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Local loss of species may often be underestimated

A new biodiversity study shows that even seemingly healthy ecosystems with increasing species numbers may already be on the path to decline and loss of species. The study's findings suggest that species richness is not a reliable metric for monitoring ecosystems, as it can mask negative trends in species extinction.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

EWG study: Eating one freshwater fish equals a month of drinking ‘forever chemicals’ water

A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists reveals that consuming one serving of freshwater fish per year is equivalent to ingesting water with high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS for a month. The study analyzed data from over 500 fish samples and found median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish to be 280 times greater tha...

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Insights get the right fish on the right plate

A team of scientists from Michigan State University conducted a study to track the supply and demand of fish in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing surprising gaps in traditional analysis. The research found that smaller fish species like usipa were more widely available than larger species like chambo, but policies were prioritizing the lat...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Food·DateDec 15, 2022

Six-year study finds streams contaminated with pesticides from illegal cannabis grows in Northern California

A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalWater Quality Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Illinois report says native fish overlooked as invaders in U.S. waters

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.

Millions of people are missing out on their fair share of the $424 billion aquatic food industry

A new study found that social, economic and political barriers hinder the global distribution of the $424 billion aquatic food industry's benefits. The study calls for policies to ensure equitable access to this sector, which supports both welfare-based benefits like jobs and affordable nutrition, as well as wealth-based benefits.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2022

Neurogenesis in a species of Central American fish depends on the presence of predation risk, Concordia research finds

A new study by Grant Brown and Braeden Donaldson found that juvenile convict cichlids exposed to high-risk alarm cues have brains 16% larger compared to low-risk groups, with noticeable increases in olfactory and optic bulbs. The brains revert to normal size after removal of the alarm cues.

SourceConcordia University·JournalProceedings of the Zoological Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2022

Do fish suffer from oxygen starvation?

Researchers at Radboud University found that larger fish and those with large cells are more sensitive to oxygen stress in warm water. Freshwater fish appear to be more tolerant of oxygen-depleted water than marine fish, likely due to different selection pressures during their evolutionary history.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 25, 2022

Amazon River freshwater fish show signs of overexploitation

The Amazon River's biodiversity is under strong fishing pressure, indicating a stress that menaces the region's ability to provide protein and other essential nutrients. The research found that large-bodied species are more vulnerable to overexploitation and being replaced by smaller species.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJun 8, 2022

Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

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.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Robots use fear to fight invasive fish

A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Fish have been swallowing microplastics since the 1950s

Researchers analyzed museum specimens to find that fish have been ingesting microplastics since the 1950s, with concentrations increasing over time. The study highlights the importance of natural history collections in museums and serves as a wake-up call for addressing plastic pollution.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 29, 2021

Fish harvest estimates using household surveys

A study using household surveys estimated that 9.26 million metric tons of wild-caught freshwater fish were consumed in low-income and middle-income countries, compared to the reported 5.6 metric tons. This represents a significant underreporting of global freshwater fish catches, with potential implications for food security and susta...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

How have European freshwater fish species changed over time?

Since 1840, European freshwater fish species have undergone significant changes, with non-native species outnumbering native ones. Human activities, such as habitat destruction and intentional introductions, have led to an increase in taxonomic homogenization across Europe.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 17, 2017

Geological game changer

A comprehensive biological study refutes a long-standing geological fact, showing plants and animals migrated between North and South America nearly 30 million years ago. This new information changes our understanding of biodiversity and climate, both at regional and global levels.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015

Adaptation is (not) in the eye of the beholder

Researchers used DNA barcoding to reveal that parasites infecting freshwater fish mostly specialize on specific hosts, except for those targeting the eyes which can infect many different species and even frogs. This discovery may have practical benefits for wildlife managers and fish farmers.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 22, 2010

Conservation of freshwater fish biodiversity: a challenge for the countries of the South

A recent study identifies seven regions where non-native freshwater fish species make up over a quarter of the recorded species, highlighting the need for surveillance and precautionary measures. The research suggests that human economic activities are the main driving factor behind exotic species invasions in these regions.