Oceans
Articles tagged with Oceans
Study provides detailed assessment of shifts in toxin producing phytoplankton abundance
Even the most remote ocean is contaminated with zinc from human sources
A new study reveals that even the most remote corners of the ocean are contaminated with zinc from human sources, surpassing natural zinc levels. Zinc from fossil fuel combustion and industrial emissions dominates the upper layer of the South Pacific, posing a potential threat to marine life and nutrient balances.
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.
New publication about the influence of Southern Hemisphere waters on the Indonesian Throughflow
A new study finds that water masses from the Southern Hemisphere have been a major contributor to the Indonesian Throughflow for over 800,000 years. The researchers measured nitrogen isotopes in sediment cores and found a remarkable long-term stability of the nitrogen cycle along the equatorial Pacific.
Relocating Venice among the options explored to protect city against sea-level rise
A new study explores potential options for Venice to adapt to sea-level rise, including relocating the city, movable barriers, ring dikes, and closing the Venetian Lagoon. The research suggests that no single approach is optimal, requiring a balance of factors such as resident wellbeing, economic prosperity, and cultural heritage.
The giants of the reef: New citizen science project races to document centennial corals
A new study introduces Map the Giants, a pioneering citizen-science initiative to document giant coral colonies before they disappear due to global pressures. The project aims to unlock genetic secrets and traits of resilient corals, providing a validated sampling frame for future research.
Tiny particles in Arctic ponds may play role in cloud formation, climate change
Researchers from Colorado State University found that tiny particles bubbling up from melting sea ice in the Arctic sky can create clouds, providing a platform for water vapor to freeze onto. This discovery sheds light on why Arctic clouds behave differently and could help improve weather modeling and climate change predictions.
Systematic understanding of typical characteristics and driving factors of oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) from the perspective of global change
The study clarifies the typical characteristics and driving factors of Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZ) in the global ocean, highlighting the role of temperature, ocean circulation, and other factors. The researchers also propose establishing OMZ gradient thresholds for better understanding and management.
New study unveils rich biodiversity in Japan's deepest ocean trenches, featuring record-breaking discoveries and an unidentified "mystery" species
A new study published in Biodiversity Data Journal reveals a profound look at life up to nearly 10 kilometers below the ocean's surface in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches. The research catalogs at least 108 distinct organism groups, including a baffling unidentified animal that has left global taxonomic experts stumped.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Scripps Institution of Oceanography partner for innovative conservation efforts
The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.
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.
Coastal ocean chemistry now substantially shaped by humans
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
Researchers uncover hidden genetic world in Antarctic Waters
Researchers have completed the most comprehensive survey of DNA associated with plankton in the Southern Ocean, revealing a vast genetic diversity that affects the carbon cycle. The study sheds light on the role of microbial ecosystems in climate change and highlights the need to understand how these genes control ocean chemistry.
Understanding how “marine snow” acts as a carbon sink
A new study finds hitchhiking bacteria dissolve essential ballast in ubiquitous
In the ocean’s marine ‘snow,’ a scientist seeks clues to future climate
A Rutgers researcher finds bacteria accelerate calcium carbonate dissolution in shallow seas, potentially slowing carbon sequestration and influencing climate change. The discovery sheds light on the ocean's biological carbon pump and its future implications.
Global shark bites return to average in 2025, with a smaller proportion in the United States
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
Coastal Kelvin waves and marine heatwaves in the tropical Atlantic
Researchers on M217/1 expedition study upwelling system and extreme events off southwest African coast, focusing on Coastal Kelvin waves and Benguela Niños. Key findings include the seasonal upwelling without wind off Angola and the causes of marine heatwaves that disrupt marine ecosystems.
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.
New study reveals floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
Tooling up to diagnose ocean health
A field-deployable CRISPR-based biosensing platform has been developed for rapid, on-site monitoring of marine species and ecosystems, offering a sustainable solution for tracking ocean health. The technology has the potential to detect critical species, predict outbreaks, and support early warning systems for ecosystem disruptions.
Microplastics are found in a third of surveyed fish off the coasts of remote Pacific Islands
A third of fish off Pacific Islands' coasts contain microplastics, with Fiji showing a high rate of contamination. Research highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
Critical Atlantic Ocean currents kept going during last ice age
New research reveals that North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) was only about 1.8°C colder than today during the Last Glacial Maximum, contradicting previous assumptions of near-freezing conditions. The study supports climate model projections and suggests that weakening AMOC could have dramatic consequences for future climate.
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.
£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.
Ventilation of the North Atlantic is weakening
The North Atlantic's ocean ventilation has weakened, with water masses aging significantly faster than 30 years ago. This decline in ventilation indicates a slower renewal of deep waters and reduced oxygen transport to depths, potentially impacting marine ecosystems.
USF-led study: AI helps reveal global surge in floating algae
A USF-led study using AI shows a significant increase in macroalgae growth globally, with blooms expanding across the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific. The study attributes this shift to climate variability and human activities such as nutrient runoff.
Major river deltas are sinking faster than sea-level rise
A recent study found that nearly every major river delta is experiencing subsidence, with at least some portion sinking faster than the sea level in 18 of the 40 deltas examined. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to the lives of over 236 million people, particularly in regions such as the Mekong and Nile river systems.
Bacteria resisting viral infection can still sink carbon to ocean floor
Researchers found that some phage-resistant mutations enhance bacteria's ability to sink carbon, while others slow down growth rates. The study suggests that the selection of surface mutants may play a key role in marine biological pump and carbon export.
Tapping into whale talk
A Harvard-designed bio-logger captures high-fidelity audio of sperm whale codas, which are later analyzed by machine learning models to uncover structured communication. Recent results show that sperm whales have their own alphabet and use vowels and diphthongs in their language.
Ocean current and seabed shape influence warm water circulation under ice shelves
Scientists at the University of East Anglia used an autonomous underwater vehicle to survey beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf, finding that the shape of the seabed is more important than current speed in influencing warm water circulation. This leads to melting at the underside of the ice shelf, contributing to sea level rise.
Connection and protection boost health in coral reefs
A new study by the University of Oxford and WCS reveals that connections between coral reefs can stabilize reef health, reducing the risk of collapse. By simulating future reef conditions under different management scenarios, researchers found that a dual approach improving land and sea conditions provides the best outcomes for reefs.
USF-led study reveals dramatic decline in some historic sargassum populations
A new USF-led study found a dramatic decline in some historic sargassum populations due to ocean warming and changes in their distribution. This shift could affect the health of marine ecosystems as sargassum supports high biodiversity for various marine species.
Flood risks in delta cities are increasing, study finds
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
Scientists call for urgent measures to protect underwater forests in a new global “Marine Animal Forests Manifesto”
Marine Animal Forests are complex habitats that provide essential ecological services, including biodiversity hotspots, nursery areas, and carbon cycling. Scientists urge immediate action to protect these ecosystems from destructive fishing practices, pollution, and climate change.
Expansion of Antarctic bottom water contributed to the end of the last Ice Age
A new study published in Nature Geoscience shows the key role of Antarctic Bottom Water in the transition from the last Ice Age. The expansion of AABW played a central role in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which helped reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
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.
Kelp farming is expensive, but a new resource points to lower costs
A new resource has been developed to help kelp farmers in Maine reduce their production costs. The tool provides detailed economic analyses and identifies strategies for sustainable business plans. By using this tool, kelp farmers can achieve economic sustainability and improve their bottom line.
The road ahead: Why conserving the invisible 99% of life is fundamental to planetary health
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
Study provides new forecasts of remote islands’ vulnerability to sea level rise
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
Pusan National University researchers reveal how sea ice decline intensifies ocean mixing in warming polar regions
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that mesoscale horizontal stirring intensifies considerably in the Arctic and Southern Oceans, driven by stronger ocean flow and turbulence resulting from sea ice loss. This intensification could alter heat and nutrient transport, impacting marine ecosystems.
How fishes of the deep sea have evolved into different shapes
Research found that deep-sea pelagic fish exhibit a wider range of body types, while benthic species tend towards elongated, tapered shapes. The study suggests that ocean depth and environmental conditions drive evolutionary changes in fish body shape.
Data integration is the key to understanding Asia-pacific marine change
A new perspective on Asia-pacific marine ecosystems proposes integrating physical oceanography, environmental genomics, and ecological observations to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This approach aims to strengthen international collaboration and protect the region's most diverse marine life.
Researchers in Japan discover new jellyfish species deserving of a samurai warrior name
A new species of Physalia jellyfish has been discovered in northeast Japan, prompting questions about the distribution and movement of marine organisms. The study suggests that warm ocean currents may be transporting surface-drifting marine organisms to previously unrecorded areas.
North American ice sheets drove dramatic sea-level rise at the end of the last ice age
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that North American ice sheets caused over 30 feet of global sea-level rise between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago. This discovery challenges decades of research and has significant implications for understanding climate change.
New ocean research alliance to boost national collaboration
A new three-year agreement between the Pacific Marine Science Alliance Society and MEOPAR aims to strengthen national ocean research collaboration across Canada's coasts. The partnership will focus on addressing key challenges such as climate resilience, marine hazard prediction, and sustainable resource use.
International research alliance investigates environmental impacts of deep-sea mining
The MiningImpact project is investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems. Scientists are studying biodiversity, genetic connectivity, and ecosystem health to develop indicators and threshold values for harm.
Ocean Sciences Meeting will convene in Glasgow Scotland, February 2026
The 2026 Ocean Sciences Meeting will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from February 22-27, 2025. The event will bring together 6,000 scientists, students, and educators to discuss breaking research on the ocean sciences and critical issues affecting a sustainable future for our oceans.
Corporate reports miss the mark on ocean health
A new study reveals that corporations disclose little about their ocean-specific impacts, especially on biodiversity and ecosystems. The research highlights crucial gaps in current reporting frameworks and provides an important baseline for future comparisons.
Oxygen came late to ocean depths during Paleozoic
Marine animals diversified over 500 million years ago, but oxygen levels didn't reach the ocean floor until later. Thallium isotopes show fluctuations in O2 levels at the ocean floor during the Paleozoic era.
Global review identifies opportunities to improve monitoring of juvenile fish habitats
A global review highlights the need for better tools to understand juvenile fish habitats, which are facing increased pressure from various factors. The study recommends incorporating metrics like growth, survival, and contribution rates to assess habitat quality.
For the first time in 40 Years, Panama’s deep and cold ocean waters failed to emerge, possibly affecting fisheries and coral health
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute recorded that Panama's Pacific upwelling did not occur in 2025, leading to diminished temperature drops and productivity spikes. The researchers attribute this event to a significant reduction in wind patterns, highlighting the vulnerability of tropical upwelling systems.
Possible North Atlantic overturning circulation shutdown after 2100 in high-emission future
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could shut down after 2100 due to climate change, leading to severe winter extremes in northwestern Europe and shifts in tropical rainfall belts. A collapse of deep convection in the Labrador, Irminger, and Nordic Seas is seen as a tipping point for the shutdown.
ASU study exposes sewage contamination locations threatening West Hawai'i coral reefs
A new ASU study identifies the most polluted areas of coastline in West Hawaiʻi and targets for remediation, providing critical data needed to mitigate sewage contamination. The research found that cesspools, septic systems, and coastal urban development are highly predictive of water contamination.
Sea-level projections from the 1990s were spot on, Tulane study says
A new study published in Earth's Future journal reveals that sea-level projections from the 1990s were remarkably accurate, with global sea-level rise averaging about one eighth of an inch per year. The researchers compared these projections with recent satellite measurements and found a remarkable match.
A new wave in disaster financing: Parametric insurance for tsunami
Researchers developed a customized parametric insurance system using Probabilistic Tsunami Risk Assessment (PTRA) to quantify tsunami losses and payouts. The proposed framework reduces overpayment by 60.9% while maintaining risk reduction, potentially saving lives and money.
Climate interventions to save our oceans need stronger governance, experts warn
New research warns that climate interventions in oceans carry significant risks and may repeat past mistakes if not regulated responsibly. Experts advocate for a governance approach prioritizing sustainability, equity, and adaptability to ensure effective solutions.
New global study shows freshwater is disappearing at alarming rates
A new global study reveals unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, with four continental-scale mega-drying regions in the northern hemisphere. The findings warn of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, and sea level rise.