Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
Researchers found unusually warm water and an active ecosystem in the Bering and Chukchi seas, defying late-season expectations. The discovery highlights delays in sea ice formation supporting late-season biological production, and shifts in benthic animals' biomass.
Researchers found no ice and a surprisingly active ecosystem in the Bering and Chukchi seas, adding data to a key climate change record. The delayed cruise due to COVID-19 revealed unseasonably warm ocean temperatures delaying sea ice formation by several weeks.
A new study found that California's CalEnviroScreen program may miss eligible communities for climate adaptation funding. The researchers identified 348 additional communities that would be eligible under two alternative indices.
A multidisciplinary team will assess the significance of marine life to human societies during the last two millennia. The 4-OCEANS project aims to understand the consequences of marine resource exploitation for societal development, with a focus on informing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the Decade for the Oceans.
A new study found that seabirds' arrival in the Falkland Islands 5,000 years ago transformed the ecosystem through nutrient deposition, enriching the soil and driving changes in plant community structure. The research highlights the critical link between terrestrial-marine ecosystems and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring to ...
A new study finds that Hawaiian corals' diversity is driven by co-evolution between the coral host, algal symbiont, and microbial community. The team analyzed metagenomic sequencing data to understand adaptation and variation in corals.
Researchers analyzed long-term phytoplankton data to understand climate change effects on ocean productivity and biodiversity. The study found a significant increase in warm-water species, suggesting an adaptation advantage under changing conditions.
Marine predators consume more bait in mid-latitudes than near the equator, according to a new study. The researchers found that feeding intensity declines with increasing distance from the equator, and that warmer waters have little impact on bait consumption rates.
A 14,000-year paleoecological reconstruction found that seabird establishment led to changes in Falkland Islands ecosystems through guano deposition. This terrestrial-marine link is critical for grasslands conservation efforts, as nutrients from marine ecosystems enrich the islands' nutrient-poor soil.
A new study by a USC-led research team reveals that emissions from Chinese coal-fired power plants are fertilizing the North Pacific Ocean with iron and other metals, which could impact marine life. The researchers found peak iron concentrations in surface seawater corresponding to big wind events over east Asia.
A 14,000-year peat record reveals an ecosystem shift after seabird establishment 5,000 years ago, driven by guano-derived nutrients. This study highlights the critical role of seabirds in terrestrial ecosystems and warns of potential consequences for their survival in a warming climate.
Researchers from NC State and Cornell are developing a self-sustaining system that utilizes microplastics to capture and break down more microplastics. The system involves creating microcleaning particles that stick to microplastics, which are then broken down by microorganisms, producing chemicals with commercial value.
An all-female scientific coalition is advocating for a Marine Protected Area in the Western Antarctic Peninsula to mitigate the impacts of climate change on threatened species. The proposal aims to conserve and protect the unique ecosystem and its wildlife, including penguins, whales, and krill.
Krill experts recommend a new management system to address fluctuations in abundances, migration patterns, and environmental conditions affecting the species. The goal is to provide CCAMLR with the latest knowledge on krill stocks to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
A new study confirms that plastic pollution is a significant threat to seabirds in the South Pacific Ocean, with globally distributed impacts. The research found that seabirds ingest plastics from distant areas, highlighting the need for urgent solutions to this global problem.
A team of researchers led by Catie Strong identified a new mosasaur species, Gavialimimus almaghribensis, with a distinctive long, narrow snout and interlocking teeth. The discovery sheds light on the adaptations that allowed these ancient marine reptiles to thrive in competitive ecosystems.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Queensland found that nearly 80% of threatened species globally are not adequately protected, falling short of the 17% target for land and 10% target for oceans set by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Red abalone energy provisioning and larval metabolism are strongly correlated with survival under ocean acidification. Ingesting lipids differently, they grew more slowly but survived higher rates under acidic conditions.
A recent report by the Journal of Operational Oceanography reveals an unprecedented rise in sea temperatures worldwide, with the Arctic Ocean experiencing the largest increase. The report highlights the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and calls for improved monitoring to ensure sustainable use of seas and oceans.
A new study finds that integrating terrestrial and freshwater conservation planning doubles protection of tropical freshwater ecosystems. This approach can increase freshwater species protection by up to 600% with only a 1% reduction in terrestrial species protection.
Research by Hokkaido University scientists finds that warming waters and sea ice-free conditions in the Pacific Arctic will lead to significant changes in marine community compositions. Larger fish and invertebrates are expected to expand their ranges towards the pole, altering ecosystem structure and functions.
Researchers found that a network of marine reserves replenishes exploited fish stocks while minimizing risk to ocean ecosystems. This approach stabilizes reserve performance, providing a reliable source of larval offspring.
A study by Dr. Hugo Harrison found that connecting marine reserves through a 'portfolio' approach can provide reliable quantities of fish across an ecosystem. This approach supports more fish, which then produce even greater numbers of baby fish, ultimately stabilizing fish populations.
Marine heatwaves have increased significantly due to global warming, with major events becoming more frequent and prolonged. The probability of such events has risen massively, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and their ability to recover.
Researchers have identified a new kind of 'landfalling drought' that can potentially be predicted before it impacts people and ecosystems on land. These droughts form over the ocean and then migrate landward, causing larger and drier conditions than land-only droughts.
A new study reveals that severe marine heatwaves are more likely to occur now than before human-induced global warming began. The study found that the probabilities of high-impact MHWs occurring have significantly increased due to anthropogenic climate change.
Researchers investigate marine heatwaves and their effects on regional ocean circulation, marine life, and fisheries. They found that extreme warming events can extend to 300 meters below the surface in certain areas, impacting ecosystems and economies.
A new study reveals that changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans impact rainfall patterns in South America, leading to severe droughts. By analyzing this correlation, scientists can predict droughts up to 18 months in advance, providing crucial time for mitigation efforts.
A study suggests that deep-sea coral reefs are at risk of collapse due to increasing ocean acidity caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide. The underlying structures of the reefs become brittle and fragile, leading to early breakage and crumbling, ultimately shrinking the ecosystems.
A new mass extinction event was discovered 233 million years ago, which led to the dinosaur takeover of the world. The Carnian Pluvial Episode caused widespread biodiversity loss due to climate change and increased greenhouse gases, but ultimately paved the way for the evolution of modern ecosystems.
Scientists found that ocean viruses infect algae without killing them immediately, instead allowing cells to multiply and bloom before dying. This discovery changes how scientists view viral infections of algae and their impact on ecosystem processes like algal bloom formation and carbon cycling.
New research reveals that climate change is exacerbating the decline of sea otters, which in turn are destroying Alaskan kelp forests. The loss of sea otters is allowing sea urchins to overgraze the coralline algae that form the reefs.
Removing marine plastic litter from Aldabra Atoll could cost US $4.68 million and require 18,000 hours of labour. The study highlights the economic burden on small island states to protect their marine ecosystems.
Researchers from Australia and international partners discovered five undescribed coral species, including black corals and sponges, and recorded a rare fish in the Coral Sea. They also collected critical habitat samples to improve understanding of seabed features and marine ecosystems.
A new study finds that reef-building corals are being driven to extinction by warmer, acidifying oceans, while softer-bodied relatives like sea anemones will adapt and thrive. The findings suggest a silver lining for the diversity of these animals, which may persist and diversify in the face of climate change.
A new quantitative method assesses the effects of ingested plastics on individual and population levels in sea turtles, potentially impacting growth, reproduction, and survival. The study demonstrates a crucial step towards conservation and mitigating the negative effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.
Researchers will investigate how changes in microbial diversity affect ecosystem function and health. The study aims to understand the role of functional redundancy in maintaining healthy ecosystems, with a focus on environmental complexity and its impact on soil health.
Researchers used high-resolution models to predict where marine heatwaves will occur and intensify, revealing stark regional variability. The study found intense heatwaves more likely off Tasmania's coast and along the US Gulf Stream's shoreline.
A comprehensive study of four salmon species in Alaska found that they are returning to rivers smaller and younger than in the past. This decline affects both commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as the nutrient delivery to inland areas, fertilizing forests and freshwater ecosystems.
Sustainably managing the ocean could increase food production by an outsize proportion relative to land-based food, nourishing the growing human population. Researchers estimate a roughly 16% increase in wild-caught seafood by 2050 if fisheries are sustainably managed.
The Stanford-developed rotating microscope allows scientists to track and measure microscopic plankton's behaviors and molecular processes as they migrate between the ocean's depths and surface. This innovation provides a new window into the secret life of ocean organisms and ecosystems.
Excessive nutrients from agricultural runoff and sewage contribute to algal blooms that deplete oxygen, killing marine life. Climate change amplifies these effects by increasing river runoff and ocean acidification, which harm corals and shellfish.
A team of researchers analyzed over 4,600 field experiments and found that gradual changes can have devastating consequences on ecosystems. The study suggests that focusing solely on tipping points may overlook the negative impact of gradual changes, and that a more nuanced approach is needed to develop effective environmental policies.
A world-first study examining the Great Barrier Reef's management found that people are managed at broader scales than ecological variation, suggesting a general principle for permitting and management. This approach may be more effective in sustainably managing ecosystems, especially small protected areas.
A New Zealand-led international study used satellite images and citizen science to uncover the secret lives of crabeater seals in Antarctica. The researchers found that crabeater seal distribution overlapped mostly with Antarctic krill habitat, highlighting the importance of conserving this ecosystem.
A new study warns of the potential harm of deep-seabed mining on seabed ecosystems, highlighting a need for better understanding of their sensitivity and biodiversity. The researchers emphasize that many deep-sea ecosystems will be highly sensitive to seafloor mining and are likely to be impacted over larger scales than predicted.
A new invasive species, Polydora websteri, has been found in the Wadden Sea, posing a significant threat to oyster farming and the ecosystem. The worm, likely originating from Asia, causes damage to oysters' shells, weakening them and making them vulnerable to predators.
The Maldives has the highest level of microplastic pollution in the world, with high concentrations found in waters around Naifaru. The study highlights the impact on marine ecosystems and local communities, emphasizing the need for improved waste management practices.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder shows that climate change is driving an increase in Arctic freshwater over the past two decades. This freshwater will eventually move into the North Atlantic Ocean, potentially disrupting ocean currents and temperatures in northern Europe.
Researchers found that baby blacktip reef sharks can tolerate the extreme conditions of their nurseries, but these environments face an uncertain future due to climate change. The habitats' dramatic temperature and oxygen fluctuations can be a strain on the young sharks.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been selected by NOAA to host the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), which will conduct collaborative research on Earth's oceans and atmosphere. CIMAS will focus on coastal resilience, ocean conservation, and tropical weather prediction.
A new species of sea sponge, Desmacella hyalina, was discovered in glass reef habitats off the coast of British Columbia, making up nearly 20% of live sponges. The sponge's influence on reef function, recruitment, and ecosystem health is still being studied.
After the Chicxulub asteroid impact, life on the seafloor recovered with some changes to community structure within 700,000 years. The diversity and abundance of trace fossils responded primarily to variations in organic matter flux.
Researchers from UCL and ZSL have discovered a soft coral garden habitat in Greenlandic waters, characterized by cauliflower corals and diverse fauna. The discovery has direct implications for the management of deep-sea trawl fisheries and may lead to protection under UN guidelines.
The BlueSwell program provides a comprehensive early-stage incubator for bluetech innovations, offering $35,000 in grants and mentorship from industry experts. The initiative aims to foster sustainable use of the ocean through innovative solutions in offshore renewable energy, sustainable seafood, and more.
A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.
University of Guam researchers have been awarded $39,171 to study the reproductive biology and fragmentation potential of blue coral, while another project aims to develop a genetic toolkit to predict stress levels in corals. This funding will support coral restoration and rehabilitation efforts on Guam.
A team from Florida Atlantic University conducted the world's most complete health analysis of nesting green sea turtles in Florida, providing critical insights into physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology. The study found no significant differences between healthy and infected turtles, indicating that these viruses are endem...
Experts demand a prominent target of 20 species extinctions per year to lower biodiversity loss rates and protect ecosystem services. The proposed target is comparable to the 2-degree climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
A new study shows that the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems during the Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying, directly disrupted ocean chemistry. This finding highlights the importance of understanding inter-connectedness of ecosystems in the face of environmental challenges.