Articles tagged with Marine Conservation
Research reveals physical connectivity between southern Red Sea and Indian Ocean, highlighting need for regional marine conservation approach. Genetic patterns suggest clearer separation between northern and southern parts of sea.
A global analysis by the University of Washington found that nearly half of the world's fish catch comes from sustainably managed stocks. Effective management is credited as the main reason for these sustainable levels or successful rebuilding.
A collaborative conservation approach involving government agencies, researchers, and nonprofits has led to a significant recovery of Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands. The population increased by nearly threefold over 10 years, with rapid growth due to an increase in new, younger fish joining the aggregation.
A new social-ecological systems monitoring framework has been implemented to uncover drivers of coral reef conservation success, incorporating both social and ecological indicators. The framework, developed from Elinor Ostrom's work, sheds light on local coral reef management contexts, resource use, and stakeholders' perceptions.
A new study suggests that California could more than triple its southern sea otter population by repopulating the largest estuary on the coast, the San Francisco Bay. This would be a huge boost to conservation efforts, potentially lifting the species out of endangered status.
Key findings from COP25 Oceans Actions Day highlight the importance of protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems, including mangroves and seagrasses. The event emphasizes the crucial role of oceans in achieving sustainable development goals and reducing climate change vulnerability.
A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.
A six-year study of whale shark movement and residency has provided critical insights for conservation efforts. The research found that the aggregation meets the criteria of a shark nursery, shedding light on whale shark behaviors that could inform management strategies.
Scientists report that over one-third of ocean areas under protected status result from the annual Our Ocean Conference. The conference has driven meaningful action and elevated ocean issues on the international stage, with 4.8% of the global ocean area now protected.
A recent study found that coral bleaching in the Indo-Pacific is driven by a variety of stressors, with each region responding differently to excess heat. The research suggests that coral responses to global climate change are changing, requiring management and policies to be aligned with location and type of stresses.
A study confirms that surrogate-reared sea otters and their wild offspring account for over half of Elkhorn Slough's population growth, with similar survival rates to those reared by wild mothers. The program's success has implications for rebuilding sea otter populations in other California estuaries.
A new study reveals that functioning coral reefs still exist and can be saved through three management strategies: protect, recover, and transform. These strategies aim to safeguard reef ecologies and ecosystem services into the future, prioritizing 'cool spots' with functioning coral communities.
A study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that conserving a wide range of coral habitats is the best approach to protect these ecosystems from climate change. This strategy recognizes that corals can adapt rapidly to changing conditions, but also emphasizes the importance of protecting diverse habitats to provide future refug...
Walter Munk, a renowned oceanographer, has been honored with the establishment of the Walter Munk Scholar Award by the Marine Technology Society and the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in ocean science, technology, exploration, or conservation.
Researchers used images from tourists to study the smalleye stingray, finding individuals migrated hundreds of kilometers along the coastline. The findings highlight the need for more knowledge about this endangered species' ecology and behavior to inform conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate cumulative human impact for individual species, revealing threatened seahorses in data-poor regions. The study found China, Southeast Asia, and Europe as major threat epicentres for global seahorse populations.
Researchers studied African penguins' responses to changes in local fish abundance, finding that penguins' foraging behavior and chick body condition are directly linked to fish availability. The study suggests that penguins could be key indicators of local ecosystem health, informing fisheries management and conservation efforts.
Research reveals that white sharks immediately vacate their preferred hunting grounds when orcas arrive, resulting in no shark sightings for up to a year. Elephant seal colonies also indirectly benefit from these interactions, with significantly reduced predation events during the orca presence period.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that exotic species do tend to disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing native species abundance. However, the team's meta-analysis revealed significant variability and context dependence in their impact.
Researchers found elevated levels of heavy metals and signs of illness in green sea turtle populations affected by human activity. The study suggests a link between environmental toxins and poor health, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
A recent study found that warmer sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf of Maine are a key predictor of cold-stunning events among juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The number of cold-stunned turtles is increasing at an alarming rate, with over 2,300 predicted by 2031.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 78% of marine mammal populations and 75% of sea turtle populations increased significantly after being listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation measures such as tailored species management and fishery regulations appear to have been successful in promoting species recovery.
A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is leading a five-year project to map and restore SAV in coastal Alabama, aiming to cut the frequency of mapping from every six years to twice within a six-eight year period. The project will also enhance educational resources and cover the restoration of three zones, including areas prone to erosion.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that drones can be used to count and make species-level identifications of marine megafauna, particularly in shallow marine environments. The technology offers a valuable platform for scientists and conservationists to study populations and inform conservation efforts.
Current MPAs in Finland protect only 27% of marine biodiversity, leaving many ecologically important species at risk. Increasing protected areas by just 1% can double conservation of the most important species.
A study calls for a shift in focus from coral reefs to seagrass meadows as they face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Seagrass conservation is crucial for global fisheries production, carbon cycle, and coastal ecosystem health.
Conservation scientists find that only 23% of the world's landmass can be considered wilderness, with the rest lost to human activities. Wilderness areas are crucial buffers against climate change and provide refuges for declining species.
The study assesses 13 ocean-based measures to reduce atmospheric CO2, counteract ocean warming, and mitigate sea-level rise. Ocean-based renewable energy stands out as the most promising solution, with moderate effectiveness for reducing marine pollution and protecting marine habitats.
Hurricane Walaka is battering the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area under U.S. flag, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The storm's powerful thunderstorms have generated large surf and heavy rain potential.
A new study tracks migratory marine predators, revealing how their movements relate to geopolitical boundaries in the Pacific Ocean. The results provide critical information for designing international cooperative agreements needed to manage these species.
A study by University of Queensland scientists reveals that only 13% of the ocean can be classified as wilderness, leaving it vulnerable to loss. Marine areas devoid of intense human impacts are being protected, but most remaining wilderness is located in remote regions and is unprotected.
A new study finds that the ocean has lost most of its untouched areas, leaving only 13% classified as wilderness due to human activity such as fishing and shipping fleets. The authors call for conservation policies to protect marine wilderness, which is home to high levels of species diversity.
A new study tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the archipelago for the species. The study found that all tagged whale sharks stayed within the Philippines, with one individual traveling over 2,500 km through the Sulu and Bohol Seas.
A new report suggests that deep water coral reefs are not refuges for shallow reef organisms and require protection. The study found that mesophotic coral reefs have their own independent communities with little species overlap between depth zones.
A new study led by Francisco Ramírez from the University of Barcelona identifies key areas to protect 20% of sea bird populations in Patagonia. The research uses a multidisciplinary approach to define marine areas of interest in conservation, considering ocean currents and coastal ecosystems.
A Scripps graduate student has identified the world's first known manta ray nursery in the Gulf of Mexico. The juvenile manta habitat at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is crucial for understanding the species' life cycle and informing conservation efforts.
A 2012-2015 field study in north central California found that the sea star Pisaster ochraceus experienced 81% mortality, leading to shifts in allele frequencies among surviving adult and juvenile individuals. These changes may persist in future generations of sea stars, with implications for conservation efforts.
A team of researchers analyzed effective population size measures to reveal crucial considerations for recovering the southern sea otter population. The findings highlight the importance of accurate estimates to ensure species recovery.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill biologists found that loggerhead sea turtles genetically similar to one another nest on beaches with similar magnetic fields. The research implies that turtles can mistakenly nest at different beaches with similar magnetic fields, even if it's geographically far away from their hatching beach.
A two-year scientific study by the University of Exeter and Cefas is tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna movements in UK waters to aid conservation efforts. The study aims to improve knowledge on the species' migration patterns, habitat use, and interactions with fisheries.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium discovered sea turtles using their flippers to handle prey, a behavior thought to be unlikely in marine tetrapods. This 'exaptation' suggests flippers may have been adapted for novel tasks 70 million years earlier than previously thought.
A study by a team of economists and marine experts found that protecting marine coastlines contributes $179 million to the state's economy, more than finfish landings and whale-watching. Coastal conservation groups support activities such as beach cleanup and education campaigns.
Researchers from the University of Exeter use drones to track turtles over large areas, gaining insights into their behavior and movements at sea. The technology also offers cheaper alternatives for gathering information and provides new avenues for anti-poaching efforts.
A Florida Atlantic University study found that 70% of loggerhead sea turtle nests and hatchlings had different fathers, with no repeat males detected. This research provides insight into the reproductive behavior of male sea turtles and suggests a breeding sex ratio of approximately 1 female for every 2.5 males.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
Researchers used novel techniques to analyze sea turtle bones and uncover previously unknown information about their habitats, including their age when they move into nearshore habitats and how they use offshore waters for feeding. The study provides strong applications to the conservation and management of this endangered population.
Scientists created a fully-resolved family tree for shark, ray, and chimaera species to quantify their evolutionary distinctness. This research identified five priority hotspots for conservation, helping to preserve up to 26 million years of unique evolutionary history.
A new study demonstrates how conservation techniques championed by Maine lobstermen help mitigate the impacts of warming oceans. The research found that conservation efforts prepared the Gulf of Maine population for temperature changes, leading to a 515% increase in lobster abundance.
Researchers used drones to count olive ridley sea turtles in Costa Rican waters, estimating densities of up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer. This method provides a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, revealing crucial insights for conservation and research.
A recent study found that 70% of respondents believe the marine environment is under threat from human activities, with pollution and fishing identified as top concerns. The public also strongly supports protection of marine areas through MPAs, but rules governing these areas vary widely.
Three new species of zoantharians were discovered in the Indo-Pacific region, expanding our understanding of coral reef diversity. One species was named after President Tommy Remengesau of Palau, highlighting the nation's support for marine conservation.
Researchers tracked 19 loggerhead turtles in the South Atlantic Ocean, discovering they don't passively ride currents but instead swim to remain offshore. The study sheds light on the 'lost years' of sea turtle life cycle, where young turtles survive several years at sea before returning closer to shore as large juveniles.
Researchers have identified two key locations to protect sea turtles: the waters off eastern Central Florida and the Great Bahama Bank. The study found that females who eat in southern areas tend to have more offspring, highlighting the importance of understanding where they forage.
A new European alliance for oyster conservation has been established to protect the endangered European flat oyster. The alliance seeks to re-establish this key species in the North Sea and adjacent seas through restoration of oyster reef structures.
Researchers found that bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic molt and rub on large rocks to facilitate exfoliation, shedding parasites and sun-damaged skin. This behavior may help reduce ultraviolet radiation damage, important for long-lived species like bowhead whales.
Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.
A UBC study identified 294 marine species that will be highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050. These species have limited temperature ranges, restricted geographic ranges, and specific habitat requirements making them more susceptible to climate change.
A new study reveals a majority of sea turtle populations are increasing, thanks to conservation efforts since the 1950s. Despite six species still listed as endangered, population trends show significant upward growth in most regions.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.