Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
A team from IRB Barcelona identifies Candida orthopsilosis, a hybrid fungus, as a potential pathogen that could infect humans and cause disease. The study suggests that climate change may have facilitated the emergence of this new microorganism, which has already been linked to several outbreaks and fatalities.
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the coral microbiome changes after just 48 hours when oxygen levels drop, with some bacteria increasing in abundance. The research suggests that changes in the microbiome may influence coral resilience to low oxygen conditions and warming seas.
A recent study reveals that marine debris along the Indian southeast coast enables the spread of invasive species, including the mussel Mytella strigata. The research highlights the pressing issue of plastic pollution facilitating non-indigenous organism introduction, posing a significant threat to regional marine ecosystems.
A comprehensive framework for designing marine protected areas has been developed by an international team of scientists. The guidelines prioritize habitat persistence and coastal corridors to help vulnerable species such as turtles, sharks, and lobsters survive climate change. By connecting habitats fractured by human development and ...
A team of palaeontologists has identified the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur, Lorrainosaurus, from 170-million-year-old fossils found in north-eastern France. The discovery reveals a new understanding of marine reptile evolution and ecosystem shifts during the Early-to-Middle Jurassic boundary.
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing a mass migration of zooplankton, which Pacific right whales rely on for food. This shift is also drawing industrial fishing fleets northward, increasing the risk of ship collisions and gear entanglements.
A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.
Reduced water flows and rising atmospheric temperatures will warm rivers during droughts, posing challenges for aquatic life and ecosystems. Intense solar radiation and lower water flows accelerate warming, but certain management interventions can help offset high thermal extremes.
Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.
A recent study found that Antarctic fur seal populations have declined by 7% each year since peaking in 2009, with krill numbers crashing in the last decade. The research suggests that rising sea temperatures may be the primary cause of the decline.
The study introduces a practical decision flow chart for interpreting the FAO criteria for single images and proposes several important recommendations for VME identification and management. Experts recommend establishing a global consensus on which taxa should serve as VME indicators and incorporating imagery surveys into Impact Asses...
Over 71 of Antarctica's 162 ice shelves have reduced in volume over the past 25 years, with a net release of 7.5 trillion tonnes of meltwater into the oceans. The western side of Antarctica experienced significant ice loss, while the eastern side remained relatively stable.
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
The expedition aims to study the geological system and evolution of hydrothermal ecosystems in the Red Sea. The team will use modern seafloor observation systems and instruments like the ROV Kiel 6000 to locate and map hydrothermal habitats.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind a marine feeding strategy that could optimize biofuel production from marine brown algae. The study reveals how sea slugs and their prey co-evolved to maintain ecological balance, with potential applications in biotechnological biofuel production.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
Researchers have discovered a new species of calcifying phytoplankton, Calciopappus curvus, found in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. The species is distinct from others in its genus and boasts intricate skeletons that may aid movement or protection.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A new study reveals that Atlantic walrus populations are highly fragmented due to climate-driven genetic separation, making them more vulnerable to extinction. Human activities such as hunting, commercial exploitation, and resource extraction further exacerbate this vulnerability.
Researchers developed a framework for climate-resilient fisheries, analyzing 18 diverse fisheries across ecological, social and governance dimensions. The framework identifies five archetypes of resilient fisheries with unique pathways to achieve sustainability and benefits to society.
A study found that ocean acidification reduced the strength and density of fleshy seaweed tissues, making them more fragile and susceptible to damage. The research suggests that this could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems, leading to a decrease in seaweed coverage and negatively impacting organisms dependent on these habitats.
A new study found that mussels can adjust their heart rate and clearance rate in response to elevated temperatures, showing they can persist and recover from marine heatwaves. This ability may help maintain normal functioning of the circulatory system and benefit other organisms in coastal ecosystems.
Researchers found that intermittent shading can moderate coral bleaching on shallow reefs by reducing light stress. Shading corals for four hours a day reduced bleaching in some species, while longer periods of shading showed more significant results.
Ghana has adopted a citizen science approach to address marine plastic litter, leveraging existing data and networks to inform policies and global SDG monitoring. The initiative has become a success story, providing valuable insights for other countries to incorporate citizen science into their SDG efforts.
A recent study has discovered over 300 species of annelid worms in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a critical area for deep-sea mining. The findings highlight the need for better biodiversity knowledge to inform environmental management and policy decisions.
A new University of Washington study measures how sea-ice microbes respond to changing conditions, offering clues to the impacts of climate change on this remote ecosystem. The results show that single-celled algae produce cryoprotectants to survive in winter and adjust their salt-like organic molecules to balance water balance.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found suitable substrates and growth patterns for long-spined sea urchins, a keystone species in maintaining coral reef health. The study provides a crucial step towards restoring these vital ecosystems by growing corals in ocean nurseries.
The discovery of rare fossils in 130-million-year-old rocks reveals the earliest evidence of deep-sea fishes, dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The findings shed light on an obscure chapter in the history of life on Earth, forcing scientists to reconsider factors that triggered vertebrate colonization of the deep sea.
Researchers use ocean acidification stripes to visualize ocean acidification trends worldwide. Studies confirm global decrease in pH and aragonite saturation due to human-made CO2 emissions, posing critical threat to marine ecosystems.
A new study synthesizes marine light pollution science, revealing the impact of artificial light on coastal ecosystems and species such as sea turtles. The research highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of artificial light at night on marine life.
A recent study published in Molecular Ecology found widespread hybridization between two species of sea stars along the North Atlantic coast. The researchers used genomic data to analyze the genetic differences between the species and found that hybrids were thriving in areas with temperatures tolerable by both species.
Researchers argue that considering an animal's entire 'parasitome' is crucial for understanding its place in the food chain. By analyzing stable isotopes, scientists can determine who is eating whom and how parasites affect behavior and metabolism.
A research team led by the University of Göttingen has discovered fossil spines that indicate the existence of irregular echinoids in the deep sea for at least 104 million years. The study provides insights into the past, including a mass extinction event that caused smaller species to thrive and changes in spine morphology.
A new study forecasts the impact of marine heatwaves on top ocean predators, revealing varied effects and potential redistributions across international boundaries. The researchers developed models to provide real-time predictions of how species shift during heatwaves, informing proactive climate-ready management strategies.
A team of international scientists found that coral reefs, marshes, and mangroves could be destroyed within the next 30 years from rising sea levels. Coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastlines, trapping carbon, and supporting millions of coastal residents.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.
A new study reveals that the decline of Arctic sea ice is altering zooplankton behavior, leading to more frequent food shortages and potential negative effects on larger species. The changing light conditions are affecting the daily vertical migration of zooplankton in the Arctic.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an isochoric vitrification technique that preserves and revives live coral fragments without forming ice. This breakthrough enables the collection of coral samples throughout the year, supporting conservation efforts to protect reefs and their diverse ecosystems.
A new study reveals that Pacific coral reefs have increased their thermal tolerance to higher ocean temperatures, reducing the risk of bleaching. This natural adaptation could help reefs withstand climate change if global carbon emissions are cut down.
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.
The invasive orange pore fungus has won the third BMC Ecology and Evolution image competition, highlighting its potential threats to Australian ecosystems. The winning image depicts bright orange fruiting bodies growing on deadwood in the Australian rainforest.
Scientists measured coral calcification rates off Hawaiian Islands at depths of 230-360 feet, finding the lowest rates ever recorded for healthy corals. This is due to the efficient use of calcification by corals like Leptoseris spp., which form thin horizontal skeletons to maximize area in low-light zones.
Research from Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute reveals that gray whales feeding off the Pacific Northwest coast are shorter than their counterparts in the Arctic. The females average 3 feet and males average 1.5 feet shorter, with slightly smaller skulls and flukes.
Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming, with pollutants and over-fishing putting immense stress on ecosystems. Human-caused threats were most clearly demonstrated in 2015's record-breaking marine heatwave, which showed coral cover remained unchanged despite extreme heat stress.
At one Antarctic research station, contaminant levels have persisted for 18 years, exceeding international guidelines. Historic practices at Casey station have polluted the local ecosystem, affecting marine environments.
A team of researchers from China and the UK has discovered that a group of ancient marine reptiles used whale-like filter feeding methods 250 million years ago. The Hupehsuchus skull shows adaptations similar to baleen whales, including grooves and notches along the jaws.
A new study reveals how Aulacopleura, an ancient sea-dwelling trilobite, developed variable mid-section segments to tolerate dips in local oxygen levels. This adaptation allowed the species to thrive despite being preyed upon by larger predators.
A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of mineral iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. The findings show that iron levels are largely controlled by the clustering of iron oxide colloids, rather than organic molecules called ligands.
Sea urchins struggle to 'get a grip' as climate change causes lower salinity levels, affecting their ability to attach to surfaces. The study found that low salinity conditions negatively impact righting response, movement, and adhesive ability.
Scientists discover reduced genetic diversity and compromised skeletal properties among 'super corals' adapted to mangrove lagoons. The study challenges existing notions surrounding the resilience of these resilient corals, highlighting potential risks for future environmental stressors.
A recent journal article by University of Miami researchers outlines ways to achieve greater equity in ocean governance and science in the global tropics. The authors emphasize the need to give a voice to the 'tropical majority' and incorporate indigenous knowledge into ocean management.
An international team reconstructed eelgrass colonisation history, tracing Pacific to Atlantic migrations around 243,000 years ago. Genetic diversity in Atlantic populations is lower due to past ice ages, raising concerns about adapting to a changing climate.
New research shows certain coral species can survive climate change without suffering reduced growth or other tradeoffs when partnering with thermally tolerant algae. This finding suggests these partnerships may dominate reef ecosystems in a climate-changed future.
A new study found that the unique oceanographic conditions in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park provide the ideal environment for elkhorn coral to flourish, with enhanced growth and survivorship. The research highlights the importance of food availability, particularly zooplankton, for coral survival and restoration efforts.
Approximately 70,000 tonnes of pesticides leach into aquifers each year, impacting ecosystems and freshwater resources. The study showed that about 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into daughter molecules, persisting in the environment for a long time and posing significant harm to marine wildlife and coral reefs.
Researchers found that plastic debris on coral reefs increases with depth, largely stemming from fishing activities, and is correlated with proximity to marine protected areas. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 reefs across 14 countries, highlights the need for increased protections to address this growing threat.
Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.
A study led by the University of Konstanz warns that human-induced salinity changes could have devastating impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Salinity is a critical factor in many metabolic processes, and its effects are often underestimated due to its complex interactions with other physical and chemical properties.