Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A new study finds that sea otter recovery brings significant ecological and economic benefits, including healthier kelp forests, higher fish catches, and carbon storage. The long-term benefits are estimated to be worth over $53 million per year, potentially offsetting commercial losses of $7 million.
A new study reveals that eels can serve as a key indicator of freshwater biodiversity, and their protection could greatly contribute to the recovery of ecosystems. The research found that two species of eel were widely distributed in Japanese rivers, serving as umbrella, indicator, and flagship species for conservation.
The ECOTIP project aims to advance understanding of the impacts of climate change on Arctic biodiversity and its cascading effects on marine ecosystems and human societies. The four-year initiative will conduct pioneering assessments of changes to Arctic marine ecosystems and societies, from melting ice to shifting fisheries.
Seagrass meadows provide valuable ecosystem services, including carbon storage, fish nurseries, and storm protection. However, their decline threatens global food security and biodiversity, with an estimated 7% of seagrass habitat lost worldwide each year.
Researchers project that American lobster will move further offshore and sea scallops will shift north in the coming decades. The study's findings pose fishery management challenges as changing habitats can impact where species can be caught and who has access to them.
Ancient sediment analysis reveals mangrove ecosystems can survive up to a 7mm per year sea-level rise threshold. Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services but are threatened by rapid sea-level rise, with current rates expected to surpass the survival limit within 30 years.
The journal's editorial board selected three papers for best paper awards, showcasing innovative work in interdisciplinary applications, theoretical innovation, and photo-optical instrumentation design. The honorees include a paper on deep-learning-based object detection for monitoring underwater ecosystems and marine debris.
The mesopelagic zone, or Twilight Zone, holds the largest and least exploited fish reserves in the oceans, crucial for global carbon cycle and sustainability. Climate change and growing population demand threaten this ecosystem.
Researchers at UNH found that forest fires in the Arctic can significantly impact stream chemistry, altering nutrient levels and potentially harming humans who depend on these waterways. The study showed that aftereffects of a burn can last up to five decades, with decreased carbon and increased nitrogen affecting local streams.
Human activity significantly disrupts the natural balance of nitrogen, posing a threat to terrestrial and aquatic life. The special issue examines the cascading consequences of rising nitrogen levels in circulation.
A team of Rochester Institute of Technology researchers will examine how microplastics accumulate in the lake's ecosystem using mathematical modeling, field surveys, fluid dynamics, genomic sequencing and other experiments. The goal is to inform policy and mitigation strategies for combating microplastic pollution.
Researchers analyzed 2-5 million year old fossil teeth to reconstruct body size distribution patterns of the great white shark in the past. The discovery reveals a significant nursery area with high percentages of young sharks, indicating that environmental changes can impact population dynamics and evolutionary success.
A recent study assesses fire aerosol impacts on global ecosystem productivity, finding cooling and drying effects on land surfaces. Fire aerosols decreased gross primary productivity in most vegetated areas, with some exceptions like the Amazon region.
A new study reveals that strong relationships between diversity and a healthy ecosystem persist, even in stressed reefs. However, human-driven pressures from warming oceans and invasive species continue to diminish ecosystems.
A study by Kris Karnauskas found that a marine heatwave followed by a terrestrial one, exacerbated by global warming, led to the massive coral bleaching event. The warm water persisted for months, causing extensive damage to the ecosystem and drastically changing species composition.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered the earliest evidence for symbolic behavior, complex pyrotechnology, and projectile weapons in South African archaeological sites. The study reveals that a vast plain, now submerged undersea, was a key foraging habitat for early modern humans during glacial phases.
The University of Guam has secured a five-year, $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program to enhance its research capabilities on coral reef survival. The project aims to understand the evolutionary and ecological processes that drive resilience in coral reefs under climate change stress.
The benthic biomass on the continental shelf of the Antarctic Weddell Sea declined by two-thirds between 1988 and 2014, with a drastic change in composition. The study's findings indicate that increased sea-ice cover and thicker snow cover have concrete negative effects on benthic organisms and ecosystem productivity.
A team at Tokyo University of Science created a high-resolution map of 1 km grids to track plastic emissions from land to sea. Their analysis revealed that MicP concentrations and basin characteristics are significantly correlated, indicating that physical features of water bodies dictate the amount of plastic waste accumulated.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm using Probabilistic Generative Modelling to classify underwater environments from simulated sonar measurements. The technique achieved an average accuracy of 93% and has potential applications for climate change monitoring and sustainability of human activities in fragile environments.
Researchers assess proposals for water roads in Chile, considering impacts on ecosystems and human consumption amid climate change and water scarcity
Scientists have successfully matched unique whistles to individual bottlenose dolphins in Western Australia's Swan River. The study's findings could revolutionize dolphin tracking and conservation by relying on acoustic recordings rather than visual surveys.
A new study reveals a dramatic decrease in cold-water plankton during the 20th century, replaced by warmer subtropical species. The change is linked to shifting ocean circulation patterns, driven by freshwater input from melting ice and climate change.