Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
A new study found that sea stars, such as the sunflower sea star, play a crucial role in protecting kelp forests by preying on kelp-eating urchins. The research suggests that these sea stars can consume urchins at rates sufficient to maintain and perhaps reset the health of kelp forests.
Researchers have created detailed genetic maps of green and leatherback sea turtle genomes, providing insights into their unique adaptations and evolutionary history. The study reveals that genetic differences between the two species are mainly found on microchromosomes, which may hold the key to each species' survival.
A modelling study by an international team of researchers found that climate change will likely disrupt core habitats of marine species, reducing suitable ranges by the end of this century. The results highlight the need for effective conservation management to protect marine biodiversity and resources.
Researchers found that the feathers of large seabirds contained nutrients from multiple ocean basins, while smaller birds had elements matching their local foraging environments. This discovery may explain the long-distance migrations of threatened species.
Researchers warn that deep-sea mining near hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough could harm species hundreds of kilometers away due to interconnected ecosystems. Key vents should be protected for conservation, with some vent sites identified as crucial hubs for maintaining connectivity.
Researchers warn of significant risks to ocean ecosystems and cetaceans from commercial-scale deep seabed mining. The study highlights the need for urgent research to assess potential impacts on cetaceans, which are highly sensitive to sound and already facing multiple stressors like climate change.
Researchers from Portugal and Cape Verde discover a unique shark nursery in the Sal Rey bay on Boa Vista island, home to juveniles of several endangered species. The area is crucial for shark conservation and also protects marine mammals and turtles, highlighting the importance of its protection.
A new study provides a technique to inform progress towards international conservation goals, including protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030. The ProtectedSeas Navigator's Level of Fishing Protection score can help guide assumptions about fishing methods and activities.
Three new species of nautilus have been described from the Coral Sea and South Pacific, with researchers studying their characteristics to better understand biogeographic isolation. The discovery highlights concerns over ocean conservation due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
Researchers have identified two new feather mite species associated with the endangered Laysan albatross in Japan. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these parasites and their impact on the bird population. The findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species.
A new project led by the University of Exeter will assess climate change impacts on Cayman Islands sea turtles, including rising temperatures, storminess, and sea-level rise. The team will develop ways to protect turtles and improve coastal management.
A new study by SFU researchers found that shark and ray populations in the northwest Atlantic are recovering after implementation of a U.S. fishery management plan in 1993. The study shows that declines have been halted in three species and six species are clearly rebuilding, thanks to regulation, enforcement, and monitoring.
Research from Virginia Tech reveals that shark populations are recovering in northern Atlantic waters where regulations have been put in place. This is a promising conservation success story for vulnerable species.
A new modelling study reveals that most plastic debris on Seychelles beaches originates from distant sources, not the islands themselves. The study provides quantitative estimates of the sources of plastic debris for the Seychelles and other remote islands in the western Indian Ocean.
A new UW-led report emphasizes the unequal burden of marine plastic pollution on different communities, particularly in developing countries. The study calls for a more equitable approach to address the issue, focusing on plastics production rather than waste management.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
A new open-access Raman spectral library enables scientists to detect molecular 'fingerprints' of particles and better trace sources of ocean plastic pollution. The database adds 42 polymer types, including those from non-plastic particles, to improve accuracy.
A recent study by Lancaster University found that coral bleaching events alter the behavior of butterflyfish, making it harder for them to recognize competitor species. This change leads to poorer decision-making, resulting in wasted energy and increased aggression.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of two endangered sharks, finding low genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding in great hammerheads. In contrast, shortfin makos showed higher genetic diversity and limited inbreeding, offering a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts.
Climate change is expected to lead to a 65% decline in land plants and animals by 2100 if current management strategies are not implemented. Implementing ten key threat management strategies could benefit up to 84% of terrestrial bird, mammal, and plant groups, with a cost of $23 million annually.
Researchers explore the importance of understanding whale carbon sequestration potential to combat climate change. Whales can store more carbon than small animals, influencing nutrient dynamics and carbon cycling over ocean-basin scales.
Researchers from SPUN mapped the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi across Palmyra Atoll, finding unique nutrient feedback loops that support rainforests, plankton communities, and coral reefs. The study highlights the importance of these underground networks in maintaining ecosystem resilience to climate change.
A new study emphasizes the critical importance of conserving deep reefs in the Western Indian Ocean, which are under threat from multiple stressors. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize conservation efforts and consider the region's growing population and economic pressures.
Researchers have developed a low-cost staining method to track coral larvae as they disperse and settle in coral reefs. The method uses colored dyes to differentiate between groups or species, facilitating conservation planning, behavioral ecology, and reef restoration experiments.
The use of real-world laboratories can facilitate knowledge exchange between science and society, enabling the development of participatory research approaches to address the complex challenges facing our oceans. By involving all relevant stakeholders in co-designing research questions and testing potential strategies, these labs have ...
Researchers identified various feeding behaviors in nurse sharks, including vertical and ventral feeding, as well as 'pectoral positioning' where they flex their pectoral fins. This adaptable behavior suggests nurse sharks can thrive on different prey across various habitats.
A new UNLV study compares ancient and modern ocean ecosystems, finding that ancient food webs varied greatly from today's systems. The research highlights the importance of understanding trophic position in community evolution and has implications for conservation efforts and policy.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
A new study published in the Journal of Zoological and Biological Gardens highlights the successful sea otter rehabilitation program at Monterey Bay Aquarium. The program uses surrogacy as a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, with 71% of surrogate-reared pups surviving post-release compared to 27% that underwent human-led rehabi...
Research reveals microplastic fibres in all samples, with majority found in Antarctic air, indicating animals breathe them. Antarctic sea ice also traps microplastics, acting as a temporary sink for global plastic pollution.
Researchers discovered that krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration through temporal transcriptome rewiring and suppression of several hallmarks of aging. Krill oil increases neuronal resilience, promoting anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation, and abrogating multiple aging hallmarks.
Researchers found that a device called SharkGuard emits small electrical pulses to scare off sharks, reducing bycatch by up to 91% for blue sharks and 71% for stingrays. Further testing is needed to explore the effects on target species like bluefin tuna.
Researchers measured phycotoxin concentrations in bull sharks caught in the Indian River Lagoon, finding multiple toxins widespread or persistent in the environment. The study highlights dietary exposure as a key mechanism of toxin transfer to bull sharks.
A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.
A new study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy development on marine birds. Researchers propose three steps for mitigation: avoid, minimize, and offset, with the potential to offset negative impacts through conservation strategies that can increase seabird population sizes.
In a rare piece of good news for the marine world, reef manta rays have been found to be increasing significantly in population in Raja Ampat archipelago. The study highlights the importance of well-enforced Marine Protected Areas and fisheries regulations in their recovery.
A distinct population of oceanic manta rays was identified off the coast of Ecuador, with an estimated total population of over 22,000 individuals, making it more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation. The population is large and potentially healthy due to favorable conditions in the region.
Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.
A new study has revealed the genetic basis of argonaut octopus characteristics, including its unusual eggcase structure and adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle. The smallest known cephalopod genome was found in Argonauta argo, with significant differences in Hox gene arrangements and reflectin and tyrosinase gene clusters.
Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.
A low-cost sensor disguised as a sea turtle egg can predict nest hatching time almost to the day. The TurtleSense system monitors nests remotely and detects synchronized developmental movement in real-time, enabling better decision-making for conservationists.
The US Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technology Incubator aims to advance innovative ways to control blooms impacting marine ecosystems and regional economies. The partnership between UMCES and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will offer funding and guidance for innovative control technology projects.
Marine protected areas significantly increase carbon sequestration in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. Biodiversity and species richness also rise in preserved waters, contributing to food security and human well-being. Full protection is necessary for maximum benefits.
The Southern Ocean's ecosystem is facing major stressors from climate change, including melting sea ice and ocean acidification. Overfishing of species such as toothfish and krill is predicted to exacerbate environmental impacts on the entire ecosystem.
Current high levels of fishing in Antarctica's Southern Ocean, combined with climate change, are taking a concerning toll on the region. The authors argue that allowing continued fishing will jeopardize this ecosystem and is increasingly unsustainable.
FathomNet aggregates images from multiple sources to create a publicly available, expertly curated underwater image training database. The database uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to alleviate the bottleneck for analyzing underwater imagery, accelerating important research around ocean health.
The Black in Marine Science organization, founded by Tiara Moore, aims to increase diversity in the field. Despite its efforts, it still faces significant challenges, including a lack of representation among minority groups.
Genetic and genomic technologies can protect marine life by identifying illegally harvested seafood products and monitoring disease outbreaks. Assisted evolution and synthetic biology could also benefit ocean ecosystems by introducing beneficial species or manufacturing products in the lab.
A new type of satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 15 cm has been used to detect and monitor critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The technology allows for the identification of individual whales and their habitats, which will have significant implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers used directional hydrophones to track blue whale movements, revealing they respond to changes in the wind. The whales seek out cooler water plumes where krill are abundant, finding a crucial source of food.
Researchers found that the return of radiolarians, a tiny marine organism, helped restore habitable conditions after the massive extinction event. The study suggests that every microorganism plays a vital role in regulating biogeochemical cycles and conservation of the planet.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
A recent study by the University of Plymouth and international partners reveals that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were a primary cause of a devastating coral die-off event in Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. The research highlights the importance of considering upwellings when managing reef systems, and propose...
A new standard will help identify critical areas for shark conservation using criteria that consider biological and ecological needs. The framework aims to support the protection of apex predators facing extinction due to human threats.
A new study suggests that global fish stocks will not be able to recover to sustainable levels without strong actions to mitigate climate change and overfishing. Climate change has reduced fish stocks in 103 of 226 marine regions studied, including Canada, from their historical levels.
A new scientific article highlights the need for a global ocean vision to guide marine policies, plans, and programs. The authors propose incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) into international agreements to develop this holistic approach.
A study by OIST Graduate University's Marine Biophysics Unit found that mangroves in the Ryukyu Islands have limited connectivity, making it crucial to protect isolated forests. The research used genetics and oceanography to track propagule dispersal, revealing rare genetic exchanges between islands.
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
A new species of Bathynomus, a type of deep-sea isopod, has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. The new species, B. yucatanensis, is around 26cm long and has unique features such as slender body proportions and longer antennae.