Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.
A team of scientists from Princeton University found that the Arctic Ocean's nitrogen supply is limited by strong stratification, preventing plankton growth and potentially affecting fish populations. The research used fossilized plankton to study the history of nitrogen sources and supply rates in the western and central Arctic Ocean.
A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that small juvenile marine turtles from the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean have a high incidence of plastic ingestion. Plastic ingestion is suspected to lead to mortality, malnutrition, and chemical contamination. The types of plastic ingested vary between the two study sites...
A team of researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, has successfully used environmental DNA (eDNA) to measure beta diversity in aquatic environments. The study found that eDNA analysis was more effective than traditional visual surveys in detecting rare and less abundant species.
A new study from Oregon State University found that climate conditions significantly affect the reproductive success of mature female Antarctic krill. The researchers discovered a relationship between the condition of these females during spawning season and the proportion of juvenile krill in the population the following year.
A new model developed by Newcastle University's researchers tracks the vertical movement of algae-covered microplastic particles, identifying processes that underpin their trajectories. The study shows that particle properties and algal population dynamics determine the movement of microplastics below the ocean surface.
A recent study found that changes in marine fossilization conditions led to a significant increase in diatom abundance during the Cenozoic Era. The researchers built a model of sedimentation rate and ocean temperature on biogenic silica burial efficiency, revealing improved preservation conditions around 5-20 million years ago.
Researchers at the HSE Institute of Ecology suggest that Russia can revise its territorial waters' baselines to ensure sovereignty, rights, and national security. Granting 'historic waters' status could also reinforce Russia's position in the Arctic by utilizing long-term use and permanent occupation of these areas.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that anthropogenic noise prompts changes in cephalopod feeding behaviors. Longfin squid were less likely to capture prey during noise playback and more likely to abandon pursuing prey if the noise started during their hunt.
Researchers tracked breeding gannets for 11 years, finding that females travel up to 260km to find food, while males average 220km. The study highlights the importance of long-term studies and suggests differences in diet between sexes may be due to subtle taste preferences.
The study found strong appreciation of natural features in Adelaide's northern metropolitan coastal wetlands, rating them highly for personal wellbeing. Residents developed an attachment to the coastline through activities, valuing these places as they became familiar with them.
A team of oceanographers from the University of Hawaii and colleagues discovered a massive aggregation of fish in the abyssal deep sea, with over 115 cutthroat eels recorded at one time. The finding provides evidence for an abyssal seamount effect, where these mountains can support much higher numbers of animals than surrounding habitats.
Analysis highlights diverse strategies used to sustain fishing livelihoods in modern era, prioritizing diversity and flexibility. Alternative approaches to management and licensing needed to maintain small-scale fishing operations worldwide.
Researchers used advanced technology to study fish communities residing on two World War II shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast. The study found large predatory fish thriving on the wrecks, challenging current understanding of how they find such remote habitats.
A new study found that early-arriving endangered Chinook salmon experience an additional 20% mortality due to sea lion predation. The study also showed that the numbers of California sea lions are highest at the mouth of the Columbia River, increasing exposure to predation.
Researchers found a new species of sea star that clones itself, allowing it to disperse globally and reach the Caribbean. The discovery was made using DNA barcoding and confirms the larvae's ability to clone themselves is a key factor in its distribution.
A new study finds that global plastic emissions may exceed reduction targets by 2030, requiring a fundamental transformation of the plastics economy. To mitigate this issue, experts suggest reducing unnecessary plastics, establishing global limits for new production, and improving waste management.
Research at the Panama Canal has recorded 11 new marine fish species, replacing freshwater fishes in Lake Gatun. The Suez Canal expansion also led to increased salt levels, allowing more non-native species to enter the Mediterranean.
A new study by Swansea University found that environmental factors such as sea surface temperature and cold water upwelling events significantly impact the structure of interaction networks in marine intertidal communities. The researchers analyzed data from 970km of shoreline and discovered that these abiotic drivers modulate species ...
Researchers used GOCI to study high-resolution spatial distribution and tidal variation of suspended sediment over the Yangtze Bank, revealing a tongue-shaped structure and importance of topography in tidal-induced mixing. The study enhances understanding of short-term changes to TSS in Yellow and East China Seas.
A remote at-sea science expedition has completed a first look at the deep waters of the Coral Sea, discovering new corals and possible species never before seen. The team mapped over 35,500 square kilometers of seafloor, creating detailed maps that will be available for scientific research and management.
A new study found that albatrosses wait for stronger winds to fly again and males rely more on strong winds for take-off due to their larger size. The research tracked over 300 albatrosses and combined tracking data with computer modeling to shed light on the role of wind in flight decisions.
The study found that global mean climate velocities in the deepest ocean layers have been 2-4 times faster than at surface over the past 20th century. Climate velocities are projected to continue accelerating even under strong greenhouse gas emission mitigation scenarios, posing significant threats to deep sea biodiversity.
Researchers have found an increase in marine debris collected on beaches of Bird Island and Signy Island, with most items being plastic. Scientists also discovered that fishing vessels contribute significantly to plastic pollution, threatening seabirds and other wildlife in the region.
Researchers have found a rare marine snail, Leptogyra bujnitzkii, in a biological collection from the Soviet Arctic expeditions of the 1930s. The discovery suggests the presence of sunken wood biocenoses in the Arctic Ocean.
A new study led by Dr. Asta Audzijonyte found that changes in water temperature drive changes in average fish species sizes across time and spatial scales. Tropical species tend to get smaller at warmer end of their distribution ranges, while larger species tend to increase in size.
A recent study by Jennifer Welsh found that various sea creatures, such as sponges, crabs, and cockles, can remove a significant portion of virus particles from seawater. These findings suggest that non-host organisms play an important role in regulating virus populations in marine environments.
A new study has shed light on why the world's oceans are home to an astonishing array of species, with slow and steady evolution playing a key role in their diversity. The research analyzed over 20,000 fossil marine animals and found that ecologically flexible groups tend to be more resistant to extinction.
Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a pioneering marine biologist and educator, has been awarded the first-ever Mary Sears Medal for her groundbreaking work on biodiversity and rocky seashore ecology. Her contributions to restoring ocean health and sustainable fisheries have had a lasting impact on the field of marine biology.
A research paper explores Indigenous Australian place relationships using Yanyuwa terms, highlighting the importance of understanding ecological health through Indigenous knowledges. The study examines human relationships with places that play a key role in ecological health, revealing specific terms for good land and sea management.
A group of seven snorkelling grandmothers has helped scientists document a large and previously underestimated population of venomous greater sea snakes in the bay. The project revealed over 249 individual snakes, with new information on breeding patterns and numbers of young.
Researchers found evidence of rapid ocean surface acidification following the Chicxulub asteroid impact, which may have contributed to the K-Pg mass extinction. The study suggests that this acidification led to a significant reduction in global marine primary productivity, lasting up to 40,000 years.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a system that uses a freshwater lens to improve visibility in cloudy waters, allowing scientists to identify fish species with greater accuracy. This breakthrough technology has the potential to monitor wildlife communities around marine renewable developments globally.
Nearshore corals, which grow faster than offshore counterparts due to warmer temperatures, have experienced a decline in growth rates over the past decade. Climate change and coastal development are believed to be major contributors to this decline, with far-reaching implications for global coral reefs.
A landmark study on coral reefs has collected data on over 2.5 million individual corals across 44 countries, revealing alarming rates of bleaching due to climate change, with researchers urging immediate action to protect reefs in the Indo-Pacific region.
Scientists have found evidence that depleted seamounts near Hawaii are recovering after years of federally mandated protection. The team's research suggests that some species are starting to return to these areas, providing a glimmer of hope for the long-term recovery of vulnerable ecosystems.
Coral mass spawning events are becoming more frequent, allowing corals to spread their offspring across different reefs. This phenomenon improves the Great Barrier Reef's resilience and increases its recovery potential.
New research suggests that climate change could lead to the extinction of loggerhead turtles in Cape Verde due to rising temperatures and changing sex ratios. The study projects that by 2100, more than 90% of nests may incubate at lethal temperatures, killing most hatchlings before they can emerge.
A new model predicts blue whale locations based on daily oceanographic data and tagged whale movements. The app will help ship crews and managers avoid collisions with the endangered species along the US West Coast.
Researchers at NJIT are conducting the largest-ever simulation of the Deepwater Horizon spill in a 600-ft.-long saltwater wave tank. The experiment aims to study the effects of dispersants on oil droplet formation and trajectory.
A pioneering artificial reef project has been launched in Sydney Harbour, aimed at increasing local marine biodiversity and supporting native species. The reef, featuring modular pods with 3D printed design elements, is already attracting interest from fish species such as leatherjackets and bream.
Dr. Paula S. Bontempi has been selected as a Fellow of The Oceanography Society for her groundbreaking work in satellite-based ocean ecology. Her dedication to advancing the field through innovative projects and mentorship has made significant contributions to ocean research and education.
Marine scientists investigate the relationship between bumphead parrotfish and their coral reef habitat using molecular analysis, finding that coral rock contains more calories than live coral. The study sheds light on the complex dynamics of coral reef ecology and the role of bumphead parrotfish in shaping their environment.
The red-neck phalarope population from Western Palearctic migrates over 10,000 km to Pacific Ocean and 6,000 km to Arabian Sea for winter, exhibiting a unique migratory divide. This phenomenon is attributed to the species' biogeographical history and can help identify global migratory patterns.
Researchers discovered sea snakes can dive as deep as 250 meters in the mesopelagic zone, challenging previous assumptions about their habitat. The ability to cope with diving sickness allows them to access previously unexplored ecosystems.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.
A Rutgers-led study finds that climate change has led to a decline in sustainable catches for many species of fish and shellfish, with estimated losses ranging from 15% to 35% in some regions. The study highlights the need for fisheries managers to address overfishing and account for climate change in their decision-making.
A new study reviews palaeoecological information associated with hominin dispersals into Southeast Asia and Oceania, highlighting human species' ability to specialize in 'extreme' settings. This specialization stands in contrast to other hominin taxa, reaffirming the importance of studying environmental adaptations of Homo sapiens.
A new study suggests that snoek species may recolonize the Beagle Channel and Southern Western Atlantic, negatively impacting hake populations and regional economies. Researchers analyzed ancient zooarcgaeological remains to reconstruct trophic networks in the region.
A study of European shag diet composition found a dramatic shift from sandeel to other fish species, with potential implications for survival and population trends. Climate change may be driving this shift, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to mitigate its effects.
Researchers analyzed rake marks on over 3000 humpback whale tails and found that attacks by orcas are on the rise. The study suggests that young whales are primary targets, with scarred females showing a higher reproductive success rate.
Researchers found that installing small hexagonal structures called 'spiders' across 5 acres of reef increased live coral cover from less than 10% to over 60%. This cost-effective method has the potential to inform other large-scale coral reef restoration efforts.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that young species of cupuladriid bryozoans can expand into new Caribbean habitats more quickly than older species, taking 2 million years longer to adapt on average.
A Rutgers University-led study documents how baby sea snail larvae detect and respond to ocean turbulence and waves, improving their chances of survival. Climate change may impact the habitats of these larvae, potentially affecting their populations.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found that fish alter their cropping practices under high CO2 conditions, leading to faster growth rates of algae and increased territory occupation. This adaptation could benefit fisheries stocks.
Researchers urge environmental authorities to reconsider removing oil rigs and wind turbines from the sea when worn out. These installations can form oases for marine life, attracting fish and mammals. The decision may be reconsidered based on environmental conditions.
A study evaluates ocean characteristics that influence fisheries bycatch on the US west coast, threatening ecological and economic sustainability. The analysis revealed an increased bycatch risk for protected species, including cetaceans and sea turtles, in areas with dynamic physical structures.
A recent study found that climate change is causing fish species to migrate across national boundaries, leading to new conflicts over fisheries resources. The researchers suggest implementing flexible arrangements for trading fishing permits or quotas across international borders to avoid these disputes.
Sea urchin researchers found that understanding local dynamics can make fishing resource management more effective. The study quantified the relationship between uni quality and fishermen's behavior, revealing a predictable pattern that links seasonal reproductive cycles to fishing patterns.
Researchers studied the effects of El Niño and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on Nazca booby survival. Young birds face low survival rates during El Niño events due to depleted fish stocks, while adults experience higher mortality in warm PDO phases due to increased reproduction difficulties.