Research on ocean life and coastal ecosystems. Covers ocean carbon protection, sea turtles, plankton and food webs, and warming-driven whale feeding.
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 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 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 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.
Researchers found that developing sea anemones use hydraulic muscles to regulate body pressure and sculpt tissue. The more active larvae are, the longer they take to develop, suggesting a trade-off between movement and growth.
The Arabian Gulf's seasonal near-bottom hypoxic zone has expanded by over 50% since the 1980s, persisting for several months each year. This decline in oxygen concentrations threatens regional fisheries and marine biodiversity.
A new standard will help identify critical areas for shark conservation using criteria that consider biological and ecological needs. The framework aims to support the protection of apex predators facing extinction due to human threats.
Scientists argue that shallow-water mining is not a sustainable alternative to deep-water mining due to the removal of habitat and biodiversity loss. The authors caution that the extraction of valuable materials requires rigorous environmental evaluation before it can be declared safe and sustainable.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
Researchers found climate models are less accurate in projecting how tropical cyclones will affect individual coral reefs, highlighting the importance of targeted conservation efforts. The study urges caution when using climate models to identify vulnerable reef communities to storm damage.
A 12,000-year analysis of El Niño's impact on animal communities reveals a tipping point where five or more major events per century lead to dramatic changes in eastern Pacific ecosystems. This finding suggests that strong El Niño events will play an increasingly important role in shaping future ecosystems.
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
University of South Florida researchers found that mangroves have overtaken 83% of oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, leading to a decline in ecosystem function and habitat for threatened species. Climate-driven changes are altering subtropical ecosystems, threatening the very foundations of coastal biodiversity.
A team of scientists has discovered that adult female leopard seals are 1.5 times larger and longer than males, while females spend more time on ice and land to rest. The study also found high variability in movement patterns and dive behavior among the seals.
A new scientific article highlights the need for a global ocean vision to guide marine policies, plans, and programs. The authors propose incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) into international agreements to develop this holistic approach.
Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.
Researchers have discovered a massive new mosasaur species from Morocco, named Thalassotitan atrox, which filled the apex predator niche. The giant mosasaur had massive jaws and teeth like those of killer whales and hunted other marine reptiles.
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
Researchers assembled a large biologging dataset to understand how sharks, rays, and skates use the ocean depths. They found that many species migrate vertically in response to food resources, with some diving to extreme depths.
Marine heatwaves and ocean acidity extremes often co-occur in subtropical oceans, exacerbating negative impacts. Climate change projections indicate a strong increase in compound events, posing severe threats to marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that bioturbation by fiddler crabs increases soil pH and reduces salinity, creating a more hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria produce essential chemicals for iron trapping, improving mangrove plant growth.
A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science develop a method to determine the number of samples required for accurate assessment of microplastic contamination in urban rivers. The study found that at high MP concentrations, two replicate samples are sufficient to measure MP concentrations accurately.
Small amounts of highly weathered oil residues from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster were still present in the surroundings ten years later. The study suggests that many environmental impacts are caused by chemically altered oil components, which can have different toxicities and physical properties.
A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.
New research projects a southerly shift of suitable habitat for blue and sperm whales in New Zealand waters due to climate change. The study finds a 61% loss of suitable habitat for sperm whales, mostly in northern waters, with potential socioeconomic impacts on the local economy.
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
Researchers found that adult sea urchins can pass on heatwave resistance to their offspring, but this effect may not last throughout juvenile development. The study suggests that different life stages have varying abilities to cope with thermal stress, and that parental conditioning can help juveniles survive in extreme temperatures.
Scientists have identified possible 'thermal refugia' where coral reefs are more likely to survive warming oceans. An interactive global atlas has been created with locations of these areas, providing a starting point for conservation efforts.
A newly published framework outlines steps for administering probiotics to wildlife, prioritizing native species, effective dosages, and delivery systems. The goal is to restore beneficial bacteria and protect key symbiotic relationships, while considering potential risks and side effects.
Research warns of substantial loss in kelp canopy, decline in Dungeness crab and razor clam survival rates, and loss of aerobic habitat for anchovy and pink shrimp. Climate change impacts will be complex, with some effects boosting metabolism but others decreasing survival rates.
A study led by ICM-CSIC finds that mass mortality events caused by marine heatwaves affected all Mediterranean regions between 2015 and 2019, resulting in recurrent mass mortalities throughout the period. The research highlights the significant positive relationship between the duration of heat waves and the incidence of mortality events.
A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
A FAU Harbor Branch study demonstrates hydrology impacts through high-resolution simulation model. Increased freshwater discharge contributes to intensified shelf water mixing that favors surface intrusion of Loop Current waters.
A long-term study on plastic degradation in oceans reveals significant differences between beach and shipwreck samples. Researchers found that beach-dried plastic pellets had undergone extensive degradation, while those trapped in the wreck showed minimal signs of aging.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that corals' fluorescence serves as a lure for plankton, which are then consumed by predators like corals. The researchers found that green-fluorescent corals were 25% more preyed upon than yellow-fluorescent ones.
A new model reconstructs marine animal diversity from 550 million years ago to present, revealing long-term stability and development of biodiversity hotspots. The findings support the idea that ecosystems can support high levels of diversity, but regions hosting hotspots may be close to their limit.
Scientists analyzed nearly two decades of underwater recordings to find that the distinctive songs of Chagos pygmy blue whales have increased in frequency over time. This suggests that stocks of the sub-species may be on the rebound after being hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century.
A global team of experts identifies 15 emerging issues threatening marine and coastal biodiversity, including lithium extraction and deep-sea fishing. The horizon scan highlights the importance of assessing these issues now to drive policy change and protect ecosystems.
A report by experts predicts 15 issues that will impact marine and coastal biodiversity in the next decade, including lithium extraction, wildfires, and overfishing. The study aims to raise awareness and encourage investment to protect these ecosystems.
A new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.
In a breakthrough observation, scientists documented large groups of southern fin whales feeding together in the Antarctic for the first time since the whaling ban. The discovery suggests that fin whale populations are rebounding, with numbers reaching up to 150 individuals.
Researchers highlight need for stronger integration of international negotiations to protect the ocean. They emphasize the importance of the ecosystem approach and regional environmental management plans in achieving a more cohesive global governance solution.
Researchers combined nuclear fallout records with coral skeletons to define the Anthropocene period, which marks a milestone for humanity's impact on Earth's environment. The study provides clear evidence of plutonium fallout from 1954, linking sediments and coral records.
Researchers explore the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols, including sources and detection strategies. The study highlights the need for monitoring and understanding the relationship between human, animal, and environmental microbiomes to counter the spread of AR.
Research suggests climate-driven changes in seawater density may disrupt mangrove dispersal patterns worldwide, particularly in the Indo-West Pacific region. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the importance of considering oceanic factors in understanding mangrove response to climate change.
A new study reveals that bottom burrowing animals were among the first to recover after the end-Permian mass extinction. The research, led by Dr. Xueqian Feng, used ancient sea bed burrows and trails to reconstruct the recovery stages of various animal groups.
A long-term study reveals that changes in sea urchin behavior, rather than population size, drove the destruction and recovery of kelp forests. Sea urchins moved from crevices to forage on kelp, leading to denuded 'urchin barrens' before recovering at sites with reduced kelp productivity.
Great White Sharks have been avoiding a South African coastal region due to the presence of Orcas. Long-term sightings and tagging data show that Great Whites flee areas with high Orca activity, adopting a 'flight' strategy reminiscent of wild dogs in response to increased lion presence.
Researchers found that Mediterranean sea urchins can withstand unprecedentedly warm sea temperatures and acidic oceans, a concerning sign for coastal ecosystems. As the ocean warms, these urchins are likely to spread throughout the Mediterranean, ravaging kelp forests and causing the demise of other species.
A new study models potential impacts on global biodiversity if temperatures increase by more than 2°C and then decline again. Tropical regions are most affected, with over 90% of species pushed outside their thermal niches.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch develop an ocean model to study connectivity between the Everglades and Florida Keys via Florida Bay. The tool aims to predict changes in responses to water management, ecological restoration and climate change.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
A new analysis demonstrates that mangrove and coral reef restoration can be a cost-effective solution for coastal flood reduction. The study found that the benefits from reduced flood damage exceed the costs of restoration, making nature-based solutions an attractive option for funding.