Our Scans · (LF.14) Life Below Water · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] In 2025 the world's largest MPA was established in French Polynesia's Tainui Atea - the MPA will aim to protect 1,100,000 sq km (425,000 sq miles) of ocean. BBC
• [New] Global sea levels are already higher because of global heating but a rise of 2.0-2.2 meters around the UK by 2100 could occur if glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica collapse rapidly, flooding coastal cities and towns. The Guardian
• [New] Increasing ocean acidity, caused by the planet's rising carbon dioxide levels, could weaken shark teeth and potentially impact their ability to hunt. Chemistry World
• [New] Long-term warming in the Southern Ocean could continue to worsen heatwaves even after net zero has been achieved. SciTechDaily
• [New] An Arctic front is forecast to move through the Great Lakes and the Northeast U.S. through Thursday, possibly bringing snow squalls that will rapidly reduce visibility, create icy roads, and make travel extremely hazardous throughout the day. The Watchers
• [New] Hydrogen imports from the Baltic Sea and the port of Rostock are expected to increase as international suppliers - from Norway to North Africa to the Middle East - target Europe's industrial heartland. The Crude Life
• [New] Although failing to completely disable Russia's oil exports via the Black Sea, frequent disruptions have hindered the operations of exporting companies and undermined the confidence of Russia's partners in the use of the Black Sea for transporting both Russian and Kazakhstani oil. Acled
• [New] Delays for oil tankers passing through the Turkish Straits have climbed to about 12 days for a round trip to the Black Sea, up from about seven days last week, as winter storms, heightened security risks and shorter daylight hours snarl traffic. MarineLink
• [New] The Red Sea crisis, necessitating prolonged diversions around the Cape of Good Hope, is projected to persist well into 2026, adding significant transit times and costs to international shipping. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Global shipping companies, such as Maersk (CPH: MAERSK B) and Hapag-Lloyd, have experienced increased costs and disruptions due to attacks in the Red Sea, forcing longer routes and higher insurance premiums. The Big Spring Herald
• [New] A gradual return to the Red Sea route after long detours around the Cape of Good Hope is the key thing to watch for in container shipping in 2026. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Projected sea levels are expected to exceed critical thresholds in regions like the Pacific Islands by the end of the century. The Cool Down
• [New] Rhenus India will introduce its Inland Waterways Transport solutions, barge scheduled services that will facilitate cargo transport on two Indian rivers, the Ganga River and the Brahmaputra River. Maritime Gateway - South Asia's Premier Shipping and Lo
• [New] Based on a 2019 study led by O'Donnell, Connecticut has adopted a requirement that coastal municipalities include an increase in mean sea level of up to 20 inches by 2050 in their plans. UConn Today
• [New] Rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and increasing flood risks are impacting coastal communities of the northeastern United States in unprecedented ways. UConn Today
• [New] The Cameroon Beach Cleanup 2026, organized by ASCOA, is a nationwide initiative dedicated to reducing marine debris and promoting a cleaner, healthier coastline. Ocean Decade
• [New] AI integrated with quantum computing will revolutionize maritime operations, enabling ultra-complex ocean simulations, advanced weather modeling, and real-time optimization of global shipping networks. AI Vault - Discover & Compare AI Tools
• Two more cable systems will extend westwards to Africa and Asia, to deepen the resilience of Indian Ocean internet infrastructure. gCaptain
• A fast-spreading marine pandemic is wiping out vital reef-grazing sea urchins, threatening ecosystems worldwide. ScienceDaily
• Rising sea levels and increased cyclonic activity further endanger coastal populations, while escalating tensions over water sharing, public health crises, and climate-induced migration underscore Pakistan's profound vulnerability. MorungExpress
• Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Black Sea has been transformed into an active danger zone for merchant shipping, where civilian seafarers face the real and ongoing threat of mines, drones, and missile strikes. gCaptain
• The International Transport Workers' Federation has condemned recent attacks on vessels operating in the Black Sea following the third Ukrainian sea drone strike on a Russian shadow fleet tanker, warning that civilian seafarers must never be treated as targets in conflict. gCaptain
• In the Black Sea, Vodafone Group and Vodafone Ukraine have partnered with Xtera on the Kardesa, a €116m ($136m) cable system that will connect Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey, and Ukraine with the first cable landing planned in Bulgaria in 2027. Verdict

Last updated: 22 December 2025