Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
The NOAA report offers a comprehensive look at the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' marine life, revealing relatively pristine ecosystems with dominant top predators. This knowledge will aid in managing resources and researching natural coral reef ecosystems.
Climate change, fishing, and commercial shipping are major threats to the ocean off the US West Coast, with every spot affected by 10-15 human activities annually. A new study provides critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans.
A team of scientists has proposed six 'rules of thumb' to help save the world's imperiled coral reefs. The key to saving threatened coral ecosystems is maintaining links between reefs, allowing larvae to flow between them and re-stock depleted areas.
Researchers found that 80% of tested sea otters in Washington State had morbillivirus and 60% had Toxoplasma, with implications for the ecosystem's balance. The study highlights the need to monitor the health of the state's otter population, as they are 'sentinels' for environmental problems.
Scientists discovered an ancient ecosystem trapped beneath Taylor Glacier in Antarctica, which survived without light or oxygen by transforming sulfur and iron compounds for growth. This unique ecosystem has the potential to explain how life might exist on other planets and serve as a model for life under ice.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg discover Fucus radicans, a new seaweed species formed less than 2,500 years ago. The study highlights the rapid formation of new species in the young and species-poor Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Establishing a public trust doctrine for federal waters could provide a practical legal framework for regulating ocean-based commerce while protecting marine species and habitats. The doctrine would obliges governments to manage natural resources in the best interests of citizens, without sacrificing future generations' needs.
A UBC study has shown that different species of three-spine stickleback fish can significantly impact their aquatic ecosystems within 11 weeks. The researchers created mini-ecosystems in tanks with varying species and found substantial differences in dissolved organic carbon levels, affecting plant growth and sunlight penetration.
Researchers use Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) to observe mass migrations of hundreds of millions of fish, revealing critical population density triggers synchronized movement. This breakthrough confirms theories about large groups of animals and provides valuable information for conservation of marine ecosystems.
A study by Tobias Porsbring found that clotrimazole and cocktail effects can harm microalgae growth and reproduction, affecting the ocean ecosystem. The use of multiple chemicals in wastewater contributes to a 'cocktail effect' more harmful than individual chemicals.
Snail shells have increased in size by 22.6% over the past century, impacting the marine ecosystem, as warmer waters and reduced predatory fish allow snails to grow larger. The study suggests that these changes could affect the entire intertidal food chain.
Researchers have determined that deep-sea corals from Hawaii are much older than previously thought, with some species estimated to be around 2,740 and 4,270 years old. The longest-lived coral is believed to be the deep-water black coral, which has been continuously growing its skeleton for millennia.
The new SemountsOnline portal offers improved management of seamount resources and conservation of seamount habitat through its expanded spatial searching tools. Researchers and managers can now access a vast amount of data on seamount biological communities, facilitating a greater understanding of seamount ecosystems.
Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral, potentially representing entirely new genera. The discoveries highlight the importance of deep-sea corals supporting diverse ecosystems and their vulnerability to ocean acidification.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study has provided evidence of a drastic decline in Florida's reef fish, with 'trophy fish' shrinking by nearly two-thirds over the last five decades. The study used archival photographs to analyze the weight and length of large predatory fish caught around coral reefs.
The AAAS Symposium explores emerging threats to terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including habitat loss, climate change, and overfishing. Researchers will discuss research challenges and synthesis of current and emerging threats.
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
Researchers use novel tools to quantify ecosystem services, including pollination and flood protection, with promising results for conservation efforts. High levels of biodiversity often correlate with enhanced ecosystem services, suggesting preservation as key to unlocking their value.
Unchecked global warming would lead to a dramatic expansion of low-oxygen areas in the ocean, affecting fisheries and ecosystems for thousands of years. The team's projections show that these oxygen minimum zones could expand much more still and invade the deep ocean.
The removal of cats from Macquarie Island, a World Heritage Site, has caused widespread environmental devastation due to the increase in the native rabbit population. The island's vegetation has been severely impacted, with nearly 40% of the area affected and nearly 20% having moderate to severe change.
Researchers have discovered that climate change affects the ocean's chemical makeup, altering calcium levels and potentially impacting marine life. The study found that the ocean's chemistry can change rapidly in response to climate changes, highlighting the need for further research on the impacts of ocean acidification.
Researchers have found that snowy owls spend most of winter on Arctic sea ice, where they may prey on seabirds and face potential climate change implications. The birds' long-distance migrations, tracked by satellite technology, suggest they are vulnerable to climate change.
University of Miami Rosenstiel School Ph.D. student Rafael Schiller earns a coveted 'Best Poster' award for his research on improving coastal simulations using GODAE and satellite products, supporting the Northern Gulf of Mexico Cooperative Institute.
Ariel Anbar's research focuses on how changes in ocean element abundances influenced life, ecosystems, and evolution on Earth. He examines sedimentary rocks to infer past ocean compositions and investigates the role of essential nutrients like iron, sulfur, and copper.
The Natural Capital Project has received a $1.97 million grant to develop Marine InVEST, a software program for evaluating the economic benefits of temperate marine ecosystems. The tool will help policymakers balance competing interests and make informed decisions about ocean management.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found at least 5,600 separate species or strains of bacteria in the human colon, surpassing previous estimates. The research uses pyrosequencing technology to assess bacterial ecosystems and reveals the critical functions performed by intestinal microbes.
The First World Conference on Marine Biodiversity has reported a rapid northern migration of invasive marine species, spreading at 50 km per decade. This is significantly faster than terrestrial plants and may be due to the rapid dispersion of macroalgae propagules in the ocean.
A team of researchers used oceanographic data to predict the potential consequences of climate change on a global scale. They found that if current trends continue, altered ocean circulation could lead to dramatic implications for the world's climate and biosphere.
A new Cornell University study found that climate change is driving rapid ecosystem shifts in the North Atlantic, with cold Arctic waters flowing south and altering species distributions and food chains. The study reports counterintuitive findings, including northern species moving southward as temperatures rise.
Researchers reconstructed Arctic climate patterns over 65 million years, revealing a link between Arctic cooling and global cooling. Changes in ocean circulation could lead to abrupt changes in climate, similar to those that occurred at the onset of the last ice age.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to agree on conservation measures puts Eastern Pacific tuna populations at risk. The Commission's own scientists have warned of declining fish stocks, and market forces exacerbate the problem as fish prices rise with decreasing stock levels.
Bald eagles adjust their foraging tactics in response to the decline of Alaskan sea otters. Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining kelp forest ecosystems, which provide food and habitat for many fish and invertebrates. As otter populations decrease, bald eagles shift their diet from kelp-forest fish to birds.
A new study reveals that the decline of sea otters in Alaska's Aleutian Islands has led to a shift in bald eagle diet, from fish to seabirds. This change highlights the extraordinary complexity of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of population shifts in keystone species.
Ocean acidification could devastate coral reefs even if atmospheric carbon dioxide stabilizes at 450 ppm. Computer simulations suggest that only a small fraction of existing coral reefs would remain in waters with the kind of chemistry that has sustained them in the past.
A team of international scientists warns that current coral reef protection zones are not effective against climate change. They recommend establishing new areas with better protection to prevent coral collapse and conserving marine ecosystems.
A group of experts has developed a roadmap for improving our understanding of how mercury moves through the marine ecosystem and into the fish we eat. The report prioritizes integrated monitoring across habitats, considering links between marine sources, biotransfer processes, and bioaccumulation mechanisms.
The number of dead zones in coastal waters has increased by a third between 1995 and 2007, with 405 areas affected, covering an area of 95,000 square miles. Dead zones are caused by excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion.
Experts warn of catastrophic ocean extinction unless drastic measures are taken to reverse the damage caused by human exploitation, pollution and climate change. The consequences include the collapse of edible species, toxic algal blooms and increased disease outbreaks.
Scientists have developed a novel method to study the Southern Ocean using elephant seals equipped with oceanographic sensors, providing a 30-fold increase in data recorded under sea ice. This technology complements traditional sampling methods, allowing for better understanding of climate change and its effects on global oceans.
A study published in Science journal reveals the evolution of marine diversity over 50 million years, highlighting the Indo-Australian Archipelago as a tropical center of maximum diversity. The research provides new insights into biodiversity hotspots and their connection to environmental change.
A study published in Nature shows that parasites have substantial biomass in ecosystems, sometimes exceeding that of top predators by a factor of 20. This challenges the long-held assumption that free-living organisms like fish and birds dominate biomass in habitats.
Researchers discovered 90 billion tons of microbial organisms living in the deep biosphere, with Archaea making up 87% of the biomass. The microorganisms thrive in extreme conditions, such as high pressure and low energy supply.
This year's predicted dead zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas could measure a record 8,800 square miles, threatening valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. The area experiences low oxygen levels due to high nutrient levels from human activities.
A new NOAA report reveals that nearly half of the US coral reef ecosystems are in poor or fair condition due to human-derived threats such as coastal development and recreational use. Climate-related effects like coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to adopt effective conservation measures is threatened by rising pressures from fishing fleets and nations demanding increased fleet sizes. Urgent action is needed to protect tuna stocks, including time and area closures and research into fish aggregating devices.
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
The Leopold Leadership Fellowship program selects mid-career academic environmental scientists to develop scientific information into policy. The 2008 fellows were chosen for their research and leadership ability.
A recent study published in Nature has found that small streams and rivers are crucial in removing excess nitrogen pollution from watersheds before it reaches the oceans. The research, led by Arizona State University scientists, used a rare nitrogen isotope to examine the effects of nitrogen loading in streams.
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
Researchers from LSU and University of Washington dispute claims that the Gulf's ecosystem is collapsing due to overexploitation. They found little change in fish populations over 40 years, despite the region's unique environment influenced by the Mississippi River.
Scientists are using integrated ecosystem assessments to prioritize strategies for restoring Puget Sound's ecosystem. Increasing salmon production can have negative impacts on wild Chinook salmon populations, highlighting the need for balanced management approaches.
Heather Leslie explains how resilience science can inform conservation efforts, recognizing connections between human communities and marine ecosystems. Her work shows promise in the Chesapeake Bay restoration project, where oyster sanctuaries and eelgrass seeding increase future resilience.
Noted UNH oceans expert Andrew A. Rosenberg will address the issue of how to protect and manage ocean resources at this year's American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting. He emphasizes the need to learn from past mistakes and adopt new approaches such as ecosystem-based management.
The Gulf of Maine's ecosystem has undergone significant changes due to fishing and climate change, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to fishery management. A new approach prioritizing ecosystem processes and tradeoffs between human activities is necessary to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
Bottom trawling stirs up sediment plumes that can be seen from space, causing widespread damage to corals, sponges, and other animals. New satellite images reveal the extent of this destruction, highlighting the need for alternative fishing methods.
A new study has mapped the extent of human impact on global oceans, revealing that over 40% of the world's oceans are severely affected. The study highlights the most heavily impacted regions, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, which house a vast majority of marine life.
A new study provides a global-scale map of human impact on marine ecosystems, revealing 40% of the world's oceans are heavily affected. The research highlights the cumulative effect of activities such as fishing, climate change, and pollution, with some areas experiencing dramatic degradation.
NOAA is investigating how underwater sound affects marine mammals, which may cause them to strand. The agency is also studying the rapid rate of Arctic ice melt due to factors like aerosols and ozone in the lower atmosphere. Additionally, NOAA researchers are using radiocarbon traces to determine fish ages, which helps with fisheries m...
A global threat map reveals that every square kilometer of the world's oceans is affected by human activities, with rising ocean temperatures being the most pervasive threat. The study found that almost half of all coral reefs have recently experienced medium- to high-level impacts, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Dr. Rochet will compare the impact of selective and non-selective fishing on marine ecosystems, aiming to pinpoint the least harmful method to reduce wasteful bycatch and promote ecosystem conservation.