Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
A new study from Stockholm University found that bladderwrack in the Baltic Sea emits significant amounts of methane, which can offset the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide by these algae. The study measured greenhouse gas fluxes over several seasons and found that macroalgae habitats are net carbon sinks.
Researchers discovered that brown algae's fucoidan can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the global cycle in the long term. The fucoidan is a recalcitrant molecule that does not return to the atmosphere quickly, making the brown algae particularly effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers discovered that cold-water coral reefs optimize their growth in response to ocean currents, capturing organic matter and resources. This self-organization allows them to thrive in deep environments, serving as architects of ecosystems and habitats for diverse species.
Scientists have identified genetic subgroups of a common coral species in Palau's Rock Islands that exhibit remarkable tolerance to extreme heat. The corals' larvae travel from their birthing grounds to the outer reef, where they survive and maintain their heat tolerance.
Researchers analyzed fossil bed in Nevada's Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park to determine cause of mass extinction. They found evidence that ichthyosaurs died due to migration, not mass stranding or environmental toxins.
A new study from Ritsumeikan University reveals the essential role of relational values in people's readiness to participate in and support sustainable social-ecological system (SES) management. The research shows that integrating relational values into SES management plans can promote pro-SES behavior among people.
Researchers found biocide-free silicone-based paint to be more effective against fouling than copper-based paints in the Baltic Sea region. The environmentally friendly alternative drastically reduced heavy metal releases into sensitive sea ecosystems.
Researchers found that genetic diversity is key to successful coral transplantation, and using clones of just 10 staghorn individuals led to better results. The team's findings suggest that diversifying coral outplants is safer than betting on one standout 'super coral' to succeed.
Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Researchers have found that corals in the northern Red Sea have not experienced mass bleaching despite high heat stress due to their acquired temperature tolerance around 7,000 years ago. The region's reefs are expected to be among the last standing by the end of the century under projected warming scenarios.
A new study emphasizes the critical importance of conserving deep reefs in the Western Indian Ocean, which are under threat from multiple stressors. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize conservation efforts and consider the region's growing population and economic pressures.
Researchers used a new model to predict the environmental effects of increased desalination and climate change in the Gulf region through 2050. They found that while salinity increases may occur, their impact on marine life is unlikely to be significant.
The use of real-world laboratories can facilitate knowledge exchange between science and society, enabling the development of participatory research approaches to address the complex challenges facing our oceans. By involving all relevant stakeholders in co-designing research questions and testing potential strategies, these labs have ...
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
Research highlights the critical link between island and marine ecosystems, identifying six essential environmental characteristics to guide prioritization of conservation efforts. Restoring islands can maximize returns for conservation management investments in ocean health and biodiversity.
A new study found that different populations of the same marine species have varying thermal limits, and connecting them could ensure survival in a warming world. This approach offers a window of hope for adaptation and conservation practices.
An international research team proposes using engineered nanoparticles to fertilize ocean plankton, encouraging growth and carbon dioxide uptake. The approach has been shown to be safe and effective in enhancing plankton growth through controlled release of nutrients.
Research reveals that microphytobenthos, a key component of the Dutch Wadden Sea food web, obtains its nutrients primarily from detrital nitrogen in pore water. This finding provides new insights into the ecosystem's dynamics and highlights the importance of considering all nutrient pools in models predicting future changes.
HKU Marine Scientists found that oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity, with a 35% shortfall in species diversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that long-term protection is needed to mature restored reefs into complex ecosystems.
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
Researchers identify two southward migration events of Arctic ostracods in the Last Glacial Period, revealing the impact of East Asian winter monsoon on marine ecosystems. The study's findings help understand Asian monsoon dynamics and their effects on polar species distribution, highlighting the risk of extinction under climate change.
A new study published in the Journal of Zoological and Biological Gardens highlights the successful sea otter rehabilitation program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program uses surrogacy as a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, with 71% of surrogate-reared pups surviving post-release compared to 27% that underwent human-led rehabi...
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.
Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.
A regime shift in the Southeast Greenland marine ecosystem has led to a permanent change from an ice-infested to a more temperate system, with large numbers of fin and humpback whales migrating to the area. This tipping point may be irreversible, having cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.
Researchers found a previously unknown transport route for carbon-rich particles from the Barents and Kara Seas to the deep sea, absorbing up to 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. This mechanism is essential for creating global carbon dioxide budgets and understanding the ocean's role in the carbon cycle.
A recent study found that most Antarctic species' chemical compounds can repel amphipod predators but are ineffective against hermit crabs, which could decimate local populations. This highlights the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to invasive species and underscores the importance of long-term research on the seafloor.
Researchers used NASA's Earth observing system to estimate light availability beneath Antarctic sea ice and found significant phytoplankton blooms in nearly all example floats. The study suggests that 50% or more of under-ice Antarctic waters may support blooms, potentially supporting life beneath the ice.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified a new, endemic species of crown-of-thorns seastar in the Red Sea. The species, Acanthaster benziei, differs from other species in the genus by its smaller arms and thinner spines.
Researchers measured phycotoxin concentrations in bull sharks caught in the Indian River Lagoon, finding multiple toxins widespread or persistent in the environment. The study highlights dietary exposure as a key mechanism of toxin transfer to bull sharks.
A new Concordia study reveals that container ship accidents are a growing concern, with significant shortcomings in maritime cargo safeguards. The researchers found that existing regulations are inadequate, and the lack of data makes it difficult to adopt new regulations.
An interdisciplinary team will uncover complex biological systems and develop tools to globally document coral reef health changes. The research aims to understand how herbivory rate at the ecosystem scale emerges and shapes the ecosystem, ultimately informing management of ecosystems.
The 'Nature's Envelope' is a simple model that depicts the scope and scale of biology by compiling information about all living organisms' processes. The model plots sizes of participants and durations of processes on a logarithmic grid, revealing broad S-shaped envelope encompassing half of decadal blocks.
Researchers developed a global indicator to measure marine biodiversity based on extinct fish populations, revealing worsening extinction risk since the 1950s. Implementing management measures can reduce fishing mortality and recover tunas and billfishes, but sharks continue to face threats due to overfishing.
Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.
Despite declining coral, fish, seagrass, and manatees in the Florida Keys, sea urchin populations have remained relatively stable since the 1960s. These marine animals are essential for maintaining healthy environments by cleaning, ventilating, and enriching sediment.
The studies will provide evidence for a new global approach to valuing natural habitats and evaluate biodiversity in marine and urban areas. They aim to deliver on the recommendations from the Government's Dasgupta Review and support nature recovery and halt biodiversity loss.
The discussion focused on the impact of ocean acidification, compound events, sea-level rise, and climate injustice, with experts highlighting the need for youth involvement in decision-making. The panel agreed on the urgent need for climate action ahead of COP27, emphasizing cooperation between nations to mitigate the crisis.
The Congo Basin's largest tropical peatland is a critical carbon sink, but it's near a tipping point due to climate change. Scientists have discovered that the peat formed under drier conditions than other tropical swamps, making it vulnerable to transformation into a carbon source.
Researchers found coastal embayments experience episodic hypoxic events and increased hypoxic conditions compared to open coastline. These areas are likely to be impacted by climate change and ecosystem changes.
A team of scientists found that the largest open ocean dead zone in the eastern Pacific Ocean emerged eight million years ago due to increasing nutrient content. This natural phenomenon was caused by changes in weathering and erosion on land, leading to a major transition in terrestrial ecosystems.
The US Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technology Incubator aims to advance innovative ways to control blooms impacting marine ecosystems and regional economies. The partnership between UMCES and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will offer funding and guidance for innovative control technology projects.
Current high levels of fishing in Antarctica's Southern Ocean, combined with climate change, are taking a concerning toll on the region. The authors argue that allowing continued fishing will jeopardize this ecosystem and is increasingly unsustainable.
Researchers found that ocean bacteria absorbing carbon dioxide from the air need more energy and resources when infected with viruses and facing predator attacks. This complex interaction can lead to increased carbon sequestration, a key factor in mitigating climate change.
Genetic and genomic technologies can protect marine life by identifying illegally harvested seafood products and monitoring disease outbreaks. Assisted evolution and synthetic biology could also benefit ocean ecosystems by introducing beneficial species or manufacturing products in the lab.
The Black in Marine Science organization, founded by Tiara Moore, aims to increase diversity in the field. Despite its efforts, it still faces significant challenges, including a lack of representation among minority groups.
Researchers developed the first model for the western Baltic Sea, which includes top predators, fish species, and their interactions. Ecosystem-based management increases catches of cod and herring while improving food web resilience to climate change, and potential carbon sequestration is more than three times greater.
A comprehensive classification of world's ecosystems across land, rivers, and wetlands enables effective biodiversity conservation and informed policy decisions. The typology helps policymakers and industry plan initiatives in full context, informing decisions on ecosystem protection and restoration efforts.
Geoscientists at the University of Sydney have created a method to assess the health of coral reefs from space by analyzing sand aprons. The research reveals that sand aprons can be used to predict carbonate sediment productivity, with significant declines detected in recent years, indicating potential effects of climate change.
A recent study from Japan reveals that color patterns on fish influence their aggressive behavior and determine the color patterns of cohabitating fish. The study found that anemonefish with white bars on an orange or red background exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish with similar color patterns.
A marine heatwave in Baja California led to the loss of a native kelp forest, replaced by invasive algae species. The study found that the warm waters hindered native kelps while allowing invasive species to thrive, potentially affecting other organisms up the food chain.
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
The Great Salt Lake is losing freshwater input to agriculture and urban growth, causing salt concentrations to spike. Like Iran's Lake Urmia, it's reaching levels stressful for brine shrimp and brine flies, which are essential for migratory birds.
Research finds that biodiversity metrics may show no change despite reorganisation of ecological communities in oceans, and new species replace lost ones. The study suggests a need for alternative methods to detect species replacements and abundance changes rather than just habitat loss or biodiversity loss.
A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...
A recent study suggests that coral reefs can evolve and adapt to climate change by protecting a sufficient diversity of coral reefs, particularly in hotter waters. The researchers advocate for conservation approaches at local, regional, and global scales to address this issue.
A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment found that stable oxygen levels in the ocean, rather than high oxygen levels alone, triggered the greatest increase in animal species in Earth's history. This discovery may help scientists preserve marine ecosystems and understand how to control ocean deoxygenation.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
A new genus and species of algae called Protocodium sinense has been discovered in China, providing new insight into the early diversification of the plant kingdom. The fossils are remarkably modern-looking and suggest that green algae were already established in shallow waters as carbon dioxide recyclers and oxygen producers before th...
Research from North Carolina State University and the International Research Laboratory Takuvik found that wildfire smoke in Siberia amplified a phytoplankton bloom in the Arctic Ocean. The bloom was larger than normal, requiring a substantial influx of new nitrogen supply to occur.