What’s new in ocean science?

Each month, we share three pieces of ocean science news that caught our eye:

Researchers uncover the cause of the devastating sea star wasting disease epidemic, bringing hope for sunflower sea stars and kelp forests. Over the past ten years, this epidemic has killed 90% of the global population of sunflower sea stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), severely impacting kelp forests—key marine ecosystems that support biodiversity and coastal communities.

Ocean air may help to live longer: a new study by the University of Ohio found that people in coastal regions enjoy life expectancies a year or more above the U.S. average, while city dwellers near inland rivers and lakes may face shorter lifespans. Researchers suggest the difference comes from environmental and social factors: cleaner air, cooler summers, recreation opportunities, and higher incomes near the coasts versus pollution, poverty, and flood risks inland. The findings reveal that not all “blue spaces” are equal, challenging assumptions that any water view brings health benefits.

What's next for a global plastics treaty? 

After the latest round of negotiations failed to reach an agreement, UNEP's Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, which is tasked with organising the negotiations for a legally-binding instrument to curb plastic pollution, has agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced.