Articles tagged with Harbors
Florida Atlantic University's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center is establishing a blue energy hub to develop and test ocean current energy technologies. The project aims to improve the nation's competitiveness in marine energy technology and create jobs.
A study published in Biology Letters reveals that harbor seals in Alaska's Iliamna Lake are genetically isolated from other seal populations across the Pacific. The researchers found significant differences between the lake seals and marine populations, suggesting they may be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.
Researchers confirm Atlantic cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) has made a novel migration to Bermuda, using citizen science and morphological/data analysis. The species likely resides in Bermuda for extended periods due to the islands' mild sea temperatures.
Researchers found fish and bottlenose dolphins react differently to life in noisy shipping corridor of Charleston Harbor Estuary. Fish calls and choruses decreased with increasing anthropogenic noise, while dolphins ramped up their vocalizations. This study highlights the impact of human activities on marine wildlife.
Researchers found that 58.4% of humpback whales in the New York Bight Apex stayed more than one day and returned within or between years. The average length of stay was 37.6 days.
Scientists review recent experiments and find noise regulations may need to be changed to protect marine mammals from pile driving noise. The current guidance is 7 years old and may not provide sufficient protection for species like harbor porpoises and seals.
A study from Tel Aviv University found that invasive marine species can survive in extreme conditions, including changing temperatures and salinity. The researchers' experiment demonstrated the importance of regulating trade routes to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can harm local environments and resident species.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an underwater robot capable of mapping its environment, tracking its location, and planning safe routes in complex marine environments. The breakthrough enabled the robot to accurately map a busy harbor in real-time using active SLAM algorithms.
Researchers developed a new decision-support tool to optimize ship channel dredging and disposal activities, considering factors like navigability condition deterioration and economic values. The algorithm weighs input from local professionals and projects costs with interest and inflation included.
Researchers identify mechanisms behind formation of sub-mesoscale eddies in Straits of Florida, which play a crucial role in retaining marine organisms and nutrients. The study reveals that shear instability on the shelf contributes to the formation of these eddies, with barotropic and baroclinic instabilities driving their development.
A sea count survey and tagging data revealed an estimated 10,000 harbor seals inhabiting the Northern Inland Waters of Washington State. The study used line-transect methods to estimate the stock size of Phoca vitulina richardii in these waters.
A multiyear study by Florida Atlantic University found striking differences in travel patterns between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. The majority of Gulf coast whitespotted eagle rays exhibited migratory behaviors, while most Atlantic coast rays remained residents within the Indian River Lagoon.
A new study reveals that California's coastal gillnet fisheries took a greater toll on harbor porpoises than previously thought, with the population recovering dramatically since their ban. The Morro Bay stock has rebounded by seven-fold, from an estimated 570 animals in 1991 to approximately 4,200 porpoises today.
The harbor porpoise population is declining in the German North Sea, with a decline of 1.79% per year reported over two decades. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species, which has been affected by human activities at sea, including shipping routes and wind farms.
Florida Atlantic University has secured a four-year contract to develop a compact, high-intake bathyphotometer sensor for natural oceanic bioluminescence assessments. The project aims to better understand bioluminescence dynamics in the ocean and protect coastal regions.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch and Wageningen University developed a breakthrough in marine sponge cell culture, demonstrating rapid cell division in nine species. This discovery forms the basis for developing marine invertebrate cell models to understand early animal evolution and determine the role of secondary metabolites.
Researchers fitted satellite transmitters to harbor seals, revealing their home ranges and habitats along the Oregon coast. The study found individual differences in behavior, with some seals ranging hundreds of miles from marine reserves.
A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has documented a dramatic rebound in flounder health due to decades of remediation efforts, including a sewage treatment plant and discharge tunnel project. The number of liver tumors among winter flounder has decreased significantly since the late 1980s.
Researchers have identified over half of the strains as having anti-microbial activity, indicating potential for producing antimicrobial natural products. A key finding was the identification of a strain producing metabolites more potent than vancomycin against C. difficile.
The US Navy is looking to accelerate innovation and deliver new capabilities quickly to warfighters. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) and leadership from the Naval Research Enterprise will discuss this at Sea-Air-Space.
The new species, named Pseudoliparis swirei, thrives at depths of up to 8,000 meters and is found in groups feeding on tiny crustaceans and shrimp, adapting to extreme pressure with success.
The recovery of killer whales, sea lions, and harbor seals on the West Coast has led to a significant increase in their consumption of chinook salmon. This shift may now exceed the combined harvest by commercial and recreational fisheries, creating complex tradeoffs for conservation efforts.
Scientists from the US and Cuba have discovered healthy and nearly pristine mesophotic coral reefs off Cuba's coast, with many sites suitable for potential creation of marine protected areas. The expedition resulted in thousands of dive notes, underwater photos and video, documenting diverse marine organisms and new species.
Researchers used underwater microphones to detect and map harbor porpoise habits in the Maryland Wind Energy Area. They found that porpoises occur significantly more frequently during January to May and forage for food in the evenings.
A new model pinpoints sources of nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound, helping municipalities identify actions to alleviate it. The tool, developed by UConn ecologist Jamie Vaudrey, shows the impact of different actions on nitrogen runoff and provides a detailed analysis of 116 estuaries, rivers, and harbors.
Researchers have isolated and tested a new indole alkaloid from a deep-water marine sponge, demonstrating potent antibacterial activity against MRSA. The compound, dragmacidin G, has shown selectivity towards bacterial cells over mammalian cells, offering potential solutions for treating MRSA infections.
A University of Washington study found that shark teeth shape influences biting performance, with some species' teeth cutting better and dulling faster than others. The research used a reciprocating saw and glue to test tooth performance under realistic conditions.
A team of scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute developed a novel sensing approach using an ocean drone to listen to groupers' mating calls. The study helps inform fisheries managers where protective measures are necessary to protect overfished grouper species.
Scientists are evolving plans for managing tsunami risk on the US Pacific coastline, using historic data and new technologies like camera-bearing drones. California officials are refining their response playbooks after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, while geologists search for evidence of past tsunamis to better estimate risks.
Researchers at MIT have fabricated and tested a large-scale model of a harbor seal's whisker, identifying a mechanism that explains how seals sense their environment and track prey. The team found that the whisker's 'slaloming' motion helps seals detect turbulence left by moving objects.
Noise levels during pile driving could damage harbour seals' hearing, with half of tagged seals exposed to damaging levels. The study used GPS data loggers and models revealed the impact on the UK's marine life.
Researchers at Oregon State University are exploring the role of viruses, particularly herpes, in coral decline. A comprehensive analysis of coral genomes reveals that herpes viruses constitute a majority of the viruses found in corals.
Researchers will use hydrodynamic computer modeling to evaluate tsunami currents and their effects on ports and harbors in California. The study aims to create hazard maps and determine safe evacuation depths to mitigate damage caused by these late-arriving surges.
The collaboration aims to increase readiness against underwater threats by developing an integrated system for harbors. Initial experimental results presented at the Waterside Security 2010 Conference demonstrate the potential of passive acoustic detection technology.
Scientists are analyzing over 2,500 marine samples from the deep sea for potential malaria treatments. Preliminary tests have identified 300 samples that can kill malaria parasites, with one compound showing promise.
Researchers found that burrowing behavior, escape response, and population abundance of salt marsh fiddler crabs are significantly altered when exposed to leftover oil compounds from a 1969 spill. The study provides clear evidence for the long-term impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems.
Researchers have found diverse ecosystems and promising biological samples at newly discovered deep-sea reefs off Miami and Bimini. The team aims to explore these areas to identify factors responsible for their incredible diversity and potentially find new medicines.
Researchers have discovered an extensive system of deepwater coral reefs off Miami and Bimini, which are likely to harbor diverse marine life. The newly mapped areas will be explored using submersibles and autonomous underwater vehicles to assess their ecological importance and search for pharmaceutical compounds.
Researchers at WWU are studying the impact of harbor seals on rockfish populations in northern Puget Sound. The five-year grant will provide baseline data on harbor seal numbers and diets, shedding light on the effect of these marine mammals on the region's fish populations.
Research found harbor seals that were heavier when captured continued to gain weight on high fat and low fat diets, but smaller pups lagged behind. The study suggests changes in prey availability, including herring, may contribute to the declining seal population.
The Harbor Branch expedition aims to explore the Straits of Florida in search of organisms that produce chemicals with potential to cure diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The team will conduct submersible dives on the Cay Sal Bank and Miami Terrace to gather samples and discover new species.
A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.
A new species of deep-sea predatory fish, dubbed Eustomias jimcraddocki, has been discovered by Dr. Tracey Sutton at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The species exhibits unique bioluminescent features and varying barbel patterns, challenging previous assumptions about its functionality.
A team of scientists will search for marine organisms with potential to cure human maladies such as cancer and AIDS-related infections in the Gulf of Mexico. They will also explore abandoned oil rigs and an ancient shoreline, cataloging diversity of organisms and collecting new species.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study reveals that microorganisms in Boston Harbor sediments can break down PAHs using sulfate, potentially reducing the need for expensive remediation strategies. The findings suggest that natural activity can clean up contaminated harbors without active environmental protection.
A European seal plague outbreak may claim up to 10,000 harbor seals in 2002, with mortality rates varying from 15-58 percent among regions. The virus is spread through coughing and is thought to have been introduced by migrating harp seals.
Researchers are studying the manatee virus to develop an approach to fighting cervical cancer in humans. The manatee immune system is being studied to gain a better understanding of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Edie Widder's new deep-sea camera system, 'Eye in the Sea', will be deployed in Monterey Canyon off California to capture bioluminescent flashes and take digital images. The system uses stealth technology to avoid scaring away deep-sea creatures.
Researchers at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution successfully cultured sea fans on a large scale for the first time, marking a significant milestone in coral reef conservation. The project's results could reduce the recovery process by five to 10 years and pave the way for sustainable re-seeding of damaged reefs.
Geologists have identified the ancient harbor of Troy by correlating sedimentary facies with ancient texts, including Strabo's Geographies. The findings will be presented at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Boston.
A new specialty license plate will fund whale research in Florida waters, with $25 registration fees going towards conservation efforts. The license plate will be unveiled at a ceremony in Destin, Florida, on October 17th and is expected to raise funds for whale-related research and conservation.
Dr. Greg Bossart, head of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation at HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, led a team to transport four critically endangered Antillean manatees from Mexico to their final destination near Cancun for medical evaluation.
Researchers will explore the Hudson Submarine Canyon, a conduit to the deep ocean, to study urban impact on canyon and deep sea life. The team aims to discover unusual creatures, investigate gas hydrates for offshore energy potential, and assess pollution recovery.
Researchers from Universität Bonn discovered that seals can navigate through dark water by detecting the hydrodynamic trail of a fish using their whiskers. In experiments with two seals, Henry and Nick, they found that the whiskers played a crucial role in finding prey over long distances.
The series features Harbor Branch scientists presenting their latest research on topics such as the Indian River Lagoon, bioluminescence in deep-sea animals, coral reef ecosystems, and more. A portion of the funds raised will also support internships and scholarships for graduate students pursuing ocean sciences careers.
Researchers at Harbor Branch are investigating the feasibility of controlling the reproduction of southern flounder in captivity. They have successfully induced broodstock spawning and achieved high larval survival rates, paving the way for future grow-out trials.
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution has received a three-year, $1.1 million grant to investigate the potential anticancer properties of Discodermolide, a marine-derived compound. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Discodermolide on experimental models of human lung, breast and ovarian cancers.