Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Killer whales have been observed detaching kelp stalks and using them to massage each other's backs, a behavior dubbed "allokelping". This social bonding behavior may promote skin health and strengthen relationships among the whales.
Researchers have discovered a synthetic peptide that attracts Crown-of-Thorns Starfish at low concentrations and with no toxicity, offering an efficient pest-management solution. This breakthrough may lead to the development of potent attractins to control CoTS outbreaks, protecting coral reefs from devastating damage.
A new study from the University of Delaware and Columbia University found that plastic bag bans and fees can reduce plastic bag litter on shorelines by 25-47%, with more effective impacts at state-level policies. However, overall plastic pollution continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate in places with these policies.
A new study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI explores the use of artificial intelligence to detect live oysters. While the AI model ODYSSEE shows promise, it lags behind humans in accuracy, correctly identifying live oysters at a rate of 63% compared to 74% for expert annotators.
Researchers found that dominant predatory fish species acquired most of their energy from kelp, but on turf-dominated reefs, they turned to phytoplankton for energy. Kelp forest collapse removed a key source and pathway for energy flow in the food web.
Coral reefs are found to be more productive ecosystems than previously thought, with 80% occurring in nutrient-rich conditions. The study challenges the 'Darwin's Paradox' narrative and highlights the importance of understanding linkages between reef animals and their surroundings.
A group of top scientists, including Professor Callum Roberts and Professor Johan Rockström, are calling for a permanent ban on extractive activities in international waters. The authors argue that stopping all extractive activity would prevent irreversible damage to the climate, marine biodiversity, and ocean equity.
Dr. Livingston reflects on her decades-long career as a fisheries scientist, overcoming biases and challenges in the male-dominated field. She notes that cultural and language barriers were common, but women's emotional intelligence helped smooth interactions with foreign skippers.
Researchers found that women tend to use the ocean closer to shore than men, with implications for equitable marine planning and governance. This study highlights the importance of considering gender-based differences in marine spatial planning efforts.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Researchers at GEOMAR identify that EU fisheries management's reliance on national interests and ICES advice leads to overfishing, resulting in the collapse of many fish stocks. A new approach is proposed to set quotas independently of national interests and prioritize sustainable catches.
A new study has shown that turf algae release chemicals that can kill young kelp, creating a feedback loop that reinforces kelp forest collapse. The research reveals an indirect way climate change is reshaping ocean ecosystems, complicating kelp forest recovery along Maine's rapidly warming coast.
Clownfish have been shown to shrink in response to heat stress and social conflict, increasing their survival chances by up to 78%. The study also reveals that coordination with breeding partners is crucial for surviving heatwaves when shrinking.
Researchers linked comprehensive datasets with physical ocean processes to understand the exceptional marine biodiversity around the Cape Verde Archipelago. The study identified three key mechanisms driving nutrient transport and found that physical dynamics influence not only productivity but also the type of organisms present.
A new survey reveals that while Australians care deeply about the Great Barrier Reef, many are unaware of its location. The study found that only a few participants could identify individual species, highlighting the need for targeted public awareness campaigns to address knowledge gaps.
Researchers propose pathways for synergies between marine spatial planning and marine protected area planning under a rapidly changing climate. Key aspects of MSP and MPA planning set them apart, including zonation, scale, stakeholder involvement, systems view, and climate considerations.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series reveals that seagrass ecosystems along Florida's Nature Coast have remained relatively healthy over the last several thousand years. The research, conducted by conservation paleobiologists, used fossilized mollusk shells to infer ecosystem health and found that these communities a...
A study by the University of Exeter and Fishtek Marine found that illuminated pots caught significantly more northern shrimp and attracted fish, raising hopes for sustainable fisheries. The 'attraction cascade' creates a self-baiting pot, potentially leading to new low-impact trap fisheries.
The University of Queensland and Duke University scientists have developed a global map to show the migratory patterns of over 100 marine species. The MiCO database highlights critical areas and connections that transcend political boundaries, emphasizing the need for globally-aligned conservation efforts.
Research in China's Greater Bay Area found that almost 6,000 vessels move daily, leaving little space for nature. The study highlights the need for conservation efforts and sustainable management of coastal development.
A study led by Monterey Bay Aquarium shows that the collapse of one marine predator can benefit another. Sea otters thrive in response to increased availability of mussels after a mussel boom is triggered by the loss of ochre sea stars, demonstrating keystone interdependence.
A new study found that a pay-to-release programme increased live releases of endangered species caught as bycatch, but also encouraged some vessels to increase their catches at the expense of conservation goals. Adjustments have been made to improve the programme's effectiveness.
A new DNA detection system allows for the efficient surveying of cephalopods in deep-sea habitats. The technique uses environmental DNA metabarcoding to detect specific species, providing insights into their ecology and behavior.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 grants to midcareer scientists from five countries. The new cohort of fellows will develop coral breeding techniques, evaluate critical conservation measures with local communities, and help preserve threatened marine species and their habitats.
A study published in Ocean and Coastal Management reveals that artisanal fishers can be almost as accurate as satellites in producing environmental data. The researchers mapped seagrass beds along the coastlines of five Greek islands, with fishermen's maps showing an average accuracy of 78%, compared to 11% more than government policies.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution develop a novel approach to assess extinction risk for emperor penguins, revealing they meet criteria for Vulnerable to Endangered under IUCN guidelines. This change highlights the elevated risk emperor penguins face due to future changes in their Antarctic habitat.
Antarctic krill exhibit sudden changes in behavior when exposed to the water-borne smell of penguin poo, showing increased speed, turns, and reduced foraging efficiency. This 'zigzagging' is an avoidance reaction that may increase their odds of survival in a swarm.
Marine animals are being used to gather valuable data on human impact on the ocean. Biologging, attaching sensors to wild animals, provides insights into environmental conditions and behaviors. The goal is to develop an 'Internet of Animals' with shared standards for data sharing, enabling targeted policies and a sustainable coexistence.
Thorny skates exhibit a unique size discrepancy, with small and large varieties coexisting along the North American coast. A new study reveals that COVID-19 restrictions led to an abundance of genetic data, allowing researchers to uncover the secret behind the size difference.
Retention bans are a good first step in addressing shark overfishing, but won't be enough to prevent continued decline. Small sharks and threatened species are most likely to die after being caught, highlighting the need for complementary strategies like area-based fishing restrictions and catch quotas.
Researchers tracked hawksbill turtles migrating over 1,000km from nesting sites to foraging grounds in the Western Caribbean. The study found that turtles congregate in specific feeding hotspots despite riding with and against ocean currents.
A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.
A researcher is using accessible 3D scanning technologies to document and analyze stranded marine mammals, providing precise morphometric assessments and creating interactive visualizations. This approach enhances data collection, democratizes access, and expands the impact of conservation efforts worldwide.
Anemonefish provide food to bubble-tip anemones through active provisioning, which increases the host's growth rate. This symbiotic behavior is crucial for the anemonefish as it benefits them by making their hosts larger.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method using underwater microphones and machine learning to estimate the population of North Atlantic right whales. The study demonstrates how this method can aid in the conservation of these critically endangered species by providing real-time monitoring capabilities. By analyzing...
A new study suggests that up to 70% of suitable habitats for the critically endangered whitefin swellshark will be lost over the next 75 years due to predicted ocean changes. The researchers believe that Australia's proactive conservation measures, such as marine protected areas, offer hope for the species' survival.
Researchers found that turtles are nesting earlier in response to rising temperatures, with females advancing the start of nesting by 0.78 days per year since 1993. This shift is helping ensure egg hatching success despite elevated temperatures brought about by climate change.
New study highlights significant gaps in understanding how sunscreens affect marine ecosystems, with chemicals entering the environment through various pathways. Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to understand the effects of UV filters on marine life and potential risks to human health.
A global real-time monitoring system is being developed to track bleaching severity, crown-of-thorns starfish populations, disease outbreaks, and reef fish abundance. The integrated system aims to provide predictive models for conservation efforts, enabling earlier intervention.
A study evaluated California's marine reserve network, finding that MPAs increase fish biomass across multiple ecosystems, especially in targeted species like rockfishes. Stronger protections and habitat diversity emerged as key predictors of success.
A University of Maine-led team has developed new socioeconomic indicators to holistically monitor the Maine lobster industry's resilience. The indicators, published in Marine Policy, cover coastal accessibility, operational condition, business investments, and other key components of the industry.
A new study examines legislation and conservation efforts in the Mediterranean region to protect over 80 shark and ray species. The research reveals substantial differences in countries' efforts, with European Union countries leading implementation of measures.
A new study highlights how small grants to local projects worldwide can yield success in advancing global ocean conservation and equity. The research examines the effectiveness of the Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) in promoting social equity and supporting local leaders in addressing ocean health challenges.
The Africa-UBC Oceans and Fisheries Visiting Fellows Program has selected two exceptional scholars, Dr. Cynthia A. Adinortey (Ghana) and Dr. Antony Otinga Oteng’o (Kenya), to collaborate with UBC researchers on ocean sustainability projects.
Researchers observed coordinated attacks by killer whales on whale sharks in the Gulf of California, suggesting specialized hunting techniques. The pod targeted the whale shark's ventral side, exploiting its vulnerability, and extracted nutrient-rich organs from the liver.
Researchers confirm oil presence in Mauritius mangrove forest close to Ramsar conservation sites, three years after MV Wakashio spill. The oil has undergone weathering and biodegradation, but its ongoing presence poses an unknown risk to the sensitive ecosystem.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
Researchers suggest that manatees may have only become a permanent fixture in Florida after Europeans colonization began, contradicting the common assumption of their long history in the state. The study suggests that warming waters and human activities may have encouraged the manatees to stay and breed.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
Research finds ocean connectivity impacts herbivorous reef fish groups, critical to coral reef resilience, and sea surface temperature and chlorophyll levels predict fish distribution. Protecting reefs is essential for rapidly growing communities dependent on reefs, vulnerable to climate change.
A new study found that artificial nests outperform natural nests in boosting African penguin breeding success by 16.5%, but each type of nest has strengths and weaknesses. Colony-specific conservation strategies are needed to address the unique threats faced by each colony.
A recent study from the University of Sydney found that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10 percent of fish biomass on coral reefs. Increasing Marine Protected Areas and implementing fisheries restrictions are key to sustaining fish populations, but more work is needed to meet the 30x30 initiative.
Research reveals European flat oysters formed large reefs of living and dead shells, supporting rich biodiversity and stabilizing shorelines. Historical records show that these reefs existed along Europe's coasts from Norway to the Mediterranean, but were destroyed over a century ago due to overfishing.
A team of scientists tracked a mysterious orca group in the Humboldt Current system off the coast of Chile, revealing new hunting skills and shedding light on southern hemisphere orca conservation. The research found that these orcas hunt dusky dolphins, a species they have never been recorded hunting before, and share food among the pod.
Scientists discovered ancient stromatoporoids survived the Late Devonian extinction and continued to thrive as major reef-builders during the Carboniferous Period. The findings shed light on the resilience and adaptability of marine ecosystems.
Researchers used drone footage to study gray whales' foraging behaviors, finding that younger whales use forward swimming while older whales headstand. The study also revealed that bubble blasts help regulate buoyancy while feeding in shallow water.
A recent FAU study reveals that mesophotic corals can replenish declining shallow reef populations with strong genetic connectivity between shallow and deep zones. The research suggests that deeper corals could be a key source of genetic diversity for shallow reefs, providing valuable opportunities for recovery and restoration efforts.
A new definition of marine identity has been agreed upon by an international group of researchers, which could help restore society's relationship with the ocean. The concept emphasizes how the ocean supports our sense of self and is rooted in traditions, customs, and dependency on the sea for recreation and livelihoods.
A new prediction by Nicolas Loiseau and colleagues reveals that 12.7% of marine teleost fish species are at risk of extinction, up from the IUCN's prior estimate of 2.5%. The study analyzed nearly 5,000 species without an IUCN conservation status due to insufficient data.