Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine profoundly disrupted Arctic governance, challenging the long-standing notion of Arctic exceptionalism and creating enduring turbulence. While scholarly debate has largely focused on geopolitical and institutional consequences, the local-level impacts remain underexamined. This study investigates adaptive governance (AG) responses to the war’s effects in Norway’s northernmost counties, Troms and Finnmark, which share a direct border with Russia. The analysis draws on the concepts of crisis, turbulence, and AG, situating them within broader scholarship on how decision-making сenters respond to crises and turbulence and political adaptation. It examines stakeholder responses across four key domains: civilian preparedness, international cooperation, infrastructure development, and the economic repercussions of sanctions. Based on 19 semi-structured interviews, policy documents, and media analysis, the study reveals both adaptation and persistent challenges shaped by pre-existing governance structures, demographic and economic conditions, and past cooperation with Russia. The study contributes to AG literature by unpacking the interplay between strategies, highlighting structural constraints, and demonstrating how geopolitical disruptions shape local governance in strategically significant environments.

Cancer, a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease, poses a significant global health challenge. Despite current treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, tumour recurrence and treatment side effects are common. These pitfalls necessitate a dire need for alternative therapeutic strategies with minimal side effects. This necessity has broadened the horizons of drug discovery into the marine domain, an exciting frontier for novel therapeutic agents. The marine ecosystem serves as a hub of diverse chemical groups with potential anti-cancer properties. Few marine-derived drugs are approved for cancer, and preliminary studies show that marine lead compounds can inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. In this context, this review encapsulates an overview of ‘the current state of marine biodiscovery’. It explores the ‘potential of marine natural products in combating cancer’ with a particular focus on glioblastoma multiforme as a case study. Additionally, it discusses the ‘key strategies for advancing marine-derived anti-cancer compounds from the research stage to clinical use’. By tapping into the vast, unlocking the hidden treasures of the ocean, marine natural compounds could offer a hopeful perspective in the fight against cancer.

This pioneering study examined the wound healing and regeneration abilities of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea at the Cnidarian Laboratory of the ICAR-Tuticorin Regional Station, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), India. A total of nine specimens (5.8 ± 0.4 cm) were studied, including six control medusae, one accidentally injured jellyfish (cut into four unequal fragments), and two amputated jellyfish (each divided into four equal fragments, totalling eight fragments). All specimens were maintained in a recirculatory aquarium system under optimal seawater conditions. Species identification of the control was confirmed through Basic Local Alingment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, showing 98.91% similarity with Cassiopea xamachana (Bigelow 1892), from the United States of America (USA) GenBank Accession No. ON545804.1, and validated through phylogenetic analysis. Microscopic and morphological observations revealed that the oral arm tissue lacked pulsing activity and could not regenerate its body structure. In contrast, fragments of umbrella tissue from both amputated and injured specimens exhibited pulsing and successfully regained symmetry within 7–15 days. The first phase of self-healing involved the reformation of umbrella symmetry, regeneration of bell tissue, and resumed functions similar to those of the normal medusa. The development of canal systems, including anastomosing vessels radiating from the centre, oral arms extending from the mouth, vesicles from the arms, and the central disc, was documented. The experimental observations revealed sequential wound healing through regeneration and morphogenesis in amputated and injured medusa. This study established Cassiopea as a promising cnidarian model organism for regeneration studies, highlighting its remarkable self-repairing and regenerative capabilities.

This article examines the parallel yet divergent histories of Indiaʼs and Chinaʼs Antarctic programmes, exploring their geopolitical, scientific, and cultural dimensions. Both nations, initially excluded from the Western-dominated Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), joined in the 1980s, marking a shift in their approach to the southern polar region. India, driven by post-colonial solidarity and environmental concerns, has focused on scientific research and conservation, while China has expanded its activities to include resource extraction and satellite surveillance, aligning with Russia to influence ATS policies. Both countries have leveraged their Antarctic presence to reinforce civilisational narratives—Indiaʼs Akhand Bharat and Chinaʼs tian xia—extending their cultural and geopolitical spheres. This article highlights their shared ambivalence towards ATS governance, their evolving strategies, and the role of Antarctica in their broader worldmaking projects. It argues that understanding these intertwined histories is crucial for addressing the conceptual clash between Global North-led environmental restrictions and Global South approaches to common resources, with implications for global climate and environmental governance.

This study investigated intestinal retraction and regeneration in the Japanese sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) during high water temperature periods and compared these morphological changes with those during low water temperature conditions in the subarctic. We examined the intestinal morphology of A. japonicus during the aestivation and winter low-activity periods under natural-like environmental conditions, including the water temperature, photoperiod, and seawater quality. Water temperatures ranged from −1.1°C to 29.2°C. Aestivating individuals were observed from July to September when water temperatures were high. During this period, intestinal length, weight, and thickness decreased, with signs of recovery by November. The mucosal layer height also decreased, with partial loss or disappearance. In contrast, no intestinal retraction occurred from January to March at low temperatures. Additionally, under high temperatures, the muscle layer thinned significantly, and lipofuscin-like granules, thought to be residual material from intracellular digestion by lysosomes, appeared in the submucosal layer. A common feature in both temperature periods was the presence of haemolymph-like cells in the submucosal layer near the mucosa. These findings suggest that intestinal retraction and degeneration in A. japonicus under high temperatures may result from energy conservation mechanisms, fasting, or reduced food intake during aestivation and winter dormancy.

The unique reproductive strategies of botryllid ascidians, which include both asexual and sexual mechanisms as well as an extensive capacity for regeneration, contribute to their fast population growth and wide-ranging ecological effects. These colonial organisms have unique ecological adaptations and responses to environmental factors, yet comprehensive comparative studies on their environmental preferences remain scarce. We conducted an experimental study to explore the asexual reproduction and regeneration response of Botrylloides niger and Botryllus humilis colonies to varying salinity (36.5–39.5 PSU) and temperature (26 ± 1–30 ± 1°C) levels. Experimental findings highlighted species-specific preferences and stress responses: B. niger demonstrated higher tolerance to elevated salinity (39.5 PSU) with optimal growth rates at 26 ± 1–30 ± 1°C, whereas B. humilis displayed a preference for lower salinity and tendencies towards vascular budding at higher temperatures (30 ± 1°C). These observations suggest potential niche differentiation and ecological success, particularly in Mediterranean conditions, implying possible coexistence without intense competition in similar habitats. This research offers insights into the adaptive mechanisms of these ascidians, shedding light on their ecological roles and potential implications in coastal ecosystems amid changing environmental scenarios.

Perna perna mussel is a coastal benthic filter-feeder widely cultivated in mytiliculture farms and serves as a resource for local communities engaged in its harvest along the Brazilian coast. This study presents the isotopic ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in the soft tissues of adult mussels from six natural populations in Rio de Janeiro State, southeast Brazil, to evaluate whether they are sensitive enough to distinguish the origin of specimens. The COVID-19 pandemic served as temporal reference, as the quality of coastal waters was influenced by the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The mean values of δ13C and δ15N ranged from −19.5‰ to −17.3‰, and 6.2‰ to 10.5‰, respectively. The spatial variation of δ13C-δ15N data in the analysed mussels was greater than the temporal variation. The k-means clustering method correctly identified 80% of populations during the pre-pandemic period, 67% in the pandemic, and 50% in the post-pandemic. In most samples, the spatial variation of δ15N (tracer of food source variability) was the primary variable distinguishing the groups of mussels. The isotopic ratios did not reveal a clear trend when using the COVID-19 pandemic as temporal reference. Consequently, the positive environmental changes brought about by the suspension or reduction of anthropogenic activities in coastal waters during the pandemic had minimal impact on the isotopic ratios of mussels at most sampling sites. The utilisation of δ13C-δ15N data to trace the origin of P. perna mussel from natural banks was only partially effective in distinguishing the origin of natural populations across the studied area.

This study provides the first case reported of Paraprionospio treadwelli (Hartman, 1951) in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on 242 individuals collected between 20.8 and 176 m depth during three oceanographic expeditions, we describe in detail the morphology of the identified specimens, including the description of the pygidium, so far unknown in this species, and provide SEM photographs to support their identification. Paraprionospio treadwelli was originally found in Chesapeake Bay, Northwestern Atlantic, and we now extend its distribution southwards to the Western Gulf of Mexico. Remarks on the environmental conditions where this spionid species was found and the observed abundance seasonal pattern are also provided.

The Gulf of California, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, is also heavily exploited by fisheries. Among its fish fauna are species that, although currently underappreciated, may become commercially important in the future. Enhancing our biological knowledge of these species is crucial for monitoring population dynamics and community changes. Fish parasites offer valuable insights into host ecology, including feeding habits and population structure. In this study, we document the metazoan parasite fauna of Trichiurus nitens (Trichiuridae) from four locations in the eastern Gulf of California, Mexico. A total of 165 fish specimens were examined, revealing five parasite species identified using both morphological characteristics and molecular markers: the monogenean Octoplectanocotyla travassosi, the trematode Lecithochirium sinaloense, and three nematodes – Anisakis typica A, Skrjabinisakis brevispiculata, and Spinitectus sp. Among these, L. sinaloense was the most prevalent. Although parasite species richness was similar between small and large fish, overall parasite abundance was higher in larger specimens. Moreover, parasite assemblages did not vary significantly across the study locations. These findings suggest that T. nitens exhibits a specialized feeding strategy, relying on a narrow range of prey throughout its life, and that the oceanographic variability does not limit fish movement in the region. Future studies encompassing a broader geographical scale, additional fish size classes, and different climatic seasons are needed to further elucidate the ecological role of this species. This work provides novel insights into the host-parasite dynamics of T. nitens and establishes a valuable baseline for ecosystem monitoring under global change scenarios.

The genus Echinaster in Japanese waters was revised, resulting in the discovery of two new species, E. crystallus n. sp. and E. toyoshiomaruae n. sp., and one newly recorded species, E. stereosomus, from Japan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses including 22 echinasterid species indicate that another newly recorded species, Metrodira subulata, is grouped with the other Echinaster species. Since the revised diagnostic characteristics of the genus Echinaster are consistent with the morphology of Metrodira, we newly synonymize this genus with Echinaster. Consequently, the genus Echinaster includes six species in Japanese waters. Morphological descriptions of all Japanese Echinaster species were provided.

The cyclopoid family Bomolochidae Claus, 1875 is one of the most common groups of parasitic copepods infesting fishes worldwide. During a survey of marine fishes from northeast Brazil, a new species of Naricolax Ho, Do & Kasahara, 1983 was found in the nasal cavities of the littlescale threadfin Polydactylus oligodon (Günther, 1860) (Polynemidae) in the Maranhão Gulf, Brazil. Naricolax zafirae sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners because it has a pair of acutely pointed tines in the rostral area and an elongated last endopodal segment of leg 4, features that have never been reported in the genus. In addition, the new species differs from the closely related congeners by having a T-shaped rostral area, an outer spine on the second endopodal segment of leg 3 shorter than the segment, and by the apical seta on the last endopodal segment of leg 4 shorter than the rami. The present study provides the first report of a bomolochid parasitizing a fish of the family Polynemidae Rafinesque, 1815 as well as the first report of the genus Naricolax in the Atlantic Ocean. A dichotomous key for species of Naricolax is provided.

The presence of the zebrette goby (Tigrigobius zebrellus) is reported for the first time in the Canary Islands, as well as in the eastern Atlantic. A new established colony around the floating docks of the Marina Santa Cruz de Tenerife harbour has been studied. Over two hundred individuals at different developmental stages have been counted. Its restricted distribution and population characteristic show that it has an established population but with no evidence of expansion to its vicinity. Our study indicates that the population of this exotic species could be easily eradicated to avoid any possible negative impact on local benthic communities. However, if such measures are not soon implemented by the local government this study can also be used as the early invasion stage of an exotic fish species across the Canary Islands.

A specimen of the genus Pandeopsis Kramp, 1959 was found in surface waters off the northeast Brazilian coast at 10.93°S, 36.48°W. The specimen was assigned to the family Pandeidae on the basis of the presence of more than four hollow marginal tentacles and the absence of divided radial canals, marginal tentacles with terminal cnidocyst cluster, and oral tentacles. Among Pandeidae, the specimen was assigned to Pandeopsis due to the absence of lateral diverticula, centripetal canals, and marginal cirri as well as the presence of more than two marginal tentacles, mesenteries, smooth gonads, and manubrium with a quadrangular base. To the moment, the unique morphological trait that is likely to distinguish the two species of the genus is the presence of medusa buds in the gonads of Pandeopsis prolifera, which was not present in the specimen we found. However, as this is not a strong trait to distinguish species, we consider the present specimen to be Pandeopsis cf. ikarii. This study represents the first record of the genus in the South Atlantic Ocean.

A new species of parasitic isopod of the genus Ovobopyrus is described from one parasitized specimen of the snapping shrimp Alpheus carlae, collected from the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. It is the second species of the genus and the first record of the genus from Brazil. The adult female of Ovobopyrus odoya sp. nov. is diagnosed by having the head produced into small anterolateral projections: antennule with three articles; maxilliped subquadratic with a non-articulated palp bearing nine long setae, oostegite 1 having a digitate ridge with five small lobes, carpi of all pereopods with tufts of setae distally, and terminal pleomere bilobed. A comparative table, an identification key, and a distribution map for species of the genus are provided. In addition, an identification key for all Bopyrinae genera from Brazil is also provided.

Parental care is a fundamental aspect of bird behaviour and is crucial for offspring survival. In species exhibiting biparental care, the differing strategies employed by each parent can significantly influence the reproductive success of the breeding pair. For threatened species in captive breeding programmes, the impact of captive conditions adds further complexity and importance to understanding the dynamics of parental care and their effects on reproduction. Our study examines the relationship between parental care behaviours and reproductive success in the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Amazona vittata, specifically investigating how these behaviours may differ between captive and reintroduced populations and female and male parents. We hypothesised that parental care behaviours influence reproductive success and predicted differences based on sex and population. Using video recordings, we quantified key metrics, including the number of feeding bouts per visit, the mean feeding bout duration per visit, and the duration of a nest visit. We examined the relationship between parental care behaviours and reproductive success and analysed factors that affect parental care behaviours. Our findings indicate that parental care behaviours are independently influenced by both sex and population, with no evidence of an interaction between these factors. Furthermore, parental care behaviours are associated with reproductive success. Males spent less time inside the nest than females, while captive birds exhibited fewer and shorter feeding bouts, suggesting that captivity influences parental care strategies. With multiple factors impacting wild populations, captivity may become a resource to avoid extinction for many species. By documenting potential challenges for species with biparental care, video monitoring could help to refine captive breeding programmes and conservation efforts for other threatened bird populations.

Deep-sea trawl samples collected from the west coast of India have revealed several previously undetected species inhabiting the deep waters. This study reports the first record of Bathycongrus nasicus from the western Indian waters and the second record from the entire western Indian Ocean. A single specimen of B. nasicus was collected from the Neendakara fishery harbour in southern Kerala. The species identity was confirmed morphometrically by comparing it with previous records, and the study provides the first molecular identification of this rare congrid eel. The presence of B. nasicus in the western Indian waters suggests its potential distribution throughout the northern Indian Ocean, with prior records from the Bay of Bengal and the western Arabian Sea. This new record indicates that there might be occurrences of several previously unknown fish species in the non-commercial fishery of this region, underscoring the importance of survey collections of non-commercial fishes, which play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.

This study is the first report on the monotypic Codonaria cistellula (Fol, 1883) Kofoid & Campbell, 1939 from the North-Eastern Arabian Sea (NEAS), Indian Ocean. The species was recorded at a water temperature of 25–26 °C and a salinity of 36‰, from a depth of 75–100 m in the NEAS. Two morphotypes were encountered from the region, yet the lorica opening diameter (LOD) remained within a narrow range of 46–50 µm. Moreover, as the original description lacks information on LOD, the circumscription of the species is difficult due to the lorica polymorphism, warranting further genetic analyses.

We report the introduction of Juxtacribrilina mutabilis, a nonindigenous marine encrusting bryozoan, to eastern Canada. Previously reported as a nonindigenous species (NIS) in Europe and Maine, USA, this species is of potential ecological concern due to its propensity to foul eelgrass (Zostera marina), an ecologically important habitat-forming coastal species. By compiling prior unpublished records, re-evaluating existing specimens, and collecting new records of J. mutabilis, we discovered that the species has a widespread distribution in eastern Canada. Specimen reclassification efforts in our study indicate that J. mutabilis has been present in eastern Canada since at least 2013, but the species largely escaped notice until 2024, likely due to its similarity to other encrusting bryozoan species and other factors inhibiting its detection. In light of the distributional and genetic data collected in this study, we reconstruct the possible invasion history of J. mutabilis in eastern Canada, including potential introduction mechanisms, timing, and source regions. We also discuss the ecology of J. mutabilis in eastern Canada, evaluating the factors influencing the morphology of the bryozoan, assessing its potential to detrimentally impact its eelgrass substrate, and estimating its environmental niche. Further research into the distribution, ecology, and potential impacts of J. mutabilis in eastern Canada is recommended. This case study highlights the importance of diversity in the habitats surveyed and methods used when monitoring for marine NIS, the need for horizon scanning to raise awareness of potential NIS, and the advantages of multi-party collaboration and citizen science for early detection of such species.