More than a third of the 1,147 species of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are estimated to be facing extinction, largely due to fishing — both intentional and unintentional. Many sharks, for example, wind up dead in Mediterranean fish markets as by-catch. But there may be hope: females sometimes carry eggs that can still be saved. Though they need rigorous care, scientists from various groups have successfully hatched, raised, and released baby elasmobranchs back into their home environment. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
