Eelgrass provides a refuge from predators for some fish species
The study found that eelgrass significantly increased survival of silversides, tautog, and cunner even at low shoot densities. Macroalgae did not provide a similar benefit.
Fish
Articles tagged with Fish
New study links low fish supply to increased bushmeat hunting
A new study found a strong link between low fish supply in Ghana and increased bushmeat hunting, leading to dramatic declines in terrestrial wildlife abundance. The research suggests that subsidized foreign fleets from the European Union are exacerbating the problem.
Blue marlin in gulf have high mercury levels, A&M study shows
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico contain 20-30 times the acceptable levels of mercury. The team aims to understand why mercury accumulates in pelagic fishes and how it affects human health.
Muscling their way into the food chain: Zebra mussels alter fish populations in the Hudson River
A study found that zebra mussel invasion leads to population declines in open-water fish like American shad, while sunfish species increase in abundance. The mussels' grazing on food particles and increased light penetration create more food for shoreline fish.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateAug 17, 2004
Education, monitoring vital for sport-fish eaters
A study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of mercury in sport-fish eaters' blood, particularly among Asian-Canadians. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and education to minimize health risks from contaminated fish consumption.
Study suggests humans can speed evolution
A study by J. Todd Streelman found that human-induced disturbance accelerated the evolutionary process of cichlid fish, leading to two genetically distinct populations with distinct color patterns. The findings suggest a potential for rapid speciation and highlight the impact of human activity on evolutionary processes.
Into the dead zone: Galveston researcher examines loss of marine life
A Texas A&M University researcher is studying a large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, where fertilizers are suspected to be a major cause. The Mississippi River is creating a perfect storm for these chemical runoff events due to its massive size and high nutrient levels.
Sticklebacks reveal secrets to evolutionary change in Stanford study
A Stanford study on threespine stickleback fish found that a single gene, Pitx1, is responsible for the loss of hind fins in two distinct populations. The researchers discovered that mutations in this gene can alter limb development without killing the animal.
Antarctic fish study may aid cardiac research
Scientists studying an Antarctic 'cod' are gaining insights into how its unique physiology helps it survive in icy waters. By understanding how the fish adapts to environmental change, researchers hope to develop new treatments for human heart conditions.
There be dragons: New deep-sea predator species discovered
A new species of deep-sea predatory fish, dubbed Eustomias jimcraddocki, has been discovered by Dr. Tracey Sutton at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The species exhibits unique bioluminescent features and varying barbel patterns, challenging previous assumptions about its functionality.
New marine protected area to safeguard world's largest fish
A 3,360-acre marine protected area has been established off Belize's southeastern coast to safeguard the region's highest priority area for conservation. The area is home to over 25 reef fish species and is a key spawning ground for the endangered whale shark.
Warming temperatures put tufted puffin at risk
Research finds a direct relationship between puffins' breeding success and temperature, with warm waters hindering their ability to catch fish and abandon chicks. The study warns of potential extinctions if warming continues or increases in frequency.
Bahamas serve as test case for marine protected areas
Researchers in the Bahamas are creating one of the world's first marine reserve networks to preserve fish abundance and variety while maintaining fishing harvests. The study aims to design a sustainable fishing system through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating economic, ecotourism, and political factors.
Even 'non-destructive' fishing can threaten coral reef fish
A recent study found that non-destructive fishing methods on the Banggai cardinalfish population reduced group size by half. This threat is alarming, given the species has been commercially fished for only six years and its range expands widely. To mitigate this, researchers encourage local people to raise Banggai cardinalfish in aquar...
Nature cover story - Only 10% of all large fish are left in global ocean
The study reveals that industrial fishing has reduced the resource base to less than 10% globally, threatening entire communities of large fish species. The authors urge international collaboration to restore fisheries and marine ecosystems to healthy levels, highlighting the need for action on a global scale.
Oxygen deficiency is an endocrine disruptor in fish
A new study finds that oxygen deficiency can impair fish reproduction by disrupting endocrine function and reducing fertility rates. Long-term exposure to hypoxia can lead to major declines in fish populations, potentially causing extinction for some species.
The dollars and sense of protecting the ocean
Groundbreaking studies show that marine protected areas can help maintain migratory species populations and increase fish catches, while also providing economic benefits for society. However, the optimal MPA size varies depending on specific situations, with estimates suggesting sizes of 25-70% of the total area.
Fish profiling to stop ANS; dye test for fish disease; reauthorization
Scientists are using species profiling to help prevent invasive fish introductions into the Great Lakes and other waterways. A new method has been discovered to detect skin diseases in fish using a fluorescent dye.
Coralreef fish desperately needs mangrove forests and seagrass fields
The study found that coral reef fish deliberately choose mangrove forests and seagrass fields as nursery grounds, providing shelter from predatory fish and a feeding place. Without these habitats, common and economically important coral fish species will not survive.
Biodiversity hotspots, centres of endemicity, and the conservation of coral reefs
A new study reveals that coral reef biodiversity hotspots are not driven by local endemic species, but rather by the overlap of globally dispersed species. Conservation efforts should target both high and low biodiversity regions.
Growth hormone could make farm fish bigger, faster to market
Research by Thomas Chen at the University of Connecticut has shown that a new growth hormone treatment can increase fish size by up to 600 percent. The treatment involves using a synthetic peptide to stimulate growth, with potential applications in reducing feed costs and increasing fish yields.
Sea Grant research shows electric barrier may stop Asian carp
Researchers tested the effectiveness of an electric barrier in preventing Asian carp from passing through a simulated barrier near Romeoville, Illinois. The study found that only one fish out of 381 attempts successfully passed through the barrier, and smaller fish were less susceptible to the electric current.
Still waters? 'Clear-cutting' robs the deep-sea of ancient treasures
A study finds that deep-sea trawling is depleting populations of vulnerable fish species and invertebrates worldwide. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these species from extinction.
Fish may show how nature diversifies
Researchers at HHMI used the threespine stickleback as a model to study genetic changes that define a species. They discovered that different chromosome regions control the development of different parts of the fish skeleton and found correlations between spine lengths and genetic variation.
Invasive gobies prevent sculpin spawning, impacting perch food chain
Invasive round gobies are interfering with mottled sculpin spawning in the Great Lakes, potentially affecting yellow perch populations. The study suggests that removing larger rocks from prime spawning sites or creating artificial shelters for sculpins could minimize goby breeding and encourage sculpin reproduction.
Changes in Lake Erie fish population suggest lake's recovery
The study found that while some economically important species like walleye and smallmouth bass decline, others like black crappie and common carp increase in abundance. The researchers conclude that ecosystem recovery is a positive sign, despite trade-offs in managing for certain species.
Feeding fish use crossflow filtration
Researchers discovered that fish use crossflow filtration to separate food particles from water, contrary to the long-held sieving model. Computer models and fiber-optic endoscopes confirmed this finding, revealing a swirling vortex at the roof of the mouth where food particles are trapped.
Pre-Columbian Native Americans built and maintained a massive, landscape-scale fishery in Bolivian Amazon, according to Penn Museum archaeologist
A team of archaeologists led by Dr. Clark Erickson discovered a unique landscape-scale fishery operated by pre-Columbian native peoples in the Baures region of Bolivia. The ancient earthworks, built around 300 years ago, provided intensive aquaculture allowing for sustainable food production.
Fish and flies caught in the act of speciation,Scienceresearchers report
Researchers found that fish and flies can differentiate according to specific habitats within nine and 13 generations, respectively. These findings provide a basis for studying the role of natural selection in species evolution and offer insights into the processes of rapid speciation in nature.
Bullfrogs invading Canada's west coast
American bullfrogs are non-native to western Canada, but their population is expanding rapidly due to human activity. Purnima Govindarajulu, a UVic graduate student, is studying the impact of these invasive frogs on native species and ecosystems.
Food chain length depends on size of pond
Researchers at Cornell University found that larger lakes have longer food chains than smaller ones, contrary to previous assumptions about energy availability. The study suggests that the size of an ecosystem, not energy levels, constrains food-chain length.
Transgenic fish could threaten wild populations
A study by Purdue University researchers found that transgenic fish can threaten native populations due to their larger size, which gives them a mating advantage. The
It only takes one fish to wipe out a population
Biologists warn that genetically modified fish carrying the human growth hormone gene could turn Darwinian evolution upside down and lead to population decline. A single transgenic individual can cause a population to dwindle and eventually become extinct due to the rapid spread of the 'Trojan gene'.
UB Study Finds No Relationship Between Male Consumption Of Lake Ontario Fish And Conception Delay
A UB Study found no correlation between male consumption of Lake Ontario fish contaminated with PCBs and pesticides, and delayed conception in women. The study analyzed data from 785 women who had conceived between 1991-93, but did not find a significant link to conception delay, despite concerns about potential reproductive effects.
Natural Variability Is Key To River Restoration
A six-university panel of river experts suggests that restoring a river's natural flow regime is crucial for maintaining ecological integrity. By allowing rivers to repair and maintain themselves, scientists can enhance different portions of the flow regime through changes to dams and water-use operations.
Eating Lake Ontario Fish Linked To Shorter Menstrual Cycles; Consumption May Delay Pregnancy
Researchers found a small association between eating Lake Ontario fish and shortened menstrual cycles, with an average reduction of 1.1 days. The study also reported a statistically insignificant delay in the time it took women to become pregnant.
Endocrine Disruptors in Fish Focus Of New USGS Studies
Two USGS studies investigate endocrine disruption in carp, finding significant differences in sex steroid hormones and vitellogenin across regions. Pesticide concentrations were also detected in higher levels in certain waterways, raising concerns about the impact of environmental contaminants on fish populations.
University Of Georgia Scientists Release 15,000 Fingerlings In Effort To Save Fish From Extinction
Scientists are releasing 15,000 fingerlings into northeast Georgia's Broad River as part of a reintroduction effort for the robust redhorse, a fish thought extinct until survivors were discovered in 1991. The fingerlings have been artificially bred from surviving members and will be released at seven sites to help the species flourish.