Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turtle populations are affected by global warming, habitat destruction and hunting, threatening nearly half of all species. The Year of the Turtle campaign aims to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.
University of Miami doctoral student David Weinstein has received the 2010 Zale Parry Scholarship from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences. The scholarship recognizes his research on mesophotic reef bioerosion in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a key area of study in marine conservation.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of California at Santa Cruz found that overfished reef systems have fewer sea urchins, leading to higher coral growth rates and more structure. Reefs with complete fish communities outperform those without predators, which allows coralline algae to thrive.
Scientists have identified three distinct migration routes taken by female leatherback turtles from Gabon to feeding grounds across the South Atlantic, with one route spanning over 7,500km. This research is crucial for informing conservation efforts and protecting these endangered creatures.
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
A major new study on the impact of conservation efforts reveals that many vertebrate species are threatened, but seagrasses, which provide habitat for these animals, are experiencing significant loss. Researchers say pollution and coastal development are main drivers of biodiversity loss.
A recent study tracked Atlantic sturgeon migrations, revealing vast oceanic distances traveled and highlighting the need for long-range conservation measures. The research suggests that PSAT technology can effectively study sturgeon behavior and define critical habitat.
The study found that China's enormous population drives its high ranking, despite low per capita fish catch and consumption. The United States comes in third, while Peru ranks second in catch but not top 20 in consumption.
The new podcast series aims to raise awareness about the importance of ocean environments and the threats they face. The shows will explore various topics, including climate change, tracking sharks, whaling, and overfishing.
A 12-year study by Wildlife Conservation Society found that fishery closures and gear restrictions in Kenya's coast increased revenue and net profits for local fishermen. The study revealed that closures attracted more preferred species and larger fish, commanding higher prices per pound, which boosted fishers' incomes.
A new study estimates that up to two million sea turtles may have been caught in commercial fishing gear since 1990, highlighting the need for guidelines to reduce turtle bycatch. The study suggests that using circle hooks and Turtle Excluder Devices can significantly reduce losses.
The IUCN has reclassified beluga sturgeon as 'critically endangered', with the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science applauding the move. This classification underscores the need for swift, international protection to help conserve this species from extinction.
A joint study by American and Kazakhstani scientists reveals that reducing adult mortality is key to recovering beluga sturgeon populations. The study suggests that limiting the take of adult and subadult sturgeon will contribute more to population growth than hatchery supplementation.
The old balkanized approach to ocean management has failed to protect ocean ecosystems; marine spatial planning provides a comprehensive map of human uses and natural resources. Effective ocean management requires considering all ecosystem elements, and the AAAS symposium will showcase innovative techniques for mapping spatial impacts.
Research by Patrick Christie at the University of Washington found that local people's involvement and leadership are crucial for successful conservation efforts. Participatory planning, collaboration between communities and governance conditions play a vital role in managing conflicts and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
A new study uses DNA forensic tools to track scalloped hammerhead shark fins sold in the Hong Kong market, tracing them back to their geographic origin. The research highlights the need for international protection and conservation efforts to safeguard these endangered species.
Hurricane Neki's strong winds and heavy rainfall threaten the Papahanaumokuakea National Monument, home to rare species such as the green sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seal. The storm is expected to weaken as it heads into cooler waters, but high seas pose a concern for the smaller islands within the monument.
A new DNA barcoding tool has been developed to track endangered sea turtles, distinguishing between species based on short genetic sequences. The research found that all seven sea turtle species can be consistently distinguished from each other by DNA barcodes.
A team of 13 international scientists is developing management plans for sustainably managing forage fish, critical food sources for marine mammals and seabirds. The task force aims to prevent fishing-induced irreversible impacts on marine ecosystems.
A study published in Biological Conservation reveals that a nesting population of leatherback sea turtles in Gabon has the world's largest female population of between 15,730 and 41,373. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these critically endangered turtles.
Climate change, fishing, and commercial shipping are major threats to the ocean off the US West Coast, with every spot affected by 10-15 human activities annually. A new study provides critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans.
A new study found that whale sharks from different oceans are genetically similar, indicating migration and interbreeding among far-flung populations. This suggests that conservation efforts must consider the sharks' global habitat usage to effectively protect them.
Researchers use Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) to observe mass migrations of hundreds of millions of fish, revealing critical population density triggers synchronized movement. This breakthrough confirms theories about large groups of animals and provides valuable information for conservation of marine ecosystems.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received two grants totaling $101,000 from the Ocean Fund to support scientific research on cruise ships and graduate student scholarships. The funding will enable researchers to study climate change, coral reefs, and ocean health.
The final expedition of a four-year collaborative research program will assess the health of coral reefs without being confounded by stressors near populated shorelines. The research will provide baseline data on habitat types, keystone species, and factors promoting coral reef health during global climate change.
The Sea Grant programs have awarded nearly $820,000 in grants to study the ecological health of Long Island Sound, focusing on hypoxia, red tide blooms, and climate change. The research will provide valuable information to resource managers to solve these environmental challenges.
Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral, potentially representing entirely new genera. The discoveries highlight the importance of deep-sea corals supporting diverse ecosystems and their vulnerability to ocean acidification.
Researchers demonstrate that fish can return to normal size after size-selective fishing is eased, reversing detrimental evolution. The study suggests a slow recovery process, with full recovery estimated to take many decades for commercially harvested species.
Researchers highlight successes in managing fish stocks and protecting Pacific coral reefs from climate change impacts. These efforts may offer a temporary reprieve, but prioritizing biodiversity protection is crucial.
The study, which analyzed socio-economic data from 14,000 households in 27 tropical countries, found that healthy coral reefs are crucial for communities' livelihoods and food security. Despite decades-old recommendations, effective implementation of these recommendations is still a challenge in many parts of the world.
A new acoustic underwater camera system developed by the US Department of Defense is being used to study the juvenile goliath grouper in mangrove habitats. The technology allows researchers to visualize individual fish species and habitat without light or visibility conditions, providing critical information for conservation efforts.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to agree on conservation measures puts Eastern Pacific tuna populations at risk. The Commission's own scientists have warned of declining fish stocks, and market forces exacerbate the problem as fish prices rise with decreasing stock levels.
Over 8,000 scientists support creating marine protected areas for endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's resolution aims to safeguard the critically endangered species from industrial fisheries by identifying and protecting their migratory routes.
A recent study by American Museum of Natural History scientists clarifies the evolutionary relationships among seven sea turtle species. The researchers found that specialized diets arose independently in three distinct groups of sea turtles, with flatback and green turtles being closely related despite their differing diets.
A study has found nearly 3,000 sea turtles dead along a 27-mile stretch of coast in Baja California, highlighting the impact of bycatch on loggerhead sea turtle populations. Conservation efforts, including awareness-raising and sustainable fishing practices, are being implemented to mitigate this threat.
The Caspian seal population has dropped from over 1 million to just 100,000 due to commercial hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to establish protected areas and ban hunting to prevent further decline.
Researchers have discovered a new reef structure off Brazil's coast that harbors an abundance of fish and unique species found only in Brazil. The newly mapped reef is more abundant in marine life than previously known reefs, posing conservation challenges due to over-fishing, coastal development, and climate change.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to adopt effective conservation measures is threatened by rising pressures from fishing fleets and nations demanding increased fleet sizes. Urgent action is needed to protect tuna stocks, including time and area closures and research into fish aggregating devices.