 Jahren mit kleinen Booten noch direkt vom Strand aus jagen konnten – so viele Wale gab es damals im […]
Reeling In the Trawlers: EU Takes On Overfishing
Fish stocks have made surprising comebacks in the North and Baltic seas. But much remains to be done. Beginning in January, new EU laws will impose more sustainable practices with stricter quotas and by-catch rules. By Philip Bethge When the men open the net on the ship’s deck, fat codfish slap into plastic fish baskets. […]
Flipper Fail: Dolphins May be Dumber Than We Think
For decades, it’s been common knowledge that dolphins are among the world’s smartest species. Now some researchers — and a new book — argue the supposed underwater geniuses aren’t so special after all. By Philip Bethge Their social lives are complex, and they can congregate in large groups. Their heart rates increase when they notice […]
Lear Jets of the Deep: Private Submarines Gain Popularity with Millionaires
A new class of private submarines has become the latest plaything for the super rich. They allow would-be adventurers to navigate the wonders of the coral reefs, explore shipwrecks or even to cruise alongside dolphins. The cheapest models start at $1.7 million, but prices can go as high as $80 million – by Philip Bethge Just recently, […]
Deep Trouble in the Gulf of Mexico: ‘A Disaster of Epic Proportions’
The oil spill from the sunken Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico could turn into the biggest environmental catastrophe in US history. It could take months to stop the oil flow, and the damage to the local economy and wildlife could be huge. The accident is likely to hamper US President Barack Obama’s […]
An Undersea Kama Sutra: The Disturbing Sex Lives of Deep Sea Squid
A Dutch biologist has extensively studied the reproductive techniques of deep-ocean squid. During sex, they are brutal and ruthless — and sometimes clumsy. By Philip Bethge Sex in the deep sea is a difficult proposition. The problems already begin with the partner search: How do you find someone to mate with in the pitch-black depths […]