Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Researchers developed a new, accurate method to detect North Atlantic Right Whale up-calls using Multimodal Deep Learning algorithms. The technology outperformed conventional methods in detecting up-calls, non-up-calls, and false alarms.
A new study highlights the need to balance wildlife conservation with local community needs in Peru and Chile. Small-scale fisheries are struggling due to protected sea lion and seal populations, which compete for resources and damage fishing gear.
Researchers found that areas protected under 'whole-site' Marine Protected Area (MPA) status have four-fold increases in fish abundance and diversity compared to unprotected areas. The study also showed significant benefits for commercially important fish species and conservation.
The MPA Guide categorizes MPAs by stage of establishment and level of protection, highlighting the importance of including local peoples in the decision-making process for effective conservation. The guide specifies outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being depending on the chosen level of protection.
Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.
A new study reveals that climate change will affect Antarctic seals, such as crabeater and Weddell seals, in distinct ways. Crabeater seals are more vulnerable due to their specialized diet and breeding on unstable pack-ice, while Weddell seals are less affected.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.
A study by the University of Miami found that tiger sharks form social groups and exhibit social preferences, but interactions become more random when fed by dive tourism. The researchers tracked tiger sharks over three years and used Social Network Analysis to examine their behavior.
A study by University of Plymouth researchers found that seabed habitats and species recover more quickly following extreme storms than from the impacts of bottom-towed fishing. The research examined the impact of the 2013/14 winter storms on the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area, off southern England's coast.
A study by Stellenbosch University and conservationists reveals a high number of Cape Fur seals are entangled in fishing lines and nets annually, with most affected being pups and juveniles. The researchers found that disentanglement efforts have been successful, but the problem remains urgent, emphasizing the need for policy changes t...
A new study confirms that Indigenous people managed shellfish and sea otters for thousands of years, safeguarding access to traditional foods. This challenges widely held assumptions about high numbers of sea otters in the past, affecting conservation policy and Indigenous reconciliation.
A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 500 individuals remaining in South African waters. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to address the cumulative effects of human activities, including coastal construction and pollution, which are impacting population numbers.
A long-term study in Elkhorn Slough found that superabundant crabs weaken tidal creek banks, reducing marsh plant growth and increasing erosion. Reducing crab abundance led to increased salt marsh vegetation growth and enhanced sediment density.
A new study found that plastic pollution is ingested by juvenile sea turtles, leading them to accumulate in highly polluted areas like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The research team examined 121 sea turtles from five species and found that 86% of loggerheads and 83% of greens contained plastic.
A new study from Oregon State University found that climate conditions significantly affect the reproductive success of mature female Antarctic krill. The researchers discovered a relationship between the condition of these females during spawning season and the proportion of juvenile krill in the population the following year.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded 61 grants in 2021, with recipients spanning seven continents and focusing on shark, ray, and sawfish conservation. The grants support innovative projects using cutting-edge technology, citizen science, and local knowledge to address pressing ocean conservation crises.
A University of Central Florida study found that smaller loggerhead and green sea turtles are nesting on Florida beaches than in the past. The researchers measured nearly 10,000 nesting female loggerheads and over 3,000 nesting female green turtles and discovered a decline in average size over the past 37 years.
The deep-sea ecosystems of the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges are characterized by exceptional biodiversity, hosting rare and unique species of fish and invertebrates. These findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to protect these unique environments.
Five scientists from Israel and Jordan have been awarded research grants by the Red Sea Reef Foundation to study the unique corals in the northern Red Sea. Their innovative projects aim to monitor reef health, develop coral bioindicators, and refine coral farming techniques to support conservation efforts.
A new study finds that marine conservation initiatives can have negative impacts on community livelihoods, including increased anxiety and social division. Researchers recommend that conservation efforts should follow social impact assessments and provide livelihood support for affected communities.
New research shows Mediterranean green turtle populations are recovering, but loggerhead turtles face additional threats due to high mortality rates. The study found stable reproduction rates among loggerheads, suggesting deaths among all ages impede their recovery.
Researchers found that baby green sea turtles actively orient to the Sargasso Sea, a key habitat during their early years. The discovery sheds light on the turtles' migration patterns and informs conservation efforts.
Sea turtle nesting populations in the Cayman Islands have recovered significantly after conservation efforts, with loggerhead and green turtle numbers increasing dramatically. However, hawksbill turtle nest numbers remain low and populations still face threats including illegal hunting and artificial lighting on nesting beaches.
Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.
New research reveals that Seychelles giant trevally's home range increases as it grows, emphasizing the need for long-term tracking and monitoring of threatened species. The study suggests conserving nursery areas like St Joseph Atoll to protect the next generation and finding a balance between harvesting and catch-and-release fishing.
A Stanford-led study illuminates the mystery of North Pacific loggerhead turtles' epic migrations between Japan and Baja California, providing evidence of a 'thermal corridor' that allows them to cross inhospitably cold ocean barriers. The findings could inform conservation measures to protect sea turtles amidst climatic changes.
Researchers map human impacts on threatened and near-threatened marine species over time, revealing widespread and intensifying pressures. Corals are found to be severely impacted across their entire ranges, with climate-related impacts increasing in severity.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 9 distinguished researchers as 2021 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. The new fellows will undertake projects addressing ocean conservation and management needs globally, from improving shark conservation to studying coastal habitats.
A study using satellite technology has revealed the 3D movements of young great white sharks near New York, showing they prefer coastal waters and can exhibit connectivity to mid-continental shelf regions. The research provides new insights into their ecology, behavior, and conservation, informing preservation strategies for this vulne...
A groundbreaking global study maps ocean areas that, if strongly protected, can help solve climate, food and biodiversity crises. The research identified specific regions that could provide multiple benefits, including safeguarding nearly 80% of marine species and preventing the release of one billion tons of CO2 into the ocean.
A comprehensive study identifies specific ocean areas that must be protected to safeguard over 80% of endangered marine species' habitats and boost fishing catches. The research also finds that trawling is pumping hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the ocean every year, highlighting the need for strict protection.
A new special issue of PARKS journal reveals massive impacts of COVID-19 on global conservation, including job losses and environmental rollbacks. However, studies show that Indigenous Peoples and local communities with governance power over their lands were able to continue to steward resources and protected areas.
A new study uses a high-resolution ocean model to track the migration of baby sea turtles in their 'lost years'. The model shows that hatchlings are swept towards regions with favorable food availability, increasing their chances of survival. This research provides insights into the critical stages of sea turtle conservation efforts.
Researchers analyzed tracking data of 5,775 birds across 39 species to estimate global political responsibility for their protection. The study found that many countries lack agreements with each other's breeding grounds, highlighting the need for international agreements to conserve these threatened seabirds.
A multiyear study by Florida Atlantic University found striking differences in travel patterns between the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. The majority of Gulf coast whitespotted eagle rays exhibited migratory behaviors, while most Atlantic coast rays remained residents within the Indian River Lagoon.
A new study highlights the importance of adopting a network of marine protected areas around Antarctica to conserve breeding colonies of Antarctic penguins. The proposed MPAs would increase permanent conservation by 49-100%, depending on the species, and provide critical foraging grounds for penguin populations.
A team of researchers has discovered a new population of blue whales in the western Indian Ocean, identified by their unique song. The population is thought to spend most of its time in the northwestern Indian Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about whale migration patterns.
A study by the University of Helsinki and colleagues found that salmon from the Tornio and Kalix Rivers in Finland and Sweden have distinct migration patterns and ages, but no clear genetic differences. The research highlights the need for cross-border cooperation to conserve the largest wild Baltic salmon stocks.
A Rutgers-led study finds that planning ahead for climate change can help protect marine species and commercial fisheries by setting aside parts of the ocean for conservation and fishing. Effective ocean planning can lead to better safeguards with few tradeoffs.
The sunflower sea star, a key predator in kelp forests, has suffered a dramatic 90.6% decline due to sea star wasting syndrome, resulting in an estimated 5.75 billion animal deaths and nearly complete population loss in the contiguous US and Mexico.
A new study reveals that conservation efforts are making an impact on silky sharks, with 99.8% of fins from Hong Kong and China originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and better implementation of CITES regulations to combat illegal shark fin trade.
Research by KAUST reveals that sand temperatures at Red Sea nesting sites have exceeded the pivotal temperature threshold of 29.2 degrees Celsius, leading to feminization of hatchlings and potential mass mortality.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL used GPS and satellite tags in plastic bottles to track plastic pollution in the Ganges river and Bay of Bengal. The study found that plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometers in just a few months, with some bottles traveling up to 2,845km in 94 days.
Researchers found that small, community-based reserves in Thailand's Salween River Basin serve as critical refuges for fish diversity. These reserves contain on average 27% more fish species and 124% higher fish density compared to adjacent areas.
A University of Stirling study found a decrease in self-reported sea turtle egg consumption and poaching of adult sea turtles after a community-based campaign. However, the increase in anti-poaching law enforcement may have impacted results.
Scientists from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation found Palau's coral reefs to have exceptionally high live coral cover, exceeding 45%, and species diversity. However, reef fish communities were found to be lacking, with many big fish missing and signs of overfishing observed on nearshore reefs.
Researchers have found a decline in sea turtle sightings off the coasts of the UK and Ireland over the past few decades. The study suggests that factors such as climate change, prey availability, and environmental disasters may be influencing this trend.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Queensland found that nearly 80% of threatened species globally are not adequately protected, falling short of the 17% target for land and 10% target for oceans set by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Researchers found vessel traffic and whale vocalizations contribute to ambient sound, with fluctuations by month and seasonal peaks. The study establishes a baseline for understanding the impact of human-made noise on the sanctuary's ecosystem.
Researchers from Università di Bologna found evidence of genetic isolation between two morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae, suggesting they may belong to different species. The study's findings have significant implications for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.
A study by Oregon State University found that marbled murrelets are at risk of local extinctions due to changing ocean conditions and loss of old forest habitats. The bird's long-distance nesting commute and reliance on forage fish make it vulnerable to habitat fluctuations.
Researchers tracked juvenile smooth hammerhead sharks for up to 15 months, revealing seasonal migration patterns and key habitats. The study provides critical information for targeting conservation efforts and protecting this near-endangered species.
A New Zealand-led international study used satellite images and citizen science to uncover the secret lives of crabeater seals in Antarctica. The researchers found that crabeater seal distribution overlapped mostly with Antarctic krill habitat, highlighting the importance of conserving this ecosystem.
Scientists found impressive reefs with diverse coral communities but few fish, particularly near coastal communities. The research provides critical baseline data to monitor changes and inform management plans for conservation.
The BlueSwell program provides a comprehensive early-stage incubator for bluetech innovations, offering $35,000 in grants and mentorship from industry experts. The initiative aims to foster sustainable use of the ocean through innovative solutions in offshore renewable energy, sustainable seafood, and more.
A team from Florida Atlantic University conducted the world's most complete health analysis of nesting green sea turtles in Florida, providing critical insights into physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology. The study found no significant differences between healthy and infected turtles, indicating that these viruses are endem...
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute used satellite telemetry to track the movement of Indian River Lagoon dolphins at night. The study found that these dolphins regularly leave the estuarine system and swim substantial distances up freshwater rivers, creeks, and canals.