Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
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...
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.
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.
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.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.
Researchers found that stock assessments have often been overly optimistic, with a third of sustainably fished stocks classified as overfished. They call for simpler models and greater use of the precautionary principle to protect fish stocks.
Researchers at Uppsala University studied Northern krill and found extensive genetic variation critical for adaptation to different climates. The study identified hundreds of genes associated with heat and cold sensitivity, nutrient uptake, and reproduction.
Brooke Flammang's Fluid Loco Lab at NJIT will develop non-invasive tag attachment technology for near real-time tracking of North Atlantic right whales. The project aims to improve conservation and regulation policy decisions with accurate predictions on whale distribution and habitat use.
Researchers will develop an AI-driven system for photo-identification and tracking of Florida manatees, optimizing the cost-precision trade-off in traditional tracking methods. The project aims to streamline conservation efforts while providing essential information on population dynamics, health, risks, and vulnerability.
A UK-based study reveals that an offshore mussel farm is reviving shellfish reefs off the English south coast, a process previously unseen in 150 years. The research found mussels deposited on the seabed create habitats for commercially important species like European lobsters and brown crabs.
A new platform, Ocean Species Discoveries, facilitates rapid taxonomic description of marine invertebrate species, reducing decade-long delays. This initiative, coordinated by the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance, aims to discover, protect, and raise awareness of threatened marine species before they become extinct.
A new study reveals that large apex species like tiger sharks and great whites are critical to healthy oceans, but their populations have plummeted by 71% in the past 50 years. Conservation efforts must prioritize protecting these ecological roles to maintain ocean balance.
Using 3D models, researchers tracked the response of 1,832 coral colonies to two moderate-strength bleaching events off Maui. They found that some corals showed signs of acclimatization, surviving both bleaching events and potentially informing approaches to coral reef conservation.
A new study has determined the vertical limits of the marine environment in the Southwest Atlantic, revealing that the mesophotic zone extends to a depth of between 15m and 18m. The research found distinct differences in fish diversity and species composition between the shallow and mesophotic zones.
Researchers captured a unique opportunity to study the impact of vessel strikes on large marine animals. The basking shark was struck while feeding on the surface, causing visible damage and increasing its frequency of tailbeat as it headed to the seafloor.
Researchers have made groundbreaking insights into the reproductive behaviors of a mysterious apex predator, leopard seals. A two-hour courtship interaction between a male and female leopard seal in Laguna San Rafael, Chile, revealed complexity in their behavior, including in-air calls by females and underwater vocalizations.
A new study predicts that expanding marine protected areas will decrease both inside and outside the reserves, challenging common assumptions about ocean conservation. The research model used historical fishing data and machine learning to forecast the impact of large-scale closures on global fishing effort.
New research reveals oyster sanctuaries contain more abundant populations of oysters and other animal life, despite the presence of parasites. The study found that these areas support higher oyster densities and habitat quality than nearby harvest sites.
New research reveals that artificial light at night (ALAN) attracts larval fish to artificially lit environments, reducing their chances of survival. ALAN has been shown to lower fish growth rates, metabolic rates, and overall survival, with serious consequences for fish conservation.
Kelp forests in southern Maine have collapsed due to warming, while northern regions continue to provide key ecosystem services. The study highlights regional differences in forest health and the importance of targeted management to preserve these ecosystems.
A new study found that magnesium levels in sandhoppers increase during cold weather, slowing their activity. In deeper sleep, magnesium levels can more than double, putting the sandhopper into a torpid state and allowing it to conserve energy.
Researchers found 8% of sold sea cucumbers as threatened brown species, linked to overharvesting. Genetic analysis suggests widespread availability poses a threat to biodiversity loss in NYC Chinatowns.
Researchers propose a conservation credit system to reduce costs and meet 30x30 ocean protection targets by allowing countries to trade conservation obligations. This approach enables nations with higher conservation costs to pay others to increase their efforts, achieving more equitable conservation across the globe.
Researchers evaluate the social narratives, technology, and co-impacts of coral reef preservation, seagrass restoration, and seaweed cultivation in the fight against climate change. These blue carbon solutions have the potential to reduce emissions and advance conservation policy.
A new tool for forecasting coral disease has been developed by researchers from the University of Hawai'i, which can predict the risk of two diseases across reefs in the Pacific and Australia. This system can help managers detect early changes in the environment and take timely interventions to protect coral reef ecosystems.
A new study found that 62% of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) designated to protect rare migratory fish species are outside of their core habitats. The study suggests that existing MPAs are not adequately protecting these species due to a lack of data on their distribution and habitat.