Gray whales face rising mortality and sparse return visits amid harsh currents and climate-linked stress; historically, they migrate annually between feeding and breeding grounds.
Norfolk Island’s coral reefs are facing widespread disease linked to sediment, cattle manure, wastewater and fertilizer runoff. Scientists warn a longer El Niño could raise water temperatures, triggering bleaching and reef loss. Kingston Pier dredging plans add to the threat as regulators issue environment approvals.