Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
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A 20-year study found greatly reduced green turtle catch rates in Nicaragua's legal, artisanal fishery, likely resulting from over-fishing. The catch rates declined by 56% over two decades, posing a concern for conservationists and local communities.
The Mozambique Channel is identified as a priority for protection due to its high coral richness and sensitive species. The study found that northern reef systems in the channel are better protected from climate change and human pressures.
A new analysis reveals the scope of by-catch in various regions, with high rates found in the eastern Pacific, Mediterranean, southwest Atlantic, and Southern Indian oceans. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and data-driven approaches to mitigate by-catch, particularly in less-regulated small-scale fisheries.
Growing industrialization threatens deep ocean ecosystems, which provide vital functions such as carbon sequestration. Experts urge a new 'stewardship mentality' to balance human needs with ecological impact, highlighting the need for international cooperation, regulation, and research funding to protect the world's last frontier.
Experts developed a step-by-step guide to minimize seismic survey impacts on whales and other marine species. The study presents the most thorough approach to minimizing and monitoring risk of harm during intense sound surveys, primarily used by oil and gas companies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Heredity has identified two distinct populations of bottlenose dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon, separated by a north-south geographic area. The research also found genetic differences between these populations and those living in other areas, highlighting the importance of habitat a...
The Wildlife Conservation Society has improved African basket traps with escape gaps, reducing bycatch and increasing fish size. The new design caught larger fish while allowing undersized and non-target species to escape.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and others confirms the existence of two subspecies of Bryde's whales, one coastal and one offshore, with distinct genetic characteristics. The research informs the need to designate both subspecies as separate conservation units with specific management needs.
A decade-long study reveals that Costa Rica's longline fishery catches more olive ridley sea turtles than commercial fish species, threatening their survival. The research also shows a decline in shark populations, with smaller sharks becoming increasingly common.
Researchers found new areas with high functional diversity in temperate waters, revealing a more nuanced map of global biodiversity. The study used data from volunteer divers to analyze species traits and distribution, painting a different picture than traditional species counts.
NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.
A USGS study found that green sea turtles are using protected areas in Dry Tortugas National Park and the surrounding Florida Keys Marine National Sanctuary. The turtles primarily used shallow seagrass beds and degraded coral reefs for feeding.
Researchers created a sea turtle-inspired robot to study flipper-based locomotion on complex surfaces. The 'Flipperbot' demonstrated improved movement using a free wrist, which reduced disturbance to the ground, similar to real-life observations of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles.
Researchers found that increasing equity in conservation benefits compromises ability to maximize conservation outcomes. However, they also discovered that both equity and conservation can be achieved by raising total budgets.
A study on oceanic whitetip sharks reveals they spend most of their time in Bahamian waters but roam long distances, highlighting the need for international conservation measures. The research provides key findings for protecting this species, which is listed as Critically Endangered globally.
A new data paper provides comprehensive, georeferenced information on Antarctic macrobenthic communities, including species such as echinoderms, sponges, and crustaceans. The database will facilitate future biodiversity research and conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean.
A new study reveals that some turtle populations are among the least likely to recover from climate change impacts. Protecting key regional nesting beaches and areas suitable for future nesting is crucial to enhance marine turtles' resilience.
Researchers successfully identified individual whale sharks in 85% of cases using public photographs, comparable to professional photographer identification rates. The study suggests that citizen-sourced photos can be a valuable tool for tracking whale shark populations and monitoring conservation efforts.
Fishing communities in Indonesian Coral Triangle's Karimunjawa National Park have improved their social well-being while reducing reliance on marine biodiversity. The co-management approach has stabilized reef fish biomass and empowered participant communities, ensuring sustainable development.
The California Academy of Sciences has described 137 new species across four continents and two oceans, adding to the complex web of life on Earth. These discoveries strengthen conservation efforts by providing a deeper understanding of evolution and the persistence of life.
Scientists have conducted the first range-wide genetic analysis of bowhead whales using ancient DNA samples from archaeological sites and modern populations. The study reveals differences in population diversity between ancient and modern times, suggesting recent disappearance of unique maternal lineages due to habitat loss and whaling.
Researchers found that the northern map turtle population in Missouri has not recovered from a 50% decline caused by harvesting in the 1970s. The study highlights the importance of monitoring river turtles as indicators of water quality, which affects both humans and the environment.
A new tracking technique using chemical signatures has been validated as an effective alternative to satellite tracking for loggerhead turtles. The method helps identify key feeding areas and migration routes, aiding conservation efforts.
AZTI-Tecnalia coordinates two €1.5M research projects on bluefin tuna to study population structure, migrations, growth, and reproduction. These projects will inform ICCAT's conservation efforts in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
The Wildlife Conservation Society and partners are calling on governments to take urgent action to save shark and ray species from over-fishing for international trade. Currently, only a handful of species are listed under CITES, but numerous others qualify for protection.
The Ocean Health Index assesses the benefits to people of healthy oceans, combining ecological, social, economic, and political conditions. It scores countries globally, ranging from 36 to 86, with densely populated nations like Germany and uninhabited islands leading the way.
A recent study by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science found that international protection of sturgeon species has reduced fraudulent labeling of black caviar. The research revealed a nearly 50% decrease in mislabeled products, indicating the effectiveness of trade regulation.
A new study analyzing public basking shark sightings suggests an increase in the number of animals recorded in British waters since the 1980s. The researchers found a rise in medium and large-sized sharks, indicating an aging population, and identified three hotspots off South West England, Western Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
The Mia J. Tegner Memorial Research Grants support research on the history of ocean ecology, aiming to predict future impacts from human interactions. The 2012 grants were awarded to four researchers studying various marine ecosystems, including Antarctica and the eastern Mediterranean seascape.
The University of Miami's R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program will receive a $40,000 grant from Wells Fargo to enhance marine conservation science education and research. The program aims to inspire youth to learn STEM skills and adopt conservation attitudes, as well as raise awareness about marine ecology and shark species.
A groundbreaking study on manta ray migration patterns reveals feeding habitats and threats to the world's largest ray. The research found that manta rays spend most of their time in coastal areas with abundant zooplankton and fish eggs, but only 11.5% of locations occurred within marine protected areas.
A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.
The Lenfest Forage Fish Task Force recommends reducing global fishing for forage fish by half to support larger species in the water. This would contribute an estimated US$11.3 billion to the economy by serving as food for commercially important fish, supporting industries and ecosystems.
A University of Miami study found that tiger sharks in Bahamas Tiger Beach exhibit long-distance migrations up to 3,500 km into the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, shark feeding for ecotourism in Florida waters has no impact on behavior.
A new study shows that incorporating multiple stakeholder interests in comprehensive ocean planning reduces conflict and enhances cultural, conservation, and economic benefits. The study found that designing offshore wind farms with multiple ocean users in mind can prevent losses to incumbent fishery and whale watching sectors while ge...
A new study has identified high-use areas in the Pacific Ocean as potential danger zones for critically endangered leatherback turtles. The research found that leatherbacks can be tracked across entire ocean basins, increasing the risk of being caught in fishing gear and undermining conservation efforts.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports projects promoting green infrastructure, marine protected areas, and sustainable fisheries management. Six new recipients will work on climate adaptation strategies, goliath grouper conservation, and analysis of French fisheries subsidies.
A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, and Wildlife Conservation Society uses a scientific methodology to establish marine protected areas in Madagascar. The approach identifies conservation priorities across the country's west coast, highlighting areas with high biodiversity value.
A University of Miami study reveals alarming accumulation of BMAA in shark fins, which may pose a significant threat to shark fin consumers. The study found levels of BMAA ranging from 144 to 1836 ng/mg, similar to those measured in the brains of Alzheimer's and ALS victims.
The US government has been slow to implement a ban on commercial fishing in the nation's protected Pacific Islands Marine National Monuments, threatening unique ecosystems and populations. The monuments, established in 2009, are home to rare species and sensitive habitats that could be damaged by fishermen.
The Nereus model provides a global view of life in the world's oceans, predicting a decline in large fish biomass and an increase in small fish populations. The model also shows the impact of human activities, climate change, and fisheries management on ocean life.
A recent study found humpback whales on opposite sides of the southern Indian Ocean singing unique songs, with only one shared theme. The results suggest limited exchange between regions and shed light on how whale culture spreads.
A new study by University of Miami researchers provides insights into the physical conditions and biological factors underlying white shark attacks on Cape fur seals. The study found that sharks use stealth and ambush tactics to stalk their prey, while seals employ unique techniques to detect and evade predators.
Climate change is expected to force sea creatures to migrate several hundred kilometres to find suitable habitats, driven by rising water temperatures and seasonal changes. This poses significant challenges for marine biodiversity hotspots and fisheries management.
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has awarded a $2 million grant to the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to support its project on conserving critically endangered oceanic sharks. The program will employ satellite tags to track shark behavior in real-time, helping to determine the species' vulnera...
Researchers have developed a new method to evaluate spatially and biologically distinct groups of marine turtles, identifying 11 out of 58 worldwide turtle regions as most at risk. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts for these threatened populations.
The number of sea turtles accidentally caught and killed in US fishing gear has declined by 90% since 1990, according to a new study. This drop is attributed to measures reducing bycatch in many fisheries and overall declines in US fishing activity, which have led to fewer turtle deaths annually, from over 300,000 to around 460.
A team of experts recommends ending most commercial fishing in the deep sea due to their unsustainability. The study suggests redirecting subsidies to rebuild fish populations in closer-to-coastal waters.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that preserving just 9 key sites could protect habitat for 84% of all marine mammal species on Earth. The study identified critical conservation locations off the coasts of Mexico, Canada, Peru, and other countries as areas with high species richness.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation has awarded a research grant to Dr. Neil Hammerschlag's RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami to investigate the impact of declining marine apex predator populations on the ocean ecosystem.
A study by University of Miami researchers suggests that including conservation efforts in long-term management plans is crucial for shark populations. Ecotourism can generate significant revenue, with a single reef shark valued at $73 per day alive, and over $200,000 over its 15-year life cycle.
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation awarded a $30,000 grant to the University of Miami's RJD Marine Conservation Program to investigate shark conservation in Florida waters. The research aims to understand the impact of top predators on the ecosystem and develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management.
A University of Exeter team monitored loggerhead turtles in the US Atlantic Ocean, finding they rarely leave the USA or continental shelf. The study highlights the value of satellite tracking for predicting migrations and directing conservation efforts.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered a way to track Atlantic salmon's feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. By analyzing the chemistry of their scales, scientists can now identify where individual rivers' salmon migrate to feed, revealing surprising differences in their ocean experiences.
Existing protected areas may be insufficient to safeguard sea turtles from fishing nets, according to a new study. International cooperation is needed to extend and manage the waters where olive ridley sea turtles spend most of their time.
A new study reveals that 39 additional marine species beyond those under federal protection are at risk of extinction due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The researchers advocate for priority protection and restoration efforts for these globally threatened species.
A study by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science uses DNA testing to identify separate populations of dusky and copper sharks in different coastal regions, allowing for tracking of their origins and informing management of the shark fin trade. The research demonstrates that genetic differences among regional groups can be used t...
A team of Brown University researchers recommends involving stakeholders, setting objectives early, and creating institutional structures to manage US oceans effectively. They found success stories in California's Morro Bay and Washington state's Northwest Straits.
A new Duke University-led study reveals a 10.2% increase in leatherback sea turtle nests at 68 beaches in Florida since 1979, suggesting conservation and recovery efforts are paying off. The growth may be attributed to improved monitoring, reduced predators, and changing ocean conditions favoring turtles.