Research on ocean life and coastal ecosystems. Covers ocean carbon protection, sea turtles, plankton and food webs, and warming-driven whale feeding.
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.
Dr. Constable will create an ecosystem-based management plan to safeguard baleen whales and other marine life in the Southern Ocean's rapidly-growing krill fisheries. His project aims to promote environmentally sustainable growth of the industry and address concerns over climate change and overfishing.
Fan Meng, a visionary leader from China, has been awarded the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to expand and improve a marine protected area network in southeast China. The fellowship will help safeguard coastal areas from industrial pollution and unsustainable fishing.
Dr. Sumaila will create comprehensive databases on the cost and ecological impact of commercial fishing globally, providing evidence for smarter policymaking concerning fisheries management worldwide. He aims to gather extensive information on social and economic drivers of overfishing and its impact on marine conservation.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports innovative three-year projects addressing coral reef health, unsustainable commercial fishing, and marine protected areas. The 2008 recipients aim to protect global ocean environments through groundbreaking techniques, fishery management models, and economic analysis.
Dennis J. McGillicuddy, Jr., a pioneer in physical-biological interactions, is recognized for his groundbreaking studies of plankton and ocean currents. His research has significantly impacted the global carbon cycle and marine ecosystem productivity.
Researchers from Université de Montréal and Cary Institute found that commercial fishing plays a declining role in removing man-made nitrogen from coastal waters. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer run-off has increased nitrogen levels in coastal ecosystems, causing excessive plant growth, lack of oxygen, and reduced fish populations.
Researchers discovered that coastal bacteria are generalists, capable of performing multiple processes when it comes to carbon cycling. The study used metagenomics to analyze bacterial genomes and showed that these microorganisms can adjust their roles depending on the local food supply.
Commercial fisheries play a crucial role in removing terrestrial nitrogen from coastal waters, but their contribution has decreased significantly over time. As a result, the global nitrogen balance is becoming increasingly skewed, leading to eutrophication and other environmental problems.
Three major environmental groups call for a significant increase in protected areas to combat climate change and destructive fishing practices. They also emphasize the importance of human uses being limited within these systems to allow marine species to recover.
The Center for Ocean Solutions will bring together international experts in marine science and policy to find innovative ways to protect and restore the world's oceans. Recent studies warn that climate change and overfishing will collapse most of the world's commercial fisheries within 50 years.
A new report suggests that preserving deep-sea biodiversity is crucial for the health of oceans. Researchers found that sites with a higher diversity of nematode worms support exponentially higher rates of ecosystem processes and increased efficiency. This study highlights the importance of protecting the world's most critical ecosystem.
A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.
Coral reefs, crucial for millions of livelihoods worldwide, are at risk due to rapid climate change and ocean acidification. The International Coral Reef Targeted Research Program warns that most coral reefs will not survive the forecasted increases in global temperatures and CO2 emissions unless drastic action is taken.
A study reveals that fish farms are causing a severe decline in wild salmon populations by infecting them with sea lice, which can lead to a 99% collapse of the population within four years. This has serious implications for the entire ecosystem, as salmon play a crucial role in supporting various industries and wildlife.
A global ocean observing system is crucial to measure the health of our oceans and respond to climate change. The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans urges completion of a comprehensive system within 10 years.
Researchers at Kiel University and IFM-GEOMAR will investigate the effects of climate change on tropical oceans' oxygen levels, impacting marine ecosystems and carbon balance. The new SFB aims to better understand mechanisms and define a quantitative basis for these interactions.
A recent study by Arizona State University professor James Elser found that ecosystems are not as different as they seem when it comes to nutrient limitation. The study analyzed over 300 publications and found that nitrogen and phosphorus are equally important in freshwater systems, contradicting conventional wisdom.
A study by University of Chicago's Susan Kidwell reveals an inverse relationship between the extent of human impact and how well collections of dead shells reflect the current inhabitants of an ecosystem. This new tool can provide a deeper historical perspective on ecosystems, helping scientists understand the effects of human actions.
The US has forgiven $26 million in Costa Rican debt to protect the country's tropical forests, with Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy providing additional funding. This is the largest debt-for-nature swap under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act, aiming to slow global warming by protecting carbon-storing ecosystems.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered an established population of invasive Harris mud crabs in the Panama Canal's Miraflores Third Lock Lake. The crustaceans, native to North America, are known to cause environmental and economic harm, fouling pipes and preying on fish in gill nets.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has been awarded a $97.7 million contract to support the development and installation of coastal and global components of the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The partnership includes Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Oregon State University, aimin...
Australian jellyfish, Phyllorhiza punctata, have reappeared in the Gulf of Mexico, with sightings reported as far north as North Carolina. The species can outcompete commercially important fish for food and consume their larvae.
A call has been made for a Southern Hemisphere network of deep ocean moorings to monitor changes in the Southern Ocean circulation, which could influence global climate. The North Atlantic moored network provides measurements of the Gulf Stream, a significant feature in moderating European and North American climate.
Researchers have studied the secret lives of southern elephant seals, revealing their detailed feeding behavior in relation to oceanographic features. The measurements show that seal populations in different regions have distinct foraging strategies, which may explain the decline of Indian and Pacific seal numbers since the 1950s.
The report outlines practical approaches toward ecosystem-based fishery management, citing the success of Alaska and North Pacific fisheries. The Marine Conservation Alliance recommends 13 best practices to ensure sustainable fishing practices while preserving ecosystem health.
NASA is supporting cutting-edge research at the Earth's polar regions with $18 million in funding for 33 scientific investigations. These studies focus on ice flow, air pollution, sea ice impact on ocean ecosystems, and glacier thickness measurement.