The 12cm (4.72inch) fossil that caught the eye of palaeontologist Christopher Whalen.
The 12cm (4.72inch) fossil that caught the eye of palaeontologist Christopher Whalen.

Overlooked fossil turns out to be oldest known ancestor of octopuses

Found in Montana’s Bear Gulch limestone formation, the unassuming 12cm (4.72inch) fossil was subsequently donated to the Royal Ontario Museum in 1988. And there it lay quietly in a drawer in the Invertebrate Palaeontology collection for decades while scientists fussed over fossil sharks and other creatures from the site.

Until, one day, palaeontologists noticed the fossil’s 10 limbs and took a closer look.

MIDE 2022
The 16th Malaysia International Dive Expo took place from 27 to 29 May 2022 in Kuala Lumpur

MIDE 2022 exceeds expectations

The Malaysia International Dive Expo, which took place from 27 to 29 May 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, ended on a high note, generating around RM14.98 million (US$3.39 million) in sales over the three-day event, more than the RM12 million (US$2.71 million) target anticipated, indicating steady growth in the dive industry for both businesses and the dive community. With over 11,000 visitors attending the show, of which 20 percent were international, signs of recovery were better than expected.

Coral reef conservation can be expanded with the engagement of the tourism sector, and that doing so would be a benefit to the tourism industry
Coral reef conservation can be expanded with the engagement of the tourism sector, and that doing so would be a benefit to the tourism industry

Guide to Coral Reef Restoration for Tourists

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is pleased to share the publication of a guide to coral reef restoration designed specifically for the tourism sector – the first-ever for the Caribbean region.