Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers have found that ocean surface pH has fallen ten times faster than in the past 300 million years, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities globally. The economic cost of Ocean Acidification is projected to reach over $300 billion annually, highlighting the need for international collaboration and adaptation.
A new report suggests that deep water coral reefs are not refuges for shallow reef organisms and require protection. The study found that mesophotic coral reefs have their own independent communities with little species overlap between depth zones.
A new study by Florida State University researchers has found that tiny phaeodarian organisms in the ocean's twilight zone are consuming up to 20% of sinking, carbon-rich particles before they reach the deep ocean. This discovery suggests a significant impact on Earth's carbon cycle and challenges current climate dynamics.
New research reveals kelp from Kerguelen Islands drifted 20,000km to Antarctica, highlighting potential for drifting plastics to reach the continent. The study also suggests new species can colonize Antarctica as climate warms, challenging previous notion of its biologically isolated ecosystem.
Representative Walter J. Leger III will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his commitment to science-based restoration of the Gulf Coast. He has championed coastal restoration and preservation, and works to ensure proper use of funds intended for coastal protection and restoration.
A team of scientists found kelp drifting 20,000km to reach an Antarctic beach, exposing ecosystems to global warming. The discovery challenges the idea that Antarctica is isolated and has significant implications for how ecosystems will change.
New research highlights the critical impact of invasive rats on coral reef ecosystems, leading to severe ecological harm. Rat eradication is proposed as a high conservation priority to restore seabird-derived nutrient subsidies, benefiting terrestrial ecosystems and coral reefs.
A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.
A new study led by Francisco Ramírez from the University of Barcelona identifies key areas to protect 20% of sea bird populations in Patagonia. The research uses a multidisciplinary approach to define marine areas of interest in conservation, considering ocean currents and coastal ecosystems.
International research found many marine protected areas inefficiently located and costly, failing to meet global targets. The study suggests a more strategic approach could reduce costs and improve conservation outcomes.
An international group of Antarctic research scientists presents two plausible future scenarios for the continent over the next 50 years. One scenario highlights reduced sea level rise and intact ecosystems if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, while the other depicts catastrophic consequences if emissions remain unchecked.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.
A new study by National Geographic Society researchers found that 54% of high seas fishing industry is unprofitable at current scale without large government subsidies. The global cost of fishing in high seas ranged between $6.2 billion and $8 billion USD, with profits ranging from a loss of $364 million to a profit of $1.4 billion USD.
Researchers found that high densities of sea cucumbers maintain stable oxygen conditions in sediment, while removal leads to a 63% decrease. The study highlights the importance of conserving moderate to high densities of sea cucumbers to protect shallow water ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
Marine organisms easily ingest nanoplastics, which accumulate in their bodies over time, threatening food safety. Nanoplastics can transfer up the food chain, affecting human health, as shown in a recent study using acorn barnacles.
Researchers developed a new method to detect insect invaders using eDNA, while coral reef studies highlighted the importance of cultural values in conservation. Additionally, designers created fish-friendly architectural engineering designs for marine infrastructure, and a study examined the effects of oil sands on wildlife populations
New research found life in the crater within a few years of impact, contrary to predictions. A thriving ecosystem developed within 30,000 years, influenced primarily by local factors such as water circulation and ecological niches.
A recent study by Sejoon Kim investigates the social impact of dolphin rehabilitation in South Korea, highlighting its significance for marine animal welfare. The research team hopes to expand their work on other topics, including whale-eating culture and public perspectives on dolphin shows.
Scientists have linked ocean currents to the spread of invasive jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi in European waters. The study, which collected over 12,000 data points, shows that these species can travel up to 2000 kilometers within three months.
A new species of microcrustacean, Stygiopontius senokuchiae, was discovered in a Japanese deep-sea hydrothermal vent. The species has distinct morphological differences from other Stygiopontius copepods found in the Atlantic and East Pacific Oceans.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara community ecologist Keenan Stears examines how hippos shape the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. The research found that high-density hippo pools with excess nutrients cause dissolved oxygen levels to decline, leading to a decline in fish diversity and abundance.
Research highlights transhemispheric ecosystem link spanning Pacific Ocean between pink salmon abundance and short-tailed shearwater populations. Declining short-tailed shearwater productivity linked to increasing pink salmon abundance in North Pacific Ocean.
Researchers at HKU and Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences have developed a novel scientific method to derive water quality criteria (WQC) of metals for protecting different marine ecosystems. The new approach considers variable temperature and salinity regimes, improving protection for tropical marine organisms.
A new study predicts that climate change will transform marine ecosystems in Marine Protected Areas, leading to extinctions and loss of biodiversity. By 2100, warming temperatures could make these areas uninhabitable for most species, with the Arctic and Antarctic regions expected to warm especially quickly.
Recent studies suggest that large predators such as alligators, sea otters, and mountain lions are re-colonizing ecosystems they once occupied due to conservation. This challenges the long-held assumption that these species are habitat specialists. As populations recover, these species are adapting to new habitats with surprising ease,...
A thin smart patch called Marine Skin can track an animal's movement and diving behavior in real-time, while also monitoring the health of the surrounding marine environment. The patch uses stretchable silicone elastomers to withstand high pressures and can be attached to a wide range of sea creatures.
A new review paper highlights the global scope of the underwater munitions problem, with over a million tons of intact and corroding munitions littering the Baltic and North Seas. The chemicals released from these munitions pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, including carcinogenic and cyto- and genotoxic effects.
Research found that freshwater systems process excess carbon and nitrogen through photosynthesis and burying phosphorus, reducing ocean pollution. The effectiveness of these processes depends on water residence time in rivers and lakes.
A new study by Georgia Tech and Georgia Aquarium explores the diverse community of marine microorganisms living in the aquarium's water, revealing dynamic changes over time. The research aims to improve our understanding of these tiny organisms and their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.
A study on US newspaper articles about ocean health issues found that journalists use more than twice as much optimistic language as 'doom and gloom' language. Nearly half of the examined stories cited potential solutions to problems described in the sample's articles.
A new study reveals that extreme climate variability over the last century has synchronized ecosystem behavior on the West Coast, increasing risks of extinction for marine and terrestrial organisms. This synchrony is linked to changes in winter climate patterns, such as the North Pacific High, which have become more variable over time.
Researchers found that baby fish are deterred by natural sounds in their habitats due to ocean acidification, and instead attracted to 'white noise' from irrelevant habitats. This could lead to smaller population sizes and impacts on commercial fisheries.
Researchers found a 54% increase in marine heatwave days every year, with significant impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and aquaculture. The study also revealed an acceleration of the trend in marine heatwaves since 1982, with profound economic consequences.
Experts propose using biological essential ocean variables to assess changes in marine ecosystems and support the Sustainable Development Goals. A new global observing system could help galvanize support for implementing effective measures to address the detrimental impacts of climate change on oceans.
A Master's student at FAU has developed a method to assign blue-green algae fossils to specific species using crystallography. By comparing fossil structures with microfossils, researchers found that blue-green algae have a less structured pattern with many misorientations in crystals.
Researchers analyzed sea star populations along the US west coast and found severe declines in southern California and the Channel Islands. Juvenile sea star mortality increased by approximately 90 percent, while ochre sea stars are a keystone species crucial to intertidal ecosystems.
New research reveals that larger coral reefs can moderate the impact of ocean warming on Caribbean fish populations, leading to a reduction in fish population decline. The study found that doubling reef area can reduce changes in fish composition by 30-80%, highlighting the potential effectiveness of reef conservation and restoration.
A new study analyzing the impact of long-term nutrient reductions reveals a four-fold increase in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) abundance in the Chesapeake Bay. This unprecedented event suggests that conservation efforts, including EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), are supporting ecosystem recovery.
Researchers developed an advanced analytical model to optimize multiple uses in a given area, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and other uses. The model increased sector values by millions of dollars and reduced environmental harm by less than 1 percent compared to conventional approaches.
The study provides a high-resolution view of fishing activity, showing that industrial fishing covers over 55% of the ocean's surface and involves over 70,000 vessels. The dataset reveals cultural patterns and ties fishing to politics and culture rather than natural cycles.
A team of scientists from UCSB and Global Fishing Watch analyzed satellite data to track the movements and activities of over 70,000 commercial fishing vessels worldwide. Their findings reveal that cultural patterns and politics play a significant role in shaping fishing practices, while natural cycles such as fish migrations are less ...
Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new mutant coral symbiont alga that enables the control of symbiotic relationships with its host. The discovery provides a powerful tool for studying coral-algal endosymbiosis and sheds light on mechanisms for maintaining stable symbiosis.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.