Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium used a hexacopter UAV to take straight-down photos of Northern resident killer whales, a threatened population in British Columbia. The aerial images allow for precise measurements of body condition, feeding habits, and growth patterns.
The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.
Researchers from NOAA Fisheries and Stanford University found that some petroleum compounds disrupt normal cardiac function in young tuna by blocking ion channels. This discovery provides new insights into the impact of oil pollution on fish hearts, with potential applications for assessing environmental damage.
Scientists analyzed DNA from a New Zealand museum specimen to determine if it represents a new type of killer whale. The study found that the specimen separated from other killer whales approximately 390,000 years ago, suggesting it may be a separate subspecies or species.
A new study published in Conservation Biology analyzed data on marine mammal and ecosystem research surveys in the Southern California Bight to identify areas with high whale densities. The researchers found that certain shipping routes pose a higher risk to fin whales, while others may be safer for humpback whales.
Researchers warn of catastrophic loss as nesting sites show 78% decline over 27 years. Conservation efforts face challenges due to feral pig predation and climate change.
A recent study by NOAA researchers reveals a drastic decline in white abalone populations, which have dwindled by approximately 78% over the last ten years. The species' ability to reproduce is being questioned, with scientists suggesting that a captive breeding program may be necessary to enhance populations and prevent extinction.
Scientists have discovered a biological marker in marine animals that indicates low-level exposure to domoic acid, a potentially toxic substance produced by certain algae. This finding has the potential to create reliable blood tests for assessing the effects of chronic exposure on humans and wildlife.
A study published in PNAS found that Pacific herring embryos in shallow waters died at high rates after the 2007 Cosco Busan oil spill, highlighting an interaction between sunlight and chemicals in oil. The findings suggest oil threats in sunlit habitats, particularly for translucent animals like herring embryos.
Expanding ocean dead zones driven by climate change reduce oxygen levels, forcing blue marlins and other billfish to surface waters where they are more vulnerable to fishing. This shift affects the long-term health of these species and their ecosystems.
Antarctic killer whales perform rapid migrations to warmer tropical waters in search of relief from cold temperatures. The whales shed their thick layer of diatoms, which helps with skin regeneration in the warmer environment.
Scientists have revised their estimate of the North Pacific humpback whale population, increasing it from 20,000 to possibly over 21,000. This new research uses a refined statistical analysis of data compiled in 2008 and suggests a strong recovery from whaling.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
A study on Southern Resident killer whales found that they mate within their own pods, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This behavior may be unique to the population's small size and could put them at risk of genetically deteriorating further.
Researchers observed killer whales favoring Weddell seals as their primary target despite the availability of other prey species. The study provides insight into the cooperative hunting behavior of killer whales in Antarctic waters.
Researchers analyzed genetic evidence from 139 killer whales and found clear differences among species in the Antarctic and North Pacific. The study suggests that two types of killer whales are separate species, with additional analysis needed to confirm other possible species.
The NOAA survey found high numbers of juvenile sea scallops and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank, while recruitment in the Mid-Atlantic was weaker than expected. Biomass remained high, but declined in certain areas, such as the Elephant Trunk rotational area.
A recent coastal shark survey from Florida to Delaware caught 1,675 sharks from 19 different species, with sandbar sharks being the most common. The survey provides valuable data on shark populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
A new analysis suggests that global fisheries are showing positive signs of recovery, with five out of ten large marine ecosystems studying well. However, 68% of worldwide fisheries still require rebuilding and more stringent regulations are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species.
A 16-nation research project is surveying the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for biodiversity, discovering potential new species and shedding light on deep-sea communities. The NOAA-led expedition aims to understand the ecosystem's structure and how it interacts with human activities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A recent study by NOAA scientists suggests that changes in ocean-atmosphere conditions may be a primary factor in declining European eel reproduction and survival rates. The North Atlantic Oscillation is believed to be a key driver of these changes, which can impact the development of glass eels, the juvenile stage of the eel population.
Northern right whales migrate to Florida waters from November to April to give birth, while NOAA researchers collect DNA samples to identify individuals and monitor the population's genetic variation. The project helps assess the population's composition and condition, improving prospects for their survival.
Scientists are using integrated ecosystem assessments to prioritize strategies for restoring Puget Sound's ecosystem. Increasing salmon production can have negative impacts on wild Chinook salmon populations, highlighting the need for balanced management approaches.
A team of scientists from NOAA and Oregon State University have discovered widespread areas of low-oxygen water off the northwest coast, which may be causing deaths of marine animals that cannot escape. The study suggests that these conditions are associated with coastal upwelling and plankton production.
The vaquita population is projected to decline rapidly due to entanglement in fishing nets, with only about 150 individuals remaining. The species is critically endangered and shares parallels with the extinct baiji dolphin, highlighting the need for effective conservation efforts.
A six-week survey of the Yangtze River found no Yangtze River dolphins, a species considered one of the world's most endangered. The baiji's decline is attributed to fishing nets and habitat degradation, raising concerns about human-caused extinctions of marine mammals worldwide.
Researchers found humpback whales migrating up to 8,300 kilometers to warmer waters during winter, with the longest distance recorded at 5,100 miles from Central America to Antarctica. The study validates a long-held assumption about humpback whale migration patterns.