Articles tagged with Coastal Ecosystems
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.
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.
The study reveals high levels of potentially pathogenic bacteria in microplastics and fish consumed by the local population, threatening the entire natural ecosystem and human health. The Cénaga Grande de Santa Marta, a shallow lake ecosystem, is also home to numerous bacterial species that can cause infections, including Vibrio cholerae.
Scientists highlight critical knowledge gaps in Arctic coastal ecosystems due to climate change, which are having broader implications for both ecological and human systems. The consequences of these changes extend beyond the open Arctic Ocean, requiring adaptive measures to ensure socioecological sustainability.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara used drones to count white sharks near Carpinteria Beach, finding that ocean temperature, season, and time of day correlate with shark density. The study provides insights into shark behavior and may help inform conservation efforts and beachgoer safety.
A UK-based study reveals that an offshore mussel farm is reviving shellfish reefs off the English south coast, a process previously unseen in 150 years. The research found mussels deposited on the seabed create habitats for commercially important species like European lobsters and brown crabs.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
A study published in Global Change Biology found severe biodiversity decline in the Atacama Trench from 1970 to 1985, coinciding with an El Niño event and extensive fishing efforts. The researchers also discovered a direct impact of sea surface temperature on marine life composition over time.
A global assessment of scientific literature finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) are an economically effective method to mitigate risks from disasters such as floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and landslides. NbS have been proven consistently cost-effective in mitigating hazards in 71% of the studied articles.
Researchers predict that climate change will drive a substantial redistribution of brown seaweeds and seagrasses globally, with potential expansions into Arctic and Antarctic regions. The loss of these habitat-forming marine macrophytes can trigger cascading effects on other species, compromising the integrity of entire ecosystems.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a surge in purple sea urchins is devastating kelp forests, reducing zooplankton populations and impacting the primary prey of gray whales. This cascading effect affects the top predator, causing them to spend less time foraging in the affected area.
A team of Georgia Tech biologists discovered that chemoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria play a crucial role in providing nitrogen to plants while detoxifying the root zone, enhancing plant health and resilience. This finding highlights the importance of microbes in coastal ecosystems.
A global study reveals progress in marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) initiatives, but acknowledges remaining impediments such as governance, stakeholder engagement, and technology. Experts emphasize the need for political will, persistence, and strategic marketing to overcome these challenges and accelerate EBM adoption.
Researchers successfully restored a Flat oyster reef along the Adelaide coastline, achieving ecological recovery within two and a half years. The restored reef showed remarkable biodiversity and functional improvements, providing hope for the future of marine ecosystems.
A UK feasibility study suggests that a carbon credit scheme could support private investment in saltmarsh restoration, providing vital habitat for wildlife and addressing the climate crisis. The introduction of a Saltmarsh Code would pave the way for projects with public financing to contribute to restoration efforts.
Increasing sea surface temperatures have led to a five-fold increase in juvenile bull sharks in Mobile Bay. The study found that warmer waters made habitats more suitable for these sharks. Computer modeling revealed that temperatures above 22.5°C were associated with higher shark presence.
A collaborative research project, 'Ecosystem on the Edge,' aims to understand how coastal marsh plants and microbes interact in a constantly pulsating environment. The four-year study at Plum Island Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research site will investigate controls and impacts of iron and sulfur cycling.
A study published in Environmental DNA analyzed seawater samples from the Ogasawara Islands, detecting 124 unique fish species and 38 coral genera. The research highlights the importance of monitoring biodiversity in remote regions using efficient methods like eDNA sequencing.
A study reveals that sea otter reintroduction has slowed creekbank erosion by up to 90% and restored marsh stability despite rising sea levels and pollution. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon can have far-reaching benefits for ecosystems worldwide, overturning the traditional bottom-up paradigm of coastal geomorphology.
New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.
Researchers found that coastal trapped waves and tidal mixing control primary production in the tropical Angolan upwelling system. Productivity peaks occur seasonally, with strong fluctuations during austral winter.
A new study reveals high concentrations of PFAS in micro-estuaries, posing significant risks to the environment and human health. The research emphasizes the need for targeted environmental management strategies to protect these critical ecosystems.
Researchers found rapid microplastic accumulation and contamination across prey organisms, with Galápagos penguins showing the highest level. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
New study reveals that kelp forests off the Pacific Coast were thriving 32 million years ago, with fossilized holdfasts showing evidence of ancient marine mammals and invertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of kelp ecosystems and highlights the importance of fossil hunting by amateur collectors.
A new study uses machine learning and satellite imagery to create the first global map of large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure, finding a remarkable amount of activity previously unknown. The analysis reveals that industrial fishing and transport activities are concentrated around Africa and south Asia.
Researchers found that coast redwood's massive carbon reserves fueled growth of new leaves after a catastrophic fire, allowing the forest to begin regenerating. However, many trees did not survive, and it may take centuries for the ecosystem to fully recover.
The study identifies five critical risk factors to delta sustainability: land subsidence, population density, ineffective governance, economic capacity, and crop land use. Local and global approaches, combining hard and soft adaptation methods, can mitigate risks.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
A study found that invertebrate abundance and diversity decreased near human activities like shellfish harvesting and heavy metal pollution. In contrast, environmental factors like water temperature and salinity impacted invertebrates further away from human settlements.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A team of international scientists found that coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves could be destroyed within the next 30 years from rising sea levels. Coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastlines, trapping carbon, and supporting millions of coastal residents.
A new study published in Nature warns that coastal wetlands and coral reef islands are unlikely to survive at current rates of sea-level rise exceeding 7 millimeters per year. The study suggests that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius for these ecosystems to have a chance.
Sea urchins struggle to 'get a grip' as climate change causes lower salinity levels, affecting their ability to attach to surfaces. The study found that low salinity conditions negatively impact righting response, movement, and adhesive ability.
A six-year dune restoration project in Santa Monica Beach, California, has shown promising results in increasing the beach's resilience to sea level rise. The project involved creating a natural dune system using native vegetation, which trapped sand and formed hummocks and dunes.
A study led by the University of Konstanz warns that human-induced salinity changes could have devastating impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Salinity is a critical factor in many metabolic processes, and its effects are often underestimated due to its complex interactions with other physical and chemical properties.
A new study uses marine fossils to infer the health and stability of coastal ecosystems, revealing consistent patterns in population declines and species extinctions. The findings provide a reliable benchmark for conservation efforts and offer insights into the impacts of human activities on marine biodiversity.
A new hedging strategy for coral restoration balances species diversity and ecosystem benefits by selecting key species that maintain critical functions. The approach considers a range of local species and ecological characteristics to ensure the most effective restoration outcomes.
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.
Restoring blue carbon ecosystems like seagrasses and mangroves can remove additional carbon from the atmosphere while combating ocean acidity. This process, known as inorganic carbon capture, is potentially more durable than organic carbon burial.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that replanted eelgrass meadows can restore biodiversity rapidly, with up to 80% of invertebrates returning after just three months. The study's findings suggest smaller plot sizes can be used, saving money on restoration efforts while maintaining ecosystem health.
A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.
A team of scientists, including a University of Central Florida researcher, is developing oyster-based shoreline protection for U.S. coastlines. The project aims to create self-repairing reef-mimicking structures to mitigate coastal flooding and erosion.
Study in Florida Bay reveals that turtlegrass can successfully recruit into open bare sediment following die-off events due to biomass partitioning and efficient oxidation. However, recovery of seagrass meadows takes time, with full recovery taking at least a decade.
The MBL's 36th year Logan Science Journalism Program provides immersive research training for twelve fellows from prominent news organizations. They will participate in Biomedical and Environmental Hands-On Research Courses, exploring cutting-edge technologies and scientific innovations.
The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been approved to establish the first UNESCO Regional Training and Research Centre on coastal contaminant monitoring in Hong Kong, focusing on the Western Pacific region. The centre aims to strengthen marine pollution monitoring, promote innovative technologies, and facilitate international r...
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
A recent VIMS study uses a new computer model to simulate the impact of sea-level rise on coastal carbon storage. The research found that moderate rates of sea-level rise enhance plant productivity and carbon preservation, while rapid rise rates can lead to marsh collapse and decreased carbon storage.
The REST-COAST Summer Workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss innovative research and management strategies for coastal restoration. Key findings included the financing of restoration projects, nature-based solutions, and coupled modelling systems for risk reduction.
A 50-year study on Great Sippewissett Marsh found that more than 90% of the world's salt marshes will be underwater by 2100 due to sea-level rise. Despite attempts to adapt, low-lying wetlands are unlikely to migrate landward, and human development may exacerbate the problem.
Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected to increase mangrove's ability to sequester additional carbon, reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Long-term field observations and experiments can help better understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and predict future changes in mangrove carbon sequestration.
Human activities are causing rapid changes to the ocean soundscape, harming invertebrates through cellular and ecosystem-level impacts. The study highlights the sensitivity of various invertebrates to underwater sound and emphasizes the need for urgent research and mitigation strategies.
A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals the key components contributing to successful releases of orphaned southern sea otters back into the wild. The research emphasizes the strong maternal drive of surrogate female sea otters in nurturing and caring for pups, resulting in a three-quarters success rate.
A new study found that mussels, considered ecosystem engineers, play a critical role in protecting coastal systems from sea-level rise. They contribute to marsh accretion through sediment deposition, helping these ecosystems persist in the face of climate change.
Aquaculture can help restore ecosystems by removing excess nutrients and promoting biodiversity. Conservationists are using aquaculture techniques to create healthy habitats for marine species, including shellfish reefs and fish populations.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
A new study reveals that high-quality coral reefs in Hawaii are popular tourist sites, but also at risk from tourism-related development and pollution. The research used social media and aerial mapping to analyze the impact of tourist visitation on live coral cover across hundreds of coastal sites.
Researchers analyzed fossil bed in Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park to determine cause of mass extinction. They found evidence that ichthyosaurs died due to migration, not mass stranding or environmental toxins.
Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.
HKU Marine Scientists found that oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity, with a 35% shortfall in species diversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that long-term protection is needed to mature restored reefs into complex ecosystems.
A new study published in the Journal of Zoological and Biological Gardens highlights the successful sea otter rehabilitation program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program uses surrogacy as a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, with 71% of surrogate-reared pups surviving post-release compared to 27% that underwent human-led rehabi...