It’s hard to believe August is already here and that means MACNA is right around the corner. To start your weekend off right, we have a few tasty tidbits in this edition of the Friday Smorgasbord including a new whale, information on fake seafood, a cool 360-degree interactive video and an odd (and stinky) floating ocean object.
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore…
The karasu or “the raven” — a rare, dark looking rare beaked whale has been a part of the lore of Japanese fishermen for years. Now science have genetic proof to back up the tales that prove it is in fact an entirely new species. For year, many have mistaken the raven for the Baird’s beaked whale, scientists say it represents an entirely new species. The story includes finding samples of the whale hiding in plain sight. From the Smithsonian to an Alaska high school, scientists around the globe were able to collect enough samples to prove its existence.
[NPR]
“Flakey” Fish
The Wall Street Journal posted this story about not getting what you bargained for when it comes to fish in stores and restaurants. In fact, they say 1-in-3 fish you buy in a store or order in a restaurant is mislabeled. Is this an act of blatant fraud? Or just an honest mistake?
Armchair Aquanauts Get 360-degree Ocean Views
Thanks to the Nekton XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey, we have the ability to check out this interactive video giving you the ability to join the expedition!
Bloated Expectations
What is this strange floating object in the ocean? Fisherman near Banbury in Australia saw this strange object before realizing it in not an alien predator, but a dead bloated whale that sharks were making their lunch.
