Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
Recent damming has drastically reduced the migration opportunities of fish species, leading to lost habitat and river connectivity issues. The lack of pre-1950 data on ecological harm may underestimate the effects of damming.
Scientists developed a method to quantify past oxygen depletion in oceans using thallium isotope composition of ancient seafloor sediments. The analysis suggests up to half of the deep ocean was oxygen-depleted during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2, with modern trends showing similar rates of deoxygenation.
A 94-million-year-old climate change event showed severe oxygen depletion in ancient oceans, with a similar rate of decline observed in contemporary oceans. Researchers used Thallium isotope analysis to examine organic-rich sediment and found evidence of rapid oxygen loss before a major climate event.
New research by NOAA Fisheries shows that seabird predation, particularly common murres, affects salmon survival in the California Current. Changes in ocean conditions influence bird predation on salmon from San Francisco Bay, highlighting the complex relationships between species and their environment.
The study documents Belize's first integrated coastal management plan, which balances development and conservation objectives. The plan was developed through a community-driven process involving scientists and stakeholders to protect ecosystems that provide long-term benefits to people and their economy.
A recent fossil site discovery reveals that low oxygen levels during the Early Jurassic led to a stressed marine ecosystem, with only a few species surviving. The study tracks how this event impacted local communities, including a collapse of fish populations and changes in species composition.
International scientists warn that deep-sea mining will inevitably harm biodiversity due to the scale and depth of operations. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean is at risk of severe damage, with some projects covering over 83,000 square kilometers.
MIT Portugal's International Industry Roundtable on new technologies for old industries brought together industry leaders to discuss common objectives and share innovative ideas. The roundtable aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry in sectors such as agriculture and energy.
Scientists have long known algae are crucial to human life and ecology, but a new review reveals they hold secrets to biofuels, therapeutic compounds, and climate change resilience. Advances in molecular techniques are unlocking major genetic processes shaping algal evolution.
A new study reveals that marine invertebrate predators have increased in size over the past 500 million years, while their prey has remained relatively constant. The 'escalation hypothesis' is supported by the findings, which show a significant increase in predator-prey size ratio driven by changes in marine ecosystems.
Paleontologists have found a lost ecosystem of scallops and brachiopods off southern California's coast that thrived for at least 4,000 years before dying off due to siltation from unmanaged land use. The researchers used molecular dating and geologic methods to analyze dead shells and conclude that the collapse of the brachiopod-scall...
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative recently returned from the Philippines, where they discovered several new species of fish, nudibranchs, and sand dollars. The team also documented evidence of human impacts on deep-sea reefs, highlighting the need for stronger protections.
Researchers found that using holistic ecosystem management increases the value of stored natural capital in the Baltic Sea fishery ecosystem over five decades. The study highlights the critical role of interactions between commercially important species and how these interactions impact the overall system's wealth.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg and Alfred Wegener Institute found that competition within the krill population drives fluctuation cycles. The study suggests a self-generating mechanism in the population is responsible for the variability.
A global study suggests that highly protected marine reserves can slow down the rate of climate change and protect marine ecosystems. These areas can provide critical resilience benefits to rapid climate change, including reducing ocean acidification and supporting productive fisheries.
Researchers from Rutgers University show that stony corals use acid-rich proteins to build their skeletons, making them more resistant to climate change. The study reveals a biologically driven process for coral skeleton formation, contradicting the long-held general model.
Scientists have identified two climate-resistant coral refuges in northern Mozambique and the Quirimbas Islands, which provide variability for corals to adapt to climate change. Maintaining sustainable fishing levels and reef fish biomass is crucial to preserve these reefs.
Research on marine and coastal cultural ecosystem services is scarce compared to other ecosystem service categories, revealing insights into social-ecological interactions worldwide.
A diverse group of experts is advocating for a marine code of conduct to address human rights violations and promote socially responsible decision-making in ocean conservation. The recommended principles include indigenous rights, food security, inclusivity, and transparency.
Researchers found that fish biomass is 62% higher in Sudanese reefs compared to Saudi Arabian reefs, highlighting the effect of fishing on local ecosystems. The study suggests that careful management and protection could restore Saudi's reefs to their former state, making them suitable for eco-tourism
A new WCS study reveals that some corals are adapting to warmer ocean waters, with less coral bleaching in 11 of the 21 coral species studied. However, many species are not adapting, and global commitment is needed to address threats facing coral reef 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.