Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
A team of researchers analyzed effective population size measures to reveal crucial considerations for recovering the southern sea otter population. The findings highlight the importance of accurate estimates to ensure species recovery.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill biologists found that loggerhead sea turtles genetically similar to one another nest on beaches with similar magnetic fields. The research implies that turtles can mistakenly nest at different beaches with similar magnetic fields, even if it's geographically far away from their hatching beach.
A two-year scientific study by the University of Exeter and Cefas is tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna movements in UK waters to aid conservation efforts. The study aims to improve knowledge on the species' migration patterns, habitat use, and interactions with fisheries.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium discovered sea turtles using their flippers to handle prey, a behavior thought to be unlikely in marine tetrapods. This 'exaptation' suggests flippers may have been adapted for novel tasks 70 million years earlier than previously thought.
A study by a team of economists and marine experts found that protecting marine coastlines contributes $179 million to the state's economy, more than finfish landings and whale-watching. Coastal conservation groups support activities such as beach cleanup and education campaigns.
Researchers from the University of Exeter use drones to track turtles over large areas, gaining insights into their behavior and movements at sea. The technology also offers cheaper alternatives for gathering information and provides new avenues for anti-poaching efforts.
A Florida Atlantic University study found that 70% of loggerhead sea turtle nests and hatchlings had different fathers, with no repeat males detected. This research provides insight into the reproductive behavior of male sea turtles and suggests a breeding sex ratio of approximately 1 female for every 2.5 males.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
Researchers used novel techniques to analyze sea turtle bones and uncover previously unknown information about their habitats, including their age when they move into nearshore habitats and how they use offshore waters for feeding. The study provides strong applications to the conservation and management of this endangered population.
Scientists created a fully-resolved family tree for shark, ray, and chimaera species to quantify their evolutionary distinctness. This research identified five priority hotspots for conservation, helping to preserve up to 26 million years of unique evolutionary history.
A new study demonstrates how conservation techniques championed by Maine lobstermen help mitigate the impacts of warming oceans. The research found that conservation efforts prepared the Gulf of Maine population for temperature changes, leading to a 515% increase in lobster abundance.
Researchers used drones to count olive ridley sea turtles in Costa Rican waters, estimating densities of up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer. This method provides a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, revealing crucial insights for conservation and research.
A recent study found that 70% of respondents believe the marine environment is under threat from human activities, with pollution and fishing identified as top concerns. The public also strongly supports protection of marine areas through MPAs, but rules governing these areas vary widely.
Three new species of zoantharians were discovered in the Indo-Pacific region, expanding our understanding of coral reef diversity. One species was named after President Tommy Remengesau of Palau, highlighting the nation's support for marine conservation.
Researchers tracked 19 loggerhead turtles in the South Atlantic Ocean, discovering they don't passively ride currents but instead swim to remain offshore. The study sheds light on the 'lost years' of sea turtle life cycle, where young turtles survive several years at sea before returning closer to shore as large juveniles.
Researchers have identified two key locations to protect sea turtles: the waters off eastern Central Florida and the Great Bahama Bank. The study found that females who eat in southern areas tend to have more offspring, highlighting the importance of understanding where they forage.
A new European alliance for oyster conservation has been established to protect the endangered European flat oyster. The alliance seeks to re-establish this key species in the North Sea and adjacent seas through restoration of oyster reef structures.
Researchers found that bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic molt and rub on large rocks to facilitate exfoliation, shedding parasites and sun-damaged skin. This behavior may help reduce ultraviolet radiation damage, important for long-lived species like bowhead whales.
Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.
A UBC study identified 294 marine species that will be highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050. These species have limited temperature ranges, restricted geographic ranges, and specific habitat requirements making them more susceptible to climate change.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
A new study suggests that coastal marine ecosystems can be better managed with restoration instead of protection on limited budgets, according to researchers from the University of Queensland. The model compared scenarios of restoration versus protection and found that active marine restoration may be the most cost-effective way over d...
Researchers analyzed century-old seal pelts to investigate human impacts on the Antarctic ecosystem. They found that Weddell seals' diets have not changed significantly over the past hundred years, but significant change occurred in the phytoplankton community, likely due to climatic shifts.
A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals current threats to ocean health, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. The research also highlights the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in mitigating these issues.
Scientists describe a new subspecies of yellow sea snake with an unusual ambush posture that feeds on small fish at night. The species has a restricted geographic range due to its adapted habitat, making it susceptible to extinction.
A multiyear global assessment by researchers from NCEAS found that the world's oceans have a health record with stable overall health but declining trends in various indicators such as water quality and food provision. Countries taking concrete actions to protect their oceans, like Indonesia and Mexico, are seeing notable improvements.
The Republic of Indonesia has published Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data on Global Fishing Watch, revealing commercial fishing locations and activities. This step towards increased transparency aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and support more informed management decisions.
A study found that most female Steller sea lions breed at the rookery where they were born, with fewer than 3% switching locations. When they did move, they preferred nearby rookeries with higher population densities.
The Ocean Health Index (OHI) researchers adopted collaborative research tools to enhance reproducibility and streamline workflow, making their methods more transparent and efficient. This new approach enables the team to produce better science in less time, sharing their story to encourage others to adopt similar practices.
Scientists have identified two climate-resistant coral refuges in northern Mozambique and the Quirimbas Islands, which provide variability for corals to adapt to climate change. Maintaining sustainable fishing levels and reef fish biomass is crucial to preserve these reefs.
A diverse group of experts is advocating for a marine code of conduct to address human rights violations and promote socially responsible decision-making in ocean conservation. The recommended principles include indigenous rights, food security, inclusivity, and transparency.
A global research team developed a new Web app to compare and align marine species occurrence maps from two extensive databases, improving the basis for ecological studies and policy decisions. The updated maps include 24,586 species, with some discrepancies found in the IUCN and AquaMaps datasets.
A new study calls for a global code of conduct for marine conservation, considering social justice and accountability practices. The code could ensure fair governance and respect for fishers' livelihoods, food sovereignty and dignity.
A new WCS study reveals that some corals are adapting to warmer ocean waters, with less coral bleaching in 11 of the 21 coral species studied. However, many species are not adapting, and global commitment is needed to address threats facing coral reef ecosystems.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received a two-year NOAA grant to support cutting-edge coral conservation research. Researchers will outplant nursery-raised staghorn corals onto nearshore reef habitats and develop an outreach program to engage the public in coral reef conservation.
A new study finds that Antarctica's biodiversity is lagging behind the rest of the world in protected area management and bioprospecting regulation. The region faces threats from warming oceans, melting ice cover, and transnational pollution, despite some successes in invasive species management.
A new report reveals over 5,000 likely transshipments between 2012-2016, with potential for millions more, highlighting the need for improved regulation and monitoring of transshipment in the global seafood market. The study also identifies clusters of transshipment along EEZs of countries with limited monitoring capabilities.
Researchers used satellite tracking to study basking shark migrations, revealing they don't hibernate in UK waters but instead seek out warmer temperatures. The data provides crucial information for conservation efforts, as the species is classified as 'vulnerable' and faces threats from human activities.
Scientists seek to convert the notorious U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay into a leading marine research facility and peaceful sanctuary for threatened Cuban species. A 'green' Gitmo proposal, proposed by University of Vermont biologist Joe Roman, offers a potential solution to the long-standing impasse in U.S.-Cuba relations.
Researchers used Global Fishing Watch data to track fishing activity around the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a large MPA. Most satellite-tracked reef sharks remained within the MPA, while virtually all fishing vessels stayed outside, suggesting that MPAs can benefit declining mobile species like grey reef sharks.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have tagged and tracked hundreds of loggerhead turtles in Greece to study their migration patterns. The results show most turtles come from nesting populations within 125 miles, but one female traveled over 1,000 miles to breed in Turkey and Syria.
A massive genetic study of humpback whales has confirmed the need to protect unique populations in the Arabian Sea. The study, which analyzed over 3,000 skin samples from individual whales, revealed previously unknown degrees of relatedness between different whale populations.
A comprehensive study on Hong Kong's marine biodiversity reveals the territory is home to over 26% of China's recorded marine species, comparable to regions like the Caribbean Sea and East Africa. The research highlights the importance of conserving marine habitats in Hong Kong, with only 2% currently protected.
A new study found humpback whales traveling further in the southwest Indian Ocean than previously thought, revealing important breeding habitats off Madagascar. The research also showed different movement patterns for males and females, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
The new US law aims to reduce harm to marine mammals and improve species protection through stricter fishing regulations. The law, set to come into effect on January 1, 2017, requires countries to comply with the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, impacting global seafood trade and conservation efforts.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and American Museum of Natural History found two dolphin species in the Bay of Bengal are genetically distinct from those in other regions. The research suggests that the Bay's unique oceanic habitat is driving evolutionary changes, potentially leading to new species emergence.
Researchers have discovered a permanent coastal home for endangered leatherback sea turtles in the Mozambique Channel, revolutionizing conservation efforts. The turtles, known for their open-ocean migratory nature, are now found clustering together year-round in this area.
A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.
A study by Stanford scientists warns that the future of Antarctic marine protected areas is under threat due to entrenched positions on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and fishing interests. The authors argue that CCAMLR's failure to adopt a system of MPAs could set a negative example for global ocean challenges.
Researchers found that gannets use shallow and short dives with less swimming when at ocean fronts, indicating abundant food closer to the surface. This study highlights the importance of these habitats for marine ecosystem functioning and could inform conservation efforts.
The report highlights detectable scientific evidence of ocean warming's impact on marine life, from microorganisms to mammals. Ocean warming is causing increased disease in plant and animal populations, impacting human health as pathogens spread more easily in warmer waters.
A University of Washington professor argues that closing parts of the ocean to fishing is not enough to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He suggests regulating fisheries over the entire economic zone as a more effective approach to conservation.
A new study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has challenged the assumption that oceanic manta rays are long-distance travelers. The research team found that these massive creatures tend to stay close to their local habitats, suggesting a high degree of residency behavior.
Researchers identified 15 'bright spots' with more fish than expected on coral reefs, often due to local involvement and management practices. The study's findings offer hope for radical new approaches to conservation and suggest investments in local ownership rights can promote better reef conditions.
A new University of Florida study proves removing beach debris significantly increases the number of sea turtle nests. The study shows that clearing beaches of flotsam and jetsam increased nest numbers by as much as 200 percent, while leaving detritus decreased them by nearly 50 percent.
A study by researchers from the University of Exeter found that marine turtle trade continues despite conservation efforts, with a shift towards commercial harvesting in certain islands. The study suggests refining conservation interventions and focusing on suppliers and consumers for more robust solutions.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
Researchers tracked female turtles by satellite from Cyprus, finding that they are dying in fishing nets used by small-scale operations. The study highlights an 11% mortality rate per year, a higher rate than expected for this long-lived species.
A genetic study on 'Burnt Hot Dog' sea cucumbers reveals low genetic diversity in polluted areas, highlighting the need for increased fisheries management and protections. The study also finds that these sea cucumbers play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.