Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Removal of just 15 females from thresher shark populations annually could lead to population decline and even extinction. The study used stereo videography to monitor the population and found fragility in their behavior.
A new study using radiocarbon methods reveals that sea turtle shell plates are biological time capsules that record signs of major environmental disturbances in the ocean. By analyzing these layers, scientists can determine where turtles have been foraging and how marine environmental stress events affected them.
A 37-year study by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that cannibalism is the primary killer of juvenile blue crabs in mid-salinity waters. However, young crabs can escape predation by migrating to shallow waters, where they are safer from adult crabs and other predators.
A new special edition of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B provides a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed studies on disease management in marine wildlife. The issue examines emerging pathogens, methodological advances, climate change, and ecosystem-based management.
Researchers have discovered a new species of jellyfish, Malagazzia michelin, found in Japanese waters. The species has distinctive brown spots and a hemispherical umbrella-shaped body.
The discovery of mature silver European eels in Cyprus highlights the importance of river fragmentation and local environmental conditions on eel populations. The finding also underscores the need for urgent implementation of Eel Management Plans to conserve this critically endangered species.
A new study suggests that releasing pollack closer to their natural catch depths can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research found that releasing fish at these depths can increase survival rates from 56% to over 80%. This could have a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of recreational pollack fisheries.
A new study by Flinders University researchers reveals a significant decline in southern right whale reproductive output over the past decade, driven by prolonged calving intervals. The study found that declining breeding rates coincide with reduced Antarctic sea ice, changes in oceanic conditions, and broader ecosystem shifts.
Researchers used a novel nitrogen isotope method to reconstruct ancient reef food webs, revealing that modern reefs have shorter and less diverse food chains. This loss of functional diversity makes modern coral reefs more prone to collapse, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
A field-deployable CRISPR-based biosensing platform has been developed for rapid, on-site monitoring of marine species and ecosystems, offering a sustainable solution for tracking ocean health. The technology has the potential to detect critical species, predict outbreaks, and support early warning systems for ecosystem disruptions.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.
The High Seas Treaty has been ratified by 61 states, but authors of a new book argue that international laws are insufficient to protect the ocean. Direct action, such as interfering with whaling operations or cutting fishing nets, is necessary due to lack of global enforcement.
Dr. Elva Escobar Briones receives the TOS Mentoring Award for her decades-long dedication to mentoring students, early career professionals, and colleagues in biological oceanography. She promotes equity, inclusion, and access to oceanographic training, particularly for underrepresented regions.
A new study reveals that giant clam populations in American Sāmoa are stable and abundant due to traditional community-based resource management. Village-managed closures outperform federally protected no-take areas, highlighting the effectiveness of cultural stewardship.
Young Caribbean manta rays swim with groups of fish, creating small ecosystems that support a variety of marine species. The study found that four families of teleost fish regularly associate with young mantas, including remoras and jacks.
Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering has received a $600,379 grant to advance technology targeting harmful algal blooms in Florida's waterways. The project aims to develop novel 3D-printed adsorbent materials for efficient phosphate removal.
A new USF study found that tour boats and swimmers routinely violate Mexico's whale shark tourism rules, even when waters are less crowded. The research, based on drone footage from 2016 and 2022, suggests that the world's busiest whale-shark destination is struggling to manage demand, putting vulnerable animals at risk.
An analysis published in Environmental Research Letters found that Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are underperforming and failing to meet their conservation goals. The study graded 16 RFMOs in 10 categories, with an average score of 46 out of 100, indicating a significant gap between performance and mandates.
Marine Animal Forests are complex habitats that provide essential ecological services, including biodiversity hotspots, nursery areas, and carbon cycling. Scientists urge immediate action to protect these ecosystems from destructive fishing practices, pollution, and climate change.
A comprehensive survey of the Eastern Tropical Pacific finds that remote Marine Protected Areas support abundant and diverse shark populations, including critically endangered species, whereas coastal areas display alarming declines in predator numbers. The study highlights the importance of strict protection for marine reserves to hel...
Researchers found that nutrients in lagoons are highest near the island, lower offshore, and linked to human activities on land. Precipitation acts as a key mediator for connections between land use and lagoon waters.
A new study finds that even Australia's most protected marine areas will likely suffer extreme climate shocks by 2040, threatening thousands of marine species. The effects will be widespread, with 'safe havens' disappearing as ocean conditions considered extreme today become the new normal.
New research reveals drift logs causing widespread destruction of rocky intertidal ecosystems, leading to population decline in barnacle beds and interstitial invertebrates. This disturbance is comparable to ice-scouring or heatwaves, emphasizing the need for conservation measures to protect organisms in the intertidal zone.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that most sharks in UK waters survive catch-and-release fishing when angling best practices are followed. The study tracked the behaviour and survival of over 70 blue, porbeagle, and tope sharks caught in recreational fishing in the British Isles.
Researchers used global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to map marine fish species' geographic ranges. These findings highlight current biases in conservation efforts and ecological models.
Scientists from Salk and UC San Diego have discovered a new hybrid seagrass that demonstrates low-light tolerance, offering a promising solution for coastal restoration efforts. The hybrid combines the shallow-water Zostera marina with its deeper-water cousin Zostera pacifica, inheriting the latter's low-light toolkit.
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney discovered that tailored lipid supplements can significantly increase coral larvae's strength, speed, and survival rate. This innovation has major implications for reef restoration projects, which aim to improve larval supply but often face low post-settlement survival rates.
Researchers at NTNU identify main sources of plastic pollution and explore solutions that change production and consumption habits. Measures emphasizing pro-social and pro-ecological values have been found to be effective in bringing about profound changes.
Researchers developed solar-powered lights to reduce sea turtle entanglement in fishing nets. The LED lights are highly effective, with 63% lower bycatch rates compared to unlit control nets.
A new study on Ascension Island's shark troubles has found that human attitudes towards interactions with sharks can drive global decline in shark numbers. The research, conducted by the University of Exeter and ZSL, interviewed islanders about their perceptions of sharks and human-shark conflict.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that trawling restrictions have led to a significant increase in marine life, particularly among filter-feeding species like mussels and soft corals. However, heat-sensitive species are declining at shallow depths due to warmer water temperatures, driven by climate change.
A new USF study suggests that nutrient upwelling and biological productivity remained stable despite higher global temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific. The researchers found no evidence of reduced nitrate concentrations, a key nutrient for plankton, over the last five million years.
Researchers developed a new tool that uses spatial audio and 360° video to pinpoint individual fish sounds, identifying 46 species from the Caribbean coral reefs. The technology enables automatic training of machine learning systems to detect fish species in underwater recordings.
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
A new study reveals that Gulf of Aqaba corals have endured four consecutive and intensifying marine heatwaves without mass bleaching. The findings raise hopes for the future of this globally-significant coral reef amid worsening climate change, but highlight the urgent need for regional conservation policies.
A new study using underwater cameras found the Isles of Scilly's waters support vibrant marine life including sharks, lobsters, and bluefin tuna. The cameras also revealed complex seabed habitats hosting high biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protecting these areas to restore degraded UK seas.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
A study found that 31% of 'shark' products in the US are from endangered species, sold without proper labeling. The research used DNA barcoding to identify species, revealing critically endangered sharks were being sold as common or vulnerable species.
Steve Canty has been appointed as the new director of the Smithsonian's Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) network. As part of this role, he aims to expand how MarineGEO collaborates with communities to co-develop solutions for protecting and restoring coastal environments globally.
A new study reveals that sharks and rays adjust their growth and reproduction in response to changing food availability, affecting population growth and recovery. This flexibility makes it challenging to predict species' responses to pressures like overfishing and environmental change.
A new study suggests that the shift from eelgrass to widgeon grass in the Chesapeake Bay could lead to a 63% reduction in invertebrate biomass by 2060. The change may favor smaller creatures and reduce the total animal biomass per square meter, impacting fisheries and ecosystem functions.
UCSB researchers warn that the ocean's cumulative impact will double by 2050 due to climate change and human activities. The tropics and poles are expected to experience the fastest changes in impacts, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the increased pressures.
Researchers have developed a method to reconstruct functional diversity of past ecosystems from fossils, enabling conservationists to compare healthy ecosystems with modern counterparts that have been altered by humans. This information can be used to set restoration and protection goals for endangered species.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A recent study found that 62% of whale sharks in the Bird's Head Seascape off Indonesian West Papua have scars and injuries from preventable human causes. Simple interventions, such as modifying traditional fishing platforms and boat designs, could greatly lessen this burden on the local population.
A new ASU study identifies the most polluted areas of coastline in West Hawaiʻi and targets for remediation, providing critical data needed to mitigate sewage contamination. The research found that cesspools, septic systems, and coastal urban development are highly predictive of water contamination.
A new study found that kelp forests within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) recover more quickly after marine heatwaves, particularly in southern California. This suggests that MPAs can support ecosystem resilience to climate events like marine heatwaves.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
A new study found that dolphins and whales interact in a mostly mutual way, with humpback whales displaying positive behaviors towards dolphins. Humpback whales were observed rolling from side to side and moving slowly towards the dolphins with their head and rostrum.
A new study highlights the importance of Vast Marine Protected Areas in protecting diverse marine species. Tracking data from sea turtles, manta rays, and seabirds revealed that 95% of tracking locations were recorded inside the Chagos Archipelago MPA.
A new study reveals that a decline in ocean oxygen levels is disrupting mesopelagic fish populations and ecosystems. The findings suggest that these events could destabilize ecological balances, impair the ocean's role in carbon cycling, and threaten marine biodiversity and food security.
A new study published in Ecology reveals traditional methods of tracking animal movement may be underestimating the actual distance travelled by whales, particularly for marine species.
A global study estimates scuba diving's worldwide economic impact, revealing it supports up to 124,000 jobs and contributes $8.5-$20.4 billion annually. The research highlights the economic benefits of dive tourism in supporting ocean conservation and local communities.
A recent study led by Kelton McMahon at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography found that coral reef food webs are more fragmented and specialized than thought. The researchers used a novel technique called compound-specific stable isotope analysis to trace energy flows through the ecosystem, revealing distinc...
A recent genetic study found that populations of the amphidromous goby Luciogobius ryukyuensis are genetically distinguishable, suggesting minimal larval exchange between islands. This highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable habitats in island ecosystems.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
A new study by Simon Fraser University warns that fish sounds and noise pollution are left out of critical conservation policies. This omission can have significant impacts on fish reproduction, population sizes, and ultimately, species survival.
A new study led by RMIT University found that restoring southern Australian reefs from urchin barrens is feasible and beneficial for improved water quality, fisheries, and carbon sequestration. Economic modelling showed an AU$50 million investment would return up to AU$92 million in economic benefits.
Researchers found whales and dolphins, including an endangered sperm whale, in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, a vast area of deep ocean and seamounts. Chronic exposure to mining noise could disrupt key behaviors, leading to cascading ecological consequences.