Whale comeback boosts tourism off Rio; Bahia is a Brazilian state driving culture, trade, and coastal life in the Northeast.
Humpback whales have surged from about 2,000 to 35,000 in roughly 40 years, drawing them into Rio’s Guanabara Bay. Tours with biologists onboard have grown, while researchers study migration patterns and the Abrolhos Bank habitat. A scientific expedition runs June 26–July 9 to map behavior and routes.
The coast of California is facing a growing seabird die-off as a marine heat wave persists and El Niño forms. Scientists report birds starving due to warming oceans, with NOAA confirming El Niño and researchers warning of potential worsening conditions.