A new review article highlights the vulnerability of rural coastlines to sea-level rise, with research showing widespread conversion of upland forests to wetlands. The study emphasizes the need for better understanding of factors influencing land conversion, including human barriers and policy incentives.
The study reveals that restoration of marsh vegetation is crucial for overall recovery after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research found that planting foundation species like Spartina alterniflora can facilitate colonization by burrowing invertebrates and fuel the food web, leading to a faster recovery.
A comprehensive analysis of over 11,000 coastal-habitat measurements confirms the nursery function of mangroves and seagrasses, providing key guidance for marine resource managers. The study also finds that other structured habitats, such as coral reefs and oyster reefs, support greater juvenile abundance, growth, and survival.
The VIMS hypoxia model reports a similar total volume of low-oxygen waters to 2017, but with earlier and longer-lasting low-oxygen conditions. Wind mixing played a crucial role in reducing mid-summer hypoxia.
A new study explains recent Bay nettle scarcity, attributing it to warm waters and decreased reproductive rates. The research warns of potential cascading impacts on Bay fisheries and ecosystems, as climate change may increase the prevalence of low-oxygen bottom waters and alter food web dynamics.
A global study predicts that coastal wetlands will increase in area as sea levels rise, but only if humans preserve room for them to migrate inland. The researchers found a key threshold of 20 people per square kilometer, and suggest using 'natural and nature-based features' to expand accommodation space.
The study found that warmer temperatures and earlier springs lead to an increase in epizootic shell disease, which can cause a 70% mortality rate in infected lobsters. Disease prevalence doubles during early-molting years and correlates strongly with summer heat.
A new study using genomic techniques found that algal cells in coral reefs exhibit stronger responses to ocean warming and acidification stress than their coral hosts. The research suggests an early warning system for bleaching events, which could help anticipate and prevent massive damage to coral reef habitats.
The research team aims to understand how the Irrawaddy-Salween Delta will respond to expected changes in sediment supply and coastal dynamics due to climate change and human development. They are using field studies and computer modeling to characterize where sediments accumulate and the mechanisms that move them.
Researchers have developed two initiatives to minimize bird-human interactions, using acoustic deterrence technology. Sonic Nets uses sound to make gathering birds uncomfortable, while Acoustic Lighthouse alerts flying birds to avoid collisions with wind turbines and other structures.
A new review article argues that incorporating natural variability into experiments can provide more accurate insights into the effects of climate change on corals and other reef organisms. Studies found that varying factors such as temperature and pH can affect the physiology and response to future changes, warranting further research.
A VIMS study identifies a critical height threshold for oyster restoration: reefs built 0.3 meters or higher above the seafloor develop into healthy ecosystems with high oyster densities. Lower reefs are quickly buried by sediment, while those that reach this height benefit from increased water flow and reduced sedimentation.
Researchers discovered key limitations to seagrass growth from seed to seedling stage, which could improve restoration efforts. The study found that exposure to waves and grazing animals significantly reduced seed survival rates.
A VIMS study suggests that a common measure of fish health can help gauge the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. The researchers found that annual trends in fish condition were surprisingly consistent among diverse species, with correlations between condition and changes in water quality, food availability, and climatic factors.
Researchers discovered that oyster shells contain unique microbial communities with higher denitrification activities than sediments. This finding has important implications for oyster restoration efforts, which may reduce nutrient levels in coastal waters by leveraging the shell microbiomes' active removal of fixed nitrogen.
A new study suggests that reducing nutrient pollution in salt marshes could help prevent human disease. The research found that nutrient enrichment increased the number and biomass of parasites in a specific host species, which may have implications for human health.
Citizen scientists will help VIMS researchers map the reach of this year's King Tide using a smartphone app, providing critical data for improving coastal flooding models. The project aims to better understand the risk of recurrent flooding in Hampton Roads and lay the groundwork for a volunteer data-collection network.
Researchers use aerial drones to visualize Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the York River, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective water sampling. The drones provide high-resolution images that complement satellite imagery and enable researchers to identify toxic algal species.
A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.
The Chesapeake Bay experienced an 8% increase in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) acreage, reaching a new high of 97,433 acres in 2016. This marks the second consecutive year with positive trend since VIMS began its aerial survey in 1984.
A new study finds that all but one coastal shark species are increasing in abundance, following decades of declining numbers. The gains are attributed to the enactment of fishing regulations in the early 1990s.
A new study links declining eelgrass beds to deteriorating water quality and rising temperatures, resulting in significant ecological and economic costs. The study estimates potential economic loss at $1-2 billion in Chesapeake Bay alone, primarily due to impacts on blue crab fisheries and silver perch populations.
Research by Virginia Institute of Marine Science reveals rapid landward migration of barrier-island sands leading to significant loss of adjacent saltmarshes. The study estimates that at least 60 acres of back-barrier saltmarsh are consumed annually, with nearly 10% of Virginia's historical acreage lost since 1870.
Researchers have discovered a pathway to produce nitrogen gas without microbial involvement, challenging long-held assumptions about nitrous oxide formation. This breakthrough could lead to practical applications for reducing excess nitrogen in the environment and mitigating eutrophication.
A VIMS research team has deployed a high-tech mooring beneath the Antarctic ice to monitor CO2 levels in the Southern Ocean year-round. The study aims to improve understanding of global climate change and its impacts on marine life.
The EPA awards $1.1 million in grants to Virginia's VIMS and DEQ to protect and restore its wetlands, advancing the state's goal of preventing net loss and increasing ecological function. The funding will support efforts to identify vulnerable wetlands, develop management plans, and inform decision-making for development and preservation.
A new study finds that salt marshes do not respond significantly to fertilization with excess nitrogen. This challenges the long-held assumption that these coastal resources can soak up excess nutrients through enhanced plant growth, preventing low-oxygen dead zones and harmful algal blooms.
To reduce sea turtle mortality in Chesapeake Bay, researchers are releasing 'Frankenturtles' into the bay, tracking their movement and studying how wind and currents affect a dead turtle's trajectory. The goal is to gain insights into likely causes of sea-turtle death and develop safe zones for these imperiled marine reptiles.
In 2015, Virginia shellfish farmers sold $48.3 million in clams and oysters, with hard clam sales leading the nation. The state's industry is expected to increase by 14% for planted oysters in 2016.
A new study suggests that traditional assessment methods overestimate the vulnerability of salt marshes to sea-level rise. Salt marshes can generally survive higher rates of sea-level rise than predicted by current models, thanks to their ability to grow vertically and migrate landward.
A study by researchers at William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that removal of derelict crab pots and lobster traps can increase landings by 293,929 metric tons and boost annual revenues by $831 million. The effort generated more than $20 million in harvest value for area watermen in Chesapeake Bay.
New study reveals blue crabs can survive at oxygen levels as low as 1.3mg/L, contrary to previous findings. Rising water temperatures exacerbate the effects of hypoxia on blue crabs, threatening their populations and management.
A new study reveals that biodiversity enhances multiple ecosystem functions, from soil nitrogen accumulation to aquatic algae control. This finding bolsters the importance of conserving biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Researchers at VIMS have developed an underwater robot that uses acoustic signals to gauge the thickness of oil slicks, a crucial step in determining spill volume. The ROV will aid in testing oil-spill-response tools and provide a platform for developing other sensors.
Researchers at VIMS will develop tools to identify vulnerable headwater wetlands and provide climate-adaptation strategies for conservation. The project uses historical tidal-marsh observations to build a comprehensive picture of resilience.
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is working to protect the historic village of Werowocomoco from erosion and sea-level rise. The project aims to create a living shoreline that mimics the natural habitat of the Native Americans who once inhabited the site.
Researchers found that mussels on restored oyster reefs can filter up to two-fold more plankton than oysters alone, significantly enhancing water quality. This discovery could increase the 'return on investment' for oyster-reef restoration projects.
A long-term study of the West Antarctic Peninsula finds that changes in climate and sea-ice cover impact the entire polar food web, from single-celled algae to penguins. The study shows how a stable water column favors phytoplankton growth, which is essential for krill recruitment.
A new study by Virginia Institute of Marine Science demonstrates the ability to predict a hurricane's storm tide at neighborhood and street levels. The team's high-resolution computer model was able to simulate water levels within 6-8 inches of those observed in New York City during Hurricane Sandy's approach and landfall.
A new study projects that Antarctica's Ross Sea will lose over half its summer sea ice by 2050 and nearly three-quarters by 2100. This change will significantly impact the region's pristine food web, affecting species such as whales, penguins, and seals.
A review paper highlights how human structures like dams and seawalls are hindering coastal wetlands' natural defense mechanisms. Wetlands can build up their soils to outpace sea level rise through various responses, but human activities are disrupting these processes.
Researchers found new areas with high functional diversity in temperate waters, revealing a more nuanced map of global biodiversity. The study used data from volunteer divers to analyze species traits and distribution, painting a different picture than traditional species counts.
A new study by researchers at Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that denser seagrass beds hold exponentially more juvenile crabs per square meter than more open beds. The quality of seagrass habitat can influence the population dynamics of blue crabs on a baywide basis.
A 10-year study by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that low-oxygen 'dead zones' in Chesapeake Bay are impacting demersal fish species, including Atlantic croaker and summer flounder. The study showed a drastic decline in species richness and catch rates under low-oxygen conditions.
Scientists are working to reduce ocean pollution from microplastics, tiny bits of plastic that can harm marine ecosystems. Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science have developed biodegradable microbeads made from naturally occurring compounds called PHAs, which break down quickly in water and wastewater treatment plants.
A new study finds that oyster reefs can buffer acidic inputs to Chesapeake Bay, providing a key ecosystem service. Restoring oysters could help moderate ocean acidity and support marine life.
A new study reveals that land use in watersheds can impact Bay water quality, with urbanized landscapes contributing energy to fuel low-oxygen 'dead zones'. Organic carbon from these sources is more resistant to degradation, leading to increased persistence downstream.
A meta-analysis of 161 studies on prey diversity found that mixed diets enhance animal fitness, but not as well as specialized diets. Generalized diets may offer flexibility and less risk of predation, rather than nutritional benefits.
A recent study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series has found that fish, terrapins, and birds play a crucial role in dispersing eelgrass seeds into new areas. The research suggests that animals can disperse seeds up to 10 miles, rivaling the distances achieved by physical mechanisms.
A $243,000 NSF grant will help understand and quantify interactions between human conflict and natural systems in the Lake Victoria region. The project aims to improve regional fisheries management and sustain aquatic resources critical for local inhabitants.