Articles tagged with Marine Ecology
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research finds that boat noise can scare fish away from their habitats, disrupting ecosystem balance. The study suggests regulating human activities in protected areas to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on marine communities.
Researchers develop Connectivity Modeling System to simulate larval dispersal and settlement patterns in the Caribbean. The study suggests that powerful currents can 'push out' larvae, but also highlights the importance of protecting source regions for sustainable management of the spiny lobster fishery.
Researchers found that northern gannets avoid visiting neighboring colonies' fishing grounds, suggesting a mathematical explanation rather than territorial behavior. The birds follow specific patterns and routes to find food opportunities, reinforcing cultural transmission within their colonies.
A new spectral band on NASA's Landsat satellite helps identify high-altitude cirrus clouds, allowing scientists to account for their impact on data. The feature enables users to disregard cloudy images or correct data from other spectral bands, ensuring accurate results.
Researchers at UC Davis found that turbulence in waves signals purple sea urchin larvae to start searching for suitable habitat. The two-step process involves an initial response to turbulence, followed by a chemical signal triggering settlement and transformation into juvenile sea urchins.
Researchers found that cobia larvae showed remarkable resistance to end-of-century acidification scenarios, but reduced growth and development at more extreme levels. The study provides an optimistic outlook for this species, but highlights the need for further research on how fish react to ocean acidification.
Researchers have found that sea snakes can rapidly evolve smaller heads to explore narrow burrows and avoid interbreeding with larger-headed ancestors. This process can lead to speciation and shape the population's size and appearance.
Researchers discovered distinct gene expression patterns in Antarctic midge and Arctic springtail species, revealing unique strategies for coping with dehydration. The findings highlight the power of genomics in advancing polar science and uncovering previously undetected differences between these extreme ecosystems.
A long-term mesocosm experiment off Sweden investigates the effects of ocean acidification on plankton communities, shedding light on their ability to adapt to new conditions. The study also explores the impact of ocean acidification on the development of fish at the base of the food web.
Researchers predict warmer oceans will cause phytoplankton to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters due to temperature changes. This shift could lead to a decline in global carbon cycle and climate change.
A UC Santa Cruz study finds that a thriving sea otter population can lead to the growth of kelp forests, which absorb 12 times more CO2 from the atmosphere than without sea urchin grazing. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon sequestration.
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.