Marine Life

Tiny ocean life helps scientists estimate whale prevalence off the California coast

The life story of the critically endangered Rice's whale, estimated to have just 50 remaining adults, is evidenced in new analysis of the hormones it stores in its baleen throughout its life

Anglers and scientists partner to study British Columbia’s salmon food chain

Video and audio monitoring of the Arctic seafloor captures rarely seen phenomena: fish swimming backwards, narwhal calls nearby, and a beautiful array of deep-sea dwellers and tide-driven "marine snow”

Researchers used seafloor video and audio monitoring to capture rare phenomena in a Greenlandic glacial fjord, including fish swimming backwards and making sudden appearances of deep-sea dwellers. The study also revealed the presence of narwhals near the surface, providing new insights into the Arctic ecosystem.

West African coast emerges as key source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean

A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that the West African coast is a primary source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean, with particles transported by equatorial currents to remote areas. The research highlights the need for global action to address this environmental issue.

Two whale groups separated by seas—but not by genes, study finds

The Mediterranean fin whale population is found to be genetically connected to North Atlantic populations, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding highlights the need for reevaluation of conservation strategies and increased connectivity between populations.

A mother’s gift

Researchers discovered that sea urchin eggs can integrate chromoplast-derived carotenoid crystals, which enhance larval development and increase their survival rate by 50%. This integration enables the larvae to adapt to different environments.

Study reveals hidden damage in stony corals using 3D imaging and AI

Researchers used 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to analyze the microscopic structure of coral skeletons, revealing subtle changes caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The study found that Attention U-Net performed best in detecting differences between healthy and diseased corals.

Longer-term plankton species diversity is independent of ocean mixing

Researchers used a cabled marine observatory to study plankton abundance and variety over a four-year period. They found that long-term changes in aggregate abundance and plankton diversity were not influenced by ocean turbulence.

Triple threat as sharks, beach nourishment and murky waters collide

Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.

How can science support and enable the High Seas Treaty?

A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.

Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton

A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.

The ‘thermal hustle’: FIU researchers track how great hammerhead sharks outsmart ocean temperature swings

Researchers tracked movement, acceleration, depth, and water temperature for nine hammerheads in Florida and the Bahamas waters. They found great hammerheads can effectively hunt fast-moving prey like blacktip sharks in winter and tarpon in summer, suggesting they may tolerate changing climates better than other species.

Temperature dynamics, not just extremes, impact heat tolerance in mussels

A recent study found that temperature fluctuations over time, rather than just extreme temperatures, affect mussel health. Researchers exposed mussels to varying temperature regimens and discovered distinct responses even when average temperatures were the same.

Global strategies to protect seals and sea lions from avian influenza

A recent study by the University of California, Davis, highlights the devastating impact of H5N1 on pinniped populations worldwide. The virus has infected over 400 million poultry and tens of thousands of seals and sea lions, with significant consequences for conservation efforts.

The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans

Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.

Silver European eel discovered in Cyprus for the first time

The discovery of mature silver European eels in Cyprus highlights the importance of river fragmentation and local environmental conditions on eel populations. The finding also underscores the need for urgent implementation of Eel Management Plans to conserve this critically endangered species.

Releasing pollack at depth could benefit their long-term survival, study suggests

A new study suggests that releasing pollack closer to their natural catch depths can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research found that releasing fish at these depths can increase survival rates from 56% to over 80%. This could have a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of recreational pollack fisheries.

Ancient fish ear stones reveal modern Caribbean reefs have lost their dietary complexity

A new study finds that food chains on modern Caribbean coral reefs are 60-70% shorter than they were 7,000 years ago. Individual fish have lost dietary specialization, leading to a compression of the distance between different trophic levels.

New acoustic study reveals deep-diving behavior of elusive beaked whales

Scientists captured rare view of beaked whales by listening to their natural sounds, revealing deep-diving behavior. The study provides the first detailed description of Gervais' beaked whale dives anywhere in the world.

Elusive beaked whales off the Louisiana coast may sometimes be diving right to the seafloor, finds new 3D acoustic technology which accurately pinpoints their locations using their echolocation clicks

Researchers use advanced technology to pinpoint locations of elusive beaked whales diving to the seafloor off the Louisiana coast. The study reveals new insights into their behavior and detection range, shedding light on these mysterious creatures.

The vulnerable Amazonian manatee is most often found where human activity is low, with a new eDNA-based method most commonly detecting the freshwater mammal in the remote western Amazon

A new eDNA-based method has been developed to detect vulnerable Amazonian manatees in the remote western Amazon. The study reveals that these freshwater mammals are most commonly found in areas with low human activity.

From sea to soil: Molecular changes suggest how algae evolved into plants

Early marine algae like prasinophytes relied on Lhcp, a unique LHC complex with structural differences from plant LHCII. These similarities and differences may have enabled plants to transition from oceans to land, driven by the stabilization of trimer architecture through pigment-protein interactions.

For the first time, a study characterizes the sounds of the flying gurnard, offering clues to its communication

A new study characterizes the sounds produced by flying gurnards, revealing two distinct types of grunt-like sounds that differ in duration, frequency, and rhythm. The researchers also found that juveniles under 10 cm in length produce sounds from an early developmental stage.

New evidence of a global wave of sea urchin mass mortality

A global study reveals signs of complete extinction in the Canary Islands, where a previously undetected mass mortality event was identified in mid-2022. The affected species is no longer capable of reproducing, potentially leading to local extinction with severe ecological consequences.

When tropical oceans were oxygen oases

Research reveals that ancient tropical oceans had the highest oxygen concentrations during the Proterozoic Eon, driven by photosynthetic organisms producing oxygen. The study suggests that a critical threshold of atmospheric oxygen led to a shift in ocean biogeochemistry, fundamentally reorganizing oxygen distribution.

Strategic sex: Alaska’s beluga whales swap mates for long-term survival

A new study reveals how beluga whales in Alaska's Bristol Bay survive through a surprising strategy: they mate with multiple partners over several years. This polygynandrous system helps maintain genetic diversity despite the population's small size and isolation.

£3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs

A £3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs' vulnerability to climate change and identify ways to protect them. The study will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect comprehensive data on biodiversity, health, and environmental parameters.

Marine mammal social lives shape how diseases spread in the ocean

Research reveals that understanding marine mammal social networks is critical for predicting and managing disease outbreaks in oceans. Highly connected individuals, or 'super spreaders,' play a significant role in disease transmission.

Shark biology breakthrough: Study tracks tiger sharks to Maui mating hub

A six-year acoustic tracking study reveals a predictable seasonal convergence of mature male and female tiger sharks off Olowalu, Maui, coinciding with the humpback whale calving season. The findings suggest an annual mating aggregation site for tiger sharks, contrary to their conventional understanding as solitary wanderers.

This is how a coral produces the pulsating movements of its tentacles – without a brain and in perfect synchronization

A joint study by Tel Aviv University and the University of Haifa discovered that a soft coral's tentacles drive rhythmic movements through a decentralized neural pacemaker system. The system enables each tentacle to perform independent movement while achieving precise collective synchronization.

Hop to it: research from Shedd Aquarium tracks conch movement to set new conservation guidance

Researchers from Shedd Aquarium tracked queen conch movements to estimate the space needed to protect breeding populations. The study suggests establishing a 330-meter spatial buffer around breeding areas to help protect conch populations and serve as a practical tool for local management.

Thermal drone monitoring a promising way to monitor dolphin health

Marine mammal experts use drone-based thermal imaging to measure dolphin surface temperature and respiration rates, detecting biologically meaningful changes in physiological state. The study validates the accuracy of drone measurements under controlled conditions, paving the way for safer health monitoring of marine mammals.

A Coral reef’s daily pulse reshapes microbes in surrounding waters

Researchers found coral reefs impose daily rhythms on nearby microbes, reshaping their composition and abundance. This daily pattern is stronger than seasonal differences, suggesting time of day is a critical factor in studying reef-associated microbial communities.

HKUST launches world's first deep-sea multi-omics resource platform empowering global research into biological adaptation in extreme environments

The platform integrates and analyzes multi-omics data from deep-sea organisms, providing a comprehensive resource for cross-species comparative and evolutionary studies. The database covers 68 species across seven phyla, with over 1,413 fossil records to support evolutionary analysis.

Young shark species more vulnerable to extinction

Researchers at the University of Zurich examined fossil records worldwide and found a consistent pattern: young shark species are more likely to go extinct. This challenges the long-held assumption that older species are less vulnerable to extinction.

New USF study finds widespread rule-breaking in whale shark tourism hotspot

A new USF study found that tour boats and swimmers routinely violate Mexico's whale shark tourism rules, even when waters are less crowded. The research, based on drone footage from 2016 and 2022, suggests that the world's busiest whale-shark destination is struggling to manage demand, putting vulnerable animals at risk.

‘Jaws’ impact may be wearing off as shark perceptions soften

A global survey found that nearly 66% of shark descriptors were neutral, suggesting a shift away from the menacing predator narrative. Researchers used automated statistical packages and manual approaches to analyze short descriptions of sharks, revealing positive words like 'majestic' and 'fascinating'.

Discovery of new marine sponges supports hypothesis on animal evolution

A new order of marine sponges, Vilesida, has been discovered, producing unique sterols that support the hypothesis that animals evolved 100 million years earlier than previously thought. These compounds may also be used in the development of new antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic drugs.

The Galapagos and other oceanic islands and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) may be "critical" refuges for sharks in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, as predatory fish appear depleted in more coastal MPAs through fishing pressure

Studies in the Tropical Eastern Pacific indicate that sharks thrive in oceanic islands' MPAs, unlike coastal areas where predatory fish are depleted. The research highlights the importance of these refuges for shark conservation.

Oldest modern shark mega-predator swam off Australia during the age of dinosaurs

A team of international scientists reconstructed size evolution in ancient sharks using interdisciplinary analysis. The study revealed that modern sharks experimented with enormous body sizes much earlier in their evolutionary history than previously suspected.

Stress caused by hurricane rainfall overwhelms sea anemones

Two Virginia high school students found that sea anemones experience stress due to hyposalinity caused by hurricane rainfall. They also discovered a threshold of 20 parts per thousand where protective mechanisms fail, highlighting the need for conservation strategies.

Seal mothers care for deceased pups, exhibiting unique mammalian behavior in Antarctic predator species

Researchers observed a female Antarctic leopard seal exhibiting postmortem attentive behavior, or PAB, where she cared for her deceased pup for over 20 days. This unique phenomenon is rare in marine mammals and sheds light on the complex behaviors of these apex predators.

The leading causes of mass mortality events in sea urchins are pathogens, storms, and extreme temperatures

A meta-analysis of scientific literature reveals that pathogens are the primary driver of mass mortality events in sea urchins, with 33% of events attributed to them. Storms and extreme temperatures also play a significant role, with 25% and 24% of events respectively.

Carbon-rich waters are becoming even more acidic as atmospheric CO2 levels rise

A new study reveals that ocean acidification is accelerating at a rate outpacing atmospheric CO2 levels, with the Northeastern Pacific Ocean experiencing rapid acidification. The research analyzed coral skeletons from the past century, showing that CO2 has been accumulating in North American waters faster than in the atmosphere.

Oldest oceanic reptile ecosystem from the Age of Dinosaurs found on Arctic island

The discovery sheds light on marine ecosystems' rapid recovery and complexification after the end-Permian mass extinction. The Spitsbergen fossil deposit reveals diverse marine reptiles, including archosauromorphs and ichthyosaurs, with some species reaching 5m in length.

Diet alone doesn’t explain divergent health of California Sea Lions in US and Mexico

Researchers found that regional differences in environmental conditions, rather than diet quality, drive divergent health trends in California Sea Lions. Despite similar diets, populations in Mexico are declining while those in the US are thriving.

Discovery to display: FAU unveils the ‘Art of Science’ winners

The Art of Science competition celebrates creativity through photography and video, highlighting FAU's rise as a hub for innovation. Chelsea Bennice wins with her captivating underwater octopus image, while Gabriella Carvajal's 'Sea Turtle Beginning' showcases embryonic development, shedding light on climate change impacts.

New approach expands possibilities for studying viruses in the environment

A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.

All prey are not the same: marine predators face uneven nutritional payoffs

A new study reveals that different prey within a single species can provide vastly different levels of nutrition for marine predators. This variation can lead to predators consuming more prey than necessary, highlighting the importance of understanding prey quality in maintaining ecosystem balance.

From soft to solid: How a coral stiffens its skeleton on demand

A soft coral's ability to stiffen its skeleton in response to danger has been studied by Penn Engineers, revealing a mechanism known as granular jamming. By compacting mineral particles and expelling water, the coral's tissues create a rigid structure that can withstand external forces.

Nutritional supplements boost baby coral survival

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney discovered that tailored lipid supplements can significantly increase coral larvae's strength, speed, and survival rate. This innovation has major implications for reef restoration projects, which aim to improve larval supply but often face low post-settlement survival rates.

Important phenomenon discovered in the Arctic – could boost marine life

A new international study reveals that nitrogen fixation occurs beneath Arctic sea ice, increasing available nitrogen for algae and potentially boosting marine life. This discovery could also impact carbon absorption in the Arctic Ocean.

Solar-powered lights keep sea turtles out of fishing nets

Researchers developed solar-powered lights to reduce sea turtle entanglement in fishing nets. The LED lights are highly effective, with 63% lower bycatch rates compared to unlit control nets.

Ocean species discovered! Researchers team up to describe 14 new marine animals

Researchers describe 14 new marine invertebrate species and two genera from worldwide oceans, shedding light on deep-sea life. The study utilizes non-invasive micro-CT scanning to provide unprecedented clarity on internal tissues and soft-body parts.

World’s largest rays may be diving to extreme depths to build mental maps of vast oceans

Researchers tracked oceanic manta rays and found they dive to depths over 1,200 meters to gather information about their environment and navigate across the open ocean. These dives are linked with increased horizontal travel afterwards, suggesting a mental mapping function.

What we know and what we need to know about Antarctic marine viruses

Researchers aim to fill the knowledge gap on Antarctic marine viruses, particularly RNA viruses, to understand their ecological importance. They highlight the need for further research on viral tagging, single-cell sequencing, and studying the marginal ice zone to expand our understanding of these viruses.

Tiny architects, titanic climate impact: scientists call for October 10 to become International Coccolithophore Day

Coccolithophores are microscopic ocean organisms that regulate Earth's climate by drawing carbon out of seawater, producing oxygen, and creating chalk and limestone that preserve climate history. Climate change is altering their survival and the ecosystems they support, making International Coccolithophore Day a crucial awareness campa...

FAU awarded US EPA grant to integrate genetics in Florida bay sponge restoration

Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.

Study suggests female crabs are more sensitive to underwater power cables

A University of Portsmouth-led study found female crabs are significantly more sensitive to electromagnetic fields from underwater power cables than males. This could have significant ecological consequences for marine food chains and crab populations if cables are placed in the wrong spots.