Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
Scientists studied a species of roundnose grenadier fish, finding adaptation to depth at functional genes linked to body form and function. This 'disruptive' selection allows for the evolution of new species, even within the same geographic population.
A large-scale research analysis found that sea bathing doubled the odds of reporting general ear ailments and increased the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses by 29%. The study suggests pollution is still an issue affecting swimmers in high-income countries like the UK.
A University of Queensland study found that goanna raids on loggerhead turtle nests increased since feral fox control in the 1980s. Researchers observed up to 400 disturbed nests annually at Wreck Rock beach.
Scientists report that four penguin species target gelatinous animals for meals, providing a new link in the food web. The findings suggest that gelatinous organisms play an underrated role in the carbon cycle and can sustain large marine animals.
Artificial coral reefs can be more attractive to divers than natural formations and help mitigate potential reef damage. A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that artificial reefs around the world can evaluate aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects of diving experiences.
Researchers developed models to predict oil droplet size and gas bubble movement, finding dispersant use reduced toxic compounds and protected emergency workers. The study provides first answers to controversial policy questions about deep-sea petroleum releases.
A study by UCSB marine scientists reveals the world's oceans have sufficient space to produce 15 billion metric tons of finfish annually, meeting global demand using less than 1% of ocean surface. Aquaculture could support human livelihoods and economic growth while providing food security.
New research aims to understand falling sea levels in the Dead Sea, with potential impacts on the environment and local economies. The study will use historical and present-day data, along with numerical models to predict future levels and assess government responses.
Researchers identified dissolved barium as a tracer to quantify the extent of Kuroshio's impact on the East China Sea. The study found that Kuroshio subsurface water forms an intrusion current by climbing northwest along the bottom, with nearly 65% of its volume entering the Qiantang Estuary.
Researchers found two groups of flounders became distinct species at an extraordinary pace of approximately 2400 generations, setting a new record for the fastest event of speciation. The study's findings have important implications for our understanding of ecological speciation and its role in marine biodiversity.
A newly discovered damselfish species in the Philippines has been found to exhibit rare brood-guarding behavior, protecting its young until they can fend for themselves. This unusual parenting strategy significantly improves survival rates, with up to 35% of offspring surviving, compared to less than 1% for most coral reef fish.
A new study reveals that a consistent supply of coral larvae from neighboring healthy reefs is crucial for the recovery of degraded reefs. This allows corals to colonize in groups and thrive in areas with low seaweed abundances and cryptic spaces.
Lubchenco suggests aligning short- and long-term economic incentives to achieve a diverse mix of benefits for the marine and maritime sectors. She notes that highlighting the potential of blue growth, transforming social norms in industry, and taking a cross-sector approach are key steps towards achieving sustainable blue growth.
Jane Lubchenco, OSU marine ecologist and advocate for science-based policies, is honored with the Public Welfare Medal for her efforts to bring together research communities and policymakers to address global environmental issues. She has dedicated her career to promoting public service and inspiring future researchers.
A new study published in Science suggests that meeting the Paris Agreement's global warming target of 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to a significant increase in global fish catches, with potential gains ranging from three to six million metric tons per year. The researchers found that some oceans are more sensitive to changes in tempe...
A new type of 'tag' on whales allows researchers to record data every second for hours, days, and weeks at a time, providing insights into whale ecology, behavior, and interactions with prey. The technology has turned whales into scientific partners to help understand ocean conditions and climate change.
Meeting the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target could significantly benefit fisheries, with potential fish catches increasing by more than three million tonnes per year for every degree Celsius decrease in global warming.
Researchers developed a computer model to understand the metabolic capabilities of Prochlorococcus, revealing extensive alterations to its metabolism to reduce dependence on phosphorus. The study found that this adaptation provides a growth advantage for the microbe in phosphorus-limited regions of the ocean.
A new study finds that global fisheries will lose an estimated $10 billion in annual revenue by 2050 if climate change continues unchecked. Developing countries, which rely heavily on fishing for food and income, will be the most vulnerable to these losses.
A new study suggests that sound plays a limited role in attracting coral larvae to reef systems. By recording particle motion using accelerometers, researchers found that the signal drops rapidly below levels detectable by most marine species just a few meters away from the reef. This finding challenges previous studies and highlights ...
A University of Toronto study found that high ocean temperatures and uncoordinated treatment likely led to an outbreak of sea lice in BC salmon farms. The study revealed that the spread of sea lice to migrating juvenile wild salmon resulted in the highest numbers of sea lice observed on wild salmon in a decade.
A study by researchers at University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that weathered oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill affects heart, eye, and neurological function in mahi-mahi embryos and larvae. The findings suggest that this type of oil poses a significant threat to developing fish.
Researchers at Oregon State University found native Olympia oysters are more resilient to ocean acidification due to their slower shell-building phase. This trait allows them to survive high levels of acidity, contrary to the rapid development seen in Pacific oysters.
Seabirds nest in areas where food is concentrated due to ocean currents and climate. The locations of nearly two million seabird colonies along Norway's coast north of the Arctic Circle are influenced by fish larvae hot spots.
Scientists have created detailed maps charting seasonal movements and population densities of 35 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The maps provide insights into habitats, tracking regional differences in population densities and large seasonal shifts in migratory baleen whales.
The ocean microbiome is a vast biological network that regulates global systems, including energy consumption and respiration. Microbes are responsible for virtually all photosynthesis in the ocean and cycle essential nutrients and trace elements.
A new study reveals differences in seal species' behavior, influencing effective measures to mitigate seal-fishery conflict. The study suggests that developing fishing gear and practices can provide more effective mitigation measures than removing individual seals away from fishing gear.
After 10 years of monitoring, a UCSB analysis reveals that MPAs in the Channel Islands network are enhancing ecological communities. Fish species targeted by fishermen have greater density and biomass inside MPAs, while unprotected areas show increases in fished species.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed a novel plankton sampling system utilizing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect and analyze small planktonic larvae in coastal waters. The SUPR-REMUS system combines cutting-edge technologies, including DNA barcode analysis, to provide fine-scale information...
A new species of salamander, Palaeoplethodon hispaniolae, has been found preserved in Dominican amber, dating back over 20 million years. The fossil provides clues to the ecological and geological history of the Caribbean islands, highlighting the region's complex past.
A comprehensive analysis found that time since introduction is the most useful measurement in predicting non-native species' global ranges. The study highlights the importance of careful vigilance at sites receiving high numbers of potential invasive species delivery vectors.
Scientists discover that mass extinction event triggered by asteroid strike led to the rise of ray-finned fishes as the ocean's most diverse and dominant vertebrates. The abundance of ray-finned fish teeth began to explode after the extinction event, becoming eight times more abundant in 24 million years.
In 2013, godwits postponed arrival by over three weeks due to unseasonable weather, but still raised more young than usual. The birds' ability to cope with extreme weather may be beneficial for climate change mitigation.
Karen Lloyd, a University of Tennessee professor, has been selected as a 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Ocean Sciences for her groundbreaking research on marine microbial life and geochemical cycles. Her work holds promise for understanding the physiology and ecology of marine microbial life.
Researchers from University of Southampton develop new automated method for classifying hundreds of miles of the deep sea floor, creating broad-scale maps to estimate biodiversity hotspots. The maps cover approximately 125 miles across, using information on topography and sediment type to identify distinct 'geomorphological terrains'.
A new study reveals that climate change is weakening the natural barrier separating marine biotas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, promoting the interchange of fishes between the two oceans. This will lead to a tremendous increase in fish biodiversity in coastal areas around Greenland and Svalbard.
A new report by UCSB researchers highlights the alarming rate of marine animal extinctions, driven by industrial activities such as factory farming and seafloor mining. Climate change is also degrading marine habitats, posing a significant threat to ocean wildlife.
A new virus, Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV), has been identified as the cause of a widespread disease affecting sea stars along the Pacific Coast. The study found that the virus was present in museum specimens dating back to 1942 and had likely existed at low levels for over 72 years.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that a single group of microorganisms may be responsible for most of the world's vitamin B12 production in the oceans. This discovery has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and climate change.
A team of researchers used a neutral evolution model to simulate the distribution of marine bacteria cells. They found that microbes evolve faster than the ocean can disperse them, resulting in dynamic biogeographic patterns. This study sheds light on how ocean microbes may respond to global climate change.
Malassezia fungi, linked to human skin conditions, have been found across multiple environments including Hawaiian coral reefs, arctic soils, and deep sea vents. They dominate certain marine ecosystems and are also found in marine mammals and fish, suggesting a broader ecological significance.
Researchers tracked 35 blue sharks for up to 1,000 days and found evidence of a discrete central North Atlantic nursery. Juvenile female blue sharks migrate seasonally while juvenile males expand their range southward, with males displaying greater behavioral variation.
Researchers found that boat noise stops embryonic development and increases larval mortality in sea hares. This study underscores the impact of anthropogenic noise on vulnerable species, potentially disrupting coral reef ecosystems.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers has identified the biological flaw that causes most fish larvae to die within days of hatching. The 'hydrodynamic starvation' mechanism is triggered by the physical interaction between the larva and its environment, leading to poor feeding ability and high mortality rates.
Researchers found that the daily energy demands of a female sea otter increase by 17% after giving birth to a pup and can be nearly twice what they are when she doesn't have a pup. The study reveals why female sea otters often appear in poor condition at the end of lactation period.
Researchers Zunli Lu and Xiaoli Zhou have confirmed the earliest appearance of dissolved oxygen in ocean surface waters, shedding light on the Great Oxidation Event. Their novel iodine geochemistry approach enables them to measure oxygen levels in ancient rocks, providing insights into marine ecology and global warming.
A new study shows that middle predators, not just top predators, influence the health of entire ecosystems. In some areas, fear of predation by middle predators actually harms the reef's fertility.
Research suggests that rising ocean temperatures will lead to a decrease in inter-reef connectivity and coral diversity. As reefs retain more of their own coral larvae, they may recover faster from disturbances but also become more vulnerable to climate change.
Researchers analyzed stomach contents of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales to better understand their feeding ecologies. The study found that while the two species share similar foraging parameters, pygmy sperm whales consume a greater diversity and size of prey.
A new analysis reveals the complex nature of global bycatch, highlighting the need for international cooperation to reduce ecological harm. Strategies like depth variation and turtle excluder devices have been shown to increase target catch and reduce bycatch in fisheries.
Researchers found that two Chilean barnacle species, Jehlius cirratus and Notochthalamus scabrosus, coexist without strong competition, even in different temperatures. The study's surprising non-finding may have implications for understanding the biological future of major coastlines.
High pollutant concentrations in Guánica Bay's sediments pose a significant threat to coral reefs and marine life. The study provides an ecological baseline for improved watershed management.
A team of researchers discovered that large multicellular organisms grew tall to access nutrient-rich ocean flow, gaining an advantage over bacteria. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of early life forms and may have implications for understanding modern ocean processes.
A study reveals a shift in competitive dynamics among crustose coralline algae due to ocean acidification, altering biodiversity. The researchers found that the dominant species, Pseudolithophyllum muricatum, no longer enjoys its competitive advantage, likely due to lower pH levels recorded over the last 12 years.
Researchers at UH Manoa discovered a biological trigger behind marine biofouling, where certain bacteria induce larval metamorphosis. This process has implications for boat owners and the mariculture industry, which rely on larval settlement to create new communities.
A four-year study tracked the migratory patterns of 33 tiger sharks across the Coral Sea. Coastal marine parks offer limited protection to these apex predators, whereas oceanic reefs are crucial for their ecology and require prioritization in conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that fish larvae of cardinalfish and damselfish use olfactory cues to detect the presence of coral reefs, allowing them to navigate their way back home. The researchers used an o-DISC device to track larval movement and orientation in response to odor cues.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that fish larvae can smell the presence of coral reefs from far offshore and use this odor to navigate home. The study found that water temperature and current directions do not influence the orientation of larvae, but rather a proximal cue allows them to settle and find their way back.
New research reveals that baby corals can survive in acidic conditions, but adult corals may face significant challenges. Ocean acidification could impede the ability of adult corals to build skeletons and grow.
A study using Hawaiian restaurant menus from the mid-20th century found a significant decline in reef fish populations and a rise in large pelagic species. The analysis suggests that this shift paralleled drops in wild abundance, pointing to changes in public tastes and supply-side information as contributing factors.