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Rapid warming and mass mortality of fish

A recent study found that rapid warming events can lead to widespread mortality of coral reef fish. The research examined mass fish kills in the northern Red Sea and Kuwait Bay, revealing a link between rapid warming spikes and increased mortality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Trout don't follow the weather forecast

A UC study found that steelhead migration in California's Santa Clara River is triggered by the lengthening daylight of spring, not recent rains. The study recommends limiting water extraction during migration months to allow late migrating fish to return upstream.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·DateSep 11, 2020

Skeletal study suggests at least 11 fish species are capable of walking

Researchers analyzed nearly 30 hillstream loach species using CT scans and DNA analysis to identify three categories of pelvic shapes. The team found that 10 other species shared the cave angel fish's unusually hefty pelvic girdle, suggesting robust pelvic regions evolved independently across the family.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateSep 8, 2020

Ancient bony fish forces rethink of how sharks evolved

A 410-million-year-old fossil discovery challenges conventional wisdom on shark evolution, hinting that bone may have emerged before cartilage. The find provides new insights into the evolutionary history of sharks and their relatives.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 7, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Ultra-black skin allows some fish to lurk unseen

Researchers have discovered that at least 16 species of deep-sea fish have evolved ultra-black skin that absorbs most of the light, allowing them to blend in and avoid detection. The unique shape and arrangement of melanosomes in these fish's skin cells enables this remarkable camouflage.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Social media inspired models show winter warming hits fish stocks

Researchers used social media network models to analyze fish populations in the Mediterranean Sea, finding that warming seas have significant and widespread effects on biodiversity. The study suggests that winter warming may lead to changes in fish communities, potentially causing some species to disappear from certain areas.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Evolutionary biologists find several fish adapt in the same way to toxic water

Scientists found at least 10 different lineages of fish that have adapted to live in highly toxic environments by tweaking the enzyme to prevent binding, and ramping up an existing detoxification mechanism. This challenges the idea that evolution would lead to different outcomes every time if it were rewound.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2020

Nutrients in microalgae: An environmentally friendly alternative to fish

A new study by scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that microalgae farming has a similar environmental impact to fish production, but produces more omega-3 fatty acids per unit area. This could lead to a more sustainable source of essential nutrients for humans and reduce pressure on the world's oceans.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·DateJul 7, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

300-million-year-old fish resembles a sturgeon but took a different evolutionary path

A new study reveals that ancient fish species Tanyrhinichthys mcallisteri, dating back 300 million years, exhibits features similar to modern sturgeons despite divergent evolutionary paths. The findings indicate multiple instances of convergent evolution, highlighting the adaptability of fish in response to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJun 22, 2020

Researchers study catastrophic disease events in marine mammals

A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 2020

Great white shark diet surprises scientists

A new study reveals that great white sharks spend most of their time foraging just above the seabed, contrary to the common stereotype of a shark's dorsal fin above the surface. The diet of juvenile white sharks consists mainly of fish species that live on or near the seafloor.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 7, 2020

Oil platforms' fishy future

Researchers found that removing just the top 26 meters of a platform results in an average loss of only 10% of fish biomass, while completely removing it leads to a 95% reduction. Partial removal supports significantly more fish biomass than complete removal.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 2, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Big vegetarians of the reef drive fish evolution

A new study found that the diets of reef fish dictate how fast different species evolve, with big vegetarian fish driving biodiversity. The study's authors built an evolutionary tree of life for nearly all fishes associated with reefs, examining variation in rates of species formation and asking what drives it.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2020

CRISPR a tool for conservation, not just gene editing

A study using CRISPR technology has developed a rapid detection platform to genetically distinguish threatened fish species from non-native species in near real-time. This tool shortens the process from hours to minutes, enabling researchers to identify species quickly and accurately.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateMay 21, 2020

Fish feed foresight

Novel feeds made from microalgae, insect protein and oils could partially substitute fishmeal and oil in aquaculture feeds without negative impacts on efficiency or omega-3 profiles. This study predicts future aquaculture production growth between 37-98% depending on consumer preferences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Food·DateMay 20, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Climate change to affect fish sizes and complex food webs

A new study led by Dr. Asta Audzijonyte found that changes in water temperature drive changes in average fish species sizes across time and spatial scales. Tropical species tend to get smaller at warmer end of their distribution ranges, while larger species tend to increase in size.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 6, 2020

Artificial light in the Arctic

Researchers found that fish and zooplankton behavior are disrupted by artificial light during the polar night, affecting stock assessments of commercial and non-commercial fish species. They also discovered that this disruption occurs as far down as the Mesopelagic Zone, where it can impact fisheries surveys.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 6, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Robo-turtles in fish farms reduce fish stress

Researchers found that robotic turtles with small size and slow movements disturb fish minimally, promoting better fish welfare and efficiency. This technology can provide online updates and monitoring without human intervention, leading to quicker responses and lower mortality rates.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 2, 2020

About the distribution of biodiversity on our planet

A study led by Marius Roesti of the University of Bern found that predation by large fish is stronger in temperate zones than near the equator, contradicting the biotic interactions hypothesis. The researchers analyzed over 900 million predator attacks and found that fish species richness peaks at the equator.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2020

Study finds fish have diverse, distinct gut microbiomes

A new study reveals that fish on Caribbean coral reefs harbor unique gut microbial communities, with some microbes living broadly in the ocean while others are resident to specific species. The researchers found 59 dominant types of microbes in five fish species.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·DateApr 1, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Well-engineered 'watercourts' stored live fish, fueling Florida's Calusa kingdom

The Calusa kingdom relied primarily on fishing due to the watercourts, which were built around A.D. 1300 and served as short-term holding pens for fish before consumption or preservation. The structure's design required an understanding of daily and seasonal tides, hydrology, and the biology of various fish species.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Neanderthals: Pioneers in the use of marine resources

Researchers discovered remains of various marine animals in a Portuguese cave occupied by Neanderthals between 106,000 and 86,000 BCE. This finding suggests that many Neanderthal groups shared similar dietary habits, contradicting the common perception of them as cold-climate hunters.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020

Neanderthals ate mussels, fish, and seals too

An international research team discovered that Neanderthals consumed mussels, fish, and seals over 80,000 years ago, similar to anatomically modern humans. This finding suggests a potential link between seafood consumption and the development of cognitive abilities in these ancient human populations.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2020

Is Niagara Falls a barrier against fish movement?

New study finds that populations of native fish species on both sides of Niagara Falls are genetically distinct, indicating no significant interbreeding or migration past the falls. This suggests that the falls and Welland Canal serve as effective barriers to prevent invasive aquatic species from entering the Great Lakes.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 23, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Arctic light pollution affects fish, zooplankton up to 200 meters deep

A recent study has revealed that Arctic light pollution can significantly impact the behavior of fish and zooplankton, even at depths of up to 200 meters. The researchers used autonomous underwater vehicles to observe the effects of artificial light on these organisms during the polar night.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 23, 2020

Microplastics found in a quarter of San Diego estuary fish

The study found that fish species and size affect the types and amounts of plastics ingested, with larger fish consuming more plastics. The research sheds light on how plastics enter marine ecosystems from urban watersheds and highlights the need for better understanding to reduce plastic pollution's impact.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Against overfishing: save the oldies!

Researchers found that harvest slots can outperform classic minimum-length limits in maximizing kilogram yields while protecting large spawning fish and maintaining ecosystem diversity. This approach stabilizes population dynamics without causing loss in yields, increasing the average size of catch fish.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateMar 16, 2020

A new use for museum fish specimens

Researchers propose using preserved museum fish specimens to calculate length-weight relationships, aiding in estimating biomass and studying hard-to-reach species. This method improves data accuracy by leveraging existing specimen information.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Ichthyology·DateMar 12, 2020

Male size advantage drives evolution of sex change in reef fish

A new study finds that sequential hermaphroditism in reef fish evolves when larger males dominate mating territories, controlling mates and resources. This theory is supported by comparative analysis of 89 species of wrasses and parrotfishes with different mating systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 9, 2020

Deep-sea fish community structure strongly affected by oxygen and temperature

A new study found that low oxygen levels and warm temperatures have a strong negative impact on fish diversity in the Gulf of California. Despite these conditions, some species can survive due to adaptations. The research has implications for managing deep-sea ecosystems as climate change occurs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 5, 2020

Beef consumption hurting river quality

A new study published in Nature Sustainability shows that irrigation of cattle feed crops is the leading driver of water shortages and fish imperilment in the Western United States. Sixty fish species are at an elevated risk of global extinction due to flow depletion, primarily caused by irrigation of cattle-feed crops.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 2, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Tropical nations worst hit by climate-related fish shifts

A new study projects significant shifts in fish species distributions due to climate change, with tropical countries losing up to 40% of their species by 2100. The researchers highlight the need for international cooperation and strict greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable nations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 25, 2020

As oceans warm, fish flee

A new study warns that ocean warming will lead to the loss of commercial fish species, with tropical nations facing significant economic and ecological impacts. The research highlights the lack of policy interventions to address this issue, but suggests that international cooperation could mitigate losses and preserve resources.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 24, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Answers to microbiome mysteries in the gills of rainbow trout

Scientists have uncovered a crucial role of mucosal antibodies, specifically IgT, in regulating the microbiome and defending against pathogens in fish. By manipulating the immune system of rainbow trout, researchers found that IgT plays two paradoxical roles: reducing bad microbes while promoting beneficial bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2020

The Global Reef Expedition: Kingdom of Tonga

The Global Reef Expedition found that coral reefs in Tonga were moderately healthy, but fish communities needed attention. The report highlights the importance of marine conservation and recommends expanding management efforts to protect fish resources.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·DateJan 29, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

First sighting of Larsonella pumilus fish in Japan

Researchers have discovered a new species of goby, Larsonella pumilus, off the coast of Okinawa, revealing insights into its habitat and relationships with other deep-sea fish. The discovery was made at a depth of 214 meters, making it the deepest recorded finding of the species.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalZootaxa·DateDec 24, 2019

Australian desalination plant attracts fish

A large desalination plant in Sydney, Australia, has been found to attract certain species of fish, increasing their abundance at the discharge site. The researchers suggest that turbulence caused by high-pressure release of salty solution may be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2019

Scientists link decline of Baltic cod to hypoxia -- and climate change

A recent study by Dr. Karin Limburg and Michele Casini reveals that hypoxia caused by climate change is responsible for the declining condition of Baltic cod. The researchers analyzed otoliths, or earstones, found in the fish's hearing and balance system, which showed a clear link between hypoxia and the decline of the species.

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 11, 2019