Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
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A Penn State-led project in the Gulf of Mexico has been recognized for its diverse partnerships and groundbreaking discoveries, including new coral communities and marine archaeological finds. The research aims to protect deep-water corals and other hard-bottom communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The invasive Ophiothela mirabilis has established populations in the Atlantic, threatening coral reefs near Brazilian and Caribbean ports. Its ability to clone itself increases its proliferating capacity and dispersal, altering the ecology of Atlantic coral reef habitats.
A University of Michigan study found that tiny, freeloading clams form strong commensal relationships with larger hosts in soft-bottom habitats, allowing them to access previously unavailable habitats and thrive. This adaptation is associated with the evolution of megadiverse marine biodiversity.
Researchers found that two closely related sea star species diverged around 6,000-22,000 years ago, ruling out slow genetic changes over time. The boundary between cold and warm water in the Coral Sea may have isolated a small population of ancestral sea stars.
A new UBC study suggests that reducing the global fishing fleet, eliminating harmful subsidies, and implementing effective management systems could make global fisheries worth $54 billion annually. The study's authors estimate a potential return on investment of three- to seven-fold over 50 years.
A study by ecologists in New Zealand found that a 1170 km2 marine sanctuary significantly improved survival of Hector's dolphins, one of the rarest dolphin species. The research revealed a 5.4% increase in survival rates since the Marine Protected Area was designated in 1988.
Changes in ocean conditions and species shifts over the past 50 years suggest that static MPAs may not work as intended. New technological advances and collaboration will be necessary to design effective MPAs in a changing climate. Researchers are calling for greater foresight and flexibility in MPA management.
A University of Miami research team studied the larval stage of great barracuda and sennets, finding they share a similar diet and live in upper 25m ocean layer. The study identifies a size advantage within the larval stage, where bigger larvae are more likely to survive.
A study published in Science reveals that animal and plant populations need to move at similar rates to keep up with climate change effects in the ocean and on land. The analysis shows that marine life would need to relocate fast, even in biodiversity hot spots like the coral triangle region.
Scientists found that bubble-rafting snails, such as the common purple snail (Janthina janthina), evolved from sea-floor snails by modifying their egg masses to create buoyant rafts. This discovery suggests a new evolutionary pathway for these unique snails.
Three NOAA scientists, James Morris, Erin Oleson, and David Richardson, have been recognized for their outstanding work in ecology, whale and dolphin research, and fishery dynamics. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of invasive species, marine conservation, and sustainable fishing practices.
Researchers found that sea urchins have photoreceptors on the tip and base of their tube feet, allowing them to react to light and potentially use the shadow cast by their skeleton for direction. This unique system enables sea urchins to navigate and function in their surroundings despite lacking eyes.
A potent toxin, ciguatoxin, has been discovered in Hawaiian monk seals, posing a significant threat to their dwindling population. The toxin accumulates in fish consumed by humans and causes acute gastrointestinal and neurological illness.
Coastal communities can address localized ocean acidification hotspots by applying federal and state laws and policies at a local level, reducing the impact on marine environments.
Increasing ocean acidity poses significant threats to northern abalone populations, with exposure to higher CO2 levels killing 40% of larvae and reducing their size. This could limit population growth and have cascading effects on coastal ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the duration of open water periods has no relationship with the geographic coverage of marine species, contradicting previous assumptions. Ocean currents allow fish larvae to quickly spread their distribution worldwide.
Researchers have discovered that massive ocean eddies can reach the ocean bottom at mid-ocean ridges, transporting larvae, chemicals, and heat. This phenomenon helps explain how larvae travel huge distances from one vent area to another.
Researchers found that low frequency sound causes severe lesions in cephalopod sensory organs, including statocysts. This damage can affect balance, spatial orientation, and other critical functions.
Research by ecologists at Brown University found that faster water flow speeds promote greater diversity of invertebrate species on rocks under the ocean. The study showed consistent results across three regions, suggesting that water flow is a key factor in determining marine biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that the North American comb jellyfish generates a hydrodynamically silent feeding current using microscopic cilia. This allows it to approach and capture copepod plankton with ease, despite their acute escape response.
A new survey of Antarctic krill reveals high biomass densities and stable populations in shallow waters, challenging traditional offshore survey methods. The study's findings have significant implications for krill fishery management.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
Research in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is crucial due to rapid climate change, with 87% of glaciers in retreat and sea ice no longer present. A multi-platform approach combining ships, satellites, and sensors will help quantify heat budgets and understand interactions between ice, atmosphere, and ocean.
Researchers have discovered a new parasite, Edwardsiella, living on the American comb jellyfish that causes skin irritation in humans. The parasite's larvae may be problematic for Swedish sea bathers during late summer beach season.
Small algae consume more bacteria than specialized predators, gaining a competitive survival edge in the open ocean. This finding supports the idea that bacteria are a crucial nutrient source for these microorganisms.
Researchers found that fat garden warblers, like those studied in Italy, take significantly shorter breaks during migration. They typically move on by nightfall, while thin birds wait for nearly two days to replenish their fat reserves. This study highlights the importance of ecologically-intact resting grounds for migratory birds.
A new study published in Molecular Ecology suggests that minke whale populations are not preventing the recovery of larger whales due to competition for food resources. The research found that genetic diversity within the minke whale population is similar to pre-whaling levels, allowing large whale species to recover.
A recent increase in winter mortality among Atlantic puffins could be attributed to worsening North Sea conditions, according to a new study. Geolocation technology tracked puffins from the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, revealing that some birds make long trips into the Atlantic during winter.
Researchers discovered that Yellow-lipped Sea Kraits deceive predators by twisting their tails to resemble a second head, complete with venom. This false-head behaviour is an overlooked anti-predator adaptation that helps sea snakes survive in the ocean.
Aggressive algae injure and kill competitors to gain access to their cells' nutrients, similar to blood-sucking insects. This behavior may be a key mechanism in the formation of toxic plankton blooms.
Four University of Miami Marine Biology and Fisheries students have received recognition from the National Science Foundation for their research on coral reefs. Ross Cunning and John Parkinson were awarded fellowships, while Sean Bignami and Kevin V. Brix received Honorable Mentions.
Researchers use acoustic tags to track Atlantic salmon migration, finding valuable information about fish movements and survival rates. Early data suggest many young salmon are surviving their journey to the Labrador Sea and coastal West Greenland.
A possible solution to the global carbon dioxide problem involves planting forests that can absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, then removing it by burial. This approach has been proposed as a realistic method to tackle the issue.
A leading international team of marine scientists has warned that it is too early to sell carbon offsets from ocean iron fertilization. The researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale experiments to assess the efficiency and potential side effects of this method, which could have unintended ecological impacts.
Damming the Red Sea could solve the region's growing energy demands and alleviate oil supply tensions through hydroelectric power. However, such a massive project may cause untold ecological harm and displace countless people from their homes.
A new study by Smithsonian scientists suggests that environmental changes in the Caribbean led to extinctions 2 million years after the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. The research found that most coral and snail species died off a good 2 million years after the environmental change that caused their demise.
A new study found that rapid larval growth in warm Caribbean waters is often disrupted by complex oceanographic processes, leading to variable settlement rates. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing and conserving fish populations.
Researchers at Oregon State University have cultured SAR11 bacteria in a lab to study its unique 'proteorhodopsin' gene. The findings suggest that this gene may serve as an auxiliary energy system for the cells when faced with starvation, benefiting ocean life.
Researchers sequenced goby DNA to find evidence of invasion; genetic analysis suggests Atlantic gobies invaded during warm period 150,000 years ago. Warmer climate may lead to further expansion of marine species beyond cold water barriers.
Italian scientist Boncinelli is recognized for his ability to cover multiple disciplines in his books. He finds balance between scientific facts and a social context. A Russian scientist, Dr. Alexander Vershinin, receives an additional prize for his education initiative promoting marine life knowledge among children.
A team of scientists from Israel, US, and Germany have found that tiny ocean animals called zooplankton can 'treadmill' against strong vertical currents to keep their depth. This remarkable behavior has significant implications for the survival of predators and humans.
The study of Silicibacter pomeroyi's genome reveals that marine bacterioplankton use inorganic compounds for energy, enabling efficient carbon use in low-nutrient oceans. The research also shows the microbe's adaptability to ocean hot spots, rich areas of organic matter.
The $4.1 million award will enable Dr. Virginia Armbrust to study the importance of phytoplankton in mediating global warming through their genomic sequences and community interactions. This research aims to understand how changes in the environment impact phytoplankton abundance, which is crucial for predicting climate change effects.
The National Science Foundation has funded six projects under its Ecology of Infectious Diseases program to understand the ecological and biological mechanisms behind relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious disease emergence. The research will focus on understanding disease transmission, unintended heal...
Researchers found that even minor temperature shifts in the deep sea can rapidly alter species richness and functional diversity. The study highlights the vulnerability of deep-sea fauna to environmental alteration, providing new insights into climate change's potential consequences.
A recent study reveals that Caribbean reefs have suffered an alarming 80% loss of coral since 1980 due to various disturbances. However, team members have identified signs of new coral growth in some areas, including Jamaica, suggesting a potential path towards recovery.
A study quantifying incidental catch of loggerheads and leatherbacks in the global pelagic longline fishery reveals alarming bycatch rates. The authors estimate that thousands of hooked turtles die from longline takes each year, posing a significant threat to Pacific turtle populations.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers suggests that chemical nutrients washed into the sea can increase the severity of coral diseases, leading to significant declines in Caribbean reef health. The findings support calls for reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage and deforestation.
Phytoplankton communities fix carbon half as fast at pH 9, while dinoflagellates correlate strongly with high pH levels. Increased nutrient loading increases pH variability, affecting coastal ecosystems.
Researchers found that school-forming goat fish synchronize their activity patterns to increase food catch. This synchronization strategy is effective even in chaotic systems, where individual behavior can vary wildly.
A new study by Scripps researchers reveals that phytoplankton capture and absorb solar radiation, contributing to a global warming of 0.1-0.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The findings challenge iron fertilization efforts aimed at reducing global warming, suggesting this approach may actually contribute to warming the ocean.
The study aims to optimize planned control of the parasitic fish that have had a devastating impact on native fish populations in Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes. Anglers will be asked to collect marked sea lampreys from their catches, providing valuable data for researchers.
A Rutgers researcher discovered the rapid revival of life around hydrothermal vents on the Pacific Ocean floor after a lava flow appeared to exterminate it. Over 500 new species have been found at these sites, including unique organisms like giant tube worms and hairy Pompeii worms.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, have made a groundbreaking discovery about how marine bacteria acquire iron from seawater. The marinobactin and aquachelin siderophores, produced by these bacteria, exhibit a unique ability to bind to iron and form vesicles, raising questions about their physiological role.
A captive breeding program aims to replenish the nearly decimated population of white abalone by leveraging their unique reproductive needs. The mollusks require close proximity with an opposite sex for fertilization, hindering effective reproduction and making conservation efforts challenging.
Biologists predict that global warming and pollution will lead to more frequent die-offs of sea life, with diseases such as distemper and herpes virus spreading among marine organisms. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to understand the impacts of climate change on ocean epidemics.