Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
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.
A study led by Johns Hopkins University scientist suggests that rapid growth in tiny plankton's population is a sign of swift environmental change due to increased carbon dioxide in the ocean. The research highlights the possibility of rapid ecosystem change, potentially exceeding previously predicted models.
Research divers have found that sedimentation is impacting an entire ecosystem on the seafloor due to melting glaciers. This has led to a decline in species diversity among benthos, with some species being extremely sensitive to higher sedimentation rates and subsequently dying out.
A 359 million-year-old mass extinction event triggered a drastic transformation in Earth's vertebrate community, with smaller fish dominating the oceans for at least 40 million years. The findings suggest that small, fast-reproducing fish possessed an evolutionary advantage over larger animals in the disturbed environment.
A team of researchers is using 'passive acoustic monitoring' to document the use of the Bering Strait by species previously excluded by sea ice. They are eavesdropping on marine mammals within the Arctic to monitor their presence year-round and study the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem.
International workshop highlights need for better forecasting of long-term trends in harmful algal blooms, which threaten wildlife and economies. Research priorities focus on understanding phytoplankton community structure and developing ecological models to prepare for future scenarios.
A new study suggests that geoduck farming in central Puget Sound could have significant impacts on the food web if farming activities increase by 120 percent. The equipment used to farm geoducks, including PVC pipes and nets, may have a greater impact than the addition of the clams themselves.
Scientists and legal scholars warn that countries are misinterpreting the 'rational use' of natural resources to escalate fishing efforts in Antarctic waters. Marine protected areas, crucial for conserving the region's last intact ecosystem, are being hindered by this misinterpretation.
A recent global analysis predicts a decline in marine species diversity and abundance as ocean acidification and warming are expected to have devastating effects on fisheries and ecosystems worldwide. Microorganisms are the only group likely to thrive, while carnivorous fish face a collapse from top of food chain.
Researchers will conduct research to support long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, with a focus on observation networks and ecosystem modeling. The projects aim to enhance effective and sustainable ecosystem management.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process where warm Gulf Stream water and colder waters of the continental shelf exchange, influencing shelf circulation, biogeochemistry, and fisheries. The discovery provides new insights into the complex interactions between these two water masses.
Researchers found no barriers to prevent king crab populations from arriving on the shallow continental shelf if the water becomes warm enough. The arrival of these crustaceans could radically alter the ecosystem and diminish marine biodiversity globally.
Researchers discovered a world of biological activity beneath the Arctic's polar night, with diverse species reproducing and thriving in the darkness. The findings raise questions about how marine species adapt to the changing climate and highlight the importance of this period for ecosystem reproduction.
The National Science Foundation is funding research on the diversity of life on Earth, with a focus on understanding how biodiversity shapes ecosystems. This includes studying moss-microbe interactions, lichens in global diversity hotspots, and microbial communities in marine oxygen-deficient zones.
Researchers reconstruct environmental conditions in the Southern Ocean over the past 30,000 years, showing that seasonal sea-ice zones had significant influences on ecosystems and carbon cycling. The study reveals that nutrient-rich waters allowed phytoplankton to store CO2, contributing to global cooling during ice ages.
Methane emissions from Arctic tundra increase when sea ice melts due to altered ocean temperatures and microbial activity. The loss of sea ice has a significant impact on the Arctic climate, leading to higher temperatures and increased methane production.
A recently discovered deep-sea methane seep off the San Diego coast has revealed a unique ecosystem with diverse habitat types and adapted creatures. The site, which produces methane as it sinks to the ocean floor, supports a community of organisms that consume and convert the gas.
Scientists explore reviving extinct Mediterranean forests through minimal human disturbance and restoration of native vegetation. They also investigate the impact of ocean noise pollution on undersea animals and propose internationally binding commitments to monitor and limit noise.
Researchers found that relative amounts of predator and prey biomass are predicted by a simple mathematical function called a power scaling law. This means that even in diverse ecosystems, from oceans to savannas, there are always fewer top predators than expected in resource-rich environments.
A new study reveals that the ratio of predator-to-prey biomass decreases as prey biomass increases in diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, lakes, and oceans. The study analyzed tens of thousands of populations across 2,260 ecosystems globally, finding a consistent pattern of biomass scaling.
Researchers found a consistent pattern that in crowded settings, prey reproduce less, leading to fewer predators. This discovery suggests a new law of nature governing ecosystems globally.
A new European Marine Board paper highlights the need for major progress in deep-sea research to underpin future management and exploitation of living and non-living deep-sea resources. The report identifies deficiencies in basic knowledge of deep-sea systems, which could hinder ecosystem-based management and limit sustainability.
Researchers found longer, less frequent climate fluctuations contribute to abrupt and unexplained ecosystem shifts in the North Pacific. The study suggests changing climate variability contributed to 1977 and 1989 regime changes with more likely larger climate-triggered shifts.
Coral reef scientists warn that even with a successful Paris climate conference, ocean warming and acidification will continue beyond the end of this century, potentially leading to the extinction of coral reefs. Experts call for more aggressive emissions reduction plans to stabilize CO2 at 350ppm or lower to give reefs a chance.
A volcanic island's unique location allows scientists to study ocean acidification effects on a small scale. Elevated CO2 levels trigger a dramatic ecosystem change from vibrant coral to algae-covered rocks.
Researchers used natural CO2 underwater seeps to study ecosystems in high-CO2 levels and adjacent ecosystems with present-day levels of CO2. The study found that acidification affects fish behavior, but some species thrive in acidified waters, while others decline or shift habitats.
A University of Texas at Arlington study reveals that sea stars have an immune response characterized by various types of immunities, including the first melanin gene ever recorded in a sea star. The team also found changes in genes related to collagen and nervous system function, which may contribute to the disease's effects.
A new study examines predator-prey interactions between tiger sharks and sea turtles using satellite tagging data. The research found that while sharks exhibit modified surfacing behavior to enhance predation opportunity, turtles do not alter their behaviors to reduce shark attacks when home ranges overlap.
The International Seabed Authority is poised to set the groundwork for future deep-sea environmental protection and mining regulations. Researchers recommend establishing networks of Marine Protected Areas to balance economic interests with conservation benefits, potentially benefiting both mining and biodiversity interests.
A global study found that seabird populations have dropped by 69.6% since the 1950s, equivalent to a loss of about 230 million birds in 60 years. This decline is largely attributed to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
Research from the University of Washington finds that seafloor hot springs provide a significant source of iron to the world's oceans. The dissolved metals are carried by deep-sea currents for decades, supporting phytoplankton growth and impacting global ocean chemistry.
A new study warns that global warming could force fish to migrate 65% faster, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The research highlights the need for reducing emissions to mitigate these effects and protect marine ecosystems.
The global seafood supply will be substantially altered by climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification, leading to a decline in fisheries and marine biodiversity. Researchers recommend improving ocean governance and limiting carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder discovered that halogen reactions from ocean air can turn mercury into a water-soluble form that stays high in the atmosphere for long periods. This process may help explain why mercury deposition is so widespread and persistent in some regions.
A recent study examines the resurgence of major predators on the US West Coast and in Yellowstone, revealing rising conflicts with humans and other species. The researchers suggest multi-species approaches to address these tensions and develop more effective management strategies.
A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.
Researchers found an invasive micro-alga, Symbiodinium trenchii, improves coral resilience to heat stress but reduces calcification rates and diminishes coral's ability to build reefs. The introduction of this species poses concerns for ecosystem stability and function.
Marine viruses and microbes interact on a global scale, driving ecological processes and producing half of the oxygen we breathe. A study by an international team led by University of Arizona scientists reveals how viral communities maintain high regional diversity through passive transport by ocean currents.
The Tara Oceans expedition has produced a comprehensive catalogue of over 40 million genes from 35,000 unknown species, showcasing the vast diversity of planktonic organisms. Climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems are being studied using this global dataset.
Seagrass ecosystems rely on small marine invertebrates to graze algae, keeping habitats clean and healthy. A recent study found that diverse communities of these animals are essential for maintaining robust seagrass populations.
Researchers emphasize the need for more studies on dispersants' effects on microorganisms in marine ecosystems. Standardized methods and consistent metrics are crucial to document dispersant impacts, as existing research reveals inconsistent results.
A five-year project aims to combine species counts and ecological data with newer data gathered using satellites, robots, and genetic analyses. The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) will classify habitats and sample each area effectively using regional maps and environmental DNA.
A study using fossils to predict extinction risk identifies vulnerable ocean ecosystems and species, providing a baseline for conservation efforts. The analysis finds that animals with small geographic ranges and certain groups are more prone to extinction, highlighting the need for targeted conservation and management.
Scientists at MBL and Brown University have developed a system to measure plant photosynthesis over large areas by analyzing spectral signals from satellite sensors. The system uses solar-induced fluorescence in leaves, allowing for the detection of photosynthesis on a canopy scale.
A new study reveals that biodiversity enhances multiple ecosystem functions, from soil nitrogen accumulation to aquatic algae control. This finding bolsters the importance of conserving biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Scientists have discovered the first invasive lionfish in Brazilian waters, raising alarm for Atlantic reefs and native species. The discovery highlights the need for urgent control measures to protect coral reefs from the voracious invaders.
A scientific review synthesizes decades of discoveries on the evolution of whales, dolphins, seals, and other species that adapted to aquatic environments. The study highlights how life in the ocean has responded to environmental change over time, informing an understanding of human impacts on marine species today.
The study suggests that highly acidic oceans caused the extinction event, which lasted around 10,000 years. The research provides new insights into the threat posed by modern-day ocean acidification.
A new study examines human impact on Pacific coral reefs, finding significant reductions in fish biomass at most reefs due to human presence. The analysis of nearly 40 islands and atolls reveals that even low levels of human influence can cause substantial declines in fish abundance.
A massive 30-foot-long core sample of Pacific Ocean seafloor has shown that marine ecosystems can take thousands of years to recover from climate-related upheavals. The study analyzed over 5,400 invertebrate fossils and found that ecosystem recovery from climate change and seawater deoxygenation might take place on a millennial scale.
A new study by UC Davis researchers finds that ocean ecosystems can take thousands of years to recover from rapid climate change, with the recovery period being on a millennial scale. The study analyzed fossilized ocean fauna and found that even minor changes in oxygen levels could result in dramatic changes for seafloor communities.
A new study calculates the magnitude of submarine groundwater discharge into the Mediterranean Sea, revealing it can add as much nutrients as rivers. The annual volume of SGD ranges from 30 to 500 billion cubic meters, with a median nutrient flux comparable to atmospheric deposition and riverine runoff.
The new journal, Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, aims to publish research applying ecological science to sustainable development at local, national, and international scales. It encourages integration of natural, social, and behavioral studies and seeks research with implications for strategic planning and governance.
Researchers develop 'dynamic ocean management' to integrate real-time data and crowd-sourced reports into ocean industry applications. This approach aims to protect vulnerable ecosystems while promoting sustainable resource use, in line with industries' profitability.
Researchers found that underwater noise from melting glaciers exceeds ocean noise levels generated by all other sources. The loud sounds are short-lived, but consistent melting of ice creates a persistent noise generator. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between underwater noise levels and the fjord ecosystem.
A new forecasting method, empirical dynamic modeling (EDM), has improved predictions for Fraser River sockeye salmon in British Columbia. The EDM technique uses archives of field data to drive predictions, outperforming traditional management forecast tools with a smaller error margin.
Researchers at James Cook University have discovered that Great Barrier Reef corals will consume microplastic pollution. The study found that the corals eat plastic particles at rates only slightly lower than their normal rate of feeding on marine plankton.
Bacteria living in marine sponges capture phosphorus from the water and convert it into polyphosphate, a form of phosphorus usable by the reef community. This discovery sheds new light on nutrient cycling in coral reefs.
New techniques using satellite-mounted cameras and microwave sensors can monitor large areas of the ocean, quickly identifying regions most at risk from increasing acidification. This approach offers remote monitoring and could lead to further development of satellite sensors in the coming years.
Innovative sequencing technologies are allowing scientists to study ocean microbes, revealing their critical role in the global carbon cycle and ecosystem health. The findings highlight the diversity of marine protists and their impact on ocean ecosystems.