Coastal Ecosystems
Articles tagged with Coastal Ecosystems
Old newspapers track porpoise populations across the Baltic Sea
Mid-domain effect and wooded habitats jointly shape Mediterranean reptile communities
Hurricane-resilient coastal forests in the Northeastern U.S. may be nearing their limits
Researchers found a significant reduction in tree-ring growth after major hurricanes, but these trees can recover quickly within two years. Coastal forests in the Northeastern US are vulnerable to sea-level rise and stand dead or dying trees, posing a threat to densely populated communities.
Triple threat as sharks, beach nourishment and murky waters collide
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
Rice researchers use network analysis to understand mammal food web drivers across Africa
A study published in Ecology Letters found that similarity in environmental conditions predicts local food web similarity across a continent. The researchers used satellite images and network analysis to identify habitat fragmentation and vegetation amount as major factors in shaping food webs.
Which species are most at risk from complex global change?
A new framework links body size, lifespan, and mobility to species' responses to multiple environmental pressures. The study suggests that smaller and less mobile species are more vulnerable to warming, while short-lived species exhibit variable responses over time.
A new crab is settling in the Mediterranean: Early evidence of establishment of a Lessepsian species in the Ionian Sea
A new study documents the rapid expansion of the Indo-Pacific crab Gonioinfradens giardi in the Ionian Sea, indicating a shift from sporadic occurrence to stable populations. The species' establishment raises concerns about its ecological role and interactions with native species.
Assessment of nature in the US now available for public comment
The US Nature Assessment Report documents human impact on nature, including resource extraction and habitat loss, but also shows restoration and Indigenous stewardship approaches can help turn things around. The report highlights the importance of farmer involvement in protecting ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
New sediment microbes form a particle-dependent partnership that drives methane production
Researchers discovered novel microorganisms that rely on conductive particles to convert organic carbon to methane in sediments. These particle-dependent partnerships use the particles as an 'electron transfer conduit', allowing cells to collaborate even when physically separate.
FAU-FWC Study: Endangered smalltooth sawfish make a comeback in a historical Florida nursery
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
Coastal ocean chemistry now substantially shaped by humans
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
Extreme heat has extreme effects r—but some like it hot
A recent study on the 2021 North American heat wave reveals that some species, such as sea lettuce, were able to withstand the extreme temperatures, while others, like mussels and blueberry plants, suffered severe declines. The research highlights the importance of understanding these differing effects to prepare for future heat waves.
Small step to yield a big coastal protection win
A global study found that safeguarding 7.3% more mangrove areas can increase their resilience by 13.3%, with climate-smart conservation being achievable and affordable
Shrinking shellfish? FAU study uncovers acidic water risks in Indian River lagoon
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
Arctic seas are getting louder as ice melts, posing risks – study shows how to better measure noise
The Arctic is experiencing a rise in human-generated underwater noise due to melting ice and increased activity, disrupting wildlife and local communities. A new study from the University of Bath provides a clear framework for monitoring noise in Arctic waters, urging authorities to revise thresholds used to assess noise levels.
Decades of dredging are pushing the Dutch Western Scheldt Estuary beyond its ecological limits
Decades of dredging have reduced feeding grounds for birds and made the estuary more vulnerable to sea-level rise. The report highlights the need for policymakers to use dredged sediment strategically for nature restoration and climate adaptation.
Scientists create a system for tracking underwater blackouts
Marine darkwaves are short-term episodes of underwater darkness that can severely impact kelp forests, seagrass beds, and other light-dependent marine life. The researchers developed a framework to compare these events across the globe, finding between 25-80 marine darkwaves along the East Cape since 2002.
Warming winters and storm-driven dispersal facilitate northward mangrove expansion along the US Atlantic coast
Climate change enables mangroves to colonize new regions, with warmer winters and storms driving dispersal. Ocean currents transport propagules from northern-edge and southern populations, allowing for potential expansion beyond current range limits.
Pandemic ‘beneath the surface’ has been quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world
A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.
Drift logs destroying intertidal ecosystems
New research reveals drift logs causing widespread destruction of rocky intertidal ecosystems, leading to population decline in barnacle beds and interstitial invertebrates. This disturbance is comparable to ice-scouring or heatwaves, emphasizing the need for conservation measures to protect organisms in the intertidal zone.
Drones map loggerhead sea turtle nesting site hotspots
Researchers used drones to create detailed maps of a high-density nesting beach, identifying steepness and proximity to dune crossover stairs as key factors influencing turtle nesting success. The study provides insights into how changing coastal conditions affect sea turtle habitats, informing conservation policy and coastal development.
FAU’s Queen Conch Lab receives prestigious international award
The FAU Queen Conch Lab has developed mobile lab hatcheries to restore threatened Caribbean queen conch populations and promote sustainable seafood production. These self-contained units bring advanced aquaculture capabilities to coastal communities, supporting education, employment, and food security.
Warming oceans may pose a serious threat to American lobsters
Research suggests that American lobsters are more resilient to ocean acidification than previously thought, but they are highly sensitive to heat stress. The study found that warmer water led to faster embryo development, but smaller larvae with decreased survival prospects in the wild.
Volcanic ash may enhance phytoplankton growth in the ocean over 100 km away
A study found that volcanic ash can enhance phytoplankton growth even at considerable distances from the volcanic site. Researchers detected a surge in phytoplankton levels around Mukojima Island, located 130 km northeast of Nishinoshima, after ash was transported by wind and ocean currents.
Index unlocks a market for nature recovery work
A new multi-diversity index (MDI) developed by the University of Queensland has opened up a market for coastal wetland restoration projects. The index measures biodiversity gains in restored ecosystems, enabling landholders and communities to earn tradeable certificates with a market value.
Study links human activities to increased non-diatom carbon burial in the Changjiang River Estuary
Researchers analyzed sediment cores to find a recurring 60-year cycle in carbon and silicon burial, showing human intervention led to changes in estuary ecosystems. Human activities like dam construction reduced organic matter delivery, while increased water clarity promoted algal growth.
Steve Canty named new Director of the Smithsonian’s Marine Global Earth Observatory Network
Steve Canty has been appointed as the new director of the Smithsonian's Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) network. As part of this role, he aims to expand how MarineGEO collaborates with communities to co-develop solutions for protecting and restoring coastal environments globally.
FAU tells ‘story’ of Atlantic’s sargassum surge using 40 years of data
A landmark review published by FAU reveals that sargassum is a rapidly growing and widely distributed marine organism. The study found that the Atlantic Ocean's sargassum biomass has increased by over 50% since the 1980s, with nitrogen content rising sharply.
Discovery of ‘weird looking’ otter poo reveals how these animals shape nearby ecologies
Researchers found river otter scat containing parasites that infect prey, indicating otters may play a crucial role in shaping their ecosystems. The study also discovered diverse diets and invasive species among the otters' meals.
New 'forever chemicals' found in whale blubber challenge our understanding of PFAS
Researchers have identified a previously undocumented class of PFAS in the blubber of killer whales, accumulating in fat-rich blubber. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that PFAS primarily bind to proteins and accumulate in liver or blood.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework advances protection of marine biodiversity
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Hermit crabs with more sensitive claws may be bolder in their decisions
A new study found that hermit crabs with more sensory hairs on their claws recover faster from a startle response, indicating they are bolder. The research suggests a link between sensory ability and behavior, proposing a hypothesis called sensory investment syndrome.
Sturdy nursery for shellfish turned out to be a predator buffet
Researchers found that providing hard substrate in deeper parts of the Wadden Sea actually discourages mussel and oyster settlement due to predation pressure. However, introducing substrates with high surface complexity can enhance shellfish settlement, offering shelter from predators.
Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Nitrogen loss on sandy shores: The big impact of tiny anoxic pockets
Scientists discovered that tiny anoxic pockets on sand grains can carry out denitrification, a process removing human-derived nitrogen from coastal sands. These microenvironments, created by microbes consuming oxygen, account for up to one-third of total nitrogen loss in silicate shelf sands.
Climate change is turning coastal lagoons into ‘salty soup’
Coastal lagoons are becoming increasingly salty due to climate change, affecting microbial life and ecosystem services. Restoration efforts can mitigate the impacts by restoring environmental flows, upgrading wastewater plants, and increasing nutrient retention.
Sulfur runoff amplifies mercury concentrations in Florida Everglades
Researchers found that sulfur runoff can dramatically increase methylmercury concentrations in fish up to 10 million times greater than the waters they lived in. This poses a significant risk to human health and wildlife due to methylmercury's neurotoxic effects.
When sea stars fall, sea otters rise: Monterey Bay Aquarium research reveals sea otters benefit from prey boom triggered by loss of ochre sea stars
A study led by Monterey Bay Aquarium shows that the collapse of one marine predator can benefit another. Sea otters thrive in response to increased availability of mussels after a mussel boom is triggered by the loss of ochre sea stars, demonstrating keystone interdependence.
Revealing long-term changes in the marine environment and ecosystems of the Southern Ocean
A multidisciplinary survey in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean found that the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current has shifted southward, causing a change in water temperature and mac zooplankton composition. The survey also estimated the biomass of Antarctic krill in the area, with comparable results t...
Coastal guardians pioneer a new way to protect the Florida Keys’ shorelines
Researchers created a new GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool to guide decisions on using nature-based shorelines or hybrid solutions in the Florida Keys. The study finds that nearly 8% of the shoreline is suitable for nature-based solutions, while 67% is already vegetated or represents another natural shoreline.
New method uncovers dynamic microbial community in coastal sediments
A new method has been developed to link individual microbes to their genetic code, providing insights into the activity of microorganisms in coastal sediments. The study reveals a diverse microbial community thriving in environments subject to frequent disruptions from rapid temperature changes and tides.
Salt influx from land and sea spells ‘double trouble’ for drinking water
A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.
The unforseen effects of melting glaciers on Arctic coastal ecosystems
Climate change impacts Arctic coastal ecosystems through melting glaciers, altering kelp growth and elemental composition. Kelps are highly susceptible to changes in run-off intensities, leading to increased metal concentrations and negative ecological consequences.
Study warns of deadly future marine heat waves in East Coast estuaries
A study predicts East Coast estuaries will face devastating consequences from increased marine heat waves, with potential ecosystem collapse and job losses. The researchers found strong connections between estuaries in similar geographic regions, driven by atmospheric heat exchange.
Researchers make recommendations for promoting sustainable development in mangrove forest areas
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä recommend addressing vulnerabilities in coastal communities, such as uncontrolled shrimp farming and pollution. They suggest supporting environmentally friendly livelihoods like freshwater harvesting and agroforestry to promote sustainable development in mangrove forest areas.
New England’s salt marshes store 10 million cars’ worth of carbon—and add another 15,000-worth every year
Scientists at UMass Amherst accurately quantify coastal carbon storage using satellites, revealing 10 million cars' worth of carbon stored in top meter of soil and an additional 15,000-worth each year. The results are crucial for a resilient, low-carbon future, highlighting the potential for salt marshes to mitigate climate change.
First scientific documentation of California coyotes eating harbor seal pups
Researchers captured three instances of coyotes dragging and devouring baby harbor seal pups on MacKerricher State Beach. The study found that the coyotes' brain was often the first part eaten, with other predators like vultures and ravens also feeding on the carcasses.
Economically, culturally important marine species vulnerable to changing climate, new study shows
A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers identifies the most vulnerable marine species in California's coastal waters due to climate change. The study categorizes over 34 fish and invertebrate species into four vulnerability levels, providing a clear framework for fisheries managers to prioritize conservation and adaptation efforts.
Nanomaterials are emerging as a powerful tool for coastal oil spill cleanup, say Concordia researchers
Nanomaterials are being studied for their potential in combating marine oil spills, with promising results showing improved removal efficiency and reduced toxicity. The researchers emphasize the need for eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to minimize environmental risks.
Lead contamination in ancient Greece points to societal change
Researchers from Heidelberg University found the oldest evidence of human-caused lead contamination in the Aegean region, dated to approximately 5,200 years ago. This early contamination is linked to socioeconomic change and historical events such as the Roman conquest of Greece.
UCF biology researchers win awards from NOAA to support critical coastal work
Researchers will focus on novel non-plastic materials used for oyster reef restoration, evaluating their impact on surrounding marine habitats. The project aims to find solutions that bring the natural environment back after degradation from storms or human impact.
Evolution of fast-growing fish-eating herring in the Baltic Sea
A new study found that a unique population of large fish-eating herring has evolved in the Baltic Sea, exhibiting faster growth rates and lower levels of pollutants. These herring have adapted to the brackish water by switching from plankton-eating to a fish diet, with potential benefits for human consumption.
Aldabra Atoll's remarkable shoreline resilience over 51 years
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Aldabra Atoll's shoreline has maintained its net shoreline and total land area over 51 years, with an average change rate of 25 cm per year. The lagoon shoreline underwent more rapid changes than the ocean shoreline, particularly in areas exposed to wind and waves.
Fewer than 7% of global hotspots for whale-ship collisions have protection measures in place
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
“Drowning” mangrove forests in Maldives signal global coastal threat
Researchers found that mangrove forests in the Maldives have lost over half of their cover since 2020 due to rising sea levels and climate change. The findings indicate that the Indian Ocean Dipole and accelerated sea level rise led to dieback, causing the trees to drown.
Remote control eddies: Upwelled nutrients boost productivity around Hawaiian Islands
A new study reveals that ocean eddies off the leeward side of Hawaiian Islands supply nutrients to both sides of the island chain, stimulating blooms of phytoplankton and boosting biological productivity. This mechanism may also impact fisheries near Hawaii and other nutrient-poor regions.
Rice-led research will leverage responsible AI to enhance coastal communities’ severe storm response
Researchers at Rice University develop OpenSafe.AI, a system that leverages responsible AI and hazard models to provide timely insights for emergency response organizations and communities before, during, and after tropical cyclones and coastal storm events. The goal is to enable better preparation and navigation for severe weather.
Heavy metals in the ocean become more toxic
Climate change is releasing more contaminants into the ocean, affecting marine ecosystems. Human activities and natural sources are mobilizing and increasing contaminant flows due to rising sea levels and melting glaciers.
Oyster reefs once thrived along Europe’s coasts – now they’re gone
Research reveals European flat oysters formed large reefs of living and dead shells, supporting rich biodiversity and stabilizing shorelines. Historical records show that these reefs existed along Europe's coasts from Norway to the Mediterranean, but were destroyed over a century ago due to overfishing.