A new IUCN guide outlines environmentally responsible seismic survey practices to minimize negative impacts on marine species. The guide provides a structured approach for planning and conducting low-noise surveys, reducing disruption of communication, stress, and behavioral changes in whales and other cetaceans.
A team of scientists used a state-of-the-art computer model to test Charles Darwin's hypothesis that marine species cannot cross the Eastern Pacific's 'impassable' marine barrier. The study found that even under extreme El Niño conditions, coral larvae could not survive long enough to make the trip across the ocean.
A new study suggests that increased sea temperatures can enhance and accelerate radiation-induced DNA effects in marine mussels. The research found that DNA damage appeared earlier at higher temperatures compared to lower temperatures, potentially compromising the mussels' ability to defend against genotoxic insult.
A recent study found that a mix of marine zones, including protected reserves and fished areas, is crucial for the health of prey fish. The research discovered that depleting predators on the Great Barrier Reef had negative effects on prey species, such as reduced growth and reproduction.
Researchers found high levels of pesticides and contaminants in California condors near the coast compared to inland birds. The study suggests that feeding on marine mammal carcasses could complicate condor recovery due to potential harm from toxic substances.
A recent study reveals that marine fisheries catches in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being under-reported by 86%, threatening the marine environment and local livelihoods. The research calls for urgent policy action to establish more accurate catch limits, taking into account both commercial and local consumption of seafood.
Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.
A University of Washington professor argues that closing parts of the ocean to fishing is not enough to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He suggests regulating fisheries over the entire economic zone as a more effective approach to conservation.
A recent study found that El Niño climate patterns contributed to the Northeast Pacific's largest marine heatwave on record. The study also suggests that unusually warm water events could become more frequent with rising greenhouse gas levels, disrupting ecosystems and leading to massive die-offs.
A recent study reveals that a marine heatwave off the western coast of Australia has led to the dramatic loss of kelp forests, covering over 963 km2. The transition has resulted in a shift towards subtropical and tropical marine ecosystems, with significant changes in species composition.
The EMODnet Workshop Report highlights the importance of historical biodiversity data for ecological models and future predictions. The workshop aimed to fill gaps in European marine species occurrence data availability by implementing data archaeology and rescue activities.
Research suggests that cigarette butts can leach metal contaminants into the marine environment and potentially harm local species. The study found varying levels of metals in cigarette butts at nine locations along the Persian Gulf, with significant changes not detected between assessments.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Bath investigated noise in Falmouth Bay for 14 months, finding varied noise levels affected by natural conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring to understand human impact on marine environments.
Marine biologists have discovered that shark traffic in and out of Palmyra Atoll's lagoon peaks between 7-8 pm. The study used dual-frequency identification sonar to monitor shark movement, revealing a rush hour for these marine predators.
To reduce sea turtle mortality in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are releasing 'Frankenturtles' into the bay, tracking their movement and studying how wind and currents affect a dead turtle's trajectory. The goal is to gain insights into likely causes of sea-turtle death and develop safe zones for these imperiled marine reptiles.
A new study reveals that large marine and terrestrial species are in 'double jeopardy' of extinction, with economic value driving risk above a certain threshold. The analysis highlights the importance of considering trade and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when designing effective conservation strategies.
These unique ecosystems sustain a diverse range of marine life, including tube worms, giant crabs, and mussels, which consume methane and toxic sulfide. The hydrothermal vents and seeps also release minerals and heat, creating rocks and habitat that can last for tens of thousands of years.
A study of over 6,000 Antarctic marine fossils reveals a dramatic 65-70% reduction in species 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end of the Cretaceous Period and the extinction of dinosaurs. The research suggests that the mass extinction event was just as rapid and severe in polar regions as elsewhere on Earth.
A new marine reptile fossil, Sclerocormus parviceps, challenges the idea of slow evolution. The ichthyosauriform had a short snout and whip-like tail, suggesting rapid diversification at the end of the Lower Triassic period.
A new study reveals that marine life from the north can easily invade Antarctic waters due to the weakening of the Antarctic Polar Front. As a result, non-Antarctic species could soon colonize the region, leading to drastic ecosystem changes.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
A UGA study found that Saharan dust increases iron levels in ocean surface water, leading to large blooms of Vibrio bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious illness in humans and other marine organisms, and their rapid growth rate short circuits the theory of phytoplankton as the first responders to nutrient plumes.
Researchers found that both groups show a nested pattern of distribution, with narrow-ranging lineages concentrated in the tropics and broad-ranging lineages extending into higher latitudes. Species diversification drives expansion across climatic divides, increasing the likelihood of successful crossings.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves are less impacted and recover faster than unprotected reefs. Well-designed reserves provide benefits for non-target species and wider ecosystem processes.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that marine heatwaves have recurred regularly since 1950 but have become more common since the 1970s. The research analyzed ocean surface temperature observations over 65 years, including a notable 'warm blob' in the Pacific Northwest from 2013 to 2015.
Researchers found a unique cyanobacterium that provides nitrogen to a more complex cell host without photosynthesis, evolving around 90 million years ago. This 'slaving event' is crucial for the marine food web, providing bioavailable nitrogen.
A Duke University-led study found that friendly rivalry among fishers can lead to better conservation of marine resources when cooperation and competition are in balance. This balanced approach helps maintain group cooperation and reinforces collective action, ultimately benefiting the communities that depend on these areas.
Research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that plankton ingesting microplastics produce faeces that sink more slowly, allowing plastic to be transported to deeper waters. This process could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the removal of floating plastic litter.
A fully sequenced seagrass genome reveals insights into marine ecosystem adaptation to climate warming and salt tolerance. The study provides a valuable resource for advancing research on carbon sequestration and plant breeding.
Two new studies by Cornell University researchers link warming ocean temperatures to increased disease outbreaks in marine organisms, including lobsters and sea stars. The findings highlight the need for advanced warning systems to prevent disease outbreaks and protect economically important species.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
New research documents high levels of algal toxins in Alaskan marine mammals, including whales, walruses, and sea otters. The study finds a major northward expansion of toxin-exposed areas along the Pacific Coast, with implications for human consumption.
Rising global temperatures may skew gender imbalance among the marine turtle population, according to new research. The sex of marine hatchlings is influenced by incubating temperatures, with warmer temperatures producing a higher number of female hatchlings.
Most US marine fish and invertebrate species are vulnerable to climate change, with some more resilient than others. The study ranks species based on their vulnerability, predicting widespread distribution shifts and potential impacts on abundance and productivity.
The seagrass genome has been sequenced, revealing evolutionary changes that enabled plants to thrive in the marine environment. The findings have significant implications for food security, climate change, and marine conservation.
Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.
A University of Hawaii research team will investigate how specific strains of bacteria from marine biofilms induce the settlement and metamorphosis of a small tube worm. The goal is to understand the factors produced by the bacteria that cause the larvae to settle and undergo dramatic physical changes.
Researchers found that marine creatures in Arctic fjords migrate vertically by moonlight to avoid predators, and this behavior is observed across the entire Arctic. The lunar cycle drives these migrations, with zooplankton sinking to depths of 50 meters every 29.5 days during full moon.
Humpback whales' diets reflect surrounding environmental changes, while harbor porpoises recolonize San Francisco Bay and sea otters help restore ecosystem health. New research highlights the West Coast's diverse marine mammals and their responses to climate change.
Research at the Society of Marine Mammalogy's Biennial Conference highlights how climate change is affecting marine mammals globally, introducing new interactions and shifting habitats. Marine mammals, especially in the Arctic, serve as sentinel species reflecting environmental changes.
A new study finds that more than 17,000 marine species worldwide remain largely unprotected. Nations like the US, Canada, and Brazil have large gaps in their protected areas, highlighting opportunities to achieve global biodiversity goals by 2020.
A new study finds that 97.4 percent of marine species have less than 10 percent of their range represented in MPAs, with the US ranking near the bottom in terms of supporting formal protected areas. The research provides strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity.
Scientists warn that seismic surveys may cause behavioural changes and physical harm to turtles, including auditory damage and entanglement in gear. Researchers call for more research to address knowledge gaps and propose preventative measures to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on marine turtle populations.
Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that a 15-year observation series reveals how sensitive arctic marine ecosystems are to change. The study indicates that even a short-term influx of warm water can fundamentally impact local symbiotic communities, leading to changes in deep-sea life.
The Bigelow Laboratory is part of a $8 million initiative to develop molecular tools for understanding dinoflagellates' function and their impact on ocean ecosystems. The project aims to create genetic tools that will allow researchers to investigate the activities of microbial genes and provide new capabilities for scientific inquiry.
A team of researchers is using 'passive acoustic monitoring' to document the use of the Bering Strait by species previously excluded by sea ice. They are eavesdropping on marine mammals within the Arctic to monitor their presence year-round and study the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.
A study on the Belizean Barrier Reef found that fish larvae typically disperse no more than 1.7 kilometers from their parents, highlighting the need for connected marine reserves to conserve biodiversity and sustain fisheries.
Researchers from Alfred Wegener Institute discovered plastic litter on the Arctic sea surface, with 31 pieces found in a 5,600km survey. The litter is likely to pose new challenges for Arctic marine life, which has already seen high levels of plastic pollution in its stomachs.
Scientists and legal scholars warn that countries are misinterpreting the 'rational use' of natural resources to escalate fishing efforts in Antarctic waters. Marine protected areas, crucial for conserving the region's last intact ecosystem, are being hindered by this misinterpretation.
A recent global analysis predicts a decline in marine species diversity and abundance as ocean acidification and warming are expected to have devastating effects on fisheries and ecosystems worldwide. Microorganisms are the only group likely to thrive, while carnivorous fish face a collapse from top of food chain.
All seven species of marine turtles can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris, posing serious threats to their health and survival. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to understand the scale of the problem and develop effective mitigation policies.
A new study suggests creating quiet marine zones to better understand the impact of human-generated noise on marine animals. The researchers mapped areas of high and low noise pollution in the oceans around Canada and found a correlation between noise levels and animal behavior.
The Government of Chile has announced a plan to design a network of Marine Protected Areas for Patagonia's unique wildlife and ecosystems. With funding from the Waitt Foundation, the new MPA network will protect over 100,000 square kilometers of oceanic waters, meeting Chile's goal of 10% ecosystem protection by 2020.
Researchers find that using liquid natural gas (LNG) in marine vessels can reduce local air pollution, but its impact on greenhouse gases depends on the fuel supply infrastructure. The study suggests that LNG may be a viable alternative to traditional fuels for shipping companies looking to comply with new regulations.
A new study measures coral-reef ecosystem condition, predicts key threats, and evaluates human stressors in Micronesia. The results reveal only 42% of major reef habitats exceed thresholds for conservation efforts.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program has funded 13 new community-based removal projects, distributing nearly $1.4 million to remove large debris such as derelict vessels and abandoned fishing gear from shorelines and coastal waters. The projects also focus on prevention initiatives and raise local awareness about marine debris.
The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.
The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program provides funding to organizations responding to stranded marine mammals and collecting health data. Funding supports rehabilitation and conservation efforts for marine mammal populations in the wild.
Research reveals almost 100,000 tiny microbeads can be released with every application of certain facial scrubs, contaminating oceans. The study estimates up to 80 tonnes of unnecessary microplastic waste could enter the sea each year from UK cosmetic use.