A new study published in PLOS ONE tracks the movements of individual humpback whales to their singing patterns on a Northwest Atlantic feeding ground. The researchers used passive acoustic tracking to localize whale songs and relate them to specific behaviors, providing valuable insights for marine mammal conservation and management.
Sea surface temperatures in the Northeast Shelf reached a record high of 14 degrees Celsius in 2012, with significant impacts on marine life and ecosystems. The warming conditions affected fish and shellfish distributions, plankton blooms, and ocean stratification.
Researchers found that remains of dovekies were recovered from the stomachs of 14 goosefish caught during winters between 2007 and 2010. The study suggests that timing is key in bringing these deep-water fish and shallow-feeding birds together in offshore waters.
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 have found coral 'hotspots' in deepwater canyons off the northeastern US coast, with a new model helping predict their locations. The discovery is expected to aid fishery management and increase knowledge about deep-sea life in the region.
Sea surface temperatures reached record highs on the Northeast continental shelf in 2012, exceeding 10.5 degrees C, affecting cod distribution and marine life. The annual spring plankton bloom was intense, starting earlier and lasting longer than average, with implications for species spawning at specific times of the year.
A new NOAA survey using the Seahorse instrument has confirmed high numbers of young sea scallops off Delaware Bay. The findings are promising for the future of the scallop fishery, with many juveniles showing potential to grow to commercial size in about three years.
The Global Alliance of Continuous Plankton Recorder Surveys has been formed to standardize methods and share data on plankton biodiversity globally. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on ocean basin scales, crucial for understanding climate change impacts.
Researchers at NOAA's Milford Laboratory have isolated a new probiotic bacterium, OY15, that significantly improves larval survival in oyster hatcheries. The study confirms the protective effect of naturally-occurring probiotic bacteria against bacterial disease and promotes healthy growth.
Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine face mortality risks from a changing climate, including warmer ocean temperatures and increased predator populations. The study suggests that post-smolts are more likely to survive if they avoid areas with high predator densities.
Researchers found that environmental factors, such as warming waters, are shifting the distribution of Atlantic mackerel northeastward and into shallower waters. This could impact U.S. commercial and recreational mackerel fisheries, which may face more variable resource conditions in the future.
A new population model explains Atlantic herring population trends driven by haddock egg predation. The study suggests that when haddock populations are high, conservative fishing efforts can trigger severe declines in herring populations due to predation on eggs.
A new model forecasts Atlantic croaker population increases and shifts due to climate change, with potential for higher yields. The study demonstrates the importance of considering environmental factors in fisheries management.
The study aims to understand how changing climate affects phytoplankton growth and organic carbon distributions. Researchers will collect data on sea surface temperatures, salinities and chlorophyll levels to refine biogeochemistry models.
Researchers are working with commercial fishermen to track monkfish migration patterns using electronic tags implanted under the skin. The study aims to improve understanding of the fish's biology and behavior, including its age and growth rate, as well as its interaction with ocean currents and tides.
Researchers use new acoustic sensors to monitor endangered North Atlantic right whales and reduce ship strikes, a leading cause of their deaths. The tools improve monitoring capabilities and enhance management efforts to protect these whales.
The discovery of massive methane pits in the Hudson Canyon has significant implications for the region's marine ecosystem. The pits, found by Rutgers University and NOAA researchers using a robotic underwater vehicle, are believed to be related to the dissolution of gas hydrates and could support a diverse range of fish species.
Researchers have unraveled the evolutionary relationships among various species of box jellyfish, providing insight into their toxicity. The study could help develop antivenoms and treatments for deadly stings.
A collaborative project between NOAA, the Town of Riverhead, and a commercial oyster farmer is measuring the effect of a FLUPSY on water quality and sediment characteristics in Riverhead's East Creek. The study aims to determine the impact of floating shellfish nurseries on the local environment.
A study by NOAA researchers found that about half of 36 fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean have shifted northward over the last four decades, with some nearly disappearing from U.S. waters as they move farther offshore. Fish species are adapting to changing temperatures by moving to cooler or deeper waters.
Two juvenile loggerhead turtles have been tracked with satellite-linked data loggers since August, providing insights into their behavior and habitat. The researchers are now working to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear, using the data to improve conservation efforts.
A joint US-Norwegian study, known as MENU, compared marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic and North Pacific to identify factors supporting fisheries production. The researchers found underlying patterns that were not apparent in single-ecosystem studies.
The report highlights changes in ocean water temperatures due to climate change, pressures from increasing human populations along the coast, and extensive fishing by domestic and foreign fleets. The ecosystem's natural and human-related changes require effective management and mitigation strategies.