Articles tagged with Coastal Ecosystems
A new study finds that female walruses in the Chukchi Sea rely on biomarkers from algae growing within sea ice as a primary food source. The researchers tracked these markers using liver tissues from harvested animals, revealing a difference in foraging behavior between males and females.
A long-term study in Elkhorn Slough found that superabundant crabs weaken tidal creek banks, reducing marsh plant growth and increasing erosion. Reducing crab abundance led to increased salt marsh vegetation growth and enhanced sediment density.
Temperate marine ecosystems are becoming more 'simple' due to ocean warming and acidification, resulting in loss of kelp forests and degradation of ecosystem services. The study suggests that warm water corals may replace cold-water species, leading to a shift towards turf-dominated communities.
Coastal ecosystems worldwide are estimated to have a significant impact on the global economy, with countries like Australia and Indonesia storing large amounts of carbon. The study found that these countries generate annual welfare gains of around $26.4 billion from reduced climate change costs, while other nations like India and Chin...
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that plant species vulnerable to climate change may lead to bigger problems than previously thought. The research, led by Amelia Wolf and Erika Zavaleta, suggests that losing biodiversity can have significant impacts on ecosystems, particularly during droughts.
Seagrasses can recover from extensive losses without human intervention, according to a 20-year study. The study found that remnants of seagrass and multiple species present increased the likelihood for recovery.
Researchers identified successful coastal 'bright spots' for marine ecosystem restoration, which have delivered positive impacts for decades. These examples from around the world showcase effective techniques for restoring saltmarshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, highlighting potential solutions to save struggling marine areas.
Research finds common starfish can't survive amplified marine heatwaves projected at the end of the century and experience lasting negative effects from current heatwaves. Heatwaves can also negatively affect their feeding, leading to weight loss and potential ecosystem disruptions.
A 40-year study reveals that the rise of sticklebacks, a key predator of algae, is driven by reduced numbers of larger fish species. This shift from predator-dominated to algae-dominated ecosystems has significant implications for ecosystem restoration and management.
A new study reveals a large-scale change from predatory fish to stickleback dominance in the Baltic Sea, threatening local ecosystems. The shift is linked to eutrophication and climate change, and its effects include reduced recruitment of pike and perch.
Researchers studied thousands of oyster shells to understand Native American harvesting practices, revealing a remarkable stability of oyster reefs prior to the 20th century. The study highlights the importance of Indigenous ecological knowledge for modern reef management.
A new study published in Geology found that Late Cretaceous ecosystems in North America were characterized by diverse and mixed diets, with resource interchange between aquatic and terrestrial components being common. The research used stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diets and habitat use of dinosaurs and other animals, cont...
Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater for crops and drinking water. A new computer model reveals that 20% of the world's sensitive coastal ecosystems are at risk due to groundwater flow carrying pollutants. Fresh groundwater can provide essential resources, but its high variability poses risks to local ecosystems.
A hybrid approach combining mangroves, coral reefs and man-made solutions can protect coastal communities from disaster while preserving biodiversity. The study suggests ecosystem-based protection should be the basis for a coastal protection strategy, making it more cost-efficient and better protecting valuable ecosystems.
The MOVE-ON project aims to produce sustainable development and ecosystem management models for EU overseas territories in the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. Researchers will investigate ecological conditions and develop conceptual models of ecosystem services provision according to the quality of marine ecosystems.
New research reveals how Antarctic penguins adapted to a century of human impacts, including whaling and climate change. Gentoo penguins thrive on fish and squid, while chinstrap penguins struggle with declining krill populations.
Researchers have discovered dozens of dinosaur footprints in Alaska's Alaskan Peninsula, revealing that high-latitude hadrosaurs preferred tidally influenced habitats. The findings provide insights into the habitat preferences of these highly successful herbivores and their role in shaping ancient ecosystems.
A new study by Duke University and Fudan University suggests that local conservation efforts can significantly buffer the impacts of climate change, buying cities time to adapt. Local interventions have promoted coral recovery in Florida Keys and restored seagrass beds in Chesapeake Bay.
A Rutgers-led study reveals that mercury pollution from years ago is affecting waterways in the New Jersey Meadowlands, with two creeks identified as major sources. The research found that legacy contamination outweighs newer sources, guiding cleanup efforts.
Scientists argue that rewilding measures can restore damaged ecosystems by examining functions, analyzing disturbances, and deriving targeted measures. Successful rewilding projects like the Oder river delta demonstrate environmental and social benefits.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that men and women value ecosystem services differently, with implications for sustainable development goals. The research, led by Professor Katrina Brown, identified how cultural and traditional gender roles influence resource use and management.
Researchers used AI and satellite imagery to map the world's intertidal zones for the first time, revealing a significant loss of crucial ecosystems. The study exposed coastal communities to increased risk from storms and sea level rises, with over 1.4 billion people expected to live in coastal areas by 2060.
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.
A new study finds that oyster mortality in the French Atlantic coast is linked to warm and wet winters, and the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Oysters are sensitive to climate change and water quality, making them sentinels of coastal ecosystem health.
Research suggests mangroves can reduce elevation loss and promote wetland stability through root production. However, mangrove conversion to mudflats can have long-lasting negative impacts on ecosystem resilience against extreme events.
Ocean conditions off the US West Coast are returning to average after a marine heat wave, but salmon catches remain depressed. Feeding conditions have improved for sea lions and seabirds, while plankton species have shifted back towards fat-rich, cool-water species beneficial for fish growth.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that CO2 leakage from storage sites can drastically alter seabed ecosystems, leading to the disappearance of animals and disruption of the food chain. The researchers also discovered that some microorganisms can adapt to increased CO2 levels, but most species struggle to cope.
Researchers from NSF LTER sites present findings on coastal and ocean ecosystems, including salt marsh resilience and the impact of sea ice patterns on penguin populations. The study also investigates the diet of blue whales in the California Current and the effects of El Niño events on marine ecosystems.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Aerial Imaging Solutions have developed a cheaper, faster way to gauge the condition of leopard seals using drone photos.
Researchers found that sharks alter the feeding behavior of algae-eating fish, affecting where seaweeds grow on Fijian coral reefs. This change creates a trophic cascade, with seaweed flourishing on top of the reef during high tide when predators are present.
The new immersive visualization allows users to experience changes to an area through a first-person perspective, increasing appreciation for marine environment protection efforts. The tool helped people understand trade-offs between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the importance of preserving natural habitats.
A new study reveals that extreme marine conditions can significantly alter food chain dynamics in the California Current ecosystem. Dolphin diets suggest shorter food chains due to changes in prey availability and nitrogen cycling, potentially threatening ecosystem resilience.
Researchers analyzed 18th century British nautical charts to track the loss of coral reef habitat in the Florida Keys. The study found a 52% loss of coral area, with nearshore areas declining by 87.5% and 68.8%. This research highlights the need for longer-term conservation efforts based on historical data.
A new study by the University of Connecticut found that coastal landowners in Connecticut are skeptical about granting easements to protect marshes from sea level rise, citing concerns over fair pricing and transparency. However, they favor alternative strategies like restrictive covenants and future interest agreements.
Paleontologists have found a lost ecosystem of scallops and brachiopods off southern California's coast that thrived for at least 4,000 years before dying off due to siltation from unmanaged land use. The researchers used molecular dating and geologic methods to analyze dead shells and conclude that the collapse of the brachiopod-scall...
Researchers discover that managing coastal ecosystems can help mitigate global warming by protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like wetlands. Better management of catchment-level processes, such as nutrient inputs and hydrology, can increase blue carbon sequestration.
Research on marine and coastal cultural ecosystem services is scarce compared to other ecosystem service categories, revealing insights into social-ecological interactions worldwide.
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.
Researchers found that restoring predators and prey species together is faster and more efficient than pursuing restoration of one species at a time. This approach, also known as synchronous recovery, can lead to significant ecological and economic benefits.
Experts will discuss the state of Cuban marine ecosystems and explore how science can inform U.S. and Cuban policies to protect biodiversity and human welfare. The event highlights pioneering Cuban conservation work that has protected common resources as US-Cuba relations evolve.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts have been studied in two parts, with research on marsh erosion, stability, microbes, and vegetation presented first. The study found that specific ecological communities and animals have responded differently to the spill, affecting food web studies and coastal ecosystem management.
A new research paper examines the effects of Sudden Vegetation Dieback on salt marsh soil communities, finding a reduction in Bacteroidetes-related bacteria and an enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study highlights the importance of wetlands as natural carbon sinks and mitigating future climate change.
Researchers used ancient DNA to investigate the ecosystem of an ice-free corridor, concluding that it was biologically unviable until around 12,600 years ago. This challenges the established theory on human migration to America, suggesting that early inhabitants likely took a different route.
Shannon Estenoz, Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives, receives the Ecological Society of America's Regional Policy Award for her collaborative work protecting the Florida Everglades from pollution, climate change, and invasive species. The award recognizes her decades-long commitment to conservation.
Research finds The Blob had a stronger negative impact on marine productivity than El Niño off the West Coast, with ocean warming slowing nutrient flow and reducing ecosystem productivity. The study uses real-time data from autonomous gliders to assess the effects of major climate disruptions.
Researchers used autonomous acoustic sensors to detect and record marbled murrelet calls, identifying over 19,000 potential calls and confirming 7,218 actual calls. This technology offers a viable alternative to traditional surveys, enabling broader, more cost-effective searches for these endangered seabirds.
Researchers at University of British Columbia found that human-induced introduction of new species can cause 'reverse speciation', where two similar species merge into one hybrid species. This shift has significant consequences for the ecosystem, altering ecological roles and impacting biodiversity.
Research divers have found that sedimentation is impacting an entire ecosystem on the seafloor due to melting glaciers. This has led to a decline in species diversity among benthos, with some species being extremely sensitive to higher sedimentation rates and subsequently dying out.
A UK-based remote satellite monitoring programme will help monitor the impact of human activities on the Laguna Bacalar's ecosystem. The project will use satellite data to analyze changes and provide evidence for conservation efforts, benefiting from a £1.5M funding by the UK Space Agency.
A study by Kari Pohl and colleagues found that extreme climate indices, such as increased frequency of warmer-than-normal days and wet days, are strongly correlated to shallow water environment changes. These changes may impact environmental boundaries and vulnerable organisms in Chesapeake Bay.
A new study found that introduced salt marsh plants, like Spartina alterniflora, have caused significant shifts in ecosystem productivity and biodiversity over the past 200 years. These changes were likely hidden from scientists due to the 'ecological mirage' phenomenon, where our perception of nature can be illusory.
A NOAA study found that natural climate cycles and human activities triggered widespread ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting fish populations and communities. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) played a significant role in these changes.
A UT professor and her team will investigate the long-term consequences of the oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf. Their research aims to understand how oil impacts marsh erosion and microbial cycling, guiding cleanup efforts.
A recent study by Florida State University researchers reveals the domino effect of overfishing on ecosystems, where the loss of a key species can have far-reaching and devastating consequences. The research highlights the importance of understanding key linkages among species that set up tipping points in ecosystems.
A new study by Duke University and University of Massachusetts at Boston found that preserving the right mix of species is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. The research showed that removing key species can have profound impacts on ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of biodiversity quality over quantity.
The productivity of many lands has been dramatically reduced due to soil erosion, salinity accumulation, and nutrient depletion. A sustainable approach to agriculture is needed to maintain soil fertility and address climate change and biodiversity loss.
A study found that the development of the sea-ice ecosystem in Antarctica possibly triggered the evolution of larger organisms like baleen whales and penguins. The researchers analyzed sediment samples from drill cores, which provided new insights into the past.
A new study aims to develop fishing management guidelines for Atlantic menhaden, a crucial food source for larger fish and marine mammals. The research will help ensure the species' survival and maintain ecosystem balance.
A detailed analysis of Bonaire sediments suggests a 3,300-year-old tsunami changed the coastal ecosystem and sedimentation patterns. The study reveals overwash deposits consistent with a tsunami event, highlighting the long-term ecological significance of this single catastrophic event.
Sea surface temperatures reached record highs on the Northeast continental shelf in 2012, exceeding 10.5 degrees C, affecting cod distribution and marine life. The annual spring plankton bloom was intense, starting earlier and lasting longer than average, with implications for species spawning at specific times of the year.