Stories from Papua New Guinea

DNA tests have identified a new species distinct from nine others previously known. Scientists have discovered a new species of shark in Papua New Guinea that can walk on its pectoral fins. The shark was found in an area known for its unique marine life. Researchers observed the species during surveys in the Millen Bay islands. The shark, named after Christine Dunge from the University of the Sunshine Coast, possesses pelvic fins that allow it to move out of water. Researchers noted that the species is less than a meter long and can survive for periods out of water.

Buoyant volcanic rock fragments from an underwater eruption have drifted across the Bismarck Sea. These pumice rafts have encroached upon and choked the coasts of the Admiralty Islands. Large rafts of pumice are accumulating along the coastlines of the Admiralty Islands. The origin and full extent of the pumice are currently unknown. The phenomenon is linked to volcanic activity and poses a ecological challenge. The warning was issued by NWS Corpus Christi TX. The environmental impact of these rafts is, affecting marine life and coastal ecosystems. The source of the pumice is believed to be a recent underwater eruption.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea. The event occurred at 20:43:58 UTC.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred 81 km southeast of Lae, Papua New Guinea. The tremor had a depth of 68.854 km. Another earthquake of magnitude 5.0 was recorded near Boquerón, Puerto Rico. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located close to Lae. The tremor was felt in Lae and Port Moresby. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Hastings, Nebraska, effective until 9:30 PM CDT.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred 34 km east of Lae, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake had a depth of 66.9 km. The event took place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 19:32 UTC.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred in the Eastern New Guinea region of Papua New Guinea. The tremor had a depth of 66.90 km and struck at 19:32:15 UTC on May 22, 2026.

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred 103 km SSE of Lorengau, Papua New Guinea. The tremor had a depth of 10 km and happened approximately 5 hours prior to the report.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck Papua New Guinea.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred near the Admiralty Islands in Papua New Guinea. The earthquake had a depth of 10 km and struck at 10:08:19 UTC on May 22, 2026. The tremor had a depth of 10 km and was centered at 147.70°E 2.75°S.

Satellite imagery has captured a surge of new volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea, located near Papua New Guinea. The eruption indicates a increase in geological events in the region.