We asked Tero Härkönen, who has researched seals since the 1970s, three questions. Is it the seal's fault that the fish disappear? Is the seal doing something wrong? How important is the seal to the ecosystem?
Biomass and biodiversity. Two rather dull and stiff words. But words often associated with Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is situated west of Papua Guinea, right in the heart of what's known as the "Coral Triangle."
Since almost four years ago, we have license hunting on gray seals, since two years on harbor seals and protection hunts on ringed seals since several years ago. We hunt all three seal species along the Swedish coast and there are several reasons.
Researchers have now established that the harbor seals in the Kosterhavet area are becoming increasingly scarce. Last year, only half of the females gave birth to pups. This is according to research from the University of Gothenburg, following this year's seal count. – We were very surprised. These low numbers cannot be dismissed year after year, says Karin Hårding, professor of zoological ecology at the University of Gothenburg and the leader of the project.
Awareness of the sea's importance to the planet has penetrated the finest salons. The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos brings together some of the world's most powerful decision-makers in politics and business. Business leaders, international politicians and "prominent intellectuals" discuss what the organizer defines as the most pressing issues for the world. This year, the environment and the sea are high on the agenda.
On December 14th, 1991, the passenger ship Salem Express sank when a storm hit the Red Sea. The shipwreck was a human tragedy. Among the passengers were hundreds of pilgrims who were on their way home from Mecca.
The black-mouthed goby was first discovered in Swedish waters in 2008. Today, it is common in many areas and there is every indication that it is here to stay. But what makes the fish so successful? And what will be its impact on marine ecosystems?
