Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
African mangrove populations exhibit high genetic diversity, with distinct populations separated by ocean currents and facilitated by connectivity. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystems and their unique biodiversity.
Researchers tracked global ship movements and found a 70.2% decrease in Exclusive Economic Zones during the pandemic's early stages. The impact of reduced boat traffic allowed some marine ecosystems to recover, with clearer water observed in Venice's canals and reduced underwater noise at Vancouver.
A new study by an interdisciplinary team of scientists has discovered a vast microbial ecosystem living deep within the Earth's crust that traps massive amounts of carbon. The microbes, called chemolithoautotrophs, sequester carbon produced during subduction by using chemical energy to build their bodies.
Researchers at UNH discovered that climate change impacts deep-sea corals and sponges variably, with temperature and dissolved oxygen affecting sponge distribution and coral growth. High-resolution video analysis identified specific environmental ranges influencing species sensitivity.
A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.
A new study suggests that microplastic ingestion by zooplankton can significantly affect the marine ecosystem's nutrient cycling and oxygen levels. Even low concentrations of microplastics can lead to a strong impact on ecosystems.
Scientists found that eradicating rats from tropical islands restores critical nutrient cycles to coral reefs within 16 years. Seabird populations are increasing on islands where rats have been eradicated, boosting the health of surrounding ecosystems and improving their chances of rebounding.
The Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator (OCIA) consortium aims to advance knowledge of the ocean's role in combating climate change and develop new solutions. The consortium will focus on advancing the 'networked ocean' concept, placing sensors across oceanic environments to monitor critical metrics.
Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.
A new study reveals that ocean oxygen depletion will continue for centuries if all CO2 emissions were stopped immediately, more than quadrupling the current loss. The long-term decrease in oxygen primarily affects deeper layers, leading to major shifts in marine ecosystems and potentially changing habitats.
A study by Zhang et al. has uncovered evidence of ancient marine algae in fossilized remains from 1400 million-year-old rocks, 600 million years earlier than previously known. The findings suggest that both green and red algal groups were present in marine ecosystems at this time.
Researchers found a significant positive correlation between December sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean and haze days in January over the Yangtze River Delta region. The study reveals that favorable local meteorological conditions, including increased air temperature and southerly winds, facilitate haze formation.
Researchers at Marine Biological Laboratory found that replacing beef with chicken, swapping meat meals for vegetarian options, and upgrading lighting could reduce the institution's nitrogen footprint by up to 7.7%. These 'low-effort' solutions require no major changes or additional funding.
A Rice University study found that runoff from Houston's 2016 Tax Day flood and 2017's Hurricane Harvey flood carried human waste onto coral reefs more than 100 miles offshore. The research showed that even marine ecosystems far from shore can be affected by severe events, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and protection.
Researchers found that high biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems is essential for meeting human needs for micronutrients like calcium and iron. Seafood from biodiverse sources can help combat 'hidden hunger,' a phenomenon where people have access to enough calories but not enough nutrients.
Researchers map human impacts on threatened and near-threatened marine species over time, revealing widespread and intensifying pressures. Corals are found to be severely impacted across their entire ranges, with climate-related impacts increasing in severity.
A six-year study found seagrass meadows can alleviate low pH conditions for extended periods of time, even at night. The grasses can reduce local acidity by up to 30 percent, benefiting marine life such as sea turtles and fish.
Researchers found that Gray's beaked whales have high genetic diversity and flexible social systems, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions. The species' ability to thrive in the face of environmental shifts could provide insights into how other deep-sea animals respond to rapid ecological change.
Researchers from Bigelow Laboratory discovered that copepods gather around small vortexes in the ocean, affecting the food web. These tiny vortexes have significant implications for understanding copepod behavior and their impact on marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals that marine heatwaves are devastating the function of coraligen habitats in the Mediterranean, leading to a loss of structural complexity and essential ecosystem services. The impact is particularly severe for gorgonian corals, which provide shelter for over 1600 species.
The discovery of Aquilolamna milarcae sheds light on the evolution of oceanic animals and reveals a new facet of sharks' evolutionary history. The species is characterized by extremely long pectoral fins reminiscent of wings, feeding on plankton.
A new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles provides estimates of the elusive component of the global carbon cycle. The researchers used two stable carbon isotopes to track carbon through different components of the cycle, finding much higher numbers for land-to-ocean carbon transfer
Researchers at Florida State University found that certain coral species vary in their response to thermal stress, with some surviving and others dying. This diversity helps maintain coral reef resilience, much like a diverse financial portfolio.
A study found that sea otters in Monterey Bay are maintaining patches of healthy kelp forest despite a decline in overall kelp forests along the California coast due to an outbreak of sea urchins. Sea otters increase their consumption of urchins in the remaining kelp patches, but ignore those in barren areas with low nutritional value.
A study explores how a drastic reduction in kelp forests led to shifts in sea otter and sea urchin behavior, restructuring mechanisms that control the ecosystem. Following the decline, sea otters increased their consumption of energetically profitable urchins, enhancing kelp patch resistance to overgrazing.
A coordinated conservation strategy removed invasive rodents from Hawadax Island, leading to the return of native species and a restoration of the island's ecosystem. The study found that removing the rats allowed the seabirds to replenish the seashore invertebrate population, driving down kelp abundance.
A new study suggests that limiting the numbers of invasive species may be a better goal than eliminating them altogether. The research, led by Stephanie Green, proposes a strategy called functional eradication to curtail the impact of destructive and widespread invasive species.
Ecosystem collapse is occurring in 19 case studies across Australia and Antarctica, driven by global climate change and human impacts. A three-step framework to combat irreversible damage is proposed, emphasizing awareness, anticipation, and action to protect key ecosystems.
A new study shows that the Beaufort Sea freshwater release could impact the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, leading to significant changes in northern-hemisphere climate. The freshwater content has increased by 40% over the last two decades, with potential consequences for global climate patterns.
A record-high amount of Arctic freshwater is expected to flow into the Labrador Sea, impacting local marine environments and global ocean currents. The freshwater, which has increased by 40% over the past two decades, will travel through the Canadian Archipelago rather than traditional marine passageways.
Research reveals that coral reefs in the Maldives get more than 70% of their predator's diet from offshore resources. The findings highlight the importance of understanding food web dynamics to predict impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that ocean acidification favors degraded turf algal systems over corals and other algae due to feedback loops. This ecological shift makes it difficult to reverse and has significant implications for coastal ecosystem services.
Researchers from Rutgers University discovered that clouds can carry bacteria and algae, which could impact human health and ecosystems. The study found various types of algae, including cyanobacteria, in cloud water and rainwater collected from France, highlighting the need for further research on these microorganisms.
Lora Harris will research estuarine ecology in Finland, while Christina Goethel will teach and conduct research on Arctic ecosystems in Iceland. Both awardees aim to address global environmental challenges through international collaboration.
A global team of researchers found overwhelming evidence that human-made noise impacts marine life from invertebrates to whales, disrupting behavior, physiology, reproduction, and causing mortality. They identify actions to restore healthy ocean sounds and reduce noise levels in the shipping industry.
A study by Carlos Duarte and colleagues reveals that human-generated noise pollution is negatively affecting marine animals, altering their behavior, physiology, and survivability. The authors argue that mitigating these impacts through regulation of sources can rapidly decline harmful effects.
The MARLIT app uses deep learning techniques to detect and quantify floating plastics in the sea, achieving an 80% reliability rate. Researchers analyzed over 3,800 aerial images to develop this algorithm, which can aid in assessing plastic pollutants worldwide.
New findings published in Science Advances show that northern Tibetan mountain growth increased rainfall, leading to a stable, wet climate conducive to vast plant and animal diversity. The region's biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like monkeys, tigers, and seals, relies on this unique climate.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals mangroves are significantly impacted by plastic pollution from rivers, with 54% of habitats within 20km of a polluting river. River deltas receive 52% of plastic pollution, while rocky shores receive only 6%
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and increased precipitation, affect the amount and composition of tiny phytoplankton in the Neuse River Estuary. The study reveals a shift in concentration and population of picophytoplankton after storms, which could have long-term eff...
A comprehensive review of cephalopods in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem has identified 138 species, including some recorded for the first time. The study expands on known distributions and sheds light on biodiversity, composition, and ecology of these marine animals.
Cold-water coral reefs in the Western Mediterranean have been growing almost continuously for 400,000 years, with major climate swings controlling their development. The study reveals that intense monsoon events also had a detrimental impact on these reefs.
Research found that some fish species exhibit larger gonads and increased reproductive output under elevated CO2 levels, leading to more offspring. Males and females adjust their behavior to optimize reproduction, with males foraging more and investing energy in egg care.
A new species of mosasaur with shark-like cutting teeth has been discovered in Morocco, highlighting the diverse range of predators that thrived in ancient seas. The discovery suggests that marine reptiles were expanding their diversity before they went extinct, contradicting previous assumptions about ecosystem decline.
A new paper introduces a management approach that uses transient dynamics to predict when species may become vulnerable or endangered. The tool helps identify potentially endangered populations and informs adaptive management strategies.
New research unlocks the mystery of the Galápagos Islands' unique ecosystem, revealing that local northward winds drive upwelling and nutrient injection to support biodiversity. The findings inform plans to expand the Galápagos Marine Reserve and improve its management against climate change.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Posidonia oceanica seagrass can trap and remove significant amounts of plastic materials from coastal areas. Researchers estimate that up to 867 million plastics could be caught per year, with a density of 1,470 plastics per kilogram of plant fibre.
A new study reports the highest ocean temperatures since 1955, with the upper 2,000 meters absorbing 20 more Zettajoules than in 2019. The researchers warn of severe consequences for ocean ecosystems and human societies, including increased extreme weather events and wildfires.
New research found that baby sharks are born smaller, more exhausted, and undernourished when exposed to warmer ocean temperatures. The study, conducted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, suggests that this could lead to a decline in their ability to survive in environments already challenging for them.
The harbor porpoise population is declining in the German North Sea, with a decline of 1.79% per year reported over two decades. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the species, which has been affected by human activities at sea, including shipping routes and wind farms.
The study confirms that nutrient imbalance in northeast Asian waters is disrupting phytoplankton species and marine ecosystems. Nitrogen pollutant inflow since the 1980s has led to changes in oceanic conditions, particularly near Ieodo Ocean Research Station.
The Caspian Sea is projected to lose over a third of its surface area due to accelerating sea level drops, posing significant threats to unique ecosystems and millions of people living near the sea. Researchers urge immediate action to mitigate this problem, which could have devastating consequences like global sea level rise.
Researchers identified successful coastal 'bright spots' for marine ecosystem restoration, which have delivered positive impacts for decades. These examples from around the world showcase effective techniques for restoring saltmarshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, highlighting potential solutions to save struggling marine areas.
The study found that five of seven SDG 14 targets are achievable with spatial management tools, such as marine protected areas and fully protected areas. Single-sector tools are not effective for all targets, while multi-sectoral tools facilitate the achievement of a wide range of targets.
Plant communities shifted towards more terrestrial plants and trees, despite dramatic climate changes. Researchers found that rainfall patterns remained relatively minor and short-lived during the mass extinction event.
A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that fishing hardens the understanding of how species adapt to their environment, with morphotypes differing in resource use and diet within marine reserves. Marine reservoirs are crucial for understanding original behavior before human intervention.
A team of international scientists led by Karine Kleinhaus warns of a potential massive oil spill from an abandoned tanker in the Red Sea, which could devastate the region's unique coral reefs and marine ecosystems. The Safer, a floating storage unit with over 1 million barrels of oil, is at risk of leaking into the sea.
A new study mapped the geographic distribution of live corals across Hawaiian waters, revealing areas of degraded reef and 'refugia' where corals show resilience to human-driven environmental stressors. The detailed maps will inform conservation efforts and help protect coral reefs from critical threat levels by 2050.
Research finds common starfish can't survive amplified marine heatwaves projected at the end of the century and experience lasting negative effects from current heatwaves. Heatwaves can also negatively affect their feeding, leading to weight loss and potential ecosystem disruptions.
The sunflower sea star, a key predator in kelp forests, has suffered a dramatic 90.6% decline due to sea star wasting syndrome, resulting in an estimated 5.75 billion animal deaths and nearly complete population loss in the contiguous US and Mexico.