Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
The OceanCube Observatories are designed to understand changes in species, nutrients, and energy within a controlled cube-shaped volume of water. The system provides real-time data on temperature, salinity, and other chemical, biological, and physical data critical to understanding coral reef ecosystem health.
A new study suggests that local climatic conditions, rather than biological differences among species, explain observed shifts in marine species distribution. Researchers analyzed four decades of data from NOAA and Canadian fisheries surveys and found that 74% of species shifted latitude in the same direction as climate velocity.
New research reveals that warmer waters impact plankton's ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, leading to a vicious cycle of climate change. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, producing oxygen and serving as the base of the food chain.
A study by Tim Mattes and colleagues found that microorganisms in the dark ocean, below 600 feet, absorb considerable amounts of carbon. The team discovered sulfur-oxidizing microbes dominating carbon fixation at hydrothermal vents, which could provide insights into global biogeochemical cycles.
Researchers have developed a new tool that can predict fish habitat conditions six months in advance. The JISAO Seasonal Coastal Ocean Prediction of the Ecosystem (J-SCOPE) uses global climate models and regional coastal ocean simulations to forecast ocean temperatures, oxygen levels, and phytoplankton blooms.
Computer models predict coral reef ecosystem shifts due to warming and acidification, with the Western Pacific becoming less suitable by 2070. Coral Triangle biodiversity is also at risk, while some areas like the eastern Pacific may remain suitable.
A study found that sea otter recolonization led to an increase in grazing invertebrates, which kept algae growth under control and allowed seagrasses to recover. The findings suggest that restoration of entire food webs may be necessary for coastal habitat recovery.
A new study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers analyzed data from over 150 species, finding that most animal groups are affected negatively by higher carbon dioxide concentrations. Corals and echinoderms react sensitively to ocean acidification, while crustaceans may be more resilient in certain scenarios.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the rise of early Appalachian Mountains and cooling oceans allowed invasive species to upset the North American ecosystem 450 million years ago. This geological shift triggered evolutionary changes in ancient seas, leading to a change in survival patterns among native organisms.
Researchers are tracking the movements of 10 Great Shearwater seabirds in the Gulf of Maine using satellite tags, providing insights into ecosystem health and food supply changes. The birds' feeding habits and reactions to changes in their primary food source, sand lance, will inform conservation efforts.
Researchers highlight climate change's role in spreading infectious diseases, affecting wildlife and agriculture, with potential consequences of extinction and human health risks
The USGS has released new seafloor maps, data layers, and videos for the entire California coast, providing a comprehensive base-map series. This collaboration between state and federal agencies, academia, and private industry aims to inform coastal managers and researchers about seafloor habitats, geology, and ecosystems.
A three-year international study found that marine species are shifting their geographic distribution towards cooler regions due to warming oceans. This has led to changes in breeding patterns, life cycles, and potentially significant repercussions for human services dependent on these ecosystems.
A recent study predicts that biodiversity on polar seabeds could be reduced by up to one third within decades as the poles warm, leading to widespread ecosystem shifts. The research reveals that even slight changes in sea-ice timing can cause a tipping point, resulting in unique communities being replaced by algal beds.
A special edition of Environmental Development journal captures decades of trans-boundary water management lessons, highlighting the need for science-based governance and innovative approaches to address pressing issues like climate change, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. The volume includes articles on Nile River Basin mana...
The first global atlas of marine plankton catalogues an estimated 100 trillion individual organisms, revealing surprising similarities in phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass. The open-source database will aid conservation efforts and inform computer models to predict climate change impacts.
A global single-cell genomic study highlights British Columbia's role as an 'oasis' of microbial biodiversity. The research, published in Nature, provides new insights into the vital biological diversity encoded in microorganisms, shedding light on essential ecosystem functions and services.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...
Researchers found at least 1000 types of bacterial cells on plastic debris, including autotrophs, heterotrophs, and symbionts. The plastisphere may alter ocean ecosystems and transport harmful microbes, sparking concerns about its impact on marine life.
A research team at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has developed a new genetic tool to analyze microbial life in oceans. They found that marine microbes are adapted to very narrow and specialized niches, utilizing diverse energy sources and displaying genomic streamlining.
Researchers found that zooplankton species critical for Atlantic cod larvae have declined in abundance, affecting their survival and recovery after overfishing. The study highlights the impact of changing ocean temperatures on the food chain, with significant biological consequences.
A global cooling event, similar to recent global warming, occurred 116 million years ago, causing a marine ecosystem crisis and reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. This study highlights the link between global climate and internal earth processes, demonstrating that large-scale changes can have severe consequences for marine life.
A new study at Georgia Tech suggests that diatoms stuff more iron into their silica shells than needed, limiting its availability and reducing productivity. This can negatively affect the ecosystem, including plankton production and competition for iron.
Researchers at University of Delaware and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found evidence of active bacteria, fungi and other microscopic organisms at depths deeper than a skyscraper is high. The microbes are reproducing, digesting food and moving around despite extreme conditions.
Researchers found that climate change can have both positive and negative effects on eelgrass meadows, depending on the presence of small algae-eating crustaceans. Without these crustaceans, higher water temperatures and ocean acidification pose a greater threat to the ecosystem's survival.
Scientists have created global maps showing how shipping noise affects the ocean, with high levels appearing in northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and along major shipping routes. The models take into account factors like water temperature, pressure, and sediment type to predict sound wave propagation.
A 17-year study on coral colonies off South America reveals the devastating impact of El Niño on coral diversity and density. The study found that it took 13 years for the coral reef system in Brazil to recover from the event, highlighting their vulnerability to climate-related changes.
A recent study found that traditional fisheries targeting large predators like cod have declined, while shellfish such as prawns and scallops have increased in value. However, this shift is at risk due to disease, species invasions, and climate change, which threaten the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.
Sea surface temperatures in the Northeast Shelf reached a record high of 14 degrees Celsius in 2012, with significant impacts on marine life and ecosystems. The warming conditions affected fish and shellfish distributions, plankton blooms, and ocean stratification.
A national marine biodiversity observation network is proposed to track ocean ecosystem health, monitor trends, and facilitate proactive responses to environmental pressures. The study recommends coordination of existing efforts, digitization of historical data, and establishment of regional centers to process and identify specimens.
A new study developed by Scripps Institution of Oceanography argues that problems lie in seeking answers one factor at a time, as scientists have done for decades. The researchers argue that using novel mathematical methods can help avoid misleading conclusions by considering dynamic linkages between factors.
A £3.2 million research study will investigate how climate warming affects North West Europe's shelf seas and their role in the global carbon cycle. The study aims to improve modeling systems for understanding ocean climate change, particularly focusing on the capacity of shelf seas to store carbon.
Researchers found evidence of life in the deeply buried oceanic crust, which is largely supported by chemosynthesis. The study suggests that this vast ecosystem is driven by energy from reduced iron compounds, creating a unique environment for microorganisms to thrive.
Researchers analyzed footage from James Cameron's DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition, revealing a vibrant mix of organisms in each trench site. The study highlights the diversity of creatures living in extreme ocean depths, including giant amoebas, sea cucumbers, and shrimp-like crustaceans.
Researchers found drastic changes to marine communities due to higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels, leading to potential extinction of marine life. The study mirrors current climate predictions over the next century, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen explore human-environment interactions in coastal regions, identifying linkages between people and the environment. They find that local and national fisheries institutions may create barriers to adaptation strategies, with urban fishermen better equipped to cope with climate variability.
Using ocean WiFi hotspots, Stanford professor Barbara Block is tracking animal movements in real-time, enabling new insights into marine ecosystems and fisheries management. Her 'Wired Ocean' project aims to establish a global network of instruments to study the biosphere under unprecedented human impact.
Dr. Bruce J. Peterson has made seminal contributions in oceanography, limnology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and hydrology through his use of new methods and scientific publications. His research on the freshwater cycle of the Arctic has made fundamental advances in understanding land-ocean interactions.
In 2012, huge quantities of algae grew on sea ice in the Central Arctic, with Melosira arctica responsible for almost half primary production. This led to rapid sinkage of algae to deep-sea, where it was consumed by bacteria and animals.
Researchers at the National Oceanography Centre revealed a unique cold volcanic vent in Antarctica, differing from classic hydrothermal vents. The study used high-resolution camera platforms to image the seafloor and detected a low-lying plume of shimmering water, indicating hydrothermal fluid seeping through sediment.
Researchers found that tiny single-cell organisms are spreading rapidly through the world's oceans, stabilizing coastlines and reefs with their calcareous shells. By 2100, these protozoa may spread closer to the poles, occupying ecological niches left by corals.
Oregon State University will lead a $290 million project to design and build three new coastal research vessels, bolstering the US marine science research capabilities. The vessels will be designed for flexibility and environmental sustainability, addressing critical ocean issues such as climate change and marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that marine bacteria prefer specific temperatures, nutrients, light, and salinity levels, contradicting the 'everything is everywhere' hypothesis. The discovery suggests dispersal limitation plays a crucial role in shaping bacterial distributions.
The 244-million-year-old Thalattoarchon saurophagis, a giant ichthyosaur, provided significant findings on the recovery of modern marine ecosystems following a severe Permian extinction. The discovery sheds light on the dynamics of evolving planet and its impact on today's environment.
A new study aims to develop fishing management guidelines for Atlantic menhaden, a crucial food source for larger fish and marine mammals. The research will help ensure the species' survival and maintain ecosystem balance.
Researchers investigate four hydrothermal vent sites off Antarctica's coast to understand animal communities and their unique ecosystems. The team uses a deep-diving ROV to study the interactions between animals and the vents, which are super-heated to around 300 degrees Centigrade.
A new study using 3D models shows that chemical dispersants injected into the Macondo wellhead had little effect on preventing oil from reaching the sea surface. The researchers found that the oil droplets were too small for the dispersants to have a significant impact.
A Dartmouth-led effort publishes major findings on how mercury released into the air contaminates ocean fish and seafood. The research provides a synthesis of science on mercury sources, fate, and human exposure in marine systems, tracing pathways from sources to seafood to consumers.
A team of scientists has discovered an ancient thriving colony of microbes in the brine of Lake Vida, Antarctica, which is estimated to have been isolated for over 2,800 years. The microbes live in a highly saline environment with high concentrations of ammonia and nitrous oxide.
A new CU-NOAA study analyzes 90 years of observational data to show that summer climates in regions across the globe are changing, mostly warming, according to lead author Irina Mahlstein. The technique reveals location-by-location temperature changes and could yield valuable insights into changes in ecosystems on a regional scale.
Dr. Ellen K. Pikitch cautions against traditional fisheries management, citing current studies that show fish populations are below recommended levels and most species are declining. A more precautionary approach is needed to protect marine ecosystems.
A long-term study reveals that excessive nutrients can cause salt-marsh loss, leading to habitat destruction for fish and wildlife. The research highlights the need for better waste management practices to protect these critical coastal ecosystems.
A comprehensive comparison of marine microbial diversity at the poles reveals vast differences between Southern and Arctic oceans. The study highlights the importance of researching Earth's polar regions in the face of climate change, and identifies further research needs to understand sea ice, seasonal shifts, and freshwater inputs.
A long-term study conducted in Belize found that manatees can indicate the overall health of marine ecosystems. The researchers tracked over 200 manatees for nearly a decade, monitoring their behavior, life history, and health. The study provides insight into the baseline health of this species threatened by human activities.
A new study finds that climate change could lead to significant changes in Pacific ecosystem distribution, affecting thousands of marine animals and coastal communities. Some species, like loggerhead turtles and sharks, may face harsh impacts, while others, such as seabirds and tunas, may benefit from shifting habitats.
A study of 200 major international water-related projects identified existing and emerging challenges, including insufficient management, urbanization, and climate change. Investing in science and strengthening the science-policy interface can help reduce risks and inform decision-making.
Sea surface temperatures reached record highs on the Northeast continental shelf in 2012, exceeding 10.5 degrees C, affecting cod distribution and marine life. The annual spring plankton bloom was intense, starting earlier and lasting longer than average, with implications for species spawning at specific times of the year.
A new study estimates that destruction of coastal habitats releases 0.15 to 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions annually, with a high value associated with keeping these ecosystems intact.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
Researchers reconstruct 9,000-year record of delta's growth and find evidence of human impact on the entire Black Sea basin. The team finds that human deforestation and agriculture led to increased nutrient availability in the sea.