Red and pink coral are in steep decline due to overharvesting; governments failed to grant trade protection despite scientific evidence. Conservationists urge the jewelry and design industries to act where governments have failed.
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.
Researchers have discovered critical details of shark behavior, including migration routes and gathering sites. The findings suggest that open-ocean sharks are particularly threatened from overfishing, and that some species congregate at established 'stepping stone' sites, which can help inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have found that 400 chemicals resist breaking down in the environment, affecting fish and wildlife, and potentially human health. The study also reveals pesticides can be more toxic when combined, threatening salmon populations and human health.
Bottom trawling stirs up sediment plumes that can be seen from space, causing widespread damage to corals, sponges, and other animals. New satellite images reveal the extent of this destruction, highlighting the need for alternative fishing methods.
Studies show that stylasterids, or lace corals, diversified in deep waters before launching successful invasions of shallow water habitats. This contradicts the long-established theory that corals and other marine animals evolved in shallow water.
A study reveals that fish farms are causing a severe decline in wild salmon populations by infecting them with sea lice, which can lead to a 99% collapse of the population within four years. This has serious implications for the entire ecosystem, as salmon play a crucial role in supporting various industries and wildlife.
Coral reefs are facing extinction due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Scientists call for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and local pressures such as overfishing and pollution to save these vital ecosystems.
A new study reveals that gray whale populations are significantly lower than their historical estimates, suggesting a reduced food supply due to climate change and altered Arctic ecosystems. The findings also indicate that the current population is too small to play its natural role in ocean ecology.
Deep-sea fishing has been linked to habitat destruction and population declines of long-lived fish species. Eliminating government fuel subsidies could render fleets economically unviable and relieve pressure on vulnerable ecosystems.
A new synthesis of decades of atmospheric and oceanographic data reveals that wild fluctuations in winds and currents are changing the way scientists think about the future of ocean resources off the US West Coast. Key findings include repeated low oxygen zones larger than Rhode Island and massive die-offs of seabirds.
A study finds that the loss of ocean species accelerates the collapse of entire ecosystems, reducing productivity and stability. The research projects the collapse of all currently fished seafoods by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation.
Marine mammals like otters and manatees are providing early clues of our impact on the oceans. Research suggests that their deaths from diseases like Toxoplasma may be linked to human activities such as cat ownership and algal blooms.
Human activities are disrupting the balance of diseases in oceans, causing harm to sea lions, marine mammals, and humans. Coral diseases, linked to sugars from sewage and run-off, are also on the rise, threatening coral reefs.
A new study reveals that Europeans are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of seafood, with 79% citing importance in purchasing decisions. Consumers prefer eco-labels and want reassurance on sustainability, driving demand for environmentally responsible seafood.
The study reveals a significant decline in the diversity of tuna, marlin, and swordfish by up to 50% over the past 50 years due to overfishing. The global hotspots map shows that these areas were once characterized by high species richness, but are now experiencing rapid changes
A recent study reveals the far-reaching impact of salmon farms on wild juvenile salmon, with sea lice infections increasing by 73 times near the farm and extending 30 km beyond. The research sheds light on the critical threat posed to dwindling wild salmon populations in British Columbia.
DNA analysis of whale samples reveals a past with an ocean teeming with whales, contrary to recent surges in minke populations. The study also uncovers deep-sea communities thriving on whale carcasses, shedding light on life's diversification in specialized habitats.
New technologies such as multi-beam sonar enable detailed mapping of the ocean floor, revealing undersea mountains, new species and improving safety for shipping. This advancement allows for better management of marine resources, including fisheries and conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered that older fish produce exponentially more larvae, which are crucial for the survival and growth of younger fish. Removing these older fish can lead to a 'Darwinian debt' for future generations, where evolutionary damage is difficult to repair.
A new study reveals that recreational fishing accounts for nearly a quarter of the total take of overfished populations, including many economically valuable species. Recreational catches outstrip commercial landings in specific depleted populations, such as red snapper and gag in the Gulf of Mexico.
The study's findings suggest that current conservation planning approaches may be hindering species protection. Instead, scientists recommend a more dynamic business plan approach, leveraging market uncertainty and landowner motivation to safeguard habitat for highly threatened species.
A team of six leading ecologists warn that hatchery fish cannot save wild salmon populations, and urges NMFS to exclude them from population counts. The panel recommends protecting habitats to ensure robust wild populations, as hatcheries can dilute gene pools and alter behavior.
Deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems are being destroyed by commercial fishing, especially bottom trawling. Scientists call for governments to protect these newly discovered ecosystems, which provide habitat for marine wildlife and contain chemicals that could become medicines.
National Ocean Commissioners and scientists propose a holistic ecosystem-based approach to manage the oceans, shifting from single-species management to integrated governance. This approach aims to restore ocean health by considering the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.
New acoustic tracking technology provides detailed knowledge of fish movement and habitat use, enabling the design of effective conservation measures. Small reserves can effectively protect adult fish populations, while larger reserves may be more beneficial for overall marine biodiversity.
Researchers are using high-tech tools to track marine animals and gather data on their movements, habitats, and interactions with human activities. This information is crucial for protecting these species from bycatch, collisions, and other harms.
Research reveals that the removal of great whales from the North Pacific Ocean led to a domino effect of ecosystem impacts. Killer whales preyed on other marine mammals, causing devastating effects on ecosystems.
The study reveals that industrial fishing has reduced the resource base to less than 10% globally, threatening entire communities of large fish species. The authors urge international collaboration to restore fisheries and marine ecosystems to healthy levels, highlighting the need for action on a global scale.
Scientists warn that leatherback sea turtles are on the brink of extinction due to declining populations in Pacific Ocean rookeries. Conservation efforts are needed to reverse this trend, with potential solutions including gear fixes, spatial closures, and changes in consumer demand for swordfish.
Destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawls, result in massive bycatch and habitat destruction, threatening the survival of fisheries. Experts agree that there are solutions, but change requires political will and action.
Researchers from PISCO integrate genetics, microchemistry, and computer mapping to understand coastal ecosystems. They discover coastal hotspots with abundant food and faster growth rates, and track larvae movements using mini-flight recorder technology.
Groundbreaking studies show that marine protected areas can help maintain migratory species populations and increase fish catches, while also providing economic benefits for society. However, the optimal MPA size varies depending on specific situations, with estimates suggesting sizes of 25-70% of the total area.
Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems, making life better for infectious diseases, says a team of experts. Warmer temperatures are causing disease outbreaks in coral reefs, oyster populations, and bird species, as well as increasing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like Rift Valley Fever.
The application of military technologies and increased fishing effort have led to the depletion of marine species, with new technologies revealing previously inaccessible areas. To avoid extinction, experts emphasize the need for establishing networks of marine reserves to provide safe havens and protect habitats.
A new study reveals that the catch of food fish species in the North Atlantic has decreased by more than half over the last fifty years, despite a tripling in fishing effort. This decline is attributed to the increasing pressure on marine ecosystems, leading to reduced productivity and mass extinctions among large predatory fish.
Scientists have found that fully protected marine reserves can replenish nearby fisheries, increasing catches and producing bigger fish. In Florida, recreational fishers are catching record-breaking sizes of black drum, red drum, and spotted sea trout in waters adjacent to the US's oldest marine reserve.
A study published in Nature reveals that global fisheries catch has been declining steadily since the late 1980s, with vast over-reporting by China contributing to a false picture of ocean health. The study's authors warn that flawed data has led to complacency and unwise investment decisions.
A two-year study of human impacts on oceans over time reveals that overfishing was the primary driver of ecosystem collapse in each case examined. Historical overkill of marine life triggered changes in ecosystem structure and function, leading to toxic algal blooms, dead zones, and outbreaks of diseases.
The 9th International Coral Reef Symposium in Bali, Indonesia brings together experts to discuss the state of global coral reefs and potential solutions to address mass coral bleaching and die-offs. The conference highlights new insights into mystery diseases killing coral reefs and breakthroughs in Marine Protected Areas.
The study found that aquaculture is contributing to the depletion of fish populations worldwide through inefficient practices and habitat destruction. The authors recommend promoting ecologically sound management and sustainable production methods to reduce the pressure on wild fisheries.