Research on ocean life and coastal ecosystems. Covers ocean carbon protection, sea turtles, plankton and food webs, and warming-driven whale feeding.
The Global Ocean Artificial Light at Night Network aims to expand on previous research, providing a central resource for marine light pollution expertise. Light pollution poses significant ecological harm, including disruptions to daily rhythms and reproductive cycles of marine species.
Deeper areas of the Great Barrier Reef are insulated from harmful heatwaves due to separation between warm surface water and cooler deeper water. However, this protection will be lost if global warming exceeds 3°C above pre-industrial levels, threatening coral mortality and reef collapse.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg aim to propagate stony corals via natural reproduction and grow out young corals in aquaria for a more sustainable coral trade. If successful, this method could boost wild coral protection and reduce reliance on expensive export restrictions.
A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology uses eDNA to analyze coral reef microbial communities, providing near-real time insights into ecosystem health. The research found that microorganisms can capture and predict stony coral tissue loss disease and hurricane disturbance impacts on US Virgin Island reefs.
Despite being in place to rebuild fish populations, marine protected areas have flatlined or declined adult fish populations. Strong enforcement and climate-friendly design are crucial for their success.
A mathematical model estimates iron fertilization's potential costs, ranging from $7 to $1,500 per ton of carbon removed. The study also explores the impact of verification methods and aerial delivery on costs.
Researchers found a 100-million-year-old endoparasitic marine tapeworm fossil in Kachin amber, providing new information on the early evolution of tapeworms. The discovery shows that amber can preserve internal structures of helminths like tapeworms, shedding light on their taphonomy.
Two well-known killer whale ecotypes in the North Pacific Ocean have been identified as separate species through genetic and behavioral evidence. The resident and Bigg's killer whales have distinct physical characteristics, diets, and cultural habits, justifying their recognition as distinct species.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that severe hurricanes can increase the recovery of coral reef sponges by boosting the influx of juveniles and promoting gene flow. Genetic analyses revealed that populations of clonal marine species may benefit from increased frequency and magnitude of hurricanes to maintain gen...
Researchers from Project Seahorse analyzed 7,794 validated iSeahorse observations from 96 countries, revealing new information on sex ratio and pregnancy seasonality. The study found that many seahorse species have larger geographic ranges, more diverse habitats, and shallower depth ranges than previously known.
A recent study by UFZ and AWI researchers found significant accumulations of plastics in the North Pacific Ocean, extending far beyond the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Microplastics were also discovered in a remote marine protected area northwest of Hawaii, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution.
Salps are found to control microbial community structure and function by capturing a variety of microbe types, including Prochlorococcus. The study reveals that simple mechanical principles do not explain cell capture by salps, indicating a complex mechanism at play.
The European Union has launched the €5.5 million SEA-Quester project to investigate carbon cycling in novel marine polar ecosystems due to climate change. The project aims to improve understanding of 'polar blue carbon' through field observations, remote sensing, and modelling.
A new study on sea anemones sheds light on the complex relationships between predators and prey in marine ecosystems. The research found that a native population of anemones lacking a key neurotoxin exhibited weakened defensive abilities, while its presence attracted natural predators of grass shrimp.
Researchers warn of devastating impacts of Olympic tower construction on coral reef habitat and local economy in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The study found that the site supports a thriving coral community worth at least $170,000, with potential economic losses estimated at $1.3 million if the reef is damaged.
A new study reveals that marine heat waves disrupt the ocean food web in the northeast Pacific Ocean, shifting energy and impacting predators and prey. Gelatinous zooplankton thrive during heat waves, drawing energy out of the ecosystem and potentially affecting fish and marine mammals.
A new study identifies ten key components to promote sustainable, equitable, and climate-smart ocean planning initiatives worldwide. The proposed components include foundational principles and operational pathways that aim to support marine managers and planners in developing climate-smart ocean plans.
Researchers develop novel system to study coral skeletons, enabling climate-resilient coral polyp development. A gene from the stony coral Stylophora pistillata is used to induce calcium concentration and skeleton formation in a sea anemone.
The Belt Sea population of harbour porpoises is declining at a rate of 2.7% annually due to by-catch, deoxygenation, pollution, and lack of fish. Limiting net usage or using acoustic alarms on nets could be an immediate solution to mitigate the issue.
A new study has identified the role of microbes in regulating coral thermal bleaching susceptibility, revealing that heat-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae dominate microbial communities on Huangyan Island. Increased fungal diversity and pathogen abundance are associated with higher coral thermal bleaching susceptibility.
A new study reveals that tropical herbivores moving into subtropical waters are at risk of overgrazing seagrasses, which could lead to the decline of these vital habitats. To mitigate this, researchers emphasize the importance of protecting water quality and providing sufficient light for seagrasses to thrive.
Climate models suggest Arctic sea ice will slow down during summer seasons, potentially reducing hazardous conditions for marine transportation, but still posing concerns for ecosystems and global climate change. A York University study found that while the slowdown is plausible, questions remain about its timing.
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of marine lizard with dagger-like teeth that lived near the end of the age of dinosaurs. This finding highlights a dramatically different ocean ecosystem to what we see today, with numerous giant top predators eating large prey.
Researchers studied Prorocentrum cordatum to understand its molecular processes, revealing a unique photosynthetic machinery that may help it adapt to changing light conditions. The findings could lead to improved understanding of harmful algal blooms and their role in climate change.
Researchers observed an individual orca, nicknamed Starboard, killing a 2.5-meter juvenile great white shark within two minutes. The study challenges conventional cooperative hunting behaviors among killer whales, providing new insights into their predatory dynamics and potential impact on marine ecosystems.
Scientists studied thousands of public photos to track humpback whale populations, finding they're responding to food availability changes affected by climate change. The population declined by 7,000 individuals from 2012 to 2021 due to a massive marine heatwave and reduced prey.
Sea cucumbers, known as the 'janitors' of the ocean, have been found to be a missing component in maintaining healthy coral reefs. Their removal due to overfishing has led to an increase in coral disease and a decline in biodiversity.
Local fishers in Mexico's Gulf of California respond to climate challenges through self-governance and organizational structures, with cooperative fishing organizations adopting conservation measures for specific high-value species. The study reveals tradeoffs between specialization and adaptability, suggesting that social structures c...
A study by the University of Barcelona and ICM-CSIC highlights the scientific rigor of citizen science initiatives assessing coral and gorgonian populations. The results show improvement in data quality and reveal worsening conditions in these species across the north-western Mediterranean.
Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about the reproduction of giant Antarctic sea spiders, a phenomenon known as polar gigantism. The study found that these creatures do not carry their young like most other species, but instead attach them to rocks for several months before hatching.
Researchers have discovered microplastics and cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland. The study found that 82% of analysed intestine samples contained microplastics, with a mean abundance of 31 particles/kg of samples.
Scientists have identified ocean viruses that can help trap carbon dioxide in seawater, using similar techniques to prevent methane's escape from thawing Arctic soil. The study reveals which viruses target the most important reactions in microbial community metabolisms.
Researchers used underwater drones to collect eDNA from mesophotic corals, identifying genera and habitats. The study suggests faster and easier monitoring of coral reefs using eDNA metabarcoding methods.
Scientists have discovered that tiny crustaceans, such as amphipods, prey on both living and dead jellyfish during the Arctic polar night. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, found that these crustaceans shift to an omnivorous diet during this period, utilizing jellyfish as a key food source.
Researchers have discovered an estimated 348,000 square kilometers of shallow coral reefs worldwide, revising previous estimates. The high-resolution satellite maps also identify areas with hard and soft bottoms, providing valuable data for scientists and policymakers to better understand and manage reef systems.
Research reveals that bleaching reefs release organic compounds that promote bacterial growth, leading to an increase in opportunistic bacteria and potential pathogens. This shift in microbial communities may harm corals through suffocation or disease.
Researchers found that fishers' operational decisions and social structures play a crucial role in adapting to climate change. Cooperatives can be resilient to short-term shocks, but small-scale cooperatives may become more vulnerable as climate change progresses.
Scientists have found evidence of Dansgaard-Oeschger events during the penultimate glacial period, revealing a different frequency and interval between temperature peaks. The findings suggest that not all glacial periods are the same and provide insights into ocean circulation patterns and climate change mechanisms.
A University of Stirling study found that genetic mixing changes local mussel populations, helping farmers with site selection and management. The research also identified key areas for growing mussel populations along Scotland's Atlantic coast.
A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the end-Triassic extinction had a greater impact on terrestrial ecosystems than marine ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems took longer to recover from mass extinction events, with higher extinction severity and fewer groups occupying key ecological roles.
A new satellite mapping technique can aid in coral reef protection and restoration efforts by identifying areas of high habitat diversity, which are also home to high species diversity. The study found that these maps can be used as a proxy for biodiversity, guiding ecosystem protection and restoration.
A recent Monterey Bay Aquarium study found that denser and more sheltered kelp forests can withstand severe stressors from warming ocean temperatures. The research also showed that persistent kelp forests are better equipped to handle multiple stressors, including sea urchin outbreaks and marine heatwaves.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
Researchers have identified nanoplastics in ocean water off the coasts of China, South Korea, and the US, with surprising diversity in shape and chemical composition. The tiny plastic particles, originating from consumer products, were found to be more toxic than larger plastic particles due to their small size.
Tidal landscapes like mangroves and salt marshes are a greater carbon sink than previously thought, with stored carbon in biomass and muddy soils contributing to climate change mitigation. The new findings also show that bicarbonate exports from these ecosystems double the size of the carbon trap, making them even more effective.
The reintroduction of sea otters to their former habitat in Central California's Elkhorn Slough has slowed erosion of creekbanks and marsh edges by up to 90%. The study, published in Nature, highlights the benefits of conservation efforts and suggests a promising tool for stabilizing ecosystems worldwide.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate (CDA) degrade up to 50% in 16 weeks, projecting an environmental lifetime of 10-20 months. This rate is faster than paper straws and could be a promising alternative to conventional plastic straws.
New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.
Researchers found that coastal trapped waves and tidal mixing control primary production in the tropical Angolan upwelling system. Productivity peaks occur seasonally, with strong fluctuations during austral winter.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of complex microbial communities existing in ecosystems over 3 billion years ago, with a diverse carbon cycle involving various microorganisms. The study provides a rare glimpse into the Earth's early ecosystems and advances our understanding of ancient microbial ecosystems.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that marine heat waves trigger earlier reproduction and high mortality in early life stages of Pacific cod. The study found these changes persisted in subsequent years, potentially impacting the future of Gulf of Alaska's Pacific cod population.
A new study published in Palaeontologia Electronica shows the Megalodon was more slender than earlier studies suggested, changing our understanding of its behavior and impact on ancient ocean life. The revised model suggests a longer digestive canal, potentially leading to less predation pressure on other marine creatures.
A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium researchers found that sea otter population growth during the last century enhanced kelp forest resilience in California, increasing coverage by 56% along the central coast. However, kelp forests declined dramatically in northern and southern regions due to climate change.
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School and NOAA finds that South Florida's inshore reefs are less vulnerable to ocean acidification than previously thought. The research highlights the importance of preserving seagrass meadows to mitigate climate-related threats to coral reefs.
A new study reveals a surprising trend in global fishing industries: the decline of catch per fisher since the 1990s, despite increasing numbers of fishermen. This decrease has significant implications for food production efficiency, marine ecosystems, and fishing communities.
A new study suggests that a cross-sectoral approach to marine protection can meet conservation targets at lower costs for all stakeholders involved. The approach minimizes the opportunity cost to each stakeholder simultaneously, resulting in more affordable protection of high seas biodiversity.
A new database of marine microbes has been created, revealing insights into the ocean's diversity and its impact on climate change. The catalog provides unprecedented information on which microbes live where and what they do.
New study reveals that kelp forests off the Pacific Coast were thriving 32 million years ago, with fossilized holdfasts showing evidence of ancient marine mammals and invertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of kelp ecosystems and highlights the importance of fossil hunting by amateur collectors.
Researchers tracked 87 Adélie penguins using electronic tags, revealing how they interact with sea ice during their long-distance migrations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species in the Southern Ocean and how climate change may impact Adélie penguin populations.
Researchers at Okayama University uncovered key reproductive characteristics of the red-swamp crayfish, highlighting the importance of hook length and chelae for identifying sexual status. The study also found high reproductive ability and fast growth rates compared to native Japanese crayfish.