Articles tagged with Marine Reserves
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A new study reveals that giant clam populations in American Sāmoa are stable and abundant due to traditional community-based resource management. Village-managed closures outperform federally protected no-take areas, highlighting the effectiveness of cultural stewardship.
A new study finds that even Australia's most protected marine areas will likely suffer extreme climate shocks by 2040, threatening thousands of marine species. The effects will be widespread, with 'safe havens' disappearing as ocean conditions considered extreme today become the new normal.
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney discovered that tailored lipid supplements can significantly increase coral larvae's strength, speed, and survival rate. This innovation has major implications for reef restoration projects, which aim to improve larval supply but often face low post-settlement survival rates.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that trawling restrictions have led to a significant increase in marine life, particularly among filter-feeding species like mussels and soft corals. However, heat-sensitive species are declining at shallow depths due to warmer water temperatures, driven by climate change.
A new study reveals that heat can transform refractory organic matter into forms usable by microbes living far below the seafloor. This process, known as carbon-reactivation, occurs at temperatures above 35 °C and provides a significant energy source for deep Earth ecosystems.
A new study reveals that fully and highly protected marine reserves successfully curb industrial fishing activity, offering a powerful new way to assess fishing compliance. The research combines satellite imagery and AI technology to detect previously untraceable vessels, finding that most MPAs are well-respected and effective in deter...
A new study led by RMIT University found that restoring southern Australian reefs from urchin barrens is feasible and beneficial for improved water quality, fisheries, and carbon sequestration. Economic modelling showed an AU$50 million investment would return up to AU$92 million in economic benefits.
A study evaluated California's marine reserve network, finding that MPAs increase fish biomass across multiple ecosystems, especially in targeted species like rockfishes. Stronger protections and habitat diversity emerged as key predictors of success.
A new framework for Marine Prosperity Areas (MPpAs) aims to balance ecological restoration with human prosperity, using targeted financial investments and community partnerships. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of nature and people, enabling both ecosystems and communities to thrive.
A new study reveals that marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef supply nearly half of the region's coral trout catch, contributing significantly to sustainable fishery yields. The protected areas also ensure a higher reproductive output and more resilient coral reef ecosystems.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Researchers captured a unique opportunity to study the impact of vessel strikes on large marine animals. The basking shark was struck while feeding on the surface, causing visible damage and increasing its frequency of tailbeat as it headed to the seafloor.
A global study by Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology demonstrates the benefit of marine protected areas to recreational fisheries, producing more 'trophy-size' fish just outside fully protected areas. The effect is growing stronger over time, with tangible benefits materializing in decades.
New research reveals oyster sanctuaries contain more abundant populations of oysters and other animal life, despite the presence of parasites. The study found that these areas support higher oyster densities and habitat quality than nearby harvest sites.
Researchers propose a conservation credit system to reduce costs and meet 30x30 ocean protection targets by allowing countries to trade conservation obligations. This approach enables nations with higher conservation costs to pay others to increase their efforts, achieving more equitable conservation across the globe.
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 study in PLOS ONE suggests that Galápagos penguins may accumulate microplastics at a high rate within their food web, with the excretion rate playing a key role. The research uses modeling to simulate microplastic movement through the Galápagos penguin ecosystem and highlights the potential for biomagnification across trophic levels.
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 new study using Marine Monitor highlights the need for systems that can track boater activity in small, coastal MPAs. The findings show that traditional vessel tracking systems can miss up to 93% of boater activity at highly urban MPAs.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
A study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona found that marine reserves are unlikely to restore food webs in marine ecosystems. The protection of fishing did not cause significant changes in trophic structure, but it favored the recovery of some species like the dusky grouper.
Researchers have discovered that reef halos, visible from satellite imagery, can provide insights into coral reef health globally. These bands of bare seafloor surrounding coral patch reefs are more common and dynamic than expected, with the potential to serve as a window into reef health.
A large marine protected area in Hawaiʻi has led to the recovery of tunas and other large fish species. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument increased catch rates by 54% for yellowfin tuna, benefiting both the environment and the global tuna fishing industry.
A new study using sophisticated modelling and data from the Republic of Congo's marine national park found a steady increase in olive ridley turtle nests, while leatherback turtles' nesting numbers follow a cyclical pattern. The research highlights the region's importance for sea turtle conservation.
Conservation efforts have made progress along the African east coast, but tens of thousands of sea turtles still die each year. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge and community engagement in turtle conservation.
A study by the University of Queensland found that strong demand for tropical sea cucumbers as a delicacy is putting these species at risk of extinction. The research highlights the need for regulatory changes to protect the remaining populations and maintain healthy ocean ecosystems.
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
A new study found that remote ocean wilderness areas sustain larger fish populations, tripling those of the best marine reserves and fisheries. This discovery highlights the importance of preserving these 'living time machines' to protect vital species.
New research reveals that marine reserves can increase fish catches by 225% and enhance the fishery, contrary to long-held skepticism. By providing a refuge for stock rebuilding and spillover into nearby waters, MPAs lead to improved catch rates.
A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that fishing hardens the understanding of how species adapt to their environment, with morphotypes differing in resource use and diet within marine reserves. Marine reservoirs are crucial for understanding original behavior before human intervention.
Researchers found that a network of marine reserves replenishes exploited fish stocks while minimizing risk to ocean ecosystems. This approach stabilizes reserve performance, providing a reliable source of larval offspring.
A study by Dr. Hugo Harrison found that connecting marine reserves through a 'portfolio' approach can provide reliable quantities of fish across an ecosystem. This approach supports more fish, which then produce even greater numbers of baby fish, ultimately stabilizing fish populations.
A new study finds that climate-driven transformations render marine reserves ineffective in protecting biodiversity and fish biomass. Marine reserves still protect some species, but conservation efforts require re-evaluation. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate other pressures.
A recent study found that only five percent of tropical reefs globally can meet multiple goals, including providing enough fishing stocks and maintaining biodiversity. Marine reserves placed in areas with low human pressures had the best results for helping reefs get on the 'A-list', meeting all goals simultaneously.
Researchers found that existing marine reserves need to be much larger to conserve shark populations, with reserves extending between 10-50km required for significant improvements. This study provides options for managers to address declines in shark populations and ensure healthy oceans.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown survival mechanism in corals that allows them to recover from mass mortality episodes caused by heatwaves. This 'rejuvenation' process enables some polyps to survive extreme conditions and eventually form new colonies, providing new perspectives for the survival of Mediterranean reef corals.
Researchers fitted satellite transmitters to harbor seals, revealing their home ranges and habitats along the Oregon coast. The study found individual differences in behavior, with some seals ranging hundreds of miles from marine reserves.
Researchers found that coral reef halos are more likely to occur in no-take marine reserves and are influenced by species interactions between plant-eating fishes and invertebrate-eating fishes. The presence of halos may serve as an indicator of aspects of reef ecosystem health.
Researchers found that fishing in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area doubled before its implementation, leading to excess fishing equivalent to what was prevented by the reserve for 1.5 years. This suggests that anticipating marine reserves can trigger overfishing, undermining conservation efforts.
Researchers at UCSB and the University of Oregon discovered that efforts to close off fishing in marine reserves paradoxically led to more fishing, exacerbating habitat degradation. The preemptive behavior was equivalent to 1.5 years of avoided fishing following the ban.
A massive study of tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas have only a quarter of the fish and are less likely to have top predators. Marine reserves with medium to high human pressure can still have five times more fish than openly fished reefs, offering a conservation benefit.
A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.
Marine reserves have been shown to improve the growth rate, body size, and reproductive success of fish species. By providing a safe haven for fish to mature and reproduce, these protected areas help replenish depleted stocks and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
Using marine reserves can allow fishermen to catch more of the profitable fish they want while protecting weaker fish that can be caught inadvertently by fishing gear. This approach could also help sustainably manage global fisheries and rebuild depleted species.
Marine reserves can help protect wildlife, support fisheries, and promote carbon storage to slow climate change impacts. The study evaluates existing research on the benefits of large, long-established marine protected areas in reducing the effects of ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and other climate change drivers.
A global study suggests that highly protected marine reserves can slow down the rate of climate change and protect marine ecosystems. These areas can provide critical resilience benefits to rapid climate change, including reducing ocean acidification and supporting productive fisheries.
Scientists have measured dispersal distances of two coral reef fish species, revealing that juvenile clownfish stay relatively close to home (10-15 km), while butterflyfish disperse further (43-64 km). The study informs optimal sizing and spacing of marine reserves, with implications for conservation and fisheries management.
New research shows fish can evolve to avoid fishing nets by staying within protected areas, increasing population size. Marine reserves effective in preventing extinction and protecting biodiversity for some species.
An international study argues that protecting 20-30% of fishing grounds can help sustain and rebuild unregulated fisheries, benefiting millions of people. Marine reserves can be an effective management tool in highly diverse and overfished areas.
Researchers have designed a model network of marine reserves to protect spiny lobsters and increase fishing yields in Honduras. The study resolves the 'conserve or catch' conflict by showing that it's possible to balance conservation and economic goals.
A recent study found that a mix of marine zones, including protected reserves and fished areas, is crucial for the health of prey fish. The research discovered that depleting predators on the Great Barrier Reef had negative effects on prey species, such as reduced growth and reproduction.
The northern Galapagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf are home to the largest shark biomass reported to date, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, excessive fishing has reduced reef fish abundance, highlighting the need for strong enforcement of the new marine sanctuary.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves are less impacted and recover faster than unprotected reefs. Well-designed reserves provide benefits for non-target species and wider ecosystem processes.
A study on the Belizean Barrier Reef found that fish larvae typically disperse no more than 1.7 kilometers from their parents, highlighting the need for connected marine reserves to conserve biodiversity and sustain fisheries.
The study highlights seven potential benefits of pairing territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) and marine reserves, including increased fish abundance, reduced IUU fishing, and improved conservation. TURFs grant exclusive access to designated areas, promoting local ownership and conservation measures.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef significantly reduced coral disease levels, four times lower inside reserves compared to outside. The study highlights the benefits of marine reserves for enhancing coral health and managing fishing-related damage.
A Scottish community-led marine reserve has shown benefits for both fisheries and conservation, with juvenile scallops thriving in a protected area. The reserve has boosted the size and reproductive capacity of adult scallops, potentially seeding surrounding fishing grounds.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that spiny lobsters are abundant and support local fisheries. The study recommends increasing the size limit to make the fishery more sustainable.
Researchers have developed a new method to predict illegal fishing patterns in offshore marine reserves, enabling authorities to better protect these areas. The study, which analyzed data from the Cocos Island National Park, identified hotspots and lunar phases associated with illegal fishing, allowing for more targeted patrols.