Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
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.
A study suggests that setting aside at least 30 percent of the ocean for protection could have numerous benefits for conservation, fisheries, and other stakeholders. The research found a surprising consensus among previous studies on an ambitious target for ocean protection.
A new study by UM Rosenstiel School researchers found that expanding protected areas in US federal waters would safeguard 100% of core home range areas used by three shark species. The study suggests that protecting sharks' core habitat use areas, where they spend the majority of their time, can provide significant conservation benefits.
Jacquet aims to identify expected winners and losers of closing the high seas to fishing and explore feasibility of changing fisheries policies. Her research focuses on large-scale cooperation dilemmas like climate change and wildlife exploitation.
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help minimize the negative effects of shipping on marine mammals. Researchers used AIS to track vessel traffic in relation to whale habitats, identifying areas where shipping lanes and migration routes overlap. By improving coverage and usability of data, AIS can inform conservation efforts.
Research shows that artificial lights along Florida's coast deter nesting females but also find that sea turtle-friendly lighting ordinances are working. The density of sea turtle nests is reduced where artificial light is brightest and higher where it's dark.
Researchers tracked shark movements and longline fishing vessels in the North Atlantic finding significant overlap, driving shark declines. The study suggests catch quotas or size limits will be necessary to protect oceanic sharks from commercial fishing.
A recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal has made the first-ever field observations of Omura's whales off the coast of Madagascar. The research team observed 44 groups of whales, collected skin biopsies from 18 adult whales, and recorded song-like vocalizations that may indicate reproductive behavior.
Scientists and legal scholars warn that countries are misinterpreting the 'rational use' of natural resources to escalate fishing efforts in Antarctic waters. Marine protected areas, crucial for conserving the region's last intact ecosystem, are being hindered by this misinterpretation.
The Ocean Conservancy's report outlines specific land-based solutions for reducing ocean plastic waste, including a four-point plan to cut leakage by 45% in 10 years. The report estimates a total cost of $5 billion and significant returns to the global economy.
A new study measures coral-reef ecosystem condition, predicts key threats, and evaluates human stressors in Micronesia. The results reveal only 42% of major reef habitats exceed thresholds for conservation efforts.
A team of UK scientists has created the first three-dimensional picture of a submarine canyon habitat using marine robotics and ship-based measurements. The expedition used unique robot technology to collect data in hard-to-reach areas, leading to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes.
The Ocean Health Initiative aims to protect and restore coastal and marine habitats, supporting the conservation of threatened marine and coastal species. The program, funded by a $1.5 million pledge from SeaWorld Entertainment, will focus on key estuaries along the Eastern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
A Nova Southeastern University researcher has discovered a new deep-sea fish species, the Ceratioid anglerfish, found between 1,000-1,500 meters depth in the Gulf of Mexico. The three female specimens, considered type specimens, will reside in the Ichthyology Collection at the University of Washington.
A recent study suggests that Australian humpback whales should be downlisted from threatened species status due to remarkable population growth rates. The East and West Coast populations have increased by 63% and 90%, respectively, since the whaling era.
Researchers found that the risk of white shark attack for individual ocean users in California has fallen strikingly by over 91 percent since 1950. Information on coastal population growth, seasonal and weekly beach going, surfing, scuba diving, and swimming empowers ocean users to avoid large predators.
The Mediterranean loggerhead and green turtle populations are threatened by human-induced threats, with a bycatch rate of up to 200,000 loggerheads per year. Researchers emphasize the importance of rescue centers and first-aid stations, calling for improved communication and collaboration among existing centers.
Scientists have revealed the Antarctic region is rich in species, with diverse ecosystems and micro-organismal life. The study highlights the need for comprehensive protection of the Ross Sea and improved conservation efforts to preserve this unique biodiversity.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) supports the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's approval of an amendment protecting deep sea corals. The areas proposed for designation encompass over 38,000 square miles and will safeguard these ecosystems' long-term health.
A recent study from the University of Exeter has discovered Gabon's coastline to host the largest breeding colony of olive ridley turtles in the Atlantic. The research reveals an estimated 9,800 turtle nests per year, highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
A scientific review synthesizes decades of discoveries on the evolution of whales, dolphins, seals, and other species that adapted to aquatic environments. The study highlights how life in the ocean has responded to environmental change over time, informing an understanding of human impacts on marine species today.
Marine ecologists track striped marlins in Pacific Ocean using satellite tags, revealing their preferred habitat in the epipelagic layer within 8 degrees C of sea surface temperature. The study's findings may help reduce undesired catch and target higher-value species.
A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology found that fully protected 'no-take zones' would have greater benefits for wildlife and fisheries than limited-take zones. Researchers propose a compromise between no-take and limited-take zones to balance ecological and economic objectives.