Articles tagged with Estuaries
Marine heat waves in the Chesapeake Bay are projected to increase by half a year by 2100, causing devastating impacts on marine life and coastal economies. The study found a significant upward trend in frequency and intensity of marine heat waves within the Bay.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that forests surrounding rivers flowing into the sea increase the diversity of threatened fish species in Japan's estuaries. In contrast, waters surrounded by agricultural land show a decrease in fish populations.
Researchers at California Polytechnic State University found that seagrass loss in Morro Bay led to changes in fish species, with increasing numbers of flatfish like speckled sanddab and staghorn sculpin. The study highlights the importance of protecting remaining seagrass habitats to maintain biodiversity.
A newly discovered ancient crab fossil, Cretapsara athanata, has shed new light on the evolution of crabs. The 100 million-year-old fossil, found in amber, provides evidence that crabs transitioned to land around 100 million years ago, bridging a previously unknown gap in their evolutionary history.
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
Lauren Ross aims to better understand the mixing process in complex estuaries like the Penobscot River Estuary, which affects ecosystems and aquaculture. She will use on-site data and numerical model simulations to quantify the mixing processes.
A new study reveals that coastal wetlands provide more flood protection than previously thought, reducing water levels by up to 2 metres and protecting inland areas. The research found that wetlands can reduce storm-driven flooding by 35% and damages caused by 37%.
A study recommends expanding conservation aquaculture in ten priority estuaries on the West Coast to restore declining Olympia oyster populations, benefiting both local shellfish growers and Tribal communities. Aquaculture can support wild populations without harvesting or selling native oysters.
The GEM Programme aims to establish a global monitoring network to collect and analyze seawater samples from urbanised estuaries worldwide. The project will identify pollution hotspots and priority contaminants, providing strategies for cleaner estuaries.
New research suggests subterranean estuaries play a critical role in filtering pollutants from freshwater, supporting large ecosystems. These invisible structures are estimated to supply up to 25% of continental freshwater discharged to certain coastal areas.
A study led by the University of Barcelona found increased pollutant concentrations in Franciscana dolphin bone remains, primarily from trace elements such as chromium and copper. The increases are linked to human activities like industrial waste and transportation, which accumulate pollutants in the Rio de la Plata estuary.
Researchers found that boat noise significantly reduces communication distance and coordination in duetting toadfish, impacting their mating habits. Human water traffic effectively drowns out their serenades.
Researchers will conduct scientific research cruises, sampling fixed stations to understand how the Chesapeake Bay plume changes over time and its impact on fisheries and nutrient cycling. The project aims to develop a hydrodynamic model of the plume and gather empirical data to inform ecosystem-based management applications.
Researchers found genetically distinct Fal Estuary maerl beds, shaped by geographical isolation and limited connectivity. Threats from shipping and climate change require targeted conservation efforts to protect these ancient ecosystems.
Researchers have shown experimentally that most nanoplastics in estuarine waters clump, forming larger clusters that settle or stick to solid objects. This could mean that estuaries filter out nanoplastics before they enter the ocean.
A study suggests that continued warming of Atlantic coastal waters may enhance the spread of invasive blue catfish within the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. Warmer waters favor the spread and establishment of blue cats, which can out-compete native species.
Researchers found improved estuarine water quality in the Choptank River, with increased dissolved oxygen, clearer waters, and reduced algae blooms. Local actions, such as upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, contributed to these gains, while agricultural inputs appeared limited.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and increased precipitation, affect the amount and composition of tiny phytoplankton in the Neuse River Estuary. The study reveals a shift in concentration and population of picophytoplankton after storms, which could have long-term eff...
A new co-governance model aims to save species such as salmon and southern resident killer whales from extinction through a $381 million conservation plan. The study highlights the importance of urban biodiversity conservation and investment in strategies like habitat restoration and public land management.
Researchers found that human activities since 1940 have increased the risk of acidification in the Murray estuary during droughts. The study uses historical data and geological records to understand the estuary's formation and evolution. Improved management of the Murray-Darling system is crucial for water resource sustainability.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute conducted a fishery-independent survey to characterize the elasmobranch community in the Indian River Lagoon. The study found that many species use the lagoon throughout their life histories, and it may serve as an important nursery habitat for multiple species.
The study highlights Guadalquivir and Guadiana estuaries as breeding areas due to specific water conditions, including salinity gradient and turbidity. These factors enable high densities of early stages fish and macro-zooplankton, crucial for fish growth.
Seagrass die-off in Morro Bay has caused extensive erosion, altering sedimentation patterns and habitat changes. Restoration efforts have shown mixed success, with some regions experiencing partial recovery.
Research by UNSW Sydney and NSW DPI Fisheries found that artificial reefs in estuaries with limited natural reef can increase fish abundance significantly. The study revealed a 20-fold increase in fish populations in the reef areas compared to bare sand habitats, benefiting recreational fishing and environmental conservation.
A new review of 80 research papers reveals that microplastic pollution is concentrated in coastal habitats such as fjords and estuaries. The study found high concentrations of microplastics, up to 200,000 particles per kilogram, in these areas.
A study of 166 Australian estuaries found they're warming at twice the rate of oceans and the atmosphere, threatening global aquaculture and wild fisheries worth $152 billion annually. This accelerated impact on estuaries could adversely affect economic activity and ecological biodiversity worldwide.
Researchers developed a new estuary box model to simulate river plumes and outflows, improving ocean model performance. The CMCC EBM model successfully reconstructed river plumes and improved forecast accuracy in the Mediterranean Sea.
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers found that highly active gray and cubera snappers in a Bahamian mangrove estuary spread the highest levels of essential nutrient nitrogen through their urine, nearly doubling its presence. This fertilizer supports more plant growth and food at the base of the food web.
A review of 167 peer-reviewed studies found significant negative impacts on juvenile Pacific and Atlantic salmon from human activity in estuaries. The study identified stressors such as light and noise pollution, as well as tidal gates, which can cut off access for salmon to parts of a river.
A $500,000 NSF grant funds a national Research Coordination Network to synthesize insights from existing coastal resiliency projects. The Estuarine CoPe RCN aims to propose bold new strategies integrating ecosystem enhancement and recovery to protect coastal communities and infrastructure.
A new study suggests that California could more than triple its southern sea otter population by repopulating the largest estuary on the coast, the San Francisco Bay. This would be a huge boost to conservation efforts, potentially lifting the species out of endangered status.
Researchers found that juvenile Coho salmon grew fastest and survived longest when exposed to natural temperature gradients and plenty of food. However, there is a catch: while food can help offset the effects of rising temperatures, it cannot completely compensate for the impacts of climate change.
Researchers found that European glass eels use their magnetic sense to imprint a memory of current direction in the estuary where they become juveniles. This helps them orient in moving water during migration.
A new Mersey barrage concept proposes a holistic approach to tidal energy projects, incorporating benefits such as transport links, tourism, and habitat creation. The design aims to balance environmental concerns with economic opportunities.
A study confirms that surrogate-reared sea otters and their wild offspring account for over half of Elkhorn Slough's population growth, with similar survival rates to those reared by wild mothers. The program's success has implications for rebuilding sea otter populations in other California estuaries.
A new study reveals that approximately 85% of historical tidal wetlands in California, Oregon, and Washington have been lost. The research highlights the importance of restoring these habitats, which are critical nurseries for juvenile salmon and steelhead.
A new study by the University of California, Davis, reveals that climate change could lead to a significant decline in oyster habitats in California bays. The research found that changes in dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, and salinity would have a greater impact on oyster growth than ocean acidification.
Researchers use harmless fluorescent dye to track oyster larval movements in Mobile Bay, finding larvae are transported from lower bay to Mississippi Sound via freshwater flow paths. This approach can be applied to other marine species, aiding restoration and management of larval transport pathways globally.
A new study found that biomedical bleeding can reduce spawning activity and alter biological rhythms in female horseshoe crabs, potentially impacting reproduction and population levels. The research suggests that the recovery from bleeding may also affect energy allocation towards spawning.
Using light to optimize osmosis for electricity generation at estuaries has shown promise. The system produces twice as much power in the dark as it does with light, offering a potential solution to weather-dependent renewable energy sources.
A new methodology for building computer models has been developed at Oregon State University, enabling better prediction of coastal flooding risk. The research used statistical techniques and 'emulation' to reduce complexity and improve performance, allowing for nearly instantaneous use of the model for future flooding scenarios.
UD researchers study how unexploded munitions move in muddy estuaries, discovering they don't move horizontally despite intense storms. The team used fabricated munition surrogates with sensors to track movement, finding smaller munitions were buried or stuck in scour pits.
A Duke University study analyzed hundreds of US estuaries to identify factors driving marsh loss, finding that scale and macro-scale coastal characteristics play a crucial role in determining wetland resilience. The research provides valuable insights for preservation and restoration efforts.
A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.
Researchers found that daily variability in harmful CO2 indices is twice as fast as the average, impacting shell-building animals like oysters and mussels. The study provides an important framework for evaluating other seagrass and estuarine habitats.
A new study in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary found that support for oyster restoration is linked to perceived risks to public health and the economy, rather than group membership. The research suggests that both conservationists and industry members may be receptive to similar appeals for oyster restoration projects.
A study published in Conservation Genetics found that about a third of fish samples were misidentified as native delta smelt when using visual identification. Genetic analysis revealed 27% of the fish thought to be native delta smelt were actually non-native wakasagi.
Researchers found that human wastewater nitrogen from septic systems is a significant contributor to the high nitrogen concentrations in the estuary and downstream coastal reefs. The study suggests that septic-to-sewer programs can help mitigate future harmful algal blooms by removing nutrients and improving water quality.
The removal of water from the Colorado River has led to a loss of unique ecological species, which are now at risk of extinction. Hybridization between the native species and those in the surrounding estuaries poses a significant threat to their survival.
Researchers find that deltas exhibit a high diversity of delivery pathways to the sea, adapting to maintain their existence. The study's findings suggest an 'optimality principle' governing the behavior of rivers deltas across different environments.
The map of Tlacotalpa, created by Francisco Gali in 1580, is one of the first examples of local nautical cartography in Hispanic America. The map shows great detail of the coast and surrounding areas, with geographical coordinates and depth measurements.
A new study quantifies CO2 emissions from Sydney Harbour for the first time, finding 1000 tonnes annually, equivalent to 200 cars. The research also reveals that during periods of high rainfall, the harbour becomes a carbon sink.
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.
Wild barramundi populations are likely to be seriously affected by ocean acidification, which can impact fish that only spend a short time in the ocean. The study's findings have significant implications for fishing industries and ecosystem health.
A new study suggests that estuaries like the Chesapeake Bay could be a significant source of atmospheric methane, potentially more so than previously thought. Methane release is linked to eutrophication and anoxia in these bodies of water.
A study of Coos Bay found it is currently free of hypoxic conditions, thanks to its narrow offshore shelf and dredged ship channel. However, as the climate warms, the bay's flushing action may be disrupted, leading to increased risk of oxygen depletion.
Research found beaver-created ponds can remove 5-45% of nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms and low oxygen levels. The study's findings suggest a new perspective on the ecological benefits of beavers in the region.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new method to identify the nursery grounds of winter flounder using otoliths, revealing regional groupings for stocks from Cape Cod to New Jersey. This technology could help restore plummeting populations along the East Coast and protect essential habitats.
A new letter published in the journal Science suggests that a controversial terminal project in the Skeena River estuary poses far-reaching risks, including harm to juvenile salmon populations. The study found that the proposed development area supports unusually high abundances of juvenile salmon from over 40 populations.
A study of Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay found that nutrient runoff from land use leads to low oxygen levels, affecting fish populations and commercial fisheries. The research suggests improvements in land management could benefit estuaries and fisheries.