CATCH OF THE WEEK: Tokyo Auction Sees Record $3.2 Million Bluefin TunaWhat a start to the new year! A colossal 535-pound bluefin tuna just shattered records at Tokyo's famous Toyosu fish market, fetching an eye-watering 510 million yen, which is a whopping $3.2 million! The winning bidder was none other than Kiyoshi Kimura, the owner of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. This isn't his first rodeo; Kimura also set the previous record back in 2019. This magnificent fish was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a spot legendary for producing some of the world's finest tuna. Mr. Kimura, with a grin, said he plans to sell the prized tuna at regular prices, so if you're in Japan, you might just get a taste of history!
DEEP SEA MYSTERIES: New Predatory Crustacean Discovered 8,000 Meters DownJust when you think you've seen it all, the deep sea throws another curveball. Scientists have discovered a brand-new species of predatory crustacean, named "Dulcibella camanchaca," lurking nearly 8,000 meters below the surface in the Atacama Trench. This little critter, only about 4 centimeters long, has some serious weaponry, using raptorial appendages like a praying mantis to snatch its prey. This discovery by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a thrilling reminder of how much we still have to learn about the mysterious depths of our oceans. It's a wild world down there!
WRECK & RELIC: World's Largest Medieval Cog Shipwreck FoundAhoy, history buffs! Maritime archaeologists have hit the jackpot with the discovery of the world's largest known medieval cog shipwreck, right off the coast of Copenhagen. This absolute unit of a cargo ship, dubbed "SvƦlget 2," measures an impressive 28 meters long and could carry around 300 tons of cargo. Built around 1410, this vessel is a time capsule from the 15th century. Found at a depth of 13 meters, the wreck is remarkably well-preserved, even revealing the first-ever archaeological evidence of a "cog castle" and a brick-built galley. It's a stunning glimpse into the bustling trade routes of medieval Europe.
SCIENCE CORNER: NASA Tracks Whales from Space by Following the FoodGet ready for some seriously cool science! NASA is now using satellites to track the food source of North Atlantic right whales from space. Scientists have figured out that massive swarms of red zooplankton, the whales' favorite snack, can actually change the color of the ocean enough to be seen by satellites. By mapping these plankton blooms, researchers can predict where the whales will be, helping to protect these endangered giants from ship strikes and fishing gear. It's a brilliant example of using cutting-edge technology to safeguard our marine wildlife.
Sources:
CBS News
Yahoo News
Archaeology News Online Magazine
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