In the Salish Sea, a critical ecological and cultural region of the Pacific Northwest, southern resident killer whales and the endangered Chinook salmon they rely on are at the heart of a growing conservation debate.

Since 2019, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has implemented protective measures, including:

• Area-based closures for recreational salmon fishing
• Interim sanctuary zones for whales
• Seasonal voluntary vessel slowdowns

While aimed at protecting whales and salmon, these measures have fueled tensions between recreational fishers and conservationists. The issue has gained national attention in Canada and even influenced fishery debates in Alaska.

Why This Conflict Matters

Environmental conflicts like this go far beyond fishing. They reflect broader struggles over:

• Community needs
• Conservation values
• Trust in government decision-making

When poorly managed, these disputes can polarize communities. But when handled collaboratively, they can spark dialogue, trust, and long-term solutions.

Research Insights: Beyond “Fishers vs. Conservationists”

A recent study involving over 700 British Columbians revealed surprising overlaps:

• Nearly one-third of conservationists also identified as anglers.
• Almost half of anglers also identified as conservationists.

This shows that people hold multifaceted identities and cannot simply be divided into opposing sides. Yet, public debates often reduce the issue to binary positions:

• Should fishing be restricted to protect killer whales?
• Or should access for fishers take priority?

In reality, both groups deeply value the Salish Sea ecosystem but disagree on management priorities.

What the Study Found

• Shared Values: Both anglers and conservationists tied their identity and well-being to the environment.
• Different Priorities: Conservationists emphasized protecting species regardless of human benefit, while some anglers favored balancing conservation with human use.
• Social Media Effect: Survey responses showed moderate, respectful views. However, Facebook discussions revealed more hostility, anger, and polarization—showing how online platforms can amplify conflict.

Transforming Conflict Through Collaboration

Researchers argue that the DFO and other decision-makers should shift their approach by:

• Recognizing deeper social roots of conflict such as values, beliefs, and identity.
• Investing in long-term dialogue and relationship-building.
• Encouraging transformative conflict resolution rather than short-term fixes.

Examples from cougar management in the U.S. and elephant conservation in Mozambique show that conflict transformation can create durable, trust-based solutions.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Conservation

As climate change, habitat loss, and species decline intensify, conflicts like the one in the Salish Sea will only grow. At their core, these conflicts are not just about whales or salmon—they are about people, communities, and values.

Instead of treating conflicts as inconveniences, policymakers can use them as opportunities to:

• Build trust and cooperation
• Strengthen evidence-based policies
• Support coexistence between humans and wildlife

Conclusion

The conflict over southern resident killer whales and Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea illustrates the challenges of modern conservation. By embracing collaborative, transformative approaches, decision-makers can move beyond polarization and foster solutions that respect both ecosystems and communities.

Reference: Lauren E. Eckert et al., Identifying opportunities toward conflict transformation in an Orca‐Salmon‐Human system, Conservation Science and Practice (2025). DOI: 10.1111/csp2.70108

The study, published in Food Research International, represents a major step toward regulatory compliance, consumer trust, and traceability in food systems.

Breakthrough in Gene-Edited Rice Detection

The research focused on a genome-edited Nipponbare rice line with a single CRISPR-Cas-induced single nucleotide variation (SNV). Using whole-genome sequencing, researchers confirmed no off-target mutations and created a unique genetic fingerprint combining:

• The on-target mutation site
• Cultivar-specific barcodes made from pairs of SNVs unique to a rice variety

By analyzing more than 3,000 publicly available rice genomes, the team applied machine learning to identify these minimal marker sets, forming a reliable genetic barcode for each cultivar.

High Sensitivity and Accuracy

The results revealed that the approach could detect and identify genome-edited rice lines at very low levels (0.9% and 0.1%), proving its sensitivity for food-chain monitoring.

This means that even organisms with subtle genetic edits—often challenging to trace—can, in principle, be uniquely identified when prior genomic information is available.

Benefits for Food Safety and Regulation

According to Nancy Roosens, Head of Division at Sciensano, the method is best suited for gene-edited organisms with a fully sequenced and well-characterized genetic background, especially when supported by open-access genome databases.

Key potential benefits include:

• Supporting EU regulatory discussions on gene-edited crops
• Enhancing transparency in food systems
• Improving traceability for consumers and regulators
• Boosting scientific knowledge on innovative plant breeding technologies

However, the researchers emphasize that routine application will require overcoming challenges, including the need for broader genomic data sharing and efficient cataloging of modifications.

Implications for the Future of NGT Detection

This genetic fingerprint strategy highlights a promising path toward robust detection methods for new genomic techniques. It also strengthens the goals of the DARWIN project, which aims to deliver reliable tools ensuring food system transparency.

As gene-edited crops and foods become more common, having reliable methods for unambiguous detection will be essential for maintaining consumer trust and regulatory oversight.

Study Reference

Marie-Alice Fraiture et al. Genetic fingerprints derived from genome database mining allow accurate identification of genome-edited rice in the food chain via targeted high-throughput sequencing. Food Research International (2025).
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117218

The findings, published in the journal Aquaculture, mark an important step toward improving animal welfare and enabling the genetic selection of stress-tolerant fish for aquaculture.

Why Tambaqui Stress Monitoring Matters

Tambaqui is an Amazonian freshwater species and a cornerstone of Brazilian aquaculture, with 110,000 tons produced in 2022. Stress management is critical in fish farming because it directly affects:

• Growth performance
• Disease resistance
• Overall animal welfare

The research team found that tambaqui exposed to confined conditions or treated with stress hormones displayed darker body coloration. This visible trait became the basis for training AI software to detect stress automatically.

How the AI Tool Works

The scientists used 3,780 images of tambaqui from two populations:

• 1,280 fish from CAUNESP
• 2,500 fish from EMBRAPA in Tocantins

By marking the lower half of the body in each photo, the team trained a deep learning model to analyze the ratio of black to white pixels. This allowed the system to identify a threshold for stress detection.

Interestingly, since the Tocantins fish had known ancestry records, the researchers were also able to demonstrate that stress tolerance is heritable, meaning selective breeding programs could produce more resilient generations of farmed tambaqui.

Physiological Mechanisms Behind Stress

Fish often display color changes when stressed, a phenomenon also seen in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The process is triggered by stress hormones like α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone), which expand melanophores (black pigment cells) in the skin and scales.

To confirm this in tambaqui, the team conducted two experiments:

1. Hormone exposure test – Scales soaked in α-MSH solution darkened significantly after 30 minutes.
2. Confinement study – Fish transferred from large 200 m² tanks to smaller 2,000-liter reservoirs developed darker coloration after 10 days.

These findings proved that darker pigmentation is a reliable stress indicator in tambaqui.

Applications for Sustainable Aquaculture

The AI-based stress detection tool offers several benefits for fish farming:

• Real-time monitoring of animal welfare using simple photographs
• Guidance for farm management, such as adjusting stocking density
• Support for selective breeding of stress-tolerant fish
• Contribution to better productivity and disease resistance in aquaculture

According to project coordinator Diogo Hashimoto, the goal is to ensure future generations of tambaqui show improved well-being and performance in farming environments.

Study Reference

Celma G. Lemos et al. Deep learning approach for genetic selection of stress response in the Amazon fish Colossoma macropomum. Aquaculture (2025).
DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742848

Most of these shifts will move stocks into the high seas, an area where fisheries management is weak, leaving species more vulnerable to overfishing.

What Are Straddling Fish Stocks?

Straddling stocks are species whose populations overlap between exclusive economic zones (EEZs)—waters up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coast—and the open ocean. Examples include:

• Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis)
• Blue sharks (Prionace glauca)
• Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)
• Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)

These species are vital for global food security and economies, especially in developing countries that depend heavily on fisheries revenue.

Why Climate Change Is Driving the Shift

Rising sea temperatures, changing salinity levels, and declining oxygen are forcing fish to seek new habitats. The study used advanced modeling systems to project these shifts and found:

• One-third of identified stocks will move into the high seas by 2050.
• One-fifth will shift into EEZs, but mostly in temperate rather than tropical waters.
• Both low-emission and high-emission scenarios showed similar patterns up to 2050.

As marine species move, tropical countries—least responsible for climate change—are at risk of losing access to critical fisheries resources.

Consequences for Tropical Nations

For many small island developing states (SIDS), tuna fisheries represent a financial lifeline. Nations like Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea collectively sell access rights to tuna fishing in their EEZs, generating essential revenue.

However, the study predicts that 58% of straddling stocks in the central Indo-Pacific region will move into the high seas, leaving tropical nations at a disadvantage. Without strong governance, they may lose both food security and economic stability.

Calls for Better Fisheries Governance

Experts argue that climate-driven shifts demand stronger international cooperation. Currently, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) are responsible for tuna stocks, but critics say these organizations are slow to adapt to climate challenges.

Some researchers, including co-author Rashid Sumaila, even call for a ban on high seas fishing, suggesting that it could protect biodiversity and prevent wealthy nations from monopolizing displaced fish stocks.

The Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Fisheries

The study highlights two critical issues:

1. Equity and justice – Tropical nations risk losing fisheries resources despite contributing little to climate change.
2. Sustainability – The high seas are poorly regulated, increasing the risk of overexploitation.

Experts stress that nations and international bodies must adopt climate-informed fisheries management, including:

• Improved data collection and stock monitoring
• Stronger collaboration between RFMOs
• Localized studies to understand regional shifts

As lead author Juliano Palacios-Abrantes notes, “Climate change is sending a whole bunch of fisheries out into the lion’s den.”

Final Thoughts

The redistribution of fish stocks due to climate change poses serious ecological, economic, and social challenges. Without urgent action, tropical nations stand to lose critical resources while the high seas become a hotspot for overfishing.

This study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, fisheries managers, and conservationists to ensure that future ocean governance is fair, sustainable, and climate-resilient.

Source: Palacios-Abrantes et al. (2025), Science Advances – DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adq5976

Marine life lovers across California and beyond are sending heartfelt goodbyes to Ghost, a giant Pacific octopus at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, as she enters the final phase of her life. Ghost is now focused entirely on caring for her eggs—a natural part of the octopus life cycle known as senescence—even though the eggs are unfertilized and will never hatch.

Social media has been flooded with tributes from fans who remember Ghost from past visits. Some have even shared tattoos and souvenirs featuring her image. The aquarium posted, “She is a wonderful octopus and has made an eight-armed impression on all of our hearts,” highlighting her unique bond with visitors.

Understanding Senescence in Giant Pacific Octopuses

Giant Pacific octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini) live an average of three to five years. During senescence, female octopuses stop eating and devote all their remaining energy to protecting and aerating their eggs. This process prevents harmful bacteria from growing on them—an instinctive behavior observed both in the wild and in captivity.

According to Nate Jaros, Vice President of Animal Care at the aquarium, octopuses are solitary creatures:

“You really can’t combine males and females for long periods because they don’t naturally cohabitate. There’s a high risk of aggression or even death.”

Ghost’s Journey: From British Columbia to California

Ghost originally came from the waters of British Columbia, Canada, and arrived at the aquarium in May 2024 weighing just 3 pounds (1.4 kg). Over time, she grew to an impressive 50 pounds (22.7 kg) and became known for her playful and interactive nature.

Jaros described Ghost as “super active and very physical,” noting that she often pushed aside food just to interact with her caregivers. She was trained to crawl into a basket voluntarily for weighing, a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of giant Pacific octopuses.

Enrichment and Intelligence: Ghost’s Legacy

Aquarium staff provided Ghost with toys, puzzles, and even a custom-built acrylic maze to keep her stimulated—challenges she mastered almost instantly. Such enrichment activities mimic hunting behaviors in the wild, like catching crabs and clams.

Jaros added:

“Octopuses are incredibly special because of how charismatic and intelligent they seem to be. We form strong bonds with these animals.”

A New Octopus Will Continue Ghost’s Mission

While Ghost is receiving private care during her final days, the aquarium has already welcomed a new young octopus, weighing about 2 pounds (900 g). Staff will spend time observing its personality before choosing a name. Early impressions suggest the newcomer is “super curious” and “very outgoing,” promising to continue Ghost’s role as an ambassador for ocean education.

Fans Reflect on Ghost’s Impact

Marine biology student Jay McMahon from Los Angeles expressed his gratitude for seeing Ghost again recently:

“When you make a connection with an animal like that and you know they don’t live for long, every moment means a lot. I hope she inspires people to learn more about octopuses and their importance.”

Ghost’s story highlights the incredible intelligence and emotional connection these marine creatures can create. Her legacy will live on through the people she inspired and the new octopus ready to educate and captivate future visitors.

A groundbreaking study by scientists from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has now produced the most detailed behavioral catalog of octopus arm movements ever recorded. Published in Scientific Reports (2025), this research sheds new light on how octopuses use their eight arms for foraging, locomotion, and interaction with their environment.

Studying Octopuses in Their Natural Habitat

Researchers video-recorded 25 wild octopuses across six locations in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Spain. This field-based approach allowed them to observe behaviors that could never be fully replicated in laboratory settings.

“Recording octopuses in their natural environment gave us a deeper understanding of their complex behaviors,” explained Chelsea Bennice, FAU research fellow and first author of the study.

Senior scientist Roger Hanlon of MBL, who has studied cephalopods for over 25 years, emphasized that this is the first full ethogram—a detailed catalog—of wild octopus arm movements. Earlier studies were mostly conducted in laboratory tanks, limiting the range of behaviors observed.

Sensory Superpowers and Camouflage

Octopuses rely heavily on tactile sensing through their suckers rather than on vision. Each arm contains about 100 highly sensitive suckers, which Hanlon describes as “chemo-tactile geniuses”—combining the functions of the human nose, lips, and tongue in one structure.

Their camouflage abilities—rapidly changing skin color and texture—made them challenging to locate in the wild. Divers searched for clues like leftover shells and food debris to find octopus dens. Octopuses typically spend 80% of their time hidden in dens, emerging once or twice daily to forage.

Breaking Down the Movements

The researchers analyzed field footage frame-by-frame, dividing each arm into three segments to document 12 distinct types of movements. Key discoveries include:

• Elongation and shortening occur mostly near the base of the arm.
• Bending and fine probing are more common at the tips.
• Arms are used for walking on the seafloor, swimming, probing crevices for prey, and manipulating objects.

“These actions form the foundation of all octopus behaviors,” said Kendra Buresch, MBL co-author.

Inspiring Next-Generation Robotics

This research has significant implications beyond marine biology. Robotics engineers are eager to replicate octopus-like movement for search-and-rescue missions or medical devices that can navigate narrow passages inside the human body.

Hanlon highlights the potential:

“To deliver tools or supplies into tight spaces—whether under rubble or underwater—you need a flexible, precise appendage like an octopus arm.”

Study Reference

Source: Marine Biological Laboratory and Florida Atlantic University
Published in: Scientific Reports (2025)
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y

New Study Explores Octopus Arm Movements in Natural Habitats

A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, in collaboration with the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, has revealed how wild octopuses use their arms with precision and versatility. Published in Scientific Reports, this is the first research to connect octopus arm movements to whole-body behaviors in complex, real-world environments.

Researchers observed three octopus species across six shallow-water habitats—five in the Caribbean and one in Spain. By analyzing nearly 4,000 arm movements from 25 underwater videos, they identified 12 unique arm actions tied to 15 different behaviors.

Front and Back Arms Play Different Roles

The study discovered that while every arm can perform any type of movement, there’s a clear division of labor. Front arms are mainly used for exploration—feeling around rocks or probing crevices—while back arms are more involved in propulsion and movement.

Four Types of Arm Deformation Observed

The team documented almost 7,000 arm deformations, including:

• Bending – Curving the arm, mostly near the tips.
• Elongating – Extending the arm, usually closer to the body.
• Shortening – Contracting the arm to pull objects or reposition.
• Torsion (Twisting) – Rotating for grip or manipulation.

These specialized movements highlight the complex motor control octopuses possess. Sometimes, a single arm worked independently—like grabbing prey—while in other instances, multiple arms coordinated for actions like crawling or ambush hunting, also known as “parachute attacks.”

Adaptations for Survival and Camouflage

Lead author Chelsea O. Bennice, Ph.D., explained that octopuses rely on these abilities not just for foraging but also for survival tactics. For example, when crossing open areas, they may use several arms to mimic floating seaweed or moving rocks to stay hidden from predators. Their flexible arms are also critical for:

• Building protective dens.
• Competing with rival males during mating.
• Fending off predators.

Importance for Neuroscience and Robotics

Co-author Roger Hanlon, Ph.D., emphasized that studying octopuses in their natural habitats provides vital insights into their sensory world. These findings could inspire advances in soft robotics, neuroscience, and animal behavior research, as octopus arms are a living model of dexterity and adaptability.

Diverse Habitats Studied

The research covered a variety of environments, from smooth sandy seabeds to complex coral reefs, showing how octopuses adjust their movements depending on habitat. This adaptability is a key reason why octopuses thrive in such a wide range of ecosystems.

Why This Matters

Understanding how octopuses coordinate their arms deepens our knowledge of marine biology and could influence future technology. As Bennice noted, “These versatile abilities allow octopuses to thrive in a wide range of habitats, and studying them opens exciting opportunities for innovation in multiple scientific fields.”

Reference:
Florida Atlantic University and Marine Biological Laboratory. Octopus arm flexibility facilitates complex behaviors in diverse natural environments. Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-10674-y

However, over the last three decades, many Indigenous villages have faced devastating Chinook population declines, forcing them to stop traditional fishing. Now, climate change is accelerating the crisis: warming Arctic rivers are stunting salmon growth, threatening both ecosystems and food security, according to a new Scientific Reports study led by the University of Colorado Boulder.

Indigenous Communities Losing a Cultural Lifeline

Researcher Peyton Thomas from the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research emphasizes that salmon are more than food—they are integral to cultural heritage. During field visits to Alaskan tribal communities, Thomas heard from locals who can no longer teach their children traditional fishing practices or the Indigenous names of salmon species.

The shift has forced many families to rely on expensive store-bought food, which often lacks the essential nutrition that wild salmon provides.

Climate Change Reshaping the Arctic

The Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the global average over the past 50 years. This warming has:

• Melted sea ice and thawed permafrost.
• Eroded coastlines and disrupted traditional travel routes.
• Made winter travel dangerous as rivers fail to freeze.
• Increased extreme weather events like powerful typhoons, further damaging fragile infrastructure.

For species like Chinook salmon—adapted to cold waters—rising river temperatures are particularly harmful. Juvenile Chinook typically spend their first one to two years in frigid streams, bulking up before a long ocean migration. But warmer water stresses young fish, reducing their survival rates.

In Alaska’s Yukon River, Chinook populations plummeted over 57% between 2003 and 2010, and some villages report being unable to fish Chinook for 30 years.

Dolly Varden Trout: A Possible Alternative

The study also modeled how two key Arctic fish species—Chinook salmon and Dolly Varden trout—might respond to future temperature shifts. Results showed:

• Summer river temperatures could rise by 1.26 °C (2.27 °F) by mid-century.
• Four of seven major river basins could exceed Chinook salmon’s temperature tolerance.
• Dolly Varden trout, which prefer slightly warmer waters, might nearly double their growth in many rivers.

While Dolly Varden could provide an alternative food source, many communities prefer Chinook salmon due to cultural significance and taste. Protecting refuge rivers like the Aniak and Andreafsky, which are projected to remain suitable for Chinook, could help restore populations.

Conservation Actions and Uncertain Future

In response to declining stocks, Alaska and Canadian authorities have paused Chinook salmon fishing for seven years to allow recovery—though the ban applies only to Canadian-origin Chinook. Commercial fishing for Alaskan Chinook continues.

Meanwhile, conservationists like the Wild Fish Conservancy are urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to list Alaska Chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act, which could halt commercial harvests altogether.

Thomas and her team are working closely with local communities to provide actionable information—such as identifying when and where rivers may become too warm for salmon. This knowledge will help guide sustainable fishing practices and adaptation strategies.

Why It Matters

The future of Arctic fisheries, Indigenous food sovereignty, and Alaska’s ecosystems depends on balancing conservation with cultural traditions. Protecting refuge rivers, managing fisheries sustainably, and addressing climate change impacts are vital to preserving both the Chinook salmon and the communities that rely on them.

Source: Peyton A. Thomas et al., Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-14711-8

Shark Population Growth: A Positive Trend

Scientists from CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) collected DNA samples from over 300 gray nurse sharks across New South Wales. By analyzing family relationships through DNA profiling, they estimated the population trends between 2017 and 2023.

The findings show a 5% annual increase in adult sharks, growing from around 1,096 individuals in 2017 to 1,420 in 2023. While the breeding population remains small, this steady growth is an encouraging sign that conservation strategies are making an impact.

Why Recovery Is Challenging

According to Dr. David Harasti (NSW DPIRD), gray nurse sharks face significant reproductive challenges:

• They breed once every two years.
• Each breeding cycle produces only two pups after a year-long gestation.
• They are slow-growing and long-lived.
• The eastern population suffers from low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity.

These biological limitations make recovery fragile, emphasizing the importance of ongoing conservation.

Advanced Conservation Science: Close-Kin Mark-Recapture

The research team used a CSIRO-developed technique called “close-kin mark-recapture.” This method combines genetic sequencing with statistical modeling to estimate adult shark numbers.

• In smaller populations, more close-kin (siblings or half-siblings) are found in samples.
• In larger populations, fewer close-kin pairs are detected.

By analyzing 376 tissue samples, scientists could accurately estimate population size and age using a newly developed age-length growth model specific to Australian gray nurse sharks.

Protecting Shark Habitats in Australia

Many critical aggregation sites in New South Wales and Queensland—used for breeding, pupping, and feeding—are now under protection. Conservation actions include:

• Reducing fishing threats in shark hotspots.
• Collecting tissue samples via the NSW SMART drumline program and scuba surveys.
• Implementing the National Recovery Plan for the Gray Nurse Shark.

Divers trained in safe biopsy techniques collected samples using specialized spear tips, ensuring minimal impact on the animals.

A Priority in Australia’s Threatened Species Action Plan

The gray nurse shark is listed as one of 110 priority species in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan (2022–2032).

Dr. Fiona Fraser, Threatened Species Commissioner, highlighted the significance of these findings:

“This early sign of recovery is great news for this long-lived species. But recovery takes time, consistent monitoring, and ongoing protection efforts. The eastern population remains Critically Endangered, so our work must continue.”

The Future of Eastern Gray Nurse Sharks

While challenges remain, this slow but steady population increase signals that conservation actions are working. Protecting critical habitats, advancing genetic monitoring, and reducing human threats are key to securing a sustainable future for this iconic Australian shark.

The Study Behind Eel-Inspired Robotics

The research, published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), brings together experts from three leading institutions:

• EPFL BioRob Lab (Switzerland) – focused on robotics testing
• Ishiguro Lab at Tohoku University (Japan) – specializing in simulation modeling
• Standen Lab at the University of Ottawa (Canada) – conducting biological observations

Supported by the Human Frontier Science Program, the project combined animal behavior studies, computer simulations, and robotic prototypes to uncover how eels control movement using their nervous systems and sensory feedback.

How Eels Adapt Between Water and Land

According to Professor Emily Standen of the University of Ottawa, elongated fish like eels can switch between swimming and crawling because of a highly adaptable neuromotor system. Their movement relies on:

• Nervous system coordination
• Pressure feedback from the environment
• Stretch feedback in muscles

This multisensory feedback system provides resilience and flexibility, allowing eels to thrive in challenging environments. Even after disruptions, their locomotion remains functional—an ability that could inspire durable robotic systems.

From Nature to Robotics Innovation

One of the most exciting outcomes of this study is its potential for bio-inspired robotics. Engineers could use these principles to design flexible amphibious robots that crawl, slither, or swim through confined and unpredictable terrains. Such robots could prove useful in:

• Environmental monitoring
• Disaster rescue missions
• Underwater exploration
• Industrial inspections in hard-to-reach places

By mimicking eels, future robots may combine strength, resilience, and adaptability in ways that traditional machines cannot achieve.

A Leap Forward in Neuromechanics and Robotics

The published paper, “Multisensory feedback makes swimming circuits robust against spinal transection and enables terrestrial crawling in elongate fish”, highlights how combining biology and robotics can lead to breakthroughs in both fields. It’s a perfect example of how biomechanics research inspires practical engineering solutions.

Key Takeaway

Eels may hold the secret to building more adaptable robots. With their natural ability to move effortlessly across water and land, these animals provide valuable blueprints for engineers. The future of robotics could very well be slimy, slippery, and eel-inspired.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2422248122