Research on ocean life and coastal ecosystems. Covers ocean carbon protection, sea turtles, plankton and food webs, and warming-driven whale feeding.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that exotic species do tend to disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing native species abundance. However, the team's meta-analysis revealed significant variability and context dependence in their impact.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in blood samples from Great white sharks in South Africa. The study found no adverse effects on the sharks' immune system despite the presence of these toxins.
New research finds that sea anemones consume tiny fragments of plastic in the ocean along with their food. Bleached anemones retain these microfibers longer than healthy ones, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution and climate change on coral reefs.
A global team of scientists has measured the ocean's sink for man-made CO2 over a period of 13 years, finding that it takes up 34 gigatonnes between 1994 and 2007. The absorption rate is congruent with the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.
Researchers analyzed ancient ocean fossils to understand ecological transformation after mass extinctions. The study found that survivors shared similar traits with predecessors, but had a surge in modern traits like mobility and diverse feeding habits, driving recovery.
During the 2014-16 marine heatwave, an unprecedented 37 tropical species were documented in California and Oregon, with many having never been seen so far north before. This shift is attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which allowed southern species to track northward, adapting to climate change.
A study from Florida State University found that coral reefs change can trigger significant ecosystem shifts, but ecologists and local fishing populations perceive those shifts in fundamentally different ways. The findings suggest that local perceptions of change and ecosystem health differ from those of scientists and resource managers.
Researchers used environmental DNA to track Japanese eel populations in 10 rivers, detecting 91.8% of confirmed locations and providing insights into abundance and biomass estimation. This non-lethal method is ideal for monitoring endangered species, including invasive foreign eels.
A study has revealed a rare assemblage of sharks and rays from nearshore environments of Eocene Madagascar, including one new species, Carcharhinus underwoodi. The fauna shares similarities with ecosystems across North Africa but is uniquely lacking in sandsharks.
Researchers found that blue whales align their migration timing with historical averages of krill production, rather than responding to current prey patches. This suggests that blue whales rely on memory to locate stable, high-quality foraging sites, which could make adaptation to climate change more difficult.
A study analyzing Caribbean islands reveals that independent island nations like Cuba and Jamaica are less vulnerable to coral bleaching than territories like Saint Barthélemy. The study found that independent islands have lower social-ecological vulnerability due to their reduced economic dependence on reefs.
A new study published in Global Change Biology reveals that high CO2 concentrations cause significant harm to Atlantic cod larvae, leading to underdeveloped gills and developmental delays. The findings contradict previous assumptions that larvae could adapt to acidic conditions through acclimation of parental generations.
A cross-disciplinary study examines humans' interactions with plant and animal species across different cultures worldwide through time. The researchers found that humans can have a stabilizing effect on their ecosystems by providing ecosystem services such as lighting fires, while also playing a destructive role in other cases.
A new study has documented the unexpected consequences of great white shark decline on an ocean ecosystem. Sevengill sharks, a top predator with unique characteristics, have emerged as a result of great whites' disappearance. The researchers observed sevengill shark sightings increasing in number after great whites vanished from surveys.
New species of corals and animals found in Costa Rican waters, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The expedition highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems before they face threats from human activities and climate change.
The eight largest countries account for 50 percent of Earth's land area but barely three percent of nations. Larger countries accumulate more ecosystem values, concentrating power in a few hands, and their domestic policies can have global environmental repercussions.
A new study predicts that over 50% of the world's oceans will shift in color by the year 2100, with blue regions intensifying and green ones deepening. The changes are caused by climate-driven changes in phytoplankton communities and can be detected using satellite measurements.
Researchers from Leipzig's TROPOS Institute are part of a Spanish Antarctic expedition investigating the influence of sugar compounds on cloud formation above the ocean. The team aims to understand feedback mechanisms that influence climate change, with implications for ecosystems in polar regions.
A new study finds that a sea star wasting disease and warmer sea surface temperatures led to the dramatic decline of sunflower starfish in both nearshore and deep waters. This collapse has broader effects on kelp beds and other marine ecosystems.
A new study found that microplastics reduce mussels' ability to attach themselves, potentially threatening their survival and the stability of ocean ecosystems. Mussels produce fewer byssal threads, which are essential for attachment, after exposure to non-biodegradable microplastics.
Modern-day crocodiles and alligators originated from various ecosystems over time, including land, estuarine, freshwater, and marine environments. This challenges the long-held assumption of a simple evolutionary path from a land-based ancestor.
Researchers discover coralline red algae fossils dating back 430 million years, challenging current classification. This finding sheds new light on the development of these algae, which play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
A new study reveals that even small changes in oxygen levels can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly tiny fish and zooplankton. These species are already pushed to their physiological limits in Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs) and may be forced into shallower waters with increased risk of predators.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that artificial light at night is detrimental to ecosystems, affecting species composition and food chain length. The research explores the impact of existing artificial light on streams and wetlands, revealing changes in energy flow and nutrient cycles.
Researchers used AI and satellite imagery to map the world's intertidal zones for the first time, revealing a significant loss of crucial ecosystems. The study exposed coastal communities to increased risk from storms and sea level rises, with over 1.4 billion people expected to live in coastal areas by 2060.
Scientists recommend measures to prevent environmental damage from seabed mining, including improved monitoring and protection of Marine Protected Areas. They suggest moving towards a circular economy that reduces demand for virgin minerals.
A new study reveals degradation of local coral reef ecosystem in Tan-awan, Oslob, due to intensive whale shark tourism. The research highlights the need for proper management strategies to mitigate reef degradation and promote sustainable tourism.
A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.
A £1 million research program is assessing human impacts on the pristine Chagos Archipelago, a remote British Indian Ocean Territory. The study aims to understand how conservation practices can benefit other areas of the marine environment.
A new study has detected bacteria from humans in Antarctic and Subantarctic marine birds, revealing the fragility of polar ecosystems. The research highlights the risk of massive deaths and extinctions of local fauna populations due to pathogens introduced by human activity.
A study focusing on iron in the North Pacific reveals its role in controlling primary productivity, carbon cycle, and marine ecosystem. The distribution of biologically available iron is influenced by factors like mixing, upwelling, and ocean acidification.
Researchers from University of the Basque Country studied bivalve species in Nicaraguan mangroves to monitor pollution levels. The study found suitable large cockle species for monitoring, such as Larkinia grandis, which can reflect ecosystem evolution and biogeographical distribution.
Researchers have discovered that adult Antarctic krill are largely unaffected by ocean acidification levels predicted within the next 100-300 years. The long-term laboratory study found that krill can survive, grow and mature in acidic conditions.
A study has found that rising atmospheric CO2 levels could disrupt the sedimentary balance of beach-dune systems, leading to erosion and increased flooding risks. The research suggests that by 2100, sediment accumulation at the base of Mediterranean dunes could fall by 31%, putting beaches like San Giovanni in Sardinia at risk.
Current MPAs in Finland protect only 27% of marine biodiversity, leaving many ecologically important species at risk. Increasing protected areas by just 1% can double conservation of the most important species.
Researchers at RiKarbon create a bio-based oil from plant scraps and natural oils to replace petroleum-based products in cosmetics, lubricants, and renewable energy. This eco-friendly oil reduces carbon footprint and minimizes pressure on petroleum resources, offering a sustainable solution for industries.
A recent study reveals that eelgrass meadows store significant amounts of organic carbon, comparable to tropical seagrass species and mangroves. The distribution area of these meadows has decreased by at least 1/3rd over the past 50 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 17 new species of sea slugs, shedding light on the evolution of color patterns and their significance in coral reefs. The discovery highlights the importance of nudibranchs as indicators of ocean health and reveals diverse ecosystems across the Indo-Pacific region.
A new collection in PLOS Biology explores the challenges of using stories to communicate scientific evidence around climate change, highlighting the need for accurate narrative without sacrificing scientific accuracy. The collection features articles on strategies for climate communication, storytelling frameworks, and the importance o...
A new study using high-resolution data for 24 ocean regions found that 14 percent of the overall seafloor shallower than 1,000 meters is trawled, with significant variations across different continents and seas.
The Ocean Solutions Initiative presents a comprehensive review of thirteen ocean-based measures to counter climate change. The measures can be grouped into four categories: reduction of climate change causes, preservation of ecosystems, protection of the ocean from solar radiation, and direct manipulation of species adaptability.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a coalition of institutions, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a five-year, $220 million contract to operate and maintain the Ocean Observatories Initiative. The OOI is an advanced system that measures various ocean properties and processes.
Researchers found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat, and carbon fluxes in ecosystems, as well as the progression from early to late-stage drought. The study provides insights into how connectivity influences ecosystem responses to extreme events.
A new AI-powered workflow enables scientists to systematically and sustainably evaluate large amounts of high-resolution deep-sea images. The workflow, developed by GEOMAR researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to automatically detect features such as manganese nodules in the seafloor.
Researchers analyzed ancient marine sediment for effects of Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on shallow-water communities. The study found that biodiversity loss and ecological restructuring were minor impacts, but some organisms adapted to low-oxygen conditions through microbial symbiosis.
A recent expedition demonstrated how AI can dramatically accelerate exploration of deep sea ecosystems using autonomous robots and high-throughput data analysis. Scientists used unsupervised clustering to analyze seafloor images and identify biological hotspots, which were then surveyed and sampled within days.
Researchers found rapid changes in deep-sea fauna and biodiversity in the region during a global climate event known as the Younger Dryas. They also identified significant environmental overturn around 7,000 years ago due to mixing of different deep-sea waters.
The study reveals that the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are net sinks for atmospheric CO2, absorbing around 8.5×10^6 t C annually. The ECS absorbs CO2 during winter, spring, and summer, while the YS releases CO2 in summer, autumn, and winter.
A new study finds that warm-water kelp species are outcompeting cold-water species in UK kelp forests, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning. The warm-water kelps provide a continuous supply of food but also harbor less biodiversity.
Researchers found that microbial diversity was higher during and after foggy conditions, with pathogenic microbes detected in fog at both study sites. The connection between fog and microbe transport has significant health implications and may be affected by climate change.
A new study reveals that trace metals from aerosols affect biological productivity and change ocean ecosystems. Marine microorganisms like phytoplankton and bacteria take up metals, influencing the food chain.
A study by the University of Liverpool identified 31 ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity, including seafood, raw materials, and natural flood defences. The research highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity to maintain these essential services.
A study models ocean community shifts driven by temperature gradients and ocean currents under climate change. Coral species expand rapidly while kelp species retreat quickly.
Research finds US coastal waters are vulnerable to acidification, affecting marine life like salmon, sharks, and cod. Elevated CO2 levels can cause cognitive problems and disorientation in fish, particularly in colder northern waters. The study highlights the need for sustained ocean observations to track coastal chemistry trends.
Phytoplankton, tiny plant-like organisms, play a key role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. The EXPORTS team is studying the pathways, fates, and carbon cycle impacts of phytoplankton and zooplankton using advanced underwater robotics and satellite imagery.
A Montana State University biochemist will study the role of microorganisms in breaking down and converting complex carbon compounds in the deep sea. The research aims to provide a benchmark for the field of deep-sea sediment microbiology and lay the foundation for future physiological studies.
Mangroves are found in tropical coastal settings worldwide and can store greater amounts of carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem. A new study provides more accurate estimates of blue carbon storage, revealing that it has been underestimated by up to 50% in some areas and overestimated by up to 86% in others.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is having a major impact on marine life, with corals and kelp forests being particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to prevent further damage to these ecosystems.
Researchers mapped global marine wilderness, finding only 13% of the world's ocean can still be classified as wilderness. The remaining areas are mostly located in remote regions, such as Arctic and Pacific Island nations, while coastal regions have almost no wilderness left. Protecting what remains is crucial to preserve biodiversity.
A recent study by Anna Neuheimer and colleagues found that adult fish adjust their spawning time to match the timing of their prey, allowing their offspring to survive. This adaptation is crucial for population size and future fisheries catch, as it enables young fish to meet their food needs in a seasonal environment.