Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
Scientists measured coral calcification rates off Hawaiian Islands at depths of 230-360 feet, finding the lowest rates ever recorded for healthy corals. This is due to the efficient use of calcification by corals like Leptoseris spp., which form thin horizontal skeletons to maximize area in low-light zones.
Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming, with pollutants and over-fishing putting immense stress on ecosystems. Human-caused threats were most clearly demonstrated in 2015's record-breaking marine heatwave, which showed coral cover remained unchanged despite extreme heat stress.
Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.
A subpolar Atlantic plankton species was found in the central Arctic Ocean during the Last Interglacial period, indicating summers were ice-free. This discovery has implications for understanding Arctic climate dynamics without sea ice.
The study found that environmental conditions and the state of the ocean can lead to enhanced risk for ocean temperature extremes. Upwelling patterns on a short-term basis also initiate some of these marine heatwaves and cold spells.
Scientists discover reduced genetic diversity and compromised skeletal properties among 'super corals' adapted to mangrove lagoons. The study challenges existing notions surrounding the resilience of these resilient corals, highlighting potential risks for future environmental stressors.
Researchers found that filter-feeding basking sharks keep their core regions warmer than the water, like fast-swimming apex predators. This discovery has implications for conservation and raises ecological questions about metabolism and distribution shifts during climate change.
Researchers have discovered that green sea turtles have been returning to the same seagrass meadows along Egypt and West Libya coasts for approximately 3,000 years. This long-term diet has allowed scientists to connect past dietary habits with specific locations, shedding light on human-induced effects on the environment.
A study found that even no-take MPAs in California and globally are vulnerable to marine heatwaves, leading to mass species mortality and displacement. The research revealed that ecological communities shift dramatically after such events, regardless of protection status.
A new UNF study highlights the critical yet understudied factor of salinity changes in ocean and coastlines caused by climate change. Changes in salinity can have potentially devastating impacts on vital coastal and estuarine ecosystems, threatening the health and economy of local communities.
Researchers found that the annulated sea snake possesses four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, two with ancestral ultraviolet sensitivity and two with evolved sensitivity to longer wavelengths. This suggests that sea snakes have regained color discrimination to distinguish predators, prey, and mates in their marine habitats.
An international team of scientists found that sea snakes have enhanced their colour vision due to living in brighter marine environments. The species has four intact copies of the opsin gene SWS1, allowing them to see a wider range of colors.
Fossil discoveries in northern Panama Canal area suggest that marine species interchange persisted across shallow waters during the final stages of formation of the isthmus. The findings provide new insights into the connectivity between the Pacific and Caribbean marine faunas during this period.
Researchers investigated the role of thyroid hormones in coordinating the metamorphosis of clownfish, discovering a strong interaction between metabolic processes and hormone regulation. Thyroid hormones play a critical role in timing the transformation and supporting energy demands during the journey.
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
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.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
A review article proposes zero-waste methodologies to convert 100% of marine macroalgae (seaweed) into cosmetics ingredients using industrially available green technology. This enables the cosmetics industry to meet environmental sustainability and ESG requirements, while leveraging the potential of Brazilian seaweed.
ASU's new collaboration, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, aims to restore coral reef vitality and coastal sustainability through a partnership between scientists and local communities in Hawaiʻi. The initiative focuses on West Hawaiʻi island, where 120 miles of reef harbor diverse human and coral conditions.
A recent study finds that most US fish stocks are not constrained by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, but rather by economic demand and other factors. The act's critics may be misinterpreting the data, as healthy stocks are being left in the water due to market forces and policies.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
A Cornell University-led study found that small and shallow ponds emit significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, with variability increasing as pond size decreases. The research provides valuable insights into calibrating climate models and informs strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from inland waterbodies.
Researchers discovered fragments of RNA viruses embedded in coral partners' genomes, dating back 160 million years. The discovery provides insights into how corals fight off viral infections and may hold the key to understanding the ecological impact of viruses on reef health.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to an estimated 5,578 different species, with 88-92% of them entirely new to science. Researchers have discovered a variety of unique species, including sea cucumbers, nematodes, and sponges.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
The study investigates toxic effects of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, acetochlor, dicofol) on S. costatum growth and chlorophyll-a content, revealing varying toxicity levels among the pesticides. Marine microalgae partially degrade pesticides, with acetochlor showing stronger persistence.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
A new species of mosasaur, Stelladens mysteriosus, has been discovered in Morocco with star-shaped 'screwdriver teeth'. The unique arrangement suggests a specialised feeding strategy or diet, but the exact prey remains unclear. This find adds to evidence that mosasaurs were evolving rapidly before their extinction 66 million years ago.
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.
Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and measure coral reef halos globally, providing a new method for monitoring ecosystem health. The tool enables efficient tracking of reef ecosystems' function at large scales, improving understanding and management of coral reefs.
Researchers discovered that scalloped hammerhead sharks close their gill slits during deep dives to prevent heat loss and keep warm. This unique behavior allows them to hunt effectively in cold water depths.
Researchers highlight the need for a coherent international framework for decommissioning offshore structures due to limited evidence on their environmental impact. The study emphasizes the critical need for consensus on future approaches as an estimated 1,800 offshore wind turbines will require decommissioning by 2030.
New research reveals that atmospheric dust supports 4.5% of global annual carbon export production through phytoplankton growth, with regional variation up to 20-40%. This pathway helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and mitigate climate change.
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...
Researchers found that male sea lions have increased in size and strengthened muscles for fighting, while females' body size remained stable. They also diversified their diets to overcome food shortages and adapt to changing prey availability.
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
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.
The Southern Resident killer whale population is spending far less time in the San Juan Islands as their primary food source, Chinook salmon, declines. This decline is likely an effort to find alternative food sources, and research shows a strong relationship between the whales' presence and salmon returns.
A new study finds that supernovae have a persistent influence on marine life's biodiversity, with variations in nearby exploding stars closely following changes in marine genera. Supernovae may regulate climate through cosmic rays, influencing nutrient transport and primary bioproductivity.
Researchers identified fluctuations in climate and ocean conditions as the main drivers of entanglement risk to whales in Dungeness crab fishing gear. The study provides new tools for managing fisheries while minimizing impact on whale populations.
A new study finds that ocean warming can impact the growth, metabolic rate, and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish larvae. The researchers found that warmer temperatures led to faster growth rates, higher metabolic rates, and changes in gene expression.
Volunteer divers monitored the SS Thistlegorm wreck for eight years, discovering an artificial coral reef that supports a diverse fish community. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the importance of citizen science in understanding marine ecosystems.
High concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in intertidal sands of the Wadden Sea. ROS inhibit microbial activity, reducing mineralization processes such as aerobic respiration and sulfate reduction, but their removal boosts microbial growth.
Researchers discovered a new species of bacteria, Sulfurimonas pluma, living in cold, oxygen-saturated hydrothermal plumes globally. The microorganism uses hydrogen as an energy source, contrary to previous assumptions and expanding our understanding of its ecological role.
A study reveals a rapid increase in ocean plastics since 2005, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans by 2019. The researchers predict that without policy changes, plastic pollution will accelerate sixfold by 2040.
A single gene controls a switch between two alternative cell fates in a species of sea anemone, enabling the transition from a piercing cell to a sticky cell. This finding suggests that the nematocyte cell may have evolved from a spirocyte thanks to the development of the NvSox2 gene.
Bowhead whales are shifting their migration patterns due to declining sea ice in the Arctic, affecting their long-term health and impact on Indigenous communities. The lack of ice is causing changes in bowhead availability for hunters, leading to competition for resources and increased human interaction.
A recent study using planktonic foraminifera fossils found a global clade-wide shift in marine latitudinal zones towards the Equator. The researchers discovered that this shift was not tied to species diversity or functional traits, but rather ecological and morphological characteristics of the organisms.
Researchers used nearly half a million fossils to solve a 200-year-old mystery about the distribution of species on Earth. They found that the modern-day diversity gradient may have arisen from the steepening of the latitudinal temperature gradient, promoting more ecological niches in tropical regions.
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.
A new UW-led report emphasizes the unequal burden of marine plastic pollution on different communities, particularly in developing countries. The study calls for a more equitable approach to address the issue, focusing on plastics production rather than waste management.
Climate change is expected to lead to a 65% decline in land plants and animals by 2100 if current management strategies are not implemented. Implementing ten key threat management strategies could benefit up to 84% of terrestrial bird, mammal, and plant groups, with a cost of $23 million annually.
Researchers tracked puffins with tracking devices, revealing they lose flying ability during 1-2 month molting period, making them vulnerable to severe weather conditions. The study suggests this timing is significant as climate change increases winter cyclones in the North Atlantic.
Researchers uncovered distinct DNA methylation profiles in ocean microbes, shedding light on population dynamics and interactions. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding pathogenicity and developing new approaches to monitoring environmental health.
Marine cyanobacteria have developed smaller proteins to conserve nitrogen and survive in areas with low nutrient concentrations. They can detect and capture nitrate at nanomolar concentrations, allowing them to thrive in environments where others would struggle.
Scientists from China and New Zealand have made the first crewed visit to explore the Scholl Deep in the Kermadec Trench. Using a manned submersible, they collected deep-sea water samples, sediments, rocks, and biological specimens. The expedition provides new insights into the biodiversity of New Zealand's deepest marine environment.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
Research reveals microplastic fibres in all samples, with majority found in Antarctic air, indicating animals breathe them. Antarctic sea ice also traps microplastics, acting as a temporary sink for global plastic pollution.
Researchers discovered that krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration through temporal transcriptome rewiring and suppression of several hallmarks of aging. Krill oil increases neuronal resilience, promoting anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation, and abrogating multiple aging hallmarks.