Retailer Says No to Krill
In a major victory for Antarctic conservation, UK retailer Holland & Barrett has announced it will end all sales of krill-based supplements, following discussions with Sea Shepherd. Krill are the foundation of the Southern Ocean’s food web; sustaining whales, seals, penguins, and fish, yet industrial trawlers have been stripping them from fragile Antarctic ecosystems. This bold corporate move sets a new precedent for ethical retail and sends a clear message: exploiting the Antarctic for luxury “wellness” products has no place in a sustainable future. Conservationists hope others will follow suit, choosing protection over profit to safeguard the ocean’s most essential species. Read more about it here.

Wild Animals Officially Recognised as Climate Allies
In a landmark move, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially recognised wild animals as crucial enablers of nature-based climate solutions. The new resolution highlights that thriving animal populations boost carbon capture and ecosystem resilience: from whales and fish that help store carbon in the ocean to elephants and birds that fertilise and regenerate forests. The measure urges governments to integrate animal conservation into climate frameworks like the Paris Agreement and prioritise species recovery as a core climate strategy. It also reframes wild animals not just as victims of climate change, but as active participants in solving it: through seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and maintaining ecosystem balance. This holistic vision strengthens the link between biodiversity protection and global climate action. It marks a cultural and scientific shift toward valuing every living species as part of Earth’s natural climate machinery. Source: Oceanographic Magazine

Green Sea Turtle Bounces Back from the Brink
One of the ocean’s most beloved species, the green sea turtle, has made a remarkable comeback. The IUCN Red List has reclassified it from Endangered to Least Concern — an achievement decades in the making. Thanks to global conservation efforts, nesting-beach protection, reduced by-catch, and international legal safeguards, populations have grown by around 28 percent since the 1970s. Once hunted relentlessly for their meat, eggs, and shells, these turtles now benefit from community-driven conservation and ecotourism initiatives that safeguard both turtles and coastal livelihoods. Although their numbers remain below historical levels, this milestone proves that long-term, coordinated action works. The story of the green sea turtle stands as a beacon of hope for other marine species still under threat. Continued vigilance and habitat protection will be essential to ensure their survival for generations to come. Source: Oceanographic Magazine

World’s Rarest Whales are Making a Comeback
The North Atlantic right whale, once teetering on the edge of extinction, is showing promising signs of recovery. Recent research reveals a population increase to 384 individuals, up eight from last year, and 7 percent higher than in 2020. Even more encouraging: no whale deaths were recorded this year, and injuries have dropped dramatically. Several first-time mothers have been sighted, expanding the breeding population. Experts attribute this success to stronger protection measures in Canada and the US, including modified fishing gear, speed restrictions, and monitoring programs. While the species remains critically endangered, the latest numbers show that international cooperation and persistent protection can save even the most threatened giants of the sea. Source: Phys.org

Southern Resident Orcas Welcome a New Calf
Amid the waters of Washington’s Puget Sound, a new calf has been born to the endangered southern resident orcas — a vital addition to the small and closely watched population. The newborn, identified as a member of J Pod, appears healthy and active alongside its mother. These orcas face numerous pressures, from dwindling salmon stocks to vessel noise and pollution, so each birth is cause for celebration. Researchers say the calf’s arrival boosts morale among conservationists and signals that ongoing recovery efforts — such as fishery reforms and habitat restoration — are helping sustain the population. The southern resident orcas now number in the 70s, and every new member matters. This happy event is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting critical marine habitats to allow ocean families to thrive once again. Source: Regional whale-research updates, October 2025

Vaquita comeback sparks hope
The world’s rarest porpoise is holding on. Recent surveys in Mexico’s Upper Gulf of California have confirmed the presence of seven to ten vaquitas, including new calves. Even better, no gillnets were found during the research. From May to September 2025, Mexico’s environmental agencies and Sea Shepherd worked together on a large-scale monitoring project using acoustic detectors and visual observation from the ships Seahorse and Bob Barker. The results show that for the third year in a row, the vaquita population has remained stable, with clear signs of reproduction. Among those observed was Frida, a known mother seen with calves in 2023, 2024, and again this year. This is proof that protection works. When governments, scientists, and local communities unite, even the most threatened species can recover. Source: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

High Seas Treaty Crosses the Finish Line
A milestone for global ocean governance: enough countries have officially ratified the UN High Seas Treaty to bring it into force. The agreement, years in the making, creates the first-ever legal framework to protect biodiversity in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the planet’s ocean. The treaty enables the creation of marine protected areas beyond national borders, sets rules for environmental impact assessments, and ensures fair sharing of marine-genetic resources. Conservation groups are celebrating this breakthrough as a long-awaited step toward safeguarding the vast “blue commons.” Implementation will now depend on how nations enforce and fund protection zones, but the momentum is clear: the world is uniting to defend the ocean for all life. Source: Phys.org

Europe Moves to End the Grind
A coalition of Members of the European Parliament has introduced a motion urging the EU to take a firm stance against the “grindadráp” hunts of pilot whales and dolphins in the Faroe Islands. The proposed resolution seeks to suspend trade and cooperation agreements unless the hunts are halted. Backed by conservation organisations and public campaigns, the motion represents growing political will to end this outdated and cruel practice. If adopted, it could mark a decisive shift in Europe’s relationship with the Faroe Islands and signal that compassion and conservation are now non-negotiable parts of modern ocean policy. Source: European Parliament