Marine Conservation
Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Old newspapers track porpoise populations across the Baltic Sea
Nitrogen pollution identified as major driver of biodiversity loss in UK coastal waters
A new study reveals that nitrogen enrichment is significantly reducing the abundance and variety of marine life in UK coastal ecosystems. The research found a strong association between higher nitrogen concentrations and a decrease in animal abundance and species richness.
SFU researchers get funding boost to forecast whale movements using AI
The HALLO project uses real-time acoustic and visual data, vessel tracking, and citizen-scientist reports to track and forecast Southern Resident killer whales' movements. The AI-powered system aims to support faster detection and more reliable classification of whales in shipping lanes.
Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
West African coast emerges as key source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean
A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that the West African coast is a primary source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean, with particles transported by equatorial currents to remote areas. The research highlights the need for global action to address this environmental issue.
New peer-reviewed study: Bottom trawling in Europe’s waters costs society up to €16 billion annually — mostly due to climate impacts
A new peer-reviewed study finds that bottom trawling in European waters results in significant economic losses, with annual costs reaching up to €16 billion. The destructive fishing practice is also found to be a major contributor to climate change, with its impacts felt throughout the region's marine ecosystems.
An acoustic device helps reduce bycatch of endangered Black Sea porpoises
A new acoustic device, PAL Wideband pinger, has been found to reduce harbour porpoise bycatch in the Black Sea by approximately 74%. The device's wider frequency band (10-150 kHz) is believed to contribute to its effectiveness. Effective strategies to reduce bycatch are urgently needed for the critically endangered species.
The giants of the reef: New citizen science project races to document centennial corals
A new study introduces Map the Giants, a pioneering citizen-science initiative to document giant coral colonies before they disappear due to global pressures. The project aims to unlock genetic secrets and traits of resilient corals, providing a validated sampling frame for future research.
Study reveals hidden damage in stony corals using 3D imaging and AI
Researchers used 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to analyze the microscopic structure of coral skeletons, revealing subtle changes caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The study found that Attention U-Net performed best in detecting differences between healthy and diseased corals.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Scripps Institution of Oceanography partner for innovative conservation efforts
The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.
How can science support and enable the High Seas Treaty?
A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.
Removing just 15 females of these sharks each year could threaten the entire population
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.
Sea turtle shells reveal hidden records of ocean change
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.
Cannibalism takes major bite out of young blue crabs, but the shallows offer a refuge
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.
Special issue elevates disease ecology in marine management
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.
New Michelin star jellyfish discovered in Japanese aquaria
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.
Releasing pollack at depth could benefit their long-term survival, study suggests
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.
Silver European eel discovered in Cyprus for the first time
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.
7,000 years of change: How humans reshaped Caribbean coral reef food chains
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.
Flagship whales facing climate-driven decline in Australia
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.
Tooling up to diagnose ocean health
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.
FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch
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%.
Can international laws save the ocean? Activists say direct action is needed too.
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.
Elva Escobar Briones selected for The Oceanography Society Mentoring Award
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.
Giant clams thrive with Indigenous management in American Sāmoa
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.
Manta rays create mobile ecosystems, study finds
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.
FAU Engineering awarded $600,000 FDEP grant to combat harmful algal blooms
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.
New USF study finds widespread rule-breaking in whale shark tourism hotspot
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.
High seas fisheries management falls short of mandates, analysis finds
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.
Scientists call for urgent measures to protect underwater forests in a new global “Marine Animal Forests Manifesto”
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.
Extensive survey of Eastern tropical Pacific finds remote protected areas harbor some of the highest concentrations of sharks
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...
Island-wide field surveys illuminate land-sea connections in Mo‘orea
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.
For Australia’s marine life, “safe zones” from climate change may disappear within 15 years
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.
Drift logs destroying intertidal ecosystems
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.
Angling best practices are essential to promote shark survival
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.
Global environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys significantly expand known geographic and ecological niche ranges of marine fish, highlighting current biases in conservation and ecological modeling
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.
Genome-informed restoration could save our oceans and coastlines
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.
Nutritional supplements boost baby coral survival
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.
A new approach to cutting marine plastic pollution
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.
Solar-powered lights keep sea turtles out of fishing nets
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.
Lessons from Ascension’s shark troubles could help boost conservation
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.
Unique videos show how trawling restrictions brings back life to the sea
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.
USF study: Ancient plankton hint at steadier future for ocean life
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.
What noise does a fish make? New underwater tool lets ecologists ID fish from their sounds
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.
FAU awarded US EPA grant to integrate genetics in Florida bay sponge restoration
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.
Gulf of Aqaba corals survive record-breaking heatwaves, offering hope amid global coral crisis
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.
Scilly Isles cameras give glimpse of ‘natural’ UK waters
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.
New conservation committee led by Applied Microbiology International calls on science community to get on board with microbial conservation
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.
Meat from critically endangered sharks is commonly sold under false labels in the US
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 named new Director of the Smithsonian’s Marine Global Earth Observatory Network
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.
Reproductive flexibility in sharks and rays complicates conservation predictions
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.
Human impact on the ocean will double by 2050, UCSB scientists warn
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.
Seagrass swap could reshape Chesapeake Bay food web
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.
Paleontologists go back to the future, reconstruct fossilized functional diversity to inform conservation goals
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.
Global map shows where ocean plastics pose greatest threats
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.
Nearly 80% of whale sharks in this marine tourism hotspot have human-caused scars
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.
ASU study exposes sewage contamination locations threatening West Hawai'i coral reefs
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.
Kelp forests in Marine Protected Areas are more resilient to marine heatwaves
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.
Playtime a mostly mutual activity between dolphins and whales
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.