Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
A citizen science project, SOS, uses high-resolution satellite images to help researchers count Weddell seals in the Ross Sea. By contributing to this effort, the public will aid in understanding how fishing affects seal populations and the entire ecosystem.
A University of Washington professor argues that closing parts of the ocean to fishing is not enough to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He suggests regulating fisheries over the entire economic zone as a more effective approach to conservation.
A recent study reveals that a marine heatwave off the western coast of Australia has led to the dramatic loss of kelp forests, covering over 963 km2. The transition has resulted in a shift towards subtropical and tropical marine ecosystems, with significant changes in species composition.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Bath investigated noise in Falmouth Bay for 14 months, finding varied noise levels affected by natural conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring to understand human impact on marine environments.
A new study by NOAA Fisheries and the University of California San Diego estimates that the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean provides 'ecosystem services' worth at least $17 billion. The services include commercial fishing ($2.7 billion/year), sport fishing ($1.6 billion/year), and carbon capture ($12.9 billion/year).
Researchers from the University of Washington and NOAA have created a seasonal outlook for Pacific Northwest waters, providing predictions for water oxygen, temperature, chlorophyll, and pH. The tool shows measurable skill on seasonal timescales, especially at the beginning of the spring upwelling season.
A global mass extinction event killed off most life on Earth, but marine life quickly recovered 3.35 million years later, according to a new study led by University of California, Davis researchers. The recovery was attributed to changes in ocean circulation and mixing that allowed nutrient-rich waters to reach the surface.
A special issue of Deep Sea Research II explores the global issue of chemical munitions dumped at sea, finding that while some munitions pose little risk to humans, others can have adverse effects on fish populations. International collaboration has shed light on techniques for investigating munitions dumpsites and mitigating damage.
These unique ecosystems sustain a diverse range of marine life, including tube worms, giant crabs, and mussels, which consume methane and toxic sulfide. The hydrothermal vents and seeps also release minerals and heat, creating rocks and habitat that can last for tens of thousands of years.
Research highlights factors necessary for successful apex predator recovery, including disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance. The study reveals that full recovery is the exception rather than the rule, with many species facing complex challenges in their recovery pathways.
The study reveals dozens of genes that allow corals to coordinate their response to environmental changes and explains the origin of hard skeleton-forming genes. The database will help researchers understand which coral species may survive or succumb to climate change.
A UN report finds mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may preserve some species and replenish shallow reef populations, providing a refuge from bleaching. Cooler, deeper water in MCEs could be more hospitable to many species than warmer surface water, offering a stable environment.
Mode-2 waves can carry beneficial and detrimental materials between ecosystems, trapping them inside layers of different densities. Researchers found that larger bulges result in more material carried by the wave, while small regions of turbulence can cause it to break down.
A new study reveals that marine life from the north can easily invade Antarctic waters due to the weakening of the Antarctic Polar Front. As a result, non-Antarctic species could soon colonize the region, leading to drastic ecosystem changes.
A recent study by Newcastle University has found that finfish populations have declined drastically over the last 65 years due to uncontrolled fishing, with five species now fighting for survival. The research highlights the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs and the ecosystem as a whole.
Researchers from the University of Bristol found that marine reptiles in the Mesozoic era quickly developed diverse feeding habits and morphological adaptations, expanding their ecological niches. This study, published in Paleobiology, sheds light on the rapid evolution of these ancient predators.
Scientists from the Malaspina expedition found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons account for 15% of oceanic CO2 deposits, with 90,000 tonnes entering Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans monthly. These pollutants can affect ocean life due to their toxicity and alter cloud formation cycles.
A survey of 2,501 Britons found that just 1 in 5 people know about ocean acidification, a critical environmental issue. The study highlights the need to raise public awareness and understanding of this topic, which is often overlooked despite its importance for marine ecosystems.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found an unprecedented abundance of juvenile sea star offspring along the Oregon coast, but warns that a second wave of the deadly 'sea star wasting disease' could be disastrous. The disease nearly wiped out the population in 2014 and its impact on the ecosystem is still unknown.
Researchers found that both groups show a nested pattern of distribution, with narrow-ranging lineages concentrated in the tropics and broad-ranging lineages extending into higher latitudes. Species diversification drives expansion across climatic divides, increasing the likelihood of successful crossings.
A new study found that coral reefs use platelet activating factor (PAF) to trigger inflammation, a key process in bringing in protective immune cells. This molecule has been part of human immune systems for over 550 million years, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
A new study finds that excessive algae growth in coral reefs causes microbes to dominate the food chain, depleting oxygen and releasing harmful pathogens. This leads to a runaway feedback loop, further coral death and ecosystem collapse. The research highlights the impact of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.
A recent study highlights the need for sustainable shark conservation in Indonesia, where fin harvesting contributes to over 3 million shark deaths annually. Implementing no-fishing zones and providing alternative livelihood options can help protect shark populations and support local communities.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean hosted a regional workshop to discuss deepsea canyons ecosystem and existing management programs. Participants emphasized research, data sharing, outreach, and solutions to address pollution and climate change impacts on the canyons.
Current methods for predicting damage to coral reefs are limited by a focus on individual species in isolation. To address this, researchers propose combining empirical evidence with traditional biological scaling models and computer simulations to understand the emergent properties of acidification-afflicted reef ecosystems. This appr...
Researchers suggest targeting over-exploitation of resources like forests and fisheries by partitioning ecosystems into specialized harvesting niches. This approach could lead to higher sustainable quotas and productive industrial systems.
A 20-member scientific panel warns that increases in global carbon dioxide emissions are acidifying waters of the North American West Coast at an accelerating rate, with severe ecological consequences anticipated. The panel recommends a coordinated regional management strategy to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that marine heatwaves have recurred regularly since 1950 but have become more common since the 1970s. The research analyzed ocean surface temperature observations over 65 years, including a notable 'warm blob' in the Pacific Northwest from 2013 to 2015.
The article discusses a scientific plan developed by UCSB researchers to quantify present conditions in the ocean's carbon cycle and predict its future states. The plan, known as EXPORTS, combines modeling, satellite data, and field sampling to understand how carbon is processed by the world's oceans.
The study reveals that the decline of traditional women's work in the marshes has led to a narrowing of daily life to domestic tasks. The Marsh Arab women's unique cultural relationship with the ecosystem is being lost as natural resources vanish, and their roles are taken over by men.
Using tiny bubbles in seawater can help reduce acidity and promote coral growth, potentially saving the world's largest reef systems. The technique could provide a cost-effective solution to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Conservation biologists at the University of Exeter found that attaching green LED lights to gillnets reduced sea turtle deaths by 64%, without affecting fish catch, in a small-scale Peruvian fishery. The study showed that the cost of saving one turtle was £24, making it a cost-effective solution.
A genetic study on 'Burnt Hot Dog' sea cucumbers reveals low genetic diversity in polluted areas, highlighting the need for increased fisheries management and protections. The study also finds that these sea cucumbers play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
A study suggests that setting aside at least 30 percent of the ocean for protection could have numerous benefits for conservation, fisheries, and other stakeholders. The research found a surprising consensus among previous studies on an ambitious target for ocean protection.
Researchers analyzed old tourist photos to reconstruct the rise and fall of common guillemot populations on Stora Karlsö. The study found a significant increase in population size, with numbers more than five times bigger than in the early 20th century.
The paper inventories 1,268 biological field stations globally, highlighting their importance for long-term data collection, education, and public engagement. The author emphasizes the need for sustainable frameworks, improved governance, and increased public awareness to ensure these stations' success.
A UCSB biologist and colleagues used satellite data on fishing to help protect ocean biodiversity. They analyzed billions of vessel data points to assess the effectiveness of new marine parks in stopping illegal fishing. The researchers also created a global map of human use of high seas, paving the way for more effective management of...
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a direct link between fault activity and water entering the Earth's mantle. The study found that the amount of serpentinite formed at the bottom of each fault is directly proportional to the displacement on that fault.
A Northeastern University research team has mapped a mass feeding frenzy involving eight highly protected species of whales and dolphins in the U.S. Gulf of Maine region. The study uses innovative underwater acoustic sensing methods to understand predator-prey interactions and their implications for conserving marine ecosystems.
Research found that wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of microplastics in rivers, with particles traveling up to 2 kilometers downstream. The microplastics were home to potentially harmful bacterial communities, highlighting the need for improved filters and treatment processes.
New research reveals that Gulf of Mexico historic shipwrecks are significantly altered by oil spills, affecting microbial communities and ecosystems. The study also explores the potential for shipwrecks to monitor deep-ocean ecosystem health.
Scientists have discovered a distinct low-frequency hum associated with the daily migrations of deep-sea fish and squid. The sound could help scientists better understand this mysterious ecosystem and potentially inform our understanding of climate change's impact on ocean food webs.
This comprehensive genome analysis of Zostera marina provides unique insights into the genomic losses and gains involved in adapting to full marine conditions. Seagrasses have regained functions enabling them to adjust to salinity, a key innovation for these plants.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that coral reef islands and atolls create 'biological hotspots' in the Pacific Ocean due to increased phytoplankton biomass, supporting enhanced food-webs and local fisheries. The Island Mass Effect drives ecosystem productivity and has significant implications for resource management.
A recent study reveals that ocean plankton networks play a crucial role in removing carbon from the atmosphere and depositing it deep in the ocean. The research, led by Matthew Sullivan of Ohio State University, used advanced genetic sequencing to identify clusters of organisms most linked to carbon deposition.
Research from the University of Southampton found that man-made sounds can alter the behavior of seabed creatures, impacting nutrient recycling and carbon storage. Exposure to certain sounds can cause species to reduce irrigation and sediment turnover, leading to reduced oxygen levels and potentially affecting seabed productivity.
Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.
Seagrasses are unique flowering plants adapted to marine life, providing insights into climate warming and carbon burial. The Zostera marina genome reveals key adaptations, including rearranged metabolic pathways and different signalling mechanisms.
Researchers sequenced a seagrass genome, revealing genes that enable plants to adapt to saline environments. The study provides insights into salt tolerance and could inform crop breeding to improve resilience in the face of climate change.
Researchers analyzed over 5,600 estimates of ocean microbial cell and virus populations, finding dramatic variations from location to location and depth. The study highlights the need for more accurate representations of viral populations in climate models and biogeochemical measures.
Researchers developed soft robotic grippers that can collect delicate underwater specimens without destroying them. These grippers are designed for use in deep-sea exploration and could enhance biodiversity research by allowing scientists to sample largely unexplored habitats.
A team of researchers has discovered living fossils, rare corals, and diverse ecosystems in the deep waters of the Coral Sea. The expedition found golden corals, precious red coral, glass sponges, and ancient species like the chambered nautilus.
A new analysis suggests that placing plastic collectors near coasts is more beneficial for removing microplastics and preventing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. The study found that this approach could remove up to 31% of microplastics, compared to just 17% if all collectors were deployed within the Great Pacific garbage patch.
A new study by NOAA researchers predicts that ocean temperatures in the Northeast U.S. may warm twice as fast and three times faster than previously estimated. This accelerated warming is driven by a higher resolution climate model that better reflects regional ocean circulation patterns.
Snapping shrimp sound patterns show seasonal variations, with more snaps per minute during summer and fewer during winter. The research highlights the importance of long-term acoustic sampling in understanding marine soundscape ecology.
A recent West Coast study emphasizes the impacts of ocean acidification and low-oxygen conditions on marine organisms, highlighting serious challenges for life in these areas. The results show that multiple stressors will only increase as ocean conditions worldwide resemble those off the West Coast.
The ORCAS field campaign aims to understand the role of the Southern Ocean in absorbing excess carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. By tracking oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, scientists will gain insights into the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink.
New research from Florida Institute of Technology scientists suggests that moderate levels of turbidity can lower stress on corals by shading them from high light. This could be a refuge for coral species in a warmer climate.
A Yale-led study suggests that species rarity may be a key indicator of mass extinctions, which could provide an early warning system for the current biotic crisis. The researchers propose that monitoring changes in species and ecosystems can help scientists pinpoint mass extinctions before they become catastrophic.
A new University of Florida study suggests that coral reefs may be more vulnerable to nutrient pollution from human activities, even with the presence of herbivores. The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to protecting these ecosystems.