Researchers propose a coordinated response plan to study the impacts of biomass burning and haze on Southeast Asian marine ecosystems. The study aims to gather baseline information to inform effective management of threatened marine ecosystems in the region.
University of Washington researchers used new tools to measure and track B-12 vitamins in the ocean, finding that marine archaea can supply this essential vitamin. The results show that B-12 is present in small amounts in all water samples, with low concentrations indicating potential deficiency among tiny marine algae.
A comprehensive review of global marine turtle fisheries reveals that over 42,000 turtles are caught annually through legal means. This number is largely driven by the green turtle species, with the majority coming from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.
NOAA researcher Sue Moore says Arctic marine mammals respond to climate change by shifting their distribution, timing of movements, and feeding locations. This provides clues on how the ecosystem is responding to changes in sea ice, warming temperatures, and increased storminess.
A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.
Research by Robert Boessenecker uncovers a record of 21 marine mammal species from the San Francisco Bay Area's Purisima Formation, dating back 5-2.5 million years. A new species of fossil whale, Balaenoptera bertae, is discovered, closely related to minke and fin whales.
Researchers analyzed eight oil-soaked sand patties collected along Gulf shores, finding large amounts of water-repelling hydrocarbons that can harm wildlife. The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of persisting oil remnants and improve understanding of their toxicity.
Researchers at UH Manoa discovered a biological trigger behind marine biofouling, where certain bacteria induce larval metamorphosis. This process has implications for boat owners and the mariculture industry, which rely on larval settlement to create new communities.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified marine bacteria that can effectively inhibit the ability of staphylococci to form toxins and camouflage proteins. These compounds, known as antivirulence therapy, may offer a new solution for treating resistant bacterial infections.
A new study predicts significant declines in deep-sea marine life due to climate change, with up to 38% loss in the North Atlantic and over 5% globally by 2100. This will impact ecosystem services such as fishing and food supply, driving changes in seafloor communities.
The study found that DNA barcoding increases the accuracy of monitoring marine mammal biodiversity, allowing for earlier detection of impacts from climate change and human activities. By using DNA barcoding in conjunction with a stranding network, researchers can better track species distribution and abundance.
Researchers used numerical modeling to explore chloride-induced corrosion in hollow submerged marine concrete structures. They found that 'macrocells' play a significant role in accelerating the corrosion process, which can lead to reduced structure lifespan.
The study provides evidence for the Xingmeng area being in a marine or mainly marine environment at the end of the late Permian period. The discovery of bryozoan and other marine fossils in the upper part of the Linxi Formation supports this finding.
The OCEAN CERTAIN project aims to improve understanding of the biological pump, a process that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in marine sediments. The four-year, $12 million project will investigate the importance of this process in shaping future climate change.
A 12-organisation Anglo-French partnership has developed an English Channel Governance Guide to ensure sustainable management of the world's busiest waterway. The guide will inform live marine policy development on a national and European scale, focusing on ecosystem management, conservation, and human use of the waterway.
Research by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter found that microplastic ingestion can decrease energy reserves in marine worms. The study also revealed that ingested plastic can deliver harmful chemicals to organisms, leading to reduced health. This has significant implications for the food chain and marine ecosystems.
A recent Arctic study reveals that tiny crustaceans, known as copepods, may not survive if ocean acidity rises due to increased CO2. Copepods with a wide natural habitat range are likely to be better equipped to handle the changes.
A Syracuse University biologist has developed a system to track ships and monitor underwater noise levels in a protected marine mammal habitat. The techniques focus on the bottlenose dolphin population in Scotland's Moray Firth, where increasing shipping activity may negatively impact resident marine mammals.
A new study reveals that marine reserves can build community resilience through mechanisms promoting species stability, while resisting colonization by warm-water vagrants. The research highlights the importance of long-term data on fish species in understanding ecological change.
Researchers found that large pulses of organic material sink to the deep seafloor, providing enough food for years at a time. The study used multiple instruments to track marine snow and its impact on life in the deep.
A new study assesses the impact of offshore wind farm construction on marine mammals, providing a framework to mitigate potential harm. The research focuses on harbor seals and could inform climate change targets while protecting endangered species.
A new study reveals areas of high human impact on marine predators such as whales, seals, and turtles along the US west coast. The research used tracking data and mapping to identify key habitats and areas for conservation efforts.
NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.
Elsevier has launched a new journal dedicated to publishing fundamental and applied research on marine and ocean energy. The first volume is now available for free on ScienceDirect, covering topics such as fluid mechanics, design, and environmental assessment.
Researchers discovered that some species of polychaete worms can modify their metabolic rates to thrive in high-CO2 waters, while others are impaired by acidic conditions. The study sheds light on the resilience of marine biodiversity and potential mechanisms for adaptation.
NOAA has expanded its National System of Marine Protected Areas by adding 82 existing sites, bringing the total number to 437. The additions include state marine protected areas from California and Texas, which will continue to be managed by their respective state governments.
A three-year international study found that marine species are shifting their geographic distribution towards cooler regions due to warming oceans. This has led to changes in breeding patterns, life cycles, and potentially significant repercussions for human services dependent on these ecosystems.
A new global study reveals widespread systemic shifts in marine species distribution and phenology, comparable to those observed on land. The research found that 81% of changes were consistent with climate change, with some species shifting up to 11 days earlier in spring.
A global meta-analysis reveals that climate change is driving changes in marine species' breeding, feeding, and migration timing, as well as shifting their geographic distribution toward the poles. The study found that warming oceans are causing marine species to move at an average of 72 kilometers per decade.
A Smithsonian scientist has found that similar color patterns in fish larvae indicate a closer evolutionary relationship among species than their adult forms. The research, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, reveals phylogenetic connections between marine fish species.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that winter flounder populations in Long Island's bays are experiencing severe inbreeding due to low effective numbers of breeders. This has significant implications for fisheries management and the long-term survival of these marine fish.
The first global atlas of marine plankton catalogues an estimated 100 trillion individual organisms, revealing surprising similarities in phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass. The open-source database will aid conservation efforts and inform computer models to predict climate change impacts.
A 10-year study by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that low-oxygen 'dead zones' in Chesapeake Bay are impacting demersal fish species, including Atlantic croaker and summer flounder. The study showed a drastic decline in species richness and catch rates under low-oxygen conditions.
Patrick Rynne's student-run project Waterlust brings together marine science, art, and sport through online film and photography. The project aims to inspire public interest in water-related topics, empowering scientists to communicate their work creatively.
A global cooling event, similar to recent global warming, occurred 116 million years ago, causing a marine ecosystem crisis and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. This study highlights the link between global climate and internal earth processes, demonstrating that large-scale changes can have severe consequences for marine life.
Scientists are working to reduce ocean pollution from microplastics, tiny bits of plastic that can harm marine ecosystems. Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed biodegradable microbeads made from naturally occurring compounds called PHAs, which break down quickly in water and wastewater treatment plants.
Scientists detected H1N1 virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off California coast, indicating potential for transmission to humans. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting workers handling marine mammals and preventing disease transmission between species.
A new study finds that oyster reefs can buffer acidic inputs to Chesapeake Bay, providing a key ecosystem service. Restoring oysters could help moderate ocean acidity and support marine life.
A team led by UCSB professors found that certain microscopic shelled plants, such as Emiliania huxleyi, can tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide and even increase shell production, but may grow slower. This discovery suggests variable responses in marine organisms to ocean acidification.
Research reveals many marine mammal populations are increasing, with some recovering to near carrying capacity. The MMPA's strong protections against commercial and accidental killing have contributed to these recoveries.
A national marine biodiversity observation network is proposed to track ocean ecosystem health, monitor trends, and facilitate proactive responses to environmental pressures. The study recommends coordination of existing efforts, digitization of historical data, and establishment of regional centers to process and identify specimens.
A comprehensive marine biodiversity observation network could be established within 5 years with modest funding, addressing gaps in understanding global marine organism distribution under climate change threats. The network would help identify threats like exotic species invasions and resolve conflicts over ocean management.
Researchers discovered that purple sea urchins can rapidly evolve in acidic ocean water due to high levels of genetic variation, allowing them to thrive in conditions with high carbon dioxide. This capacity may help some marine species survive in future acidified seas.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that freshwater river dolphins use lower frequency biosonar clicks, but their unique head anatomy may help keep signals focused. This study provides a valuable tool for conservation biologists to prevent species decline and estimate population sizes.
UK scientists are investigating the threat of marine invasive non-native species in the Galapagos Islands, which is being exacerbated by increasing tourism. The team aims to identify new species, assess their potential impact on native ecosystems, and develop control measures to protect marine biodiversity.
Researchers used acoustic monitoring to record cod grunts in the wild for the first time, finding that male cod produce low-frequency sounds during spawning season. The study provides insights into cod behavior and distribution, informing conservation efforts.
Researchers examined biological and environmental properties of invasive species, finding three to four key factors that influence their success. This discovery opens new avenues for marine research and management.
Protection of marine areas from fishing significantly increases fish density and biomass. Even partial protection yields a 50% increase in biomass for target species like lobsters and scallops. However, the success of marine protection depends on its size and management style.
Researchers found drastic changes to marine communities due to higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels, leading to potential extinction of marine life. The study mirrors current climate predictions over the next century, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers from San Francisco State University found that nitrogen boosts the growth and toxicity of phytoplankton that produce a potent toxin called domoic acid. These diatoms can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in humans and death among marine mammals and seabirds.
Researchers found that marine bacteria prefer specific temperatures, nutrients, light, and salinity levels, contradicting the 'everything is everywhere' hypothesis. The discovery suggests dispersal limitation plays a crucial role in shaping bacterial distributions.
The 244-million-year-old Thalattoarchon saurophagis, a giant ichthyosaur, provided significant findings on the recovery of modern marine ecosystems following a severe Permian extinction. The discovery sheds light on the dynamics of evolving planet and its impact on today's environment.
Three WHOI projects will investigate the complex interactions between marine microbes, nutrients, and their environments using advanced technologies and methods. The grants aim to improve understanding of microbial communities and their impact on ocean health and productivity.
A recent study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series has found that fish, terrapins, and birds play a crucial role in dispersing eelgrass seeds into new areas. The research suggests that animals can disperse seeds up to 10 miles, rivaling the distances achieved by physical mechanisms.
A prospectus published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A outlines key issues and research directions for UK marine science over the next two decades. The publication provides a vision for each field, addressing scientific challenges and technological advances necessary to meet them.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is funding 16 top scientists for pioneering research in marine microbial ecology, exploring interactions between trillions of microscopic organisms and their environment. This funding aims to make new discoveries and advance our understanding of ocean ecosystems and climate change.
A Dartmouth-led effort publishes major findings on how mercury released into the air contaminates ocean fish and seafood. The research provides a synthesis of science on mercury sources, fate, and human exposure in marine systems, tracing pathways from sources to seafood to consumers.
A comprehensive register of marine species reveals approximately 226,000 identified species and up to 65,000 awaiting description. This comprehensive inventory provides a foundation for conservation efforts and estimates of extinction rates.
Kevin Brix, a University of Miami PhD graduate, has been awarded the SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award for his outstanding research on metal toxicity in aquatic organisms. His work focuses on the mechanisms of metal toxicity to freshwater and marine species, with a particular emphasis on dietary metal exposure and its effects on aquatic life.
A study by Dr. Grace Saba and professor Deborah Steinberg reveals that small forage fish can transport significant amounts of carbon from the surface to depth via their fecal pellets, which sink at rates of hundreds to thousands of feet per day.