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An endangered North Atlantic right whale dips beneath the surface as it feeds off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts

No Strings Attached

A new fishery in California shows how ropeless crab traps can prevent whales from becoming entangled in fishing lines.
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whitemargin stargazer
Burial at Sea
The whitemargin stargazer’s ghoulish, upturned face allows the fish to bury its body in sand and nearly disappear—while watching for its next unsuspecting meal.
An endangered North Atlantic right whale dips beneath the surface as it feeds off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts
No Strings Attached
A new fishery in California shows how ropeless crab traps can prevent whales from becoming entangled in fishing lines.
fish swim over a seagrass meadow
The Curious Connection Between Bacteria, Seagrass, and Carbon
New research shows that seagrass depends on the bacteria around it—and that the antibiotics entering our oceans could disrupt that relationship.
mountain yellow-legged frog jumps out of a researcher's hand
Trial by Fire
In the burn-scarred mountains of Southern California, a team of biologists fights to help an imperiled frog.
Tree planting , Rift valley, Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Grand Tree-Planting Plan
Efforts to restore lost forests often fail, but Ethiopians are betting big: planting billions of saplings to revive habitat, regenerate soil, and stabilize the land.
aerial view of the University of Washington and Seattle
Trees as Public Health Infrastructure
New research shows that meeting tree canopy goals could prevent more than 67,000 premature deaths in the United States.
Threadfin wrasse eating sperm of a black sea cucumber
Milt Meal
Marine creatures will do almost anything for a meal—including feasting on the sperm and eggs of spawning invertebrates.
microscope image of tropilaelaps mites
A Mite on a Bee on a Ship on the Sea Spells Trouble
Pollinator pathogens are spreading through international trade, threatening both agriculture and wild ecosystems.

From the archives

Sea lion hunting sardines.

Cancer at Sea

A mysterious disease afflicting California sea lions is helping scientists understand the causes of cancer in all animals—including humans.

Special series

Conservation Enters a New Era

One year after the Trump administration slashed biodiversity protections at home and abroad, people and organizations are figuring out where to go from here.