Articles tagged with Aquatic Ecology
A new snail species, Xenassiminea nana, native to Japan's temperate zones, has been officially named following a comprehensive examination of its anatomical characters. The study highlights the species' unique traits, including its small size and distinct shell shape.
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Exposure to ocean acidification in red abalone can last across generations, affecting growth rates and reproductive potential. Scientists found that buffering the water chemistry at crucial life stages can help ease these effects for captive- and commercially raised red abalone.
Researchers found a tradeoff between fast growth and heat tolerance in corals, with thermally sensitive algae dominating faster growth but only in cooler water. This study helps predict reef futures and inform conservation strategies, highlighting the complexity of coral growth on a reef.
Researchers discovered bacteria can produce methane in oxygen-saturated surface waters, using methylphosphonate as a phosphorus source. This process has significant effects on atmospheric greenhouse gases and the carbon cycle of nutrient-poor ocean regions.
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 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.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
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.
A new study uses echolocation tracking to monitor the movements of Amazon River dolphins, revealing insights into their habitat preferences and behaviors. The research suggests that bottlenose adolescents and females spend more time in floodplains than males, possibly due to abundant prey or shelter from aggression.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that sewage is the primary cause of nitrogen surges in the Indian River Lagoon, contradicting previous findings that fertilizer use was the main contributor. The study found that water quality and harmful algal blooms worsened after five years of mandatory wet season fertilizer blac...
The Pacific Northwest and Cascadia Bioregion are home to diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and marine environments. Research presented at the ESA Annual Meeting explores topics such as restoration efforts, plant community recovery, and climate change impacts on salmon populations.
A study found that even no-take MPAs in California and globally are vulnerable to marine heatwaves, leading to mass species mortality and displacement. The research revealed that ecological communities shift dramatically after such events, regardless of protection status.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that the marine environment is at risk due to ship emissions, particularly from scrubber discharge water and antifouling paint. The cumulative environmental risk in ports was found to be five and thirteen times higher than acceptable limits.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
A new study reveals that Antarctic seals' vocalisations decrease significantly when sea ice disappears, affecting their breeding and behavior. The research used underwater microphones to track the seals' acoustic presence over eight years, finding a notable decline in 2010/2011.
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
Researchers at UToledo developed a new model to estimate the abundance of rare species like invasive grass carp in freshwater ecosystems. The model helps guide management strategies and provides insight into the effectiveness of control efforts.
The Southern Resident killer whale population is spending far less time in the San Juan Islands as their primary food source, Chinook salmon, declines. This decline is likely an effort to find alternative food sources, and research shows a strong relationship between the whales' presence and salmon returns.
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 recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.
Research at the University of Helsinki highlights the importance of emergent plants in supporting biodiversity in urban ponds. The study found that vegetation cover can enhance diving beetle diversity in ponds with fish, but not without them.
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.
Researchers found muskies' size, boldness, and exploration levels are linked to their likelihood of striking. Anglers should prioritize catch-and-release and best practices to protect these traits.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
Researchers found biocide-free silicone-based paint to be more effective against fouling than copper-based paints in the Baltic Sea region. The environmentally friendly alternative drastically reduced heavy metal releases into sensitive sea ecosystems.
Scott Glaberman at George Mason University received a grant to improve the phytohemagglutinin assay for assessing immunity in amphibians. The project aims to determine how pollution affects amphibian vulnerability to disease, benefiting conservation efforts.
A new review highlights the lack of understanding about non-game native transplant (NGNT) fish in the US, which can have significant impacts on ecosystems. Researchers urge anglers and aquarium hobbyists to take steps to prevent NGNT invasions, such as not releasing bait fish into different watersheds.
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
Researchers at NTNU studied zebrafish brain activity while increasing temperature, finding that brains completely stopped responding to stimuli but then 'lit up' when temperatures reached extreme levels. Adding oxygen improved thermal tolerance and recovery rate in fish, suggesting a key role for glial cells in regulating oxygen supply.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have discovered new insights into the coelacanth's unique physiology, including its ability to swim upside down. The study used CT and MRI scanners to model the fish's body, revealing a special skeleton and precise distribution of fatty tissue.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
Researchers investigate how foraging adaptations affect Arctic charr resilience to climate change. The team aims to develop a framework linking genetic and malleable components of feeding trait diversity to population demography, habitat, and eco-evolutionary potential.
Scientists analyzed nearly two decades of underwater recordings to find that the distinctive songs of Chagos pygmy blue whales have increased in frequency over time. This suggests that stocks of the sub-species may be on the rebound after being hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century.
Southern right whale mothers choose shallow nursery sites in 30-foot-deep waters to minimize predator detection, allowing them to communicate securely with their calves. This habitat selection behavior is a new form of acoustic crypsis, reducing the risk of being overheard by predators.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
A new method called sensPIV has been developed to measure both flow and oxygen concentrations simultaneously at the smallest scales. This breakthrough allows researchers to study how corals generate flows, increasing oxygen transport, and has potential applications in life sciences, microfluidics, and medicine.
Two new species of Amazonian fish have been discovered and described by Smithsonian researcher Murilo Pastana, one with vibrant red-orange fins and another that is technically a miniature fish. The species are at risk of extinction due to deforestation in the region where they inhabit.
Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
The Florida horse conch population is shrinking due to unregulated commercial harvesting and recreational live collection. With an average lifespan of 8-10 years, the species can only reproduce at age six, resulting in limited offspring production.
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...
Research by Oregon State University scientists has found that tiny tire particles inhibit growth and cause adverse behavioral changes in organisms in freshwater and coastal estuary ecosystems. The findings suggest that even at current environmental levels of tire-related pollution, aquatic ecosystems may be experiencing negative impacts.
A study by University of California, Davis, and NOAA Fisheries confirms a sharp decline in basking shark sightings off California's coast since the 1970s. The researchers found a significant link between shark presence and environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature and El Niño oscillations.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
Over one quarter of Europe's 20 most highly-fished marine species will face extreme pressure by 2100 if no action is taken to address climate change, overfishing, and mercury pollution. The study projects a significant decline in population size for key species like great Atlantic scallop, red mullet, and common octopus.
A study by ICTA-UAB suggests that microplastic levels in the Mediterranean Sea are likely higher than previously estimated due to the limitations of current sampling methods. The researchers emphasize the need for a common framework to compare results and combine methods to better understand the distribution and impacts of microplastics.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
A new global atlas reveals that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are affected by artificial light at night, with significant impacts on marine organisms. The study uses a novel metric to determine the depth of light penetration and highlights the need for further research into the effects of ALAN pollution.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum study coral reefs' reaction to climate change, discovering polyp bailout as a potential survival mechanism. The study reveals different species react with varying intensity to environmental stressors, and that individual polyps can survive and grow in new locations.
A new analysis reveals that plankton-eating fish play a central role in driving local spikes of extreme biological productivity in tropical coral reefs. These 'sweet spots' concentrate abundant fish production, making them optimal for fishing. The study's findings hold significance for the future of tropical reef fisheries as coral ree...
A team of scientists led by Piers Chapman will develop a sustainable blue decision support system to help West Coast communities dependent on fisheries. The project aims to provide climate-informed information for fisheries management and decision-making, enabling stakeholders to make better long-term decisions.
Research found that warming water temperatures and browning increase methylmercury transfer to phytoplankton, reducing essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. This impacts the food chain, exposing higher organisms to toxic mercury and compromising nutrition, posing a threat to human health.
A team of researchers is studying the Flower Garden Banks and other reefs in the Gulf of Mexico to understand how fish populations use natural banks and habitats. The four-year study aims to improve knowledge of essential habitats for key reef fish components.