Articles tagged with Freshwater Ecology
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A new study reveals that walleye are struggling to survive in warming waters of the Midwestern United States and Canada. Climate change is disrupting the historical pairing of ice-off and walleye spawning, which threatens the persistence of walleye populations across the Upper Midwest.
Scientists at UKCEH developed a robust method to detect and measure toxic chemical 6PPD in river sediments, which has been linked to salmon and trout deaths. The method uses gas chromatography mass-spectrometry techniques to accurately quantify 6PPD concentrations.
A 10-year study monitored the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities after a red sludge disaster in Hungary, finding that severe disturbances hinder long-term recovery. Community recovery dynamics were found to vary with disturbance severity.
Research finds invasive trout compete with native white-spotted charr for aquatic prey. Brown trout also influence ecosystems by preying on terrestrial organisms, further harming native populations.
The study observed that invasive Bluegill in Lake Nojiri, Japan, displayed unique colony spawning behaviors, with males constructing nests in close proximity to each other. Removal of guarding males revealed four brood predator species, with conspecific Bluegill constituting over 90% of all predators.
A study found that primary care physicians spent nearly 30 minutes more on EHR tasks between pre-pandemic and final year, with time spent outside of scheduled hours increasing significantly. This growth in EHR workload may contribute to burnout and affect decisions to cut back on clinic time or leave the profession.
A Hungarian study reveals that pond networks rely on spatial position for species diversity, with central connections hosting higher microorganism and plankton diversity. This research highlights the importance of connectivity in maintaining biodiversity in fragmented ecosystems like bomb crater ponds.
Researchers constructed the most complete map yet of the microbial communities in Yucatán's underwater caves, revealing distinct patterns and a core set of organisms performing key roles. The study found that Comamonadaceae, a family of bacteria typically found in groundwater systems, lived in several niches across the cave system.
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
A recent study found that three freshwater fish species, including the buffalofish, have known lifespans greater than 100 years, which could open doors to aging studies across disciplines. The research reveals unique insights into the species' longevity and potential implications for gerontology.
A research project involving citizens in flood-prone areas improves data collection and increases resilience. The methodology shows a combination of digital technologies, participatory methods, and co-production of new understandings to enable just and sustainable transformations.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that even highly diluted wastewater from treatment plants can exert significant effects on stream communities, reducing invertebrate diversity and altering trophic networks. The researchers emphasize the need for more stringent treatments to conserve freshwater food webs.
Research finds that water movement between lakes can transport environmental DNA, making eDNA a promising tool for tracking aquatic species and monitoring biodiversity. The study highlights the importance of considering landscape connectivity when designing eDNA surveys to ensure accurate biodiversity assessments.
A comprehensive study reveals a stagnation in European freshwater biodiversity recovery, highlighting the need for intensified mitigation strategies. The analysis of 1,816 time series of freshwater invertebrate communities between 1968 and 2020 shows promising increases until the 2010s, but a significant slowdown since then.
Researchers study microhabitats in Lake Tisza and find that diverse macrovegetation supports unique microhabitat diversity for benthic diatoms. Water management planning is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in multipurpose lakes.
A new study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that effluents from treated wastewater treatment plants alter invertebrate communities in Hesse's waters. Pollution-tolerant taxa like worms and crustaceans increase, while sensitive species like stonefly and caddisfly larvae decline.
University of Wyoming researchers found that trout in Wind River Mountains lakes have adapted to their environment, showing rapid evolution. The study reveals a change in gill rakers, likely related to food sources, and highlights the importance of eco-evolutionary interactions.
A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.
A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.
Researchers warn that climate change will lead to the loss of habitats for invertebrates in the European Alps, with many species forced to seek refuge in colder areas. The study predicts that by the end of the century, most species will have experienced consistent losses of habitat.
Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.
Researchers developed a SMART approach to engage with communities in developing real-time early warning systems for floods, combining meteorological data with social factors. This approach aims to improve protection for vulnerable people and properties, particularly in mountainous regions.
Cambridge researchers observe Unio crassus mussels squirting water jets up to a meter away from the riverbed to increase the chances of their larvae attaching to specific host fishes. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species and may be crucial for the endangered species' survival.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.
Researchers uncovered evidence of blue-green algae presence in a German lake dating back 11,000 years, with species diversity increasing significantly after Bronze Age burials. Climate change and industrial agriculture have since accelerated the growth of these toxic algae.
Research warns that ice roads will become unsustainable as the climate warms, threatening remote communities and industry. The thickness of ice needed to support transport trucks varies by region, with some areas experiencing a 90% decline in safe days of ice.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
The River Thames ecosystem has suffered a drastic decline in mussel numbers since the 1960s, with native species dwindling to nearly nothing. The invasive zebra mussel and Asian clam have also taken hold, further threatening biodiversity.
Researchers measured phycotoxin concentrations in bull sharks caught in the Indian River Lagoon, finding multiple toxins widespread or persistent in the environment. The study highlights dietary exposure as a key mechanism of toxin transfer to bull sharks.
A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
A new study provides a data-driven definition of a pond, distinguishing it from lakes and wetlands, based on surface area, depth, and emergent vegetation. The researchers found that ponds have distinct ecological structures and functions, requiring unique monitoring standards.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
A bi-national regulation targeting ships entering the Great Lakes since mid-2000s has reduced invasive species risk by 85%, with a significant impact on fisheries and biodiversity. The study suggests that saltwater flushing through ballast tanks is a crucial control strategy.
Researchers in Acadia National Park found that regulations reducing atmospheric sulfur have led to a partial recovery of algae ecosystems, despite ongoing climate change impacts. Clear-water lakes like Jordan Pond are more sensitive to warming than brown-water lakes like Seal Cove Pond, leading to slower recovery rates.
Scientists monitoring hundreds of US streams with sensor technology are gaining insights into how freshwater vital signs shift in response to land development and climate change. The data, made publicly available, will help track changes over time and provide a better understanding of the 'pulse' of streams.
The increasing salinity in freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study proposes a research agenda to address the knowledge gaps and tackle the urgent needs from a global, regional, local, and temporal perspective.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Researchers found that sulphur mollies create surface waves to deter predators, with the wave number decreasing capture probability. The collective behavior has anti-predator benefits, providing protection from bird attacks.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
Climate change-driven reductions in precipitation and river discharge will diminish the Amazon's hydropower capacity, according to a new study. As a result, alternative energy sources like solar and wind are expected to become more important.
A six-year international conservation project aims to revive 24,000 freshwater pearl mussels in Finland and surrounding areas by improving habitats and removing human-made barriers. The project uses innovative methods such as drone-based surveys and shell opening resistance tests to monitor the condition of individual mussels.
A recent global study on river ecosystems found that biodiversity loss can significantly impact the functioning of pristine water courses. The study, conducted by an international research network, revealed that alterations to ecosystems have severe and region-specific consequences.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
Scientists have developed a global system to predict future warming of lakes, which could threaten cold-water species like salmon and trout. By 2100, average lake temperature is expected to rise by 4 degrees Celsius under extreme climate change scenarios.
Researchers develop new functional metrics to detect anthropic impacts in temporary rivers, surpassing traditional biological indicators. These metrics can be applied regardless of flow intermittence, providing precise environmental degradation detection.
In a recent study, male Trinidad Guppies were found to reach more novel food patches when in the presence of females. In contrast, female foraging was independent of male presence. The researchers suggest that life in a group can be advantageous, allowing individuals to share information and find food more easily.
Researchers have identified a single gene variation responsible for non-male-producing (NMP) trait in Daphnia, a type of planktonic crustacean. The discovery sheds new light on the species' unique reproductive strategies and could lead to innovations in fertility treatment or pest management.
Scientists confirm Alaska lake seals, a distinct population from ocean-dwelling cousins, rely on freshwater food sources throughout their lives. The study provides critical baseline information for developing conservation strategies, particularly as the region faces proposed industrial developments and climate change.
A study published in BioScience reveals that 61 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, which could have ecological consequences. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy food webs and dispersing seeds, making their decline a concern for ecosystems around the globe.
A research coordination network is being developed to improve understanding of intermittent rivers' ecology and hydrology. The network, led by OU biologist Daniel Allen, will synthesize existing data on US intermittent rivers to study their structure and function.
Researchers found that fish adjust their escape behavior and keep a safe distance outside the shooting range when a speargun is present. The level of timidity varies depending on the size of the fish, type of diver, and location within protected areas.
A recent international study suggests that LED lighting upgrades could lead to increased light pollution, as individuals and cities switch to brighter lamps. The 'rebound effect' might cancel out initial energy savings, causing global night-time surface brightness to increase by 2% annually.