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Magnetic map guides young salmon to feeding grounds
Juvenile Chinook salmon were studied by researchers in America, to see if their migratory senses reacted to changes in magnetic field.
Juvenile Chinook salmon were studied by researchers in America, to see if their migratory senses reacted to changes in magnetic field.

Study says magnetic fields may explain other migratory species

Young salmon inherit a "magnetic map" to lead them thousands of kilometres to marine feeding grounds, an American study has found.

Lead author Dr Nathan Putman, from Oregon State University , said: "The challenge is explaining how juvenile animals with no prior migratory experience are able to locate specific oceanic feeding habitats that are hundreds or thousands of kilometres from their natal sites."

The study suggests a combination of magnetic intensity and inclination angle was used by juvenile salmon to find their way to food.

Scientists experimented with changing the magnetic fields around the fish and seeing how they reacted.

Dr Putman said their study of Chinook salmon was comparable with similar findings in sea turtles, and implied that "magnetic maps" are "widespread and likely to explain the extraordinary navigational abilities evident in many long-distance underwater migrants."

The study was published in full in the journal Current Biology.

Image by Zureks.

 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.