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Data-driven regional ocean models essential for planning

Researchers developed a precise historical reconstruction of the Red Sea circulation using fine-grained regional data. The new analysis reveals new characteristics of current circulation, temperature, salinity, and oceanic behavior, improving decision-making for megadevelopments like those in Saudi Arabia.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateOct 2, 2023

Global warming puts whales in the Southern Ocean on a diet

Research from Aarhus University reveals that right whales in the Southern Ocean have become thinner over the past 30 years due to declining krill populations. The whales' food source is shrinking as warmer waters reduce phytoplankton growth, leading to less krill and ultimately affecting their ability to fatten up before winter.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2023

A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

A study by Ohio State University researchers found Steenstrup Glacier in Greenland is retreating at an unprecedented rate, with a 5-mile retreat and quadrupled velocity between 2018 and 2021. The glacier's rapid change reveals that even long-term stable glaciers are susceptible to sudden and rapid retreat due to warming waters.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could survive into the 2060s, new study finds

A new study found that some coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could maintain high coral cover into the 2060s by shuffling symbiotic algae communities. The reefs predominantly built by corals in the genus Pocillopora and hosting heat-tolerant alga Durusdinium glynnii are better equipped to survive and maintain high levels of coral cover.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Largest known manta ray population is thriving off the coast of Ecuador, new research shows

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Climate risks for Gulf of Mexico coral reefs spelled out in study

New research simulates climate warming and ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, finding that high emissions could lead to critically warm temperatures as early as 2050. Reducing emissions may delay this onset, giving coral conservation programs more time to adapt.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022

HKU marine scientists unveil sea urchin's secret to surviving marine heatwaves

Researchers found that adult sea urchins can pass on heatwave resistance to their offspring, but this effect may not last throughout juvenile development. The study suggests that different life stages have varying abilities to cope with thermal stress, and that parental conditioning can help juveniles survive in extreme temperatures.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Do fish suffer from oxygen starvation?

Researchers at Radboud University found that larger fish and those with large cells are more sensitive to oxygen stress in warm water. Freshwater fish appear to be more tolerant of oxygen-depleted water than marine fish, likely due to different selection pressures during their evolutionary history.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 25, 2022

A link between early maturation and better aerobic performance identified in juvenile salmon

A study at the University of Helsinki identified a link between early sexual maturation and improved aerobic performance in juvenile salmon. Genetic variations associated with early maturity were found to enhance basal metabolism and energy production, leading to better overall performance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateJan 28, 2022

English Channel stops new rockpool species reaching UK

The English Channel prevents many rockpool species from reaching the UK due to unfavorable ocean currents. This could lead to a decrease in intertidal wildlife richness in the UK as warmer-water species fail to replace threatened ones. As climate change causes sea temperatures to rise, this barrier may prevent species from adapting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022

Climate change is intensifying extremes also in the oceans

Researchers found that climate change is causing a compound effect of extreme events in the oceans, including heatwaves, acidity, and low oxygen levels. This combination can be fatal to marine species, especially those already living at the upper end of their optimal temperature range.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021

Large future changes in climate variability

The study found that climate change impacts are apparent in nearly all aspects of climate variability, including temperature extremes, precipitation patterns, and ecosystem changes. These changes have important implications for sustainable resource management and future adaptation strategies.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalEarth System Dynamics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

Changing ocean currents are driving extreme winter weather

New research from the University of Arizona suggests that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will intensify extreme cold weather in the US. The study found that without the AMOC, extremely cold winter weather would become more frequent and severe.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021