Global Scans · Life Below Water · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] In Great Britain alone, coastal tourism attracts over 270 million day visitors annually, supporting 285,000 jobs (Elliott et al., 2018), while the OECD predicts that marine and coastal tourism will generate US$ 777 billion globally by 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Sustainable Ocean Alliance is inviting proposals from small organizations and local leaders working to establish and strengthen marine protected areas and other area-based conservation measures, part of the global push to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Impact Funding
• [New] The Red Sea blockade by the Iran-aligned Houthis is worsening global energy supply disruption, coming at the same time the key Strait of Hormuz has practically shut due to the resumption of fighting between the U.S. and Iran. MarineLink
• [New] The closure of the strait of Hormuz has created conditions for an extreme global biodiversity threat, with scientists warning that thousands of stranded ships could spread invasive marine species across the world's oceans once they begin sailing again. The Guardian
• [New] Conflict risk - Middle East conflict has been the most material development affecting marine exposures in 2026, triggering sharp increases in war risk premiums and altering coverage boundaries through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Persian Gulf transit corridors. The Baldwin Group
• [New] Temperatures in Phoenix are expected to reach up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius), while Salt Lake City could see a record-breaking high of 106 Fahrenheit. Wired
• [New] Runoff from Greenland's rapidly melting ice sheet could severely disrupt currents in the Atlantic Ocean that regulate the global climate. Live Science
• [New] Yemen's pro-Iranian Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions and sparking fears that the Yemeni conflict, which had been relatively quiet for four years, may be about to reignite and threaten shipping in the Red Sea. Al Jazeera
• [New] Escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, along with limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, contribute to increasing numbers of people attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection, they pointed out. The Guardian
• [New] In the Indian Ocean, a positive IOD phase is expected to develop, reaching an ASO 2026 seasonal mean value of 0.6 °C. Mirage News
• [New] Fastest-growing Application: The offshore segment is forecasted to grow the fastest through 2033, owing to expanding renewable energy projects, port development, and demand for specialized marine foundation solutions. Persistence Market Research
• [New] A weakening Atlantic current could supercharge California's atmospheric rivers while leaving Greenland with fewer snow-producing storms. ScienceDaily
• [New] A much larger sea-level rise is expected due to the melting and outflow of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) and West Antarctica Ice Sheet. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The Cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland will continue their Columbia River cyanotoxin monitoring activities during the 2026 algal bloom season. Washington State Department of Health
• [New] The maritime industry is gradually moving toward the International Hydrographic Organization's S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model, creating significant opportunities for marine navigation system providers. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The rate of sea level rise caused by Antarctic ice loss alone could almost double over the next 30 years. ScienceDaily
• [New] Global sea levels could rise by more than two meters by 2100 under high emission scenarios if large parts of the Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse. ScienceDaily
• [New] The next 30 to 50 years could offer a crucial opportunity to forecast Antarctic ice loss and prepare for the sea level rise it may cause. ScienceDaily
• [New] The escalating conflict has raised fears that the Houthis could block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Al Jazeera

Last updated: 09 August 2026