Elasmobranchs: a diverse, ancient group of cartilaginous fish
Meteorological agencies and the UN have reported a very strong El Niño that has continued to intensify in August 2026. Forecasts show record-warm Pacific sea-surface temperatures, rising global heat and an elevated risk of droughts, floods and food insecurity that will push tens of millions more people into acute hunger this year and next.
Massachusetts fishermen released a juvenile tiger shark after catching it at a Falmouth beach. The five-foot shark, common in warmer southern waters, appears off New England amid rising ocean temperatures, indicating shifts in marine ecosystems.
Louisiana has documented nine Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, with five fatalities. All cases involve wounds exposed to seawater and occurred in people with underlying conditions. Florida reports 14 cases and two deaths in a parallel uptick. Authorities warn about risk from warm coastal waters, advise wound protection, and urge avoidance of raw shellfish.
Diver incidents and open-water attacks have left several injured or seriously harmed. A Florida bull-shock rescue, an otter attack in Nevada, and a Sydney shark attack have spurred medical responses, fundraising and public safety warnings as authorities investigate.
A man in his 50s has been bitten by a shark while surfing about 40 metres offshore at Glenfield Beach, north of Geraldton, at about 9:45am on Monday. He has been taken to Geraldton Health Campus with serious leg injuries. Authorities have closed the beach and recovered a damaged surfboard for species testing.
Officials have kept the 3.5-meter shark, nicknamed Bukangi, confined to a canal as they adapt tactics to guide it back to open water. Thousands of visitors have flocked to North Port to watch, with health and safety checks ongoing as authorities prepare a larger net to redirect the animal toward the sea.
Breed has finished a 111-day, record-breaking swim along the California coast, facing storms, currents, sharks and sewage. Supported by the Catalyst and a crew, she swam about 10 miles a day, totaling roughly 900 miles, and aims to raise awareness for ocean conservation.
Shark Bukangi, a three-meter female dusky shark, has been guided toward open water after weeks in Busan’s canal. Authorities report health concerns due to cooler waters; a final attempt to ensure safe release is underway as the animal remains near the canal mouth. The incident has drawn millions of visitors and raised questions about warming seas.