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Hidden hormone–habitat relationship revealed in reef fish

Researchers discovered a strong link between environmental variation and thyroid hormone signaling in reef fish, enabling them to adapt to changing habitats. The study found that habitat impacts development by altering gene expression and metabolic profiles, giving animals more flexibility when their environments change.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Family ties shape social lives of bull sharks

A study of bull shark behavior found that individuals are slightly more likely to associate and socialise with relatives than unrelated sharks. This 'kinfluence' effect may contribute to both proximity-based associations and directed social interactions, particularly among male sharks.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 4, 2026

Study offers new clues to a long-standing mystery about bonnethead sharks

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School reveals that male and female bonnetheads have distinct head shapes that develop differently as they mature. Contrary to previous research, the sharks' heads become rounder in females, not more pointed when reaching sexual maturity.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2026

Sharks may help improve climate forecasts, study finds

A new study demonstrates that animal-borne sensors, such as those on tagged sharks, can enhance ocean forecast accuracy in regions with limited observational data. By incorporating shark-collected temperature and depth data into a seasonal climate model, forecast errors decreased substantially, particularly in coastal and shelf regions.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

Bull sharks have ‘friends’

Researchers found that bull sharks have active social preferences and choose their social partners, similar to humans. The study revealed that adult sharks form the core of the social network, while younger sharks are less socially connected.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 16, 2026

Genetic mapping of Baltic Sea herring important for sustainable fishing

A new study by Stockholm University researchers reveals distinct populations of Baltic Sea herring with varying levels of genetic adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity in managing herring populations and suggest that current fishing practices may be detrimental to local populations.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2026

Research confirms that ocean warming causes an annual decline in fish biomass of up to 19.8%

A new study reveals that ocean warming is driving a nearly 20% annual decline in fish biomass, with extreme marine heatwaves sometimes masking this trend. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation and long-term planning in fisheries management to address the ongoing rise in temperature.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeNews article·DateFeb 25, 2026

Social pressure forces baby clownfish to lose their bars faster

A new study reveals that the presence of older fish accelerates bar loss in young tomato anemonefish, a process linked to social hierarchy and environmental adaptability. The researchers suggest this may be an insurance policy against invasion, with younger fish losing their bars as they are accepted into the group.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Fish face smaller meals due to warmer seas and fishing

Researchers found that warmer waters and commercial fishing lead to smaller meals for predators, resulting in reduced energy intake. This can weaken predators and make marine ecosystems more fragile. The study suggests managing climate change and fisheries together is essential to protect marine food webs.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Atlantic nurse sharks show faster growth patterns in Biscayne Bay than nearby Bimini, Bahamas

A new study reveals significant differences in growth patterns between nurse sharks off the coast of Miami and those living just across the Gulf Stream. The research found that juvenile nurse sharks in Biscayne Bay grow more rapidly and reach smaller maximum sizes than their counterparts in Bimini, Bahamas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2026

FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

Lemon shark caught preying on invasive freshwater fish in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Researchers recorded lemon sharks preying on jaguar cichlids, an invasive species introduced to Fernando de Noronha, in Sueste Bay. The bay's saltwater environment allows for the interaction due to freshwater inflows after heavy rains. This observation suggests that sharks may play a role in controlling invasive species populations.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Biology of Fishes·DateDec 3, 2025

New environmental DNA test could help rare hammerhead sharks fight extinction

A groundbreaking environmental DNA test developed by Florida International University scientist Diego Cardeñosa can detect traces of elusive hammerhead sharks in water samples. The test reveals fragments of genetic material left behind in the ocean, identifying areas where the sharks have been and informing conservation efforts.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCase study·DateNov 5, 2025

Orcas seen killing young great white sharks by flipping them upside-down

Researchers observed orcas in the Gulf of California targeting juvenile great white sharks, flipping them to induce tonic immobility and extract nutrient-rich livers. The orca pod's hunting technique suggests advanced intelligence and social learning, allowing them to adapt to changing shark nursery areas.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

Dried fish – the hidden superfood vital for millions of women and children in Africa

A new study reveals that dried fish is an overlooked yet vital source of nutrition for millions of people across Africa, particularly for young children and women. The research found that even small portions of dried fish contribute significantly to recommended nutrient intakes for essential minerals like iron and zinc.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2025