The National Resource for Aplysia, a world-leading facility for sea slug research, has secured a $2.7 million NIH grant renewal for five years. The facility will provide scientists with abundant Aplysia californica animals to study basic mechanisms of memory and learning.
Four University of Miami Marine Biology and Fisheries students have received recognition from the National Science Foundation for their research on coral reefs. Ross Cunning and John Parkinson were awarded fellowships, while Sean Bignami and Kevin V. Brix received Honorable Mentions.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers predicts a 10-25% decline in US mollusk sales, worth $75-$187 million annually, and $1.4 billion by 2060. This decline could lead to economic hardships for fishing communities.
A new study finds nearly a doubling of illegal fishing in the Northeast multispecies groundfish fishery, with 12-24% annual harvest taken illegally. The study recommends a 'smart compliance policy' to combat noncompliance and protect fish stocks.
The paper suggests measures to manage ocean acidification's impact on commercial fisheries, including flexible fishery management plans and support for fishing communities. Ocean acidification is expected to damage corals, mollusks, and shellfish, altering food webs and intensifying competition among predators.
Marine Affairs and Policy graduate student John Stieglitz's Blue Ocean Aquaculture project focuses on sustainably cultured juvenile yellowfin tuna for offshore aquaculture industry. The UM Rosenstiel School student received runner-up prize and $3,000 in the competition's High-Potential Venture category.
A team of 13 international scientists is developing management plans for sustainably managing forage fish, critical food sources for marine mammals and seabirds. The task force aims to prevent fishing-induced irreversible impacts on marine ecosystems.
The Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) will support scientific research in high-latitude waters, collecting sediment samples and hosting remotely operated vehicles. The vessel will enable scientists to study global issues like sea-level rise and climate change affecting Alaska's fisheries and ecosystems.
Scientists at the University of Iceland and Marine Research Institute report a significant difference in Darwinian fitness between shallow-water and deep-water adapted cod. The study found that intense habitat-specific fishing pressure led to rapid elimination of shallow-water fish, drastic effects on populations and fisheries.
New research reveals a significant decline in Cascades snowpack due to warming climate, with potential implications for drinking water supplies, fisheries, irrigation, and hydropower. The study used multiple methods to analyze decades-long records of water content in the central Puget Sound basin.
Researchers have documented the first known migration of blue whales from California to British Columbia and the Gulf of Alaska since commercial whaling ended in 1965. The whales' return suggests a re-establishment of historical migration patterns, possibly driven by changes in ocean conditions.
Researchers found a surprising tendency for Northern shrimp eggs to hatch and larvae to appear near spring phytoplankton blooms, which are triggered by temperature and sunlight. This timing is strongly dependent on local bottom water temperatures, suggesting that the species has evolved to maximize larval survival.
A study by Florida State University researcher Chris Stallings reveals a 'sobering' decline of large predatory fishes in the Caribbean, mainly caused by overfishing. The research documents patterns across a greater geographic scale than previous studies, highlighting the impact on marine food webs and coral reefs.
Establishing a public trust doctrine for federal waters could provide a practical legal framework for regulating ocean-based commerce while protecting marine species and habitats. The doctrine would obliges governments to manage natural resources in the best interests of citizens, without sacrificing future generations' needs.
Researchers use Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) to observe mass migrations of hundreds of millions of fish, revealing critical population density triggers synchronized movement. This breakthrough confirms theories about large groups of animals and provides valuable information for conservation of marine ecosystems.
A new study suggests that over-dramatized fish health benefits put pressure on wild fish stocks, threatening food security in developing nations. The research highlights the need for sustainable seafood consumption and warns against 'triaging' food sources without verifying their impact.
Global fisheries are in crisis due to overfishing, threatening food security in poorer countries and coastal communities. The recommendation to increase fish consumption for health benefits is not environmentally sustainable.
A new study by Queen's University finds that oil dispersants used to clean up spills increase toxicity to fish, making them more deadly. The study shows that dispersed oil can be 100-fold more toxic to rainbow trout, impairing fish populations and fisheries economic returns
A North Atlantic right whale was administered a sedation mixture, allowing rescuers to remove 90% of the entangling gear. The new sedation delivery system enabled the team to successfully free the animal in two days, improving the chances of its survival.
Lobster traps equipped with temperature sensors provide valuable data on ocean circulation and processes in the Gulf of Maine. The eMOLT program, a collaboration between NOAA, lobstermen, and marine science students, aims to improve our understanding of ocean currents, pollution dispersal, and marine life distribution.
A recent study by Arizona State University's Charles Perrings highlights the substantial economic impact of invasive species on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and ecosystems. In some countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, invasive species account for up to 112% of agricultural GDP.
Scientists have developed a new computer model predicting climate-driven shifts in commercially important fish species. The study suggests that most fish will migrate towards the Pole, with devastating consequences for developing countries' fishing industries.
Climate change is expected to drastically impact world fisheries, with US Atlantic cod populations projected to decline by 50% by 2050. The study, led by William Cheung, simulates changes in ocean temperature and current patterns caused by various climate scenarios.
A new study identifies 33 countries that will suffer most from climate change's impact on fisheries, including those in Africa, Asia, and South America. These nations face unprecedented hardship due to their high dependency on fish as a source of protein and income.
A new study identifies a hotspot for toxic harmful algal blooms (HABS) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which can trigger blooms and force shellfish bed closures. The research aims to provide early warnings to protect human health and reduce economic losses due to biotoxin accumulation.
Researchers found that older killer whales nearing menopause have a 10% higher survival rate for their calves compared to younger females. This suggests that these older mothers may be more successful in rearing their young due to maternal experience and increased allocation of effort.
A 'hot spot' for toxic harmful algal blooms has been discovered off the Washington coast, where microorganisms can trigger harmful blooms that force shellfish bed closures.
Unchecked global warming would lead to a dramatic expansion of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, affecting fisheries and ecosystems for thousands of years. The team's projections show that these oxygen minimum zones could expand much more still and invade the deep ocean.
Researchers at Michigan State University have successfully lured lovesick lampreys to traps using a synthetic chemical version of the pheromones used by males to attract females. The pheromone, called 3kPZS, is potent and only requires tiny concentrations to be effective.
A new study reveals the global trade in frog legs is threatening their extinction. The annual global trade has increased over the past 20 years, with at least 200 million frogs consumed every year, according to Associate Professor Corey Bradshaw.
A study published in Science estimates the total biomass of fish in the world's oceans at 2 billion tonnes. Fish play a significant role in mitigating climate change by maintaining the ocean's pH balance, with their calcium excretion process affecting ocean acidification.
NOAA researchers have identified a wintering ground for North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of Maine, with 44 individual whales spotted in December. The sightings suggest that the region may also be a potential breeding ground for the endangered species, which is critical for their protection.
The Voices from the Fisheries project, led by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, documents the human experience with the nation's coastal environments and living marine resources. The archive features oral histories from recreational and commercial fishermen, as well as communities and families that rely on them.
A review of salmonids reveals that captive breeding can rapidly lead to genetic diversity loss, hindering the ability of fish to adapt in the wild. The study highlights the need for more data and alternatives to captive breeding, such as live freezing or population relocation, to conserve biodiversity.
A comprehensive study on Puerto Rico's freshwater fish species has been conducted by NC State researchers, identifying key features that support native populations and distinguishing those susceptible to invasion. The study aims to inform conservation efforts and management decisions for the island's fisheries.
Over 8,000 scientists support creating marine protected areas for endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's resolution aims to safeguard the critically endangered species from industrial fisheries by identifying and protecting their migratory routes.
Researchers found that juvenile bluefin tuna from both regions return to their birthplace to spawn, contradicting previous assumptions about fish migration patterns. This study has significant implications for managing bluefin tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.
Researchers used otolith chemistry to identify individuals from different nurseries and found that over half of juvenile bluefin tuna in North American waters were of Mediterranean origin. The study also shows that over 95% of adult bluefin tuna return to their place of origin to spawn, with critical implications for fisheries management.
A DNA test can detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, reducing economic impact on fisheries, recreational activities, and aquaculture sites. Factors such as climate change and pollution contribute to algal bloom occurrences.
A study finds that catch shares can reverse fisheries collapse, with nearly a third of open-access fisheries collapsing compared to half for those managed under catch share systems. Catch shares create incentives to protect fish populations and reduce bycatch, leading to better biological outcomes.
According to the USGS report, nearly 40 percent of North American freshwater fish species are now listed as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered. Habitat loss and climate change have contributed significantly to these declines.
Small-scale fisheries, which employ over 12 million people worldwide, are being disproportionately harmed by eco-labelling initiatives and fuel subsidies. As a result, many small-scale fishers are unable to compete in the market and struggle to survive due to unfair advantages given to large-scale industrial fleets.
Researchers use acoustic tags to track Atlantic salmon migration, finding valuable information about fish movements and survival rates. Early data suggest many young salmon are surviving their journey to the Labrador Sea and coastal West Greenland.
The Marine Conservation Alliance will document its work on halibut and salmon excluder devices for trawl nets, as well as its marine debris cleanup efforts, at the American Fisheries Society Meeting in Ottawa. The MCA Foundation's cleanup work removed over 175 metric tons of plastic debris from Alaska shorelines last year.
Low-budget, locally led mangrove replanting projects are more successful than high-cost government-led projects, achieving survival rates of up to 97%. Planting the correct species in suitable sites and community involvement are key to ecological benefits.
This year's predicted dead zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas could measure a record 8,800 square miles, threatening valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. The area experiences low oxygen levels due to high nutrient levels from human activities.
UBC researchers suggest redirecting fuel subsidies from fishing fleets to re-training fishers to address the economic and environmental impact of rising fuel costs. The study found that governments spend $6.4 billion annually on fuel subsidies, which could be better spent supporting sustainable fisheries.
Researchers are studying how climate change affects early life stages of fish in two ocean environments off the coasts of New Jersey and Long Island. Using real-time data and advanced technology, they are developing models to aid fisheries research and management, with a focus on habitat effects and growth.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals a disturbing rise in cetacean strandings off Cornwall's coast, with most incidents attributed to bycatch in marine fisheries. The researchers are calling for increased conservation efforts and regulations to safeguard the future of Cornish cetaceans.
A new study reveals that no-take marine reserves can lead to rapid comebacks of exploited fish species, with coral trout populations increasing by up to 68% in just two years. The findings provide an encouraging message for biodiversity protection and have positive implications for tourism.
A new analysis suggests that compensatory mitigation of fisheries bycatch could do more harm than good, and is unlikely to succeed in reducing impacts on threatened species. The researchers found that bycatch affects a wide range of nontarget species, making it difficult to implement effective mitigation strategies.
A new study reports finding persistent organic pollutants in deep-sea cephalopods, including octopods and squids. The presence of these chemicals suggests contamination of the deep-ocean food web is occurring, with significant implications for marine life.
Research suggests that healthy adult haddock can produce more eggs of higher quality, leading to larger and better-conditioned offspring. This finding could significantly impact haddock stocks on Georges Bank.
A recent study reveals that 16 out of 21 oceanic shark and ray species are at risk of extinction due to unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices. Governments can take key steps to safeguard populations, including establishing science-based catch limits and ending shark finning.
The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service uses otoliths, scales, and vertebra to age tens of thousands of samples each year. The aging team provides critical data for stock assessments needed to manage the nation's fishery resources in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers discovered extensive deep-sea coral habitats off the coast of North Carolina, containing commercially valuable fish populations and many newly discovered species. The reefs are important habitats for several species and contain historical data about changing ocean climate and productivity.
A recent study by NOAA scientists shows that certain metals can repel sharks from fishing gear, potentially reducing bycatch and saving millions of animals. The study used a palladium neodymium alloy to alter the swimming patterns of juvenile sandbar sharks, temporarily deterring feeding in groups.
NOAA researchers are part of the FISH-BOL initiative, a global effort to barcode marine and freshwater species. This allows for fast and accurate identification of species, including larval fish and fishery products.
A study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers found that 90% of California's fall-run Chinook salmon population comes from hatcheries. The findings are troubling given the decline in natural populations, which may force commercial and recreational fishing to close.
Researchers are developing a global monitoring network for ocean noise to protect endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. The project uses 3-D buoys to record sounds from whales, fish, ships, and other sources in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.