When it comes to our favorite ocean animals, I think it’s safe to say octopuses are very high on the list. Here at Ocean Conservancy, we just can’t get enough of cephalopods. They are unique, interesting and mesmerizing. And, just when you think you’ve learned all about them—you find out something new!

The marine animal class of Cephalopoda includes octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. The name “cephalopod” comes from the fact that their arms are connected directly to their heads. Octopus have eight arms, while squid and cuttlefish have eight arms plus two other specialized appendages, called tentacles.

You’ve heard of monsters of the deep—but which cephalopod is the biggest? Which is the true monster lurking in the sea? Let’s dive in and find out if it is colossal or giant!

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The newly formed Tropical Storm DUMAKO is moving westwards over the Indian Ocean, and on 14 February at 0.00 UTC its centre was located about 720 km east of the north-eastern coast of Madagascar, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (Tropical Storm).

DUMAKO is forecast to continue westwards over the Indian Ocean and to reach the coast of north-eastern Madagascar in the midday of 15 February, making landfall in an area between Sava and Analanjirofo Regions, with maximum sustained winds up to 85 km/h. After that, DUMAKO is expected to weaken to a tropical depression, while it moves west across northern Madagascar.

Madagascar has been heavily impacted by the passage of Tropical Cyclone BATSIRAI on 5-6 February over central and southern areas of the country. The results of the first needs assessments will be communicated officially on 14 February by the Office of Risks and Disasters (BNGRC) in Madagascar.

Red warnings have been issued for coastal areas in Sava and Analanjirofo Regions. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast over north Madagascar from 15 February.

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Even as southern African nations assess the devastation caused earlier this month by Cyclone Batsirai, a new tropical storm is approaching as the Indian Ocean region is confronted by an intense cyclone season.

Tropical Storm Dumako is projected to slam into the northeastern coast of Madagascar Tuesday evening, according to the U.N.'s regional meteorology center in Reunion. Dumako, the fourth storm this year, is forecast to make landfall near Madagascar's Antalaha town.

About eight to 12 more cyclones may hit southern Africa and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean before the cyclone season ends in May, part of an increase in recent years of extreme tropical storms in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the U.N. Meteorological Organization.

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Due to climate change some unusual activities can be seen in the coastal areas of ​​India including Bay of Bengal, South China Sea and Indian Ocean.

Scientists have been warning about climate change and its impact on the environment for several years now. Scientists are of the opinion that due to global warming, many threats related to the environment can be seen in the future.

A new study has now said that due to climate change some unusual activities can be seen in the coastal areas of ​​India including the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea and Indian Ocean. The findings of the study have been published in the journal 'Climate Dynamics' Springer.

The study states that the strong winds will affect the coastal areas of India's east and west coast and countries bordering the Indian Ocean, which will have an impact on coastal flooding and shoreline changes. This new study may increase the concerns of people living in and around the cities along the coast.

Because of climate change these areas are already at risk of devastating floods. Increased sea wave movement can increase the risk of flooding, as well as affect shoreline configuration. Because of this, infrastructure can be damaged.

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The Prime Minister of Norway and the President of the Republic of Seychelles have accepted UNESCO’s invitation to become Patrons of the Ocean Decade Alliance to generate worldwide support of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’).

The announcements made during the One Ocean Summit (9-11 February 2022, Brest, France) add weight to the group of eminent individuals already engaged in the Ocean Decade Alliance. Through its members, the Alliance’s mandate is to catalyse support for the Ocean Decade through targeted resource mobilization, networking and influence, leveraging and multiplying financial and in-kind resource commitments.

Focusing on action and jointly developed solutions, the Ocean Decade Alliance will support all forms of ocean science to successfully deliver the Decade’s vision and thus contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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On the occasion of the One Ocean Summit taking place in Brest, France, UNESCO announced it has set itself the goal of including ocean education in the school curricula of its 193 Member States by 2025. To achieve this goal, the United Nations agency is making available to public decision-makers a toolkit with a shared reference framework of educational content on the ocean.

" The international community must make education one of the pillars of its action for the ocean. Because if we want to protect it better, we must teach it better. On the occasion of the One Ocean Summit, I am setting a common objective for our 193 Member States: to include ocean education in school curricula by 2025. " Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General, during her presence in Brest.

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