Many scientists believe primordial life sprang from geothermal vents in the ocean’s deep trenches. There, a witch’s brew of chemicals, ignited by volcanic infernos in the cold and dark, sparked the creation of organic molecules and proto-cellular forms. Now, meet what evolution has produced: elegant sea creatures that still “hot-tub” at volcanic hot springs—but in the sun-warmed shallows of Sulawesi’s lush reefs. —MJS

In 2007, something started killing oysters on the Oregon Coast. To root out the cause, the usual remedies were tried, but it took a marine scientist to nail the culprit: ocean acidification, which took calcium and carbon out of the water when oysters most need them for shell formation. With special treatment, most of the hatchery beds recovered, but the problem remains. —SJPH

At OrcaLab, Paul Spong and his colleagues have documented killer whales functionally deafened by ships’ noise that obscures the orcas’ own sonar, essential for finding prey. Suddenly, COVID changed all that: shipping all but ceased, creating a baseline of natural sound levels and behaviors. Soon scientists may have evidence to motivate governments to better manage maritime transport, and protect the whales. —MJS

This beautiful black and white film depicts a day in the life of a Hawaiian, Uncle Wally, going out to fish with his family. He practices drop-net fishing, which is a traditional Hawaiian fishing method. Uncle Wally hopes to conserve and pass on this dying form to the next generation. —YI