Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
The 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from February 22-27, 2025. The event will bring together 6,000 scientists, students, and educators to discuss breaking research on the ocean sciences and critical issues affecting a sustainable future for our oceans.
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.
The Mediterranean Sea is warming at a faster rate than the open ocean, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems. The study highlights the urgent need for action to protect these unique ecosystems, which could collapse or remain functional depending on political decisions made now.
UCSB researchers warn that the ocean's cumulative impact will double by 2050 due to climate change and human activities. The tropics and poles are expected to experience the fastest changes in impacts, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the increased pressures.
A new study found that when Hanauma Bay was closed to the public during the 2020 pandemic, the reef quickly returned to more natural levels. This led to clearer water, increased sightings of endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and more active fish populations.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.
A recent study found that 62% of whale sharks in the Bird's Head Seascape off Indonesian West Papua have scars and injuries from preventable human causes. Simple interventions, such as modifying traditional fishing platforms and boat designs, could greatly lessen this burden on the local population.
A new ASU study identifies the most polluted areas of coastline in West Hawaiʻi and targets for remediation, providing critical data needed to mitigate sewage contamination. The research found that cesspools, septic systems, and coastal urban development are highly predictive of water contamination.
A research team has found that unicellular cyanobacterium UCYN-B plays a crucial role in marine nitrogen (N2) fixation, contributing 5.2-7.2 Tg N yr-1 of N2 fixation in the western North Pacific and 10.8-15.0 Tg N yr-1 globally, about 20% of global oceanic N2 fixation flux.
A new study by William & Mary's Batten School and VIMS shows that tidal marshes in Virginia's Middle Peninsula generate approximately $90 million annually in economic value. The study also developed an online tool called SHORE-BET to help local planners and landowners weigh the long-term benefits of shoreline strategies.
A new study found that kelp forests within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) recover more quickly after marine heatwaves, particularly in southern California. This suggests that MPAs can support ecosystem resilience to climate events like marine heatwaves.
Researchers discovered seabirds, like streaked shearwaters, drop feces every 4-10 minutes while flying to avoid fouling feathers and attracting predators. This unique habit may help the birds stay clean and fertilize the ocean below with nutrient-rich droppings.
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.
The study analyzed the northbound migration of northern fur seals, revealing that they concentrate foraging activity along continental shelf-breaks and near anticyclonic eddies. The findings provide new insights into the seals' response to oceanographic conditions and highlight the importance of long-term monitoring in understanding th...
New research warns that climate interventions in oceans carry significant risks and may repeat past mistakes if not regulated responsibly. Experts advocate for a governance approach prioritizing sustainability, equity, and adaptability to ensure effective solutions.
A new study reveals that a decline in ocean oxygen levels is disrupting mesopelagic fish populations and ecosystems. The findings suggest that these events could destabilize ecological balances, impair the ocean's role in carbon cycling, and threaten marine biodiversity and food security.
A new study published in Ecology reveals traditional methods of tracking animal movement may be underestimating the actual distance travelled by whales, particularly for marine species.
Researchers from Italy developed a conductive biopaste to accelerate coral growth and a natural healing patch to target antibiotic delivery to diseased corals, both showing promising results in laboratory tests.
Six UNH faculty members receive prestigious CAREER grants to develop innovative technologies addressing pressing global issues. The recipients' projects focus on climate resilience, artificial intelligence, software reliability, and healthcare technologies, aiming to improve public safety and well-being.
Scientists discovered that marine copepods rely on both genetic and epigenetic changes to survive climate change. Epigenetic changes, which are temporary chemical modifications, play a crucial role in helping these tiny crustaceans adapt to ocean acidification and warming conditions.
A new study reveals that fully and highly protected marine reserves successfully curb industrial fishing activity, offering a powerful new way to assess fishing compliance. The research combines satellite imagery and AI technology to detect previously untraceable vessels, finding that most MPAs are well-respected and effective in deter...
A recent study found that the 2014-2016 Northeast Pacific marine heatwave caused unprecedented ecological disturbance, resulting in widespread kelp and seagrass declines and mass mortality events. The research highlights cascading impacts on species interactions, plankton communities, and offshore ocean productivity.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
A team of researchers developed a molecular probe that detects sugar consumption in microbes, revealing the role of microorganisms in breaking down ocean sugars. The study provides new insights into glycan cycling across ecosystems and sheds light on the global carbon cycle.
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
Researchers detected nanoplastic particles smaller than 1 µm in all depths analysed across the 12 measurement sites, with PET, PS, and PVC being the most common types. The study estimates around 27 million tonnes of nanoplastic are stored in the uppermost water layer of the North Atlantic.
Researchers have observed Pacific sleeper sharks displaying aggressive and queuing behaviors while feeding on a cow carcass in the deep sea. The study provides insights into the species' distribution range and predating behavior in this previously unexplored habitat.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that ship traffic triggers large methane emissions in shallow areas, including ports. The study found that cruise and container ships caused the most frequent and largest measured methane releases.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of Barbonymus schwanefeldii (tinfoil barb) in Laguna de Bay, Philippines' largest freshwater lake. The invasive species can outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds, posing long-term ecological consequences.
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
A new study reveals that global marine biodiversity data is heavily biased towards shallow waters and vertebrates, with vast areas of the deep sea and invertebrates poorly represented. The findings highlight the need for prioritized sampling to fill these gaps and support sustainable ocean management.
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.
Research shows that island rivers shape reef passes, allowing seawater and nutrients to flow in and out. The locations of reef passes align with where rivers funnel out from an island's coast, providing circulation throughout the reef.
Researchers discovered genes related to extracellular matrix and Wnt signaling pathway drive lip hypertrophy in East African Great Lakes cichlids. The study provides insights into the evolutionary biology of lip hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of proteoglycans and Wnt signaling pathway.
Researchers discovered that a substantial proportion of metals are removed from seawater solution by solid manganese-oxide particles. Chemical reactions in sediment release metals back into solution, which then mix back up through the ocean. This process changes how we view ocean chemistry and its impact on climate.
A global research project tracked over 100 marine megafauna species, identifying critical locations for better marine conservation efforts. The study's comprehensive data sets on marine mammal movements and behaviors will aid in the expansion of current marine protection areas.
Coral reefs are found to be more productive ecosystems than previously thought, with 80% occurring in nutrient-rich conditions. The study challenges the 'Darwin's Paradox' narrative and highlights the importance of understanding linkages between reef animals and their surroundings.
A group of top scientists, including Professor Callum Roberts and Professor Johan Rockström, are calling for a permanent ban on extractive activities in international waters. The authors argue that stopping all extractive activity would prevent irreversible damage to the climate, marine biodiversity, and ocean equity.
A new study reveals that industrial iron from coal and steel industries is altering the North Pacific ecosystem, leading to changes in phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycles. The research found that increased iron supply boosts spring phytoplankton blooms but also depletes other nutrients, resulting in a crash later in the season.
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that while sea levels can rise without devastating the reef, environmental stressors like poor water quality and warming climates are a greater threat to its survival. The study suggests the modern Great Barrier Reef may undergo significant changes in the next 50-100 years.
The global ocean has experienced a significant reduction in the depth of its photic zones, home to 90% of all marine life, leading to widespread ocean darkening. This change could have profound implications for the planet's marine species and ecosystem services.
New research finds megalodon preyed upon a variety of species, including fish, sharks, and even crustaceans, contrary to the long-held belief that it targeted large marine mammals. The discovery was made by analyzing zinc isotopes in fossilized teeth, providing insights into the prehistoric shark's ecological versatility.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
The University of Maryland-led study found that the bay experiences 25 days of heat waves annually, with a 10% uptick in recent years. Satellite data shows varying duration and frequency of heat waves across different regions of the bay, highlighting the need for a marine heat wave warning system.
Researchers have developed an image-analysis tool called SeaSplat that cuts through the ocean's optical effects and generates images of underwater environments with accurate colors. The team paired SeaSplat with a computational model to convert images into three-dimensional underwater worlds, allowing for virtual exploration.
Researchers linked comprehensive datasets with physical ocean processes to understand the exceptional marine biodiversity around the Cape Verde Archipelago. The study identified three key mechanisms driving nutrient transport and found that physical dynamics influence not only productivity but also the type of organisms present.
Marine ecosystem services in China are immense, including atmospheric regulation, carbon storage, and coastal protection. Implementing policy and governance frameworks can improve environmental and economic sustainability, food security, and support global commitments.
The observation pyramid uses different robot platforms to survey ocean areas, enabling flexible task management. Autonomous robotic organizations will reduce costs, improve mission efficiency and increase system robustness.
New study models spatial patterns of grazing halos around coral reefs and finds that halo patterns can signal reef resilience. The research suggests that stable halos exist where herbivores are limited by predators, while oscillating halos may indicate a shift in system health.
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences sheds light on how a 252-66 million-year-old 'marine revolution' influenced foraminifera diversity and survival. The study found that calcareous forams flourished after the MMR, becoming dominant types living today.
A study found that microorganisms using the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle dominate in shallow-water hydrothermal systems. This energy-efficient process enables them to transfer carbon into organic molecules, allowing them to survive in harsh conditions.
A new study by the University of British Columbia warns that deep-sea mining could lead to a 13% increase in environmental degradation, posing significant hazards for marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and businesses. The study advocates for a shift towards circular economy strategies to mitigate these risks.
A new database of 400 years of sightings compiled by researchers at Colorado State University may help anticipate when and where milky seas will occur. The archive includes eyewitness reports, satellite data, and individual accounts submitted to the Marine Observer Journal.
A study published in Ocean and Coastal Management reveals that artisanal fishers can be almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data. The researchers mapped seagrass beds along the coastlines of five Greek islands, with fishermen's maps showing an average accuracy of 78%, compared to 11% more than government policies.
Research suggests the Earth's oceans were green 2.4 billion years ago due to iron precipitation, leading to a new understanding of ancient photosynthetic organisms and their potential for life beyond Earth. The discovery could aid in the search for extraterrestrial life by identifying green oceans as a possible indicator.
Researchers have found that chemicals used to preserve shark jaws do not affect isotopes, enabling the use of preserved jaws for revealing what sharks eat and where they feed. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of stable isotope analysis in shark and ray teeth.
Antarctic krill exhibit sudden changes in behavior when exposed to the water-borne smell of penguin poo, showing increased speed, turns, and reduced foraging efficiency. This 'zigzagging' is an avoidance reaction that may increase their odds of survival in a swarm.
A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.
A researcher is using accessible 3D scanning technologies to document and analyze stranded marine mammals, providing precise morphometric assessments and creating interactive visualizations. This approach enhances data collection, democratizes access, and expands the impact of conservation efforts worldwide.