Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
Researchers found that two species of triggerfish control pencil urchin populations, reducing their consumption of algae. This mid-level predator has a strong impact on the coastal ecosystems' vitality.
A study published in Science finds that rising carbon dioxide levels and ocean acidity can hinder the functioning of Trichodesmium cyanobacteria, a key process for nitrogen fixation. This could have significant effects on marine ecosystems and food webs.
Researchers found sea floor erosion has increased water depths by more than predicted, threatening coastal communities with storms and erosion. Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to various forces, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
The Cassini spacecraft detected molecular hydrogen in the plume of Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting hydrothermal reactions between hot rocks and water. This finding indicates that Enceladus' sub-surface ocean may support life, making it a promising candidate for astrobiological research.
The eastern Arctic Ocean is exhibiting vertical mixing similar to the Atlantic Ocean, leading to record-breaking losses of sea ice in summers. The changes have substantial impacts on the Arctic Ocean system, including enhanced atmosphere-ocean interactions and altered freshwater storage patterns.
A new paper from the University of Washington identifies key attributes that contribute to ecological resilience, providing clarity for scientists, resource managers, and planners. The study groups attributes into five categories and lists their relevance to measuring resilience.
New research reveals Prochlorococcus' metabolism has evolved to trigger complex marine ecosystems and global changes. The study finds a cooperative system between Prochlorococcus and SAR11, with mutual recycling of waste products.
The Benioff Ocean Initiative has committed $1.5 million to accelerate research on reducing ship strikes and mortality of whales. Researchers estimate that 10 blue whales are killed annually in the Santa Barbara Channel, threatening a species with only 3-11% of its historic population.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that a 2°C rise in sea surface temperature in June 2015 led to a 6°C rise on Dongsha Atoll, killing approximately 40% of the resident coral community. The researchers suggest that natural cooling mechanisms can no longer protect corals from the effects of global warming.
A Scripps-led study has identified patterns to predict red tides in coastal areas, offering opportunities for an early-warning system. The research used empirical dynamic modeling and a 30-year archive of field data to identify mechanisms causing red tides.
The NSF has announced two new Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites along the Northeast U.S. continental shelf and in the northern Gulf of Alaska. The sites will study complex food webs, human activities, and environmental changes to promote science-based stewardship of marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that when a species vanishes, other species can change their behavior to compensate, leading to positive or negative effects on ecosystems. The study's findings have important implications for conservation and predicting the consequences of human activity.
Researchers found that mollusk fossils accurately record spatial diversity patterns in marine ecosystems, providing insights into past and present changes. The study suggests that mollusks can be used to understand ecosystem shifts and inform conservation efforts.
Research by Jeroen Ingels reveals that meiofauna, small organisms living in sediment, contribute to food production, nutrient cycling, and waste breakdown. These tiny creatures help regulate the Earth's system, impacting marine ecosystems and human life.
A new study suggests reducing pressure on both predators and prey simultaneously is the most effective way to help their populations recover. This approach, known as synchronous recovery, has been shown to produce faster and more direct recovery rates than sequential approaches.
A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that synchronously restoring predator and prey species speeds recovery efforts of both. This approach is nearly always more efficient and on average about twice as fast as sequential recovery.
Researchers from NSF's LTER Network will present on the effects of the 2015-16 El Nino, including its impact on aquatic ecosystems and species. The presentations will also explore the long-term implications of environmental changes and the importance of data in understanding future responses.
A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and colleagues conducted an eight-year study on a healthy shark population on Palmyra atoll. They found a significantly lower density of grey reef sharks than previously estimated, with around 20 sharks per square kilometer.
A panel of experts will examine the pros and cons of seafloor mining, its engineering feasibility, and legal and societal implications at the AAAS meeting. Current exploration contracts have been signed by 27 countries, with the first project set to begin in 2019.
New research reveals that seagrass meadows can combat bacteria in water, reducing disease associated with marine organisms. The study found lower levels of disease on reefs with adjacent seagrass beds than those without nearby grasses.
Experts will discuss the state of Cuban marine ecosystems and explore how science can inform U.S. and Cuban policies to protect biodiversity and human welfare. The event highlights pioneering Cuban conservation work that has protected common resources as US-Cuba relations evolve.
A new study reveals that 27% of commercial marine landings were diverted to uses other than direct human consumption from 1950 to 2010. Most of the diverted fish are classified as food-grade or prime, used in aquaculture and livestock production, threatening global food security.
Scientists discover high levels of banned pollutants in deep-sea amphipods, revealing human impact on remote ocean habitats. The findings suggest a legacy of pollution from industrial accidents and waste, emphasizing the need to understand the consequences of contamination.
African penguins are getting stuck in the wrong part of the sea due to fishing and climate change, leading to reduced food supply and higher mortality rates. Researchers suggest that translocating chicks to safe areas or implementing spatial fishing closures could help protect the endangered species.
Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.
A new research hypothesis proposes that biodiversity is autocatalytic, with species enabling the existence of others and creating niches for coexistence. This view offers a possible answer to the fundamental question of why so many species can coexist in the same ecosystem.
Research reveals African penguins forage in wrong places due to climate change and fishing, leading to low survival rates. Models suggest breeding numbers could be 50% lower if birds can escape the ecological trap.
A team of researchers has discovered a vast array of exceptionally preserved fossils, including delicate skeletons and soft tissues, from the immediate aftermath of the Ordovician mass extinction. The Anji Biota records an astonishing range of diverse sponge species, with many thriving in large and complex ecosystems.
Researchers identify 'bright spots' of resilience in marine ecosystems affected by climate change. These ecosystem-forming species are either resistant or able to recover from perturbations, with implications for ecosystem-sparing management.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts have been studied in two parts, with research on marsh erosion, stability, microbes, and vegetation presented first. The study found that specific ecological communities and animals have responded differently to the spill, affecting food web studies and coastal ecosystem management.
Recent research suggests that coastal wetland ecosystems such as mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows are effective climate buffers, storing carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. Coastal wetlands capture and store more than 200 metric tons of carbon per year globally, with 50-90% stored in soils.
A survey of 97 coastal ecosystem experts revealed that climate-driven disturbances are having profound impacts on marine ecosystems, but also instances of resilience. Resilience was marked by striking recoveries in some cases, with areas of remnant habitat and high connectivity being key contributors to its persistence.
Researchers at Stanford University found that large MPAs in the U.S. Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge effectively protected grey reef sharks, with more sharks inside the reserve and fewer fishing vessels outside. The study suggests that expanded MPAs can have a significant impact on shark populations and ecosystem health.
A UCI-led study found that increasing factory and auto emissions in East China are causing harmful algal blooms, choking off vital fish populations. The study suggests that human-caused pollution is disrupting the region's ecology, with changes in nutrient levels leading to overgrowth of certain aquatic plants.
Research by University of Exeter scientists reveals that less than 4% of climate-change studies have tested the impact of ocean acidification on males and females separately. This could lead to major changes in sustainable supplies of fish and shellfish, as different sexes respond differently to stress.
Research at Umeå University found a sevenfold increase in methylmercury in zooplankton due to altered food web structures. Climate change scenarios predict similar increases, highlighting the need for considering effects on ecosystems and human exposure.
A study highlights challenges and opportunities of fishery management in China, promoting institutional reform for sustainable marine resource management. The researchers recommend new institutions, secure fishing access, policy consistency, educational programs, and increased public access to scientific data.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that the influx of non-indigenous species through the Suez Canal is causing irreversible damage to Mediterranean marine ecosystems, including the decline of native species and habitats. The researchers call for effective management measures to prevent further degradation and loss of ecosystem services.
A new study by Nereus Program researchers found that climate change will affect energy flows in ocean ecosystems, leading to decreased fish catch in some areas. The authors used a mathematical model to explore the processes that mediate the transfer of energy from phytoplankton growth to fish growth.
A comparative genomic analysis of Antarctic diatom Fragillariopsis cylindrus reveals its ability to adapt to extreme cold by selectively expressing variant genes. The study provides insights into the organism's genome structure and evolution, highlighting its unique genetic features that enable survival in harsh environments.
A joint study by Chinese and international researchers recommends new institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access, and policy consistency across provinces. The authors believe that China's 13th Five-Year Plan provides a policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration of fisheries.
The study reveals that sulfuric acid droplets formed after the asteroid impact caused long-lasting cooling, which likely contributed to the death of land-living dinosaurs. Marine ecosystems were also severely affected by the ocean circulation disturbances caused by surface cooling.
A recent study found that coral reef food webs are altered when fishing impacts on valued species, leading to potential collapse of top-tier predators. Lightly fished reefs can support these valuable fish, while moderate fishing levels cause a decline in mid-tier predators, ultimately affecting the ecosystem.
A review in Angewandte Chemie emphasizes the importance of standardized analytic protocols to accurately assess microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The authors propose a list of nine arguments for harmonized methods, including improved sampling and processing techniques, to ensure reliable data and inform risk assessments.
Scientists have measured mass insect migrations in UK skies, with up to 3.5 trillion insects migrating annually over southern England. The movements are comparable to significant oceanic migrations and provide essential ecological services, including pollination and predation of crop pests.
A new study highlights the urgent need for global action to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C due to its critical role in preserving marine ecosystems and limiting species turnover for the fishing industry. The results show that exceeding this target could lead to a three-fold decline in marine biomass.
A mesocosm experiment revealed that ocean acidification impairs the calcifying phytoplankton species Emiliania huxleyi's ability to form blooms, leading to reduced population size and flux of organic matter. This has strong impacts on the ecosystem, including reduced sinking of organic matter and altered climate feedbacks.
A $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will support fundamental advances in sustainability science at Colorado State University. The project aims to address pressing global problems by integrating natural sciences with sociological and economic disciplines, focusing on water, energy, and food issues.
Marine scientists studied the response of giant kelp forests to a record-breaking marine heat wave, finding that their biomass remained within normal ranges despite high temperatures. The lack of dramatic response suggests that more research is needed to understand how these ecosystems will respond to future climate warming.
After the 2011 tsunami, Japanese researchers found that small fish with short lifespans recovered first, followed by larger fish with longer lifespans, stabilizing populations and increasing body lengths. The study also discovered a brief invasion period, but ultimately, cold-water species began to prey on invading species.
Coastal Indigenous communities consume an average of 74 kilograms of seafood per capita, compared to the global average of 19 kilograms. The study emphasizes the importance of considering food sovereignty and cultural identity in fisheries policy and Indigenous human rights.
A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.
A new study estimates that coastal Indigenous people consume 74 kg of seafood per capita, 15 times more than non-Indigenous populations in the same country. This highlights the need to consider Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural identity as part of fisheries policy.
Researchers conclude that incentive-based solutions can help address environmental threats facing the world's oceans. Positive incentives work better than negative ones, converting near-disaster situations into sustainable fisheries and cleaner water.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used computer models to predict the effect of climate change on North Atlantic coral populations. They found that a shift in winter weather conditions could threaten the long-term survival of these populations, which are maintained by tiny coral larvae.
The first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal has been found in Seaside Sparrows. The birds that were exposed to the oil had a different chemical signature in their tissues, indicating the oil was incorporated into their prey and feathers.
A new study reveals that 82% of global ecological processes have been impacted by climate change, from genes to entire ecosystems. This has significant implications for conservation efforts and human societies, as consequences include increased pests, disease outbreaks, and unpredictable changes in fisheries.
A global assessment of kelp ecosystems reveals surprising resilience, but also regional variability in long-term responses requiring local management efforts. Kelp forests are critically important habitats that can recover quickly from damage, yet still face overwhelm from global and local pressures.
A new study found that kelp forests are relatively well-faring, with some regions increasing in size, while others decline or show no change. The researchers suggest that this variability reflects regional differences in drivers of environmental change and the unique capacity of kelp to recover from disturbances.
A recent study found that climate change is affecting 82% of key ecological processes, which have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of human societies. The study highlights the need for immediate action to achieve emissions targets and safeguard biodiversity in the face of rapid global warming.