Articles tagged with Marine Resources
A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
The IPBES assessment report reveals that billions of people rely on wild species for food, energy, and income, with 10,000 species harvested for human consumption. However, the report warns that unsustainable use is threatening the survival of these species, driven by drivers such as land changes, climate change, and pollution.
A report by experts predicts 15 issues that will impact marine and coastal biodiversity in the next decade, including lithium extraction, wildfires, and overfishing. The study aims to raise awareness and encourage investment to protect these ecosystems.
A new study from Oregon State University suggests that the gelatin in Pacific whiting skin has anti-aging properties, preventing wrinkles caused by ultraviolet radiation. The researchers found a positive response in a human cell model system, providing evidence for further research.
The Gabonese government-led initiative, 'Gabon Bleu,' created a 20-protected area network, increasing ocean protection from less than 1% to 26%. This inter-connected network protects habitats and globally important marine species.
A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.
Researchers developed unprecedented insights into the natural and commercial flow of fish, highlighting the importance of inclusive approaches to fisheries management and conservation. The study's findings indicate a strong connection between larval dispersal and catch distribution in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for community-based ma...
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SuMMeR CDT) will train 50 interdisciplinary PhD students to sustainably manage the UK's coasts and seas. The program focuses on subjects ranging from marine sciences to law, health, education, and economics.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
A new study published in Ecological Applications demonstrates rapid expansion of restored eelgrass plots and recovery of ecosystem functions, providing improved habitat for fish and invertebrates. The study shows that restored plots can recover near or at the level seen in natural eelgrass meadows within a few years.
West Virginia University researchers aim to create better connections with underserved populations to the blue economy, which defines sustainable use of ocean resources. They will analyze data and explore ways to package it in a way that encourages these traditionally underserved groups to utilize the blue economy.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that many catch share fisheries globally are not paying royalties on their harvests, despite generating an estimated US$17.7 billion in value. The study highlights that countries like Canada do not charge for the use of these natural resources.
The MPA Guide categorizes MPAs by stage of establishment and level of protection, highlighting the importance of including local peoples in the decision-making process for effective conservation. The guide specifies outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being depending on the chosen level of protection.
A new study reveals that climate change will affect Antarctic seals, such as crabeater and Weddell seals, in distinct ways. Crabeater seals are more vulnerable due to their specialized diet and breeding on unstable pack-ice, while Weddell seals are less affected.
Researchers at the University of Maine are developing more effective, safe, and sustainable fish vaccines using nanocellulose to protect Atlantic salmon against lethal pathogens. The goal is to reduce vaccine costs and side effects while increasing effectiveness.
A recent UBC-led study scores criteria across five global regions to identify areas of investment necessary for a socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable Blue Economy. The study found considerable differences between regions in their approach to development.
A study reveals distinct dietary patterns in ancient Huaca Prieta and Paredones communities in north coastal Peru, with Paredones adults consuming high amounts of maize and terrestrial meat. The findings suggest diet differences may have facilitated resource exchange and economic specialization between nearby communities.
A recent study by UC Santa Barbara and NOAA reveals that marine protected areas have little effect on mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves on ocean ecosystems. The research found that the heatwave had a significant impact on fish communities within and outside MPAs, with non-targeted species being more responsive to the changes.
The NOAA report evaluates the condition of Papahānaumokuākea's ecosystem, revealing relatively pristine marine resources but affected terrestrial habitats. Active conservation management is necessary to address threats from climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
A new study highlights the need for Indigenous collaboration in managing sea otter populations to improve coexistence between humans and this challenging predator. The study reveals that strengthening Indigenous governance authority and establishing locally designed co-management plans can enable human-otter coexistence.
The Blue Acceleration refers to the rapid increase in human pressure on the world's ocean since the start of the 21st century. Scientists analyzed 50 years of data from various industries and found that the oil and gas sector is the largest contributor, responsible for one-third of the ocean economy.
Researchers have deciphered how marine bacteria degrade algae biomass, unlocking potential for sustainable chemistry and bioplastics. The study reveals complex biochemical pathways and identifies new enzymes for targeted use in fermentations and product synthesis.
A new study reveals that global fisheries are highly connected, with fish larvae drifting across ocean currents and impacting fisheries worldwide. The findings suggest that poorly managed fisheries or environmental disturbances in one area could have significant economic consequences on fisheries globally.
A new study found that despite increased technology and motorization, modern fishing vessels take only one fifth of the catch per unit of effort compared to the 1950s. This reflects growing pressure on marine resources and a fall in fish abundance, with Asia's fishing fleet expansion outpacing fish stocks' capacity.
A new study challenges the idea that substituting fishmeal with plant ingredients is environmentally friendly, finding it may shift pressures to land-based food production systems. The research suggests a paradigm shift is needed in thinking around aquafeed ingredient sustainability.
Researchers used quantitative spatial modeling to explore the relationship between ahu construction locations and subsistence resources on Rapa Nui. The study found that ahu locations are consistently linked to proximity to freshwater sources, suggesting a critical role for water availability in ancient island society.
A recent study of 89 fishing communities in East Africa reveals that neighborly agreements are uncommon, highlighting the challenges of sustainable use and the tragedy of the commons dilemma. The researchers found that predictable factors like activities proposed and historical context influence perceptions of costs and benefits.
A new study found that nearly half of fishers from seven countries witnessed someone poaching in marine protected areas in the past year, with most doing nothing about it. Inaction was especially common on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, where nearly 80% of fishers did nothing.
Seagrass meadows in Indonesia are under threat due to environmental degradation, with up to 90% of meadows showing extensive damage. Community-led conservation action and replanting initiatives have shown promise in mitigating the problem.
The encyclopedia is a valuable resource for understanding the structure, processes, and genesis of the marine geosphere, essential for addressing global challenges. It presents an interdisciplinary synopsis of marine geosciences, incorporating multiple disciplines, and is regularly updated as a 'living' eReference work.
A new research paper presents a saturated coordinated path following control method for multiple underactuated USVs on a closed curve. The proposed method guarantees symmetric formation, has minimal communication data, and bounded control inputs.
A team of researchers from Binghamton University analyzed human and faunal remains to find that around half the protein in diets came from marine sources, contradicting previous estimates. The findings suggest the Rapa Nui population had extensive knowledge to overcome poor soil fertility and create a sustainable food supply.
A new study calls for a global code of conduct for marine conservation, considering social justice and accountability practices. The code could ensure fair governance and respect for fishers' livelihoods, food sovereignty and dignity.
A six-year study finds that the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill caused $17.2 billion in damage to the Gulf of Mexico's natural resources. The study uses a survey to determine household willingness to pay for measures that would prevent similar damages in the future.
The United Nations seeks a new international policy for managing seabed resources in ABNJ areas, where laws are poorly specified. A new policy could address concerns by integrating inputs from research institutions, industries, and NGOs.
A University of British Columbia study found that major swaths of the ocean must be protected to reach global biodiversity targets. Currently, only 16% of protected areas are designated as 'no-take' zones, which are crucial for conserving marine life.
The University of Miami's School of Communication has developed an open educational resource on ocean health, covering topics like carbon storage and climate change. The resource features interactive modules with original videos showcasing researchers working in the field.
A large Gulf of Mexico oxygen-free 'dead' zone was found to be 5,840 square miles in size, larger than expected but smaller than predicted. This year's measurement highlights the continued effects of nutrient pollution from agricultural and human activities in the Mississippi River watershed.
A new study reveals that white sharks occur in Hawai'i waters across a broader annual cycle than previously thought, with observations recorded every month except November. The research also identifies a simple method to distinguish between white sharks and close relatives like mako sharks based on the shape of their head.
The NOAA report reveals that 'no-take' protections in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve have boosted fish populations and fisheries, including a resurgence of spawning mutton snapper. Commercial catches of reef fish have increased without financial losses for regional fishers.
A new study reveals that Indonesia's coral reefs in Aceh are benefiting from the 'Panglima Laot' customary system, which has resulted in higher fish biomass and hard-coral cover due to mutually agreed gear restrictions. The system's success lies in its design principles promoting social harmony and sustainable resource management.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen develop a novel DNA monitoring approach that can track fish and whales in seawater, revealing local faunas. The method proves as good as or better than existing methods, with great perspectives for monitoring marine fish biodiversity and estimating fish stocks.
The team will examine harvests of healthy stocks before and after the catch shares program, assessing whether fishermen are closer to harvesting their full strong-stock quotas. They will also study the impact of risk pools and computer models on cooperation and conservation in fisheries management.
The NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research is initiating a 5-year project focused on the role that Pulley Ridge reefs play in replenishing key fish species and other organisms in downstream reefs. This research aims to develop more effective strategies to protect these ecosystems.
Community-based co-management is a promising solution for sustaining world's fisheries, according to new study. The approach shares responsibility between government and users, fostering social cohesion, clear incentives, and protected areas.
Mandy Karnauskas, a Ph.D. student at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, won the best student poster award for her research on marine reserves in Belize to understand why fishers and scientists often have different perceptions of change in fish abundance around these areas.
The University of Guam Sea Grant Extension Program aims to revive traditional Chamorro fishing practices, which were replaced by Western technology. The project will teach the community how to build and repair indigenous canoes and fish using pre-contact equipment, promoting sustainable seafood supply and cultural preservation. Environ...
A study reveals the European Common Fisheries Policy has promoted unsustainable fishing practices, including the expansion of fleets into vulnerable ecosystems. To reverse this trend, experts propose new regulations, such as creating marine reserves and adopting more sustainable fishing methods to protect marine biodiversity.
A large 'red tide' is expected in the New England region this spring, posing a threat to the local shellfish industry. The prediction is based on a higher-than-usual abundance of cysts from the toxic alga Alexandrium fundyense on the seafloor.
A recent study found that successful marine reserves had a positive impact on fish stocks, with human population pressure being a critical factor. Local involvement in research and management, as well as social, political, and economic factors, were also key to making reserves successful.
Researchers found that marine reserves replenish harvested species outside the reserve, producing larger fish and more plentiful populations. The establishment of reserves also supports larval production, benefiting fished populations.
NOAA has awarded over $1.2 million in grant funding to the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) to develop and adopt effective sensors and sensor platforms for environmental monitoring. The goal is to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment through enhanced coastal ocean resources stewardship.
The UM Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has received a $82,128 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus grant to enhance its Aplysia summer research program. The program will provide hands-on training to undergraduate students and middle/high school science teachers in sea hare research, improving egg ...
The NOAA report finds that the sanctuary's marine life and habitats are fair to good overall but face emerging threats like marine debris and ocean acidification. The condition report provides a baseline for monitoring changes in sanctuary resources.
Researchers have found that small islands in the Caribbean were preferred by early settlers for their rich marine resources and fertile coastlines. These smaller islands offered better wind flow, fewer mosquitoes, and more abundant fish, making them an attractive choice for subsistence and economic benefits.
The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary off North Carolina's coast is generally healthy, with abundant marine life and water quality. However, the wreck of the Civil War ironclad poses risks due to corrosion, strong currents, and discarded fishing gear.
The vaquita population is projected to decline rapidly due to entanglement in fishing nets, with only about 150 individuals remaining. The species is critically endangered and shares parallels with the extinct baiji dolphin, highlighting the need for effective conservation efforts.
The ESSP's Monsoon Asia Integrated Regional Study aims to understand the effects of human activities on the monsoon system in the region. The study will explore how changes in land use, water resources, and urbanization affect the monsoon circulation system.
A new study quantifies the magnitude and causes of ecological change in 12 estuaries and coastal seas worldwide, documenting severe degradation and loss of marine biodiversity. The research highlights the importance of mitigating human activities to recover these critical ecosystems.