A recent study by UC Santa Barbara and NOAA reveals that marine protected areas have little effect on mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves on ocean ecosystems. The research found that the heatwave had a significant impact on fish communities within and outside MPAs, with non-targeted species being more responsive to the changes.
A study by UC Santa Cruz professor Terrie Williams explores how marine mammals' physiological adaptations can help understand the effects of COVID-19. Marine mammals have evolved mechanisms to protect critical organs during low-oxygen conditions, which may inform strategies for humans to mitigate long-term damage from oxygen deprivation.
A new study by Oregon State University researcher Will White found that most Channel Islands marine protected areas have no poaching and fish populations are thriving. Harvest rates were essentially at zero for four species of kelp forest fish inside the protected areas between 2003 and 2017.
Researchers at MBL found that small marine animals with multiple propulsers create negative pressure behind them to propel forward. This phenomenon, dubbed 'suction thrust,' is common among animals with metachronal kinematics.
Researchers Alli Cramer and Stephen Katz identified two key variables: gross primary production and substrate mobility, which sort biomes by their energy flow and ocean floor movement. This new classification system sheds light on the diversity of marine environments and highlights areas where human actions may impact ecosystem function.
A multidisciplinary team will assess the significance of marine life to human societies during the last two millennia. The 4-OCEANS project aims to understand the consequences of marine resource exploitation for societal development, with a focus on informing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the Decade for the Oceans.
A study by the University of York reveals that metal pollution from historic mining is weakening scallop shells, threatening marine ecosystems. The research found that contaminated seabed sediments with zinc, lead, and copper are causing brittle shell thinning, affecting the species' survival.
Researchers found that eco-engineered tiles with crevices can increase habitat complexity, enhancing marine biodiversity. The tiles provided shelter and reduced temperatures for animals, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
A Tel Aviv University study compared disposable dishes made of regular plastic and bioplastic, finding that both had a similar detrimental effect on marine animals. Bioplastics do not degrade rapidly in the marine environment, releasing toxins and harming marine life.
A new study reveals that decaying jellyfish blooms fuel the rapid growth of specific strains of seawater bacteria, keeping organic material within the water column food web. This process temporarily alters the food web, with bacteria consuming detritus and providing food for other marine animals.
A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.
A recent study mapped microbial diversity in marine sediment, revealing a rich ecosystem with diverse microbial communities. The research found that bacterial diversity exceeds archaeal diversity and is comparable to surface biomes.
Marine sediment shows similar overall diversity to topsoil and seawater, despite decreasing microbial community diversity with depth. Key factors influencing taxonomic composition include organic carbon concentrations and dissolved oxygen presence.
Researchers aim to quantify tyre particle concentrations in rivers and oceans, exploring their impact on sea life. The TYRE-LOSS project uses advanced techniques to model dispersal and estimate risks to marine life at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Research by Hokkaido University scientists finds that warming waters and sea ice-free conditions in the Pacific Arctic will lead to significant changes in marine community compositions. Larger fish and invertebrates are expected to expand their ranges towards the pole, altering ecosystem structure and functions.
Researchers found vessel traffic and whale vocalizations contribute to ambient sound, with fluctuations by month and seasonal peaks. The study establishes a baseline for understanding the impact of human-made noise on the sanctuary's ecosystem.
Marine heatwaves have increased significantly due to global warming, with major events becoming more frequent and prolonged. The probability of such events has risen massively, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and their ability to recover.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba and ETH Zurich found that marine bacteria switch between lifestyles to get the best resources, optimizing nutrient uptake in seascapes of organic particles. Bacteria spend more time on higher-quality patches, fine-tuning their foraging strategy according to patch quality.
Researchers investigate marine heatwaves and their effects on regional ocean circulation, marine life, and fisheries. They found that extreme warming events can extend to 300 meters below the surface in certain areas, impacting ecosystems and economies.
KAUST scientists propose a roadmap for molecular ecologists, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on DNA-based approaches for marine monitoring. DNA barcoding and metabarcoding can save time and money by identifying species from small DNA fragments.
Removing marine plastic litter from Aldabra Atoll could cost US $4.68 million and require 18,000 hours of labour. The study highlights the economic burden on small island states to protect their marine ecosystems.
Flinders University researchers have found a way to convert marine waste into valuable dietary proteins and products. The study suggests that sea cucumbers and other marine animals can be used as a source of protein-rich nutrients.
Research at the Panama Canal has recorded 11 new marine fish species, replacing freshwater fishes in Lake Gatun. The Suez Canal expansion also led to increased salt levels, allowing more non-native species to enter the Mediterranean.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have identified 61 genetic targets that can manipulate the biofouling activities of phytoplankton, paving the way for new eco-friendly antifouling methods. The study presents key insight into molecular signaling pathways and protein receptors involved in biofouling.
A new quantitative method assesses the effects of ingested plastics on individual and population levels in sea turtles, potentially impacting growth, reproduction, and survival. The study demonstrates a crucial step towards conservation and mitigating the negative effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.
Researchers used high-resolution models to predict where marine heatwaves will occur and intensify, revealing stark regional variability. The study found intense heatwaves more likely off Tasmania's coast and along the US Gulf Stream's shoreline.
Researchers discovered a four-meter-long thalattosaur fossil in the stomach of an ichthyosaur, providing direct evidence that these giant marine reptiles consumed large animals. The find suggests that megapredation was more common than previously thought, contradicting the idea that ichthyosaurs fed on small prey like cephalopods.
The Marine Technology Society has recognized a diverse group of individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to marine science and technology. The award winners include CAPT (Ret.) Craig McLean, Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin, CODAR Ocean Sensors LTD, and Dr. Manhar Dhanak, among others.
Excessive nutrients from agricultural runoff and sewage contribute to algal blooms that deplete oxygen, killing marine life. Climate change amplifies these effects by increasing river runoff and ocean acidification, which harm corals and shellfish.
Marine heatwaves are displacing habitats for marine life by thousands of kilometers, a phenomenon known as thermal displacement. This metric measures the degree of change species may be responding to, highlighting potential ecosystem changes and management questions.
Researchers analyzed ancient marine ecosystems in Tierra del Fuego and found that the Argentinian hake had a broader isotopic niche and fed on coastal habitats during the Middle Holocene period. This study predicts potential changes in the fishing industry in the region if environmental conditions align with those of the past.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been selected by NOAA to host the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), which will conduct collaborative research on Earth's oceans and atmosphere. CIMAS will focus on coastal resilience, ocean conservation, and tropical weather prediction.
The GEOMAR research group has successfully discovered a marine alga from the Kiel Fjord that inhibits pathogenic bacteria and kills melanoma-type skin cancer cells with low cytotoxicity. The researchers used bioinformatics methods and machine learning tools to accelerate the discovery process, reducing it from 3-4 years to months.
A recent study found that tropical reefs are driven by bottom-up forcing, while temperate reefs are more influenced by top-down forcing. Marine reserves increased predator populations in both tropical and temperate regions.
An international team is developing sustainable strategies for managing marine ecosystems, addressing global environmental change and ecosystem functions. The project combines data analysis and modelling to develop effective management approaches for coastal and oceanic environments.
A new report by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that marine renewable energy devices are unlikely to cause harm to marine animals or environments. The study found that small numbers of operational devices may not significantly affect marine ecosystems, but further research is needed to confirm this.
Researchers found that mussel reefs slow sea water flowing over them, increasing turbulence and tripling the amount of ingested plastic. The study suggests natural reef structures are natural sinks for plastics, posing a problem for commercially valuable species like blue mussels.
Marine microbes, specifically thaumarchaea, play a crucial role in recycling carbon and phosphorus from marine algae. They fix approximately 3 moles of carbon for every 10 moles of ammonia oxidized, fixing roughly 3-fold higher rates than previously assumed.
A study finds that ecotourism has positively transformed people's attitudes towards whale sharks and marine conservation in the Philippines. Locals who work for tour operators report a stronger emotional connection to the species and increased willingness to protect them, leading to more sustainable fishing practices.
A new study finds that climate-driven transformations render marine reserves ineffective in protecting biodiversity and fish biomass. Marine reserves still protect some species, but conservation efforts require re-evaluation. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate other pressures.
The Southern Ocean's biodiversity is at risk due to current marine protected areas, which are insufficient to represent the region's unique habitats and species. To address this, a new study suggests doubling existing protected areas to better safeguard biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change.
A new study predicts that future 'blobs' will exacerbate climate change impacts on fish stocks, causing biomass to decrease and distribution shifts. This could lead to significant declines in fisheries sectors along the west coast of Canada and USA.
The extinction of threatened marine megafauna species could result in a loss of 11% of the extent of ecological functions if current trajectories are maintained. Sharks are predicted to be the most affected, with losses of functional richness far beyond those expected under random extinctions.
Researchers from Australian Institute of Marine Science suggest adding cameras, audio recorders, and sample collectors to remotely operated vehicles to increase scientific data gathering. This could lead to better understanding of marine infrastructure impact on ecosystems and improve ecological management and regulatory compliance.
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Marine Conservation Society found no difference in litter levels inside and outside England's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with plastic being the main form of litter. The research highlights the need for locally appropriate management to tackle specific sources of litter in different areas.
A landmark study published in Nature outlines a roadmap for rebuilding marine life to full abundance by 2050. The research identifies nine key components and six complementary interventions that can accelerate recovery within two to three decades, provided climate change is tackled.
A new study found profound long-term changes in plankton communities, which are the base of the marine food web. Changes in sea surface temperature have led to a significant reorganisation of plankton populations, with some species increasing in abundance while others decrease.
A new study outlines steps needed for marine ecosystems to recover from damage by 2050, citing examples of recovery following conservation interventions.
Land animal die-offs began hundreds of thousands of years before marine extinction, with terrestrial vertebrate species declining by up to 70%, while marine extinctions may have occurred over tens of thousands of years. The study suggests a lag between land and sea extinctions, potentially due to different causes.
A recent study reveals that marine species are shifting their populations towards the poles in response to ocean warming, with significant implications for global biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. The research found a consistent pattern of species abundance increases at poleward edges and declines at equatorward edges.
A global analysis of over 300 marine species spanning more than 100 years shows that mammals, plankton, fish, plants, and seabirds are changing in abundance as oceans warm. Some marine species are benefiting from climate change, while others are declining due to warming temperatures.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a marine biodegradable plastic using starch and cellulose, demonstrating excellent water-resistance and high strength. The new material has the potential to significantly reduce marine debris accumulation and contribute to sustainable development goals.
A new framework will help marine scientists design more accurate experiments to understand the impact of global warming on marine life. The framework provides a simple way to select future CO2 levels and temperature for experiments, taking into account regional variability and local conditions.
A study led by HKU marine biologist Dr Celia Schunter reveals that reef fishes are directly affected by heatwaves, but their responses vary greatly among species. The research tracked the molecular response of five species to the 2016 heatwave conditions on the Great Barrier Reef.
A new algorithm allows researchers to determine dominant phytoplankton types and identify toxic algal blooms using satellite data. This breakthrough can assess water quality and impact the fishing industry, as well as inform conclusions on global warming's effects on marine plankton.
Researchers found elevated concentrations of TPT in Chinese white dolphins and finless porpoises, with the highest concentration being five times higher than reported in false killer whales. Biomagnification of TPT compounds has significant implications for local dolphin populations and human health.
Scientists from the Global Reef Expedition found that many coral reefs in the Cook Islands were in good shape, with high coral cover and diverse fish communities. However, Aitutaki's corals were being ravaged by a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak, causing significant damage to the reef ecosystem.
A team of marine scientists has called on the UK government to overhaul its approach to marine conservation management, citing declining biodiversity and the need for more effective habitat repair and integration with fisheries management. The researchers recommend four key changes to increase ambition and support the UK's target of be...
A University of Queensland-led international study found that at least 26% of the world's oceans need urgent conservation attention to preserve Earth's marine biodiversity. The study identified a total ocean area required for conservation varying from 26-41%, depending on species range conservation proportions.
Marine bacteria, such as Polaribacter, develop distinct niches with respect to algal polysaccharides, avoiding direct competition. Closely related clades partition available resources through unique sugar utilization strategies.