Research on ocean life and coastal ecosystems. Covers ocean carbon protection, sea turtles, plankton and food webs, and warming-driven whale feeding.
Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that accurately estimates coastal fish stocks, providing critical data for sustainable management. The tool has the potential to save millions of dollars in annual research costs and bridge the global data and sustainability divide.
Researchers from FSU analyzed the California Current Ecosystem's carbon sequestration, discovering that sinking particles are the primary process transporting organic carbon to the deep ocean. They also found that ocean currents and zooplankton contribute significantly to this process.
A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.
Researchers discovered how sea anemones distribute sugar from symbionts to recycle nitrogen waste, enabling them to build massive reef ecosystems. The study reveals that sea anemones play a major role in recycling scarce nitrogen, challenging the belief that algae are the sole actors.
Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and measure coral reef halos globally, providing a new method for monitoring ecosystem health. The tool enables efficient tracking of reef ecosystems' function at large scales, improving understanding and management of coral reefs.
A study found that certain pteropod species in the Southern Ocean are vulnerable to climate change due to varying life cycles. The research suggests that population stability is essential for species survival and that prolonged exposure to unfavorable conditions may jeopardize future populations.
Research from Aarhus University reveals that right whales in the Southern Ocean have become thinner over the past 30 years due to declining krill populations. The whales' food source is shrinking as warmer waters reduce phytoplankton growth, leading to less krill and ultimately affecting their ability to fatten up before winter.
A new study proposes that ancestors of Prochlorococcus microbes used chitin particles as rafts to venture into the open ocean. This enabled them to evolve new abilities and eventually thrive in the nutrient-poor waters, playing a crucial role in absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
A non-native midge species is significantly increasing rates of plant decomposition, resulting in three to five-fold increases in soil nitrate levels on Signy Island. The midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is altering soil ecosystems and potentially 'opening the door' for other species to become established.
Scientists have successfully tracked fin whales using fibre-optic cables in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The system, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for simultaneous location and tracking of whales over an 1800 km² area with relatively low infrastructure investment.
Study in Florida Bay reveals that turtlegrass can successfully recruit into open bare sediment following die-off events due to biomass partitioning and efficient oxidation. However, recovery of seagrass meadows takes time, with full recovery taking at least a decade.
New research reveals that atmospheric dust supports 4.5% of global annual carbon export production through phytoplankton growth, with regional variation up to 20-40%. This pathway helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and mitigate climate change.
A community science survey reveals an abundance of floating sea creatures in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, including jellyfish, snails, and crustaceans. The study found a positive correlation between plastic waste and three groups of sea creatures, highlighting the complex relationships within this ecosystem.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
Researchers recorded and identified mating and feeding sounds of 21 ocean species, including those influenced by the moon. The study's findings will contribute to the development of the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds (GLUBS), an open-access online platform for monitoring changes in marine environments.
A team of researchers identified UBA868 as a significant player in the biogeochemical cycle of the deep ocean, regulating energy balance and fixing carbon dioxide. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the role of microorganisms in the marine ecosystem.
Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.
A team of researchers conducted simulated whale fall experiments using cow carcasses in the South China Sea, revealing a strong dissimilarity between whale fall communities at different ocean depths. The study highlights the importance of whale falls as unique biodiversity hotspots for sustaining deep-sea life.
A multidisciplinary team discovers three new active hydrothermal vent fields over a 434-mile stretch of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, revealing rich biological communities and vast marine life. The discovery highlights the need for more research to understand the effects of deep-sea mining on these unique ecosystems.
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
Researchers identified a protozoan parasite as the cause of mass sea urchin die-offs in the Caribbean, which has devastating effects on coral reefs and fish populations. Healthy coral means healthy fish, and their positive impacts continue up the food chain.
A new group of DNA viruses, mirusviruses, has been discovered in marine plankton, linking them to both giant viruses and herpesviruses. The discovery reveals that the ancestors of herpes viruses once infected single-cell organisms, while the majority of mirusvirus genes share similarities with those of giant viruses.
Researchers identified a single-celled organism called a scuticociliate as the cause of a massive die-off event among long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean and along Florida's east coast. The team used genomic techniques and lab experiments to confirm the source of the die-off, replicating what was observed in the ocean.
A parasite identified as Philaster apodigitiformis has been found responsible for the massive die-off of long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean Sea. The loss of these vital herbivores threatens coral reef health and balance, with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
A toolkit for coral gardening could accelerate reef recovery in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Maritechture TM system includes tiles, stackable crates, and coral pods to create artificial reefs that attract natural coral settlement.
Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.
A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.
The REST-COAST Summer Workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss innovative research and management strategies for coastal restoration. Key findings included the financing of restoration projects, nature-based solutions, and coupled modelling systems for risk reduction.
A recent VIMS study uses a new computer model to simulate the impact of sea-level rise on coastal carbon storage. The research found that moderate rates of sea-level rise enhance plant productivity and carbon preservation, while rapid rise rates can lead to marsh collapse and decreased carbon storage.
A 50-year study on Great Sippewissett Marsh found that more than 90% of the world's salt marshes will be underwater by 2100 due to sea-level rise. Despite attempts to adapt, low-lying wetlands are unlikely to migrate landward, and human development may exacerbate the problem.
A team of researchers from South Africa has discovered exceptional trace fossils that provide insight into the locomotion of ancient giant amphibians. The fossils, found on a rock surface once part of a tidal flat or lagoon, suggest these animals propelled themselves through water with continuous side-to-side tail motions.
A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.
An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
A major study found that climate change could decline the diet quality of fish by up to 10% as zooplankton communities shift towards more carnivorous groups. This could exacerbate declines in fish biomass, with potential implications for human societies relying on fisheries for food and livelihoods.
Researchers examine phytoplankton blooms induced by tropical cyclones to predict climate change impacts. The study found a massive bloom in the wake of Cyclone Oma, which occurred once every 1500 years, and may indicate changes in ocean temperatures.
Two species, South American sea lion and fur seal, are primarily involved in interactions with fisheries and aquaculture activities. The economic losses to fisheries related to sea lion depredation are low, while incidental capture and mortality of seals remain unknown.
Researchers from China and Singapore study the radiative properties of polyamide-12, a common marine microplastic pollutant. They found that most of the incident radiation is scattered by PA12 particles, affecting ocean light transmission and marine ecology.
Researchers identified fluctuations in climate and ocean conditions as the main drivers of entanglement risk to whales in Dungeness crab fishing gear. The study provides new tools for managing fisheries while minimizing impact on whale populations.
Volunteer divers monitored the SS Thistlegorm wreck for eight years, discovering an artificial coral reef that supports a diverse fish community. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the importance of citizen science in understanding marine ecosystems.
A team of Swedish and Norwegian palaeontologists has discovered remains of the earliest known ichthyosaur on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen. The discovery pushes back the origin and early diversification of ichthyosaurs to before the beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs.
A new study of Antarctic minke whales found that a smaller whale cannot capture enough food to survive using the lunge-feeding strategy. The researchers observed remarkably high feeding rates for minke whales, especially at night, which are essential for their survival.
Researchers found that mesophotic reefs differ from shallower counterparts, suggesting a strong ecological filter between depths. The study highlights the need to expand marine protections for coral reefs beyond shallow waters, emphasizing the unique biodiversity and vulnerability of deeper ecosystems.
A research team led by Dr Lisa Levin assessed the potential risks of OBCIs on deep-sea ecosystems, raising substantial concern about their impacts on biodiversity and biogeochemistry. The study highlights the need for an integrated research framework to carefully consider the cost and benefits of each intervention.
A new study by Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals the key components contributing to successful releases of orphaned southern sea otters back into the wild. The research emphasizes the strong maternal drive of surrogate female sea otters in nurturing and caring for pups, resulting in a three-quarters success rate.
A new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.
A recent study analyzed marine ecosystems before, during, and after the Permian-Triassic extinction event, revealing that biodiversity loss led to ecological destabilization. The researchers found that functional redundancy, or the presence of multiple species performing similar functions, was critical in maintaining ecosystem stability.
Aquaculture can help restore ecosystems by removing excess nutrients and promoting biodiversity. Conservationists are using aquaculture techniques to create healthy habitats for marine species, including shellfish reefs and fish populations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a membrane-free electrochemical process to remove carbon dioxide from seawater, potentially reversing ocean acidification. The system could be integrated with existing desalination plants or ships to help mitigate emissions.
Researchers used nearly half a million fossils to solve a 200-year-old mystery about the distribution of species on Earth. They found that the modern-day diversity gradient may have arisen from the steepening of the latitudinal temperature gradient, promoting more ecological niches in tropical regions.
Research suggests that rapid ocean warming could force plankton to move away from the tropics, negatively affecting marine food chains. The study used microfossils to track the history of zooplankton and found that tropical plankton populations lived in waters more than 2,000 miles from their current location 8 million years ago.
Researchers warn of significant risks to ocean ecosystems and cetaceans from commercial-scale deep seabed mining. The study highlights the need for urgent research to assess potential impacts on cetaceans, which are highly sensitive to sound and already facing multiple stressors like climate change.
Researchers applied machine learning tools to study how climate impacts connectivity and biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean's Coral Triangle. They found that climate dynamics have contributed to biodiversity due to variability introduced by El Niño and La Niña events.
A 250.8 million-year-old fossil find reveals complex marine ecosystems on Earth just one million years after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, contradicting long-held theories. The discovery provides insights into life's rapid recovery from extreme crises and necessitates a re-evaluation of early Triassic ocean conditions.
Purdue University researchers are developing new applications for 3D technologies, including lidar and drone-mounted sensors, to measure ecosystems and analyze their structural diversity. The research has the potential to inform land management decisions and improve ecological theories.
Fossils of a type of sea worm, Iotuba chengjiangensis, have provided new insights into the evolution of annelid worms. The discovery suggests that these worms diversified into different lineages around 515 million years ago, during the Cambrian explosion.
Researchers found wolves in Alaska replaced deer with sea otters as their main food source within a few years. The wolf pack's diet changed dramatically, with sea otters making up 57% of their diet by 2017, while deer frequency declined to 7%.
A new study identifies how bacteria in deep-sea hydrothermal vents survive and thrive in the presence of toxic metals like copper and cadmium. Bacteria use transporter proteins to pump out these metals, but also employ more complex strategies, such as flagella formation and granule growth, to detoxify cadmium.