News Feature Channel: Marine Science

The National Academy of Sciences selects WHOI's Laura Motta as Kavli Fellow

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:35:20 EST

At WHOI, Motta leads the Theoretical Chemistry and Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab. Her research focuses on advancing our fundamental understanding of chemistry inspired by marine processes that challenge our current chemical knowledge.

Celebrating 20 Years of Ocean Observing in the Gulf

Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:35:03 EST

GCOOS -- the ocean observing organization dedicated to America's Gulf -- is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout the year.

Top Locations for Ocean Energy Production Worldwide Revealed

Florida Atlantic University — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:30:46 EST

Until now, a global evaluation of ocean current energy with actual data was lacking. Using 30 years of NOAA's Global Drifter Program data, a study shows that ocean currents off Florida's East Coast and South Africa have exceptionally high-power densities, ideal for electricity generation. With densities over 2,500 watts per square meter, these regions are 2.5 times more energy-dense than "excellent" wind resources. Shallow waters further enhance their potential for ocean current turbines, unlike areas like Japan and South America, which have lower densities at similar depths.

An extreme mission, Chulalongkorn researchers travel to the Antarctic To Investigate the Impacts of Global Warming and Microplastic Waste

Chulalongkorn University — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:55:09 EST

Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University journeys to the Antarctic to survey th...

'Fishial' Recognition: Neural Network Identifies Coral Reef Sounds

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:30:57 EST

Faster identification of fish sounds from acoustic recordings can improve research, conservation efforts

'Fishial' Recognition: Neural Network Identifies Coral Reef Sounds

American Institute of Physics (AIP) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:00:00 EST

In JASA, researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution combine acoustic monitoring with a neural network to identify fish activity on coral reefs by sound. They trained the network to sort through the deluge of acoustic data automatically, analyzing audio recordings in real time. Their algorithm can match the accuracy of human experts in deciphering acoustical trends on a reef, but it can do so more than 25 times faster, and it could change the way ocean monitoring and research is conducted.

Megalodon's Body Size and Form Uncover Why Certain Aquatic Vertebrates Can Achieve Gigantism

DePaul University — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:50:00 EST

A new scientific study provides many new insights into the biology of the prehistoric gigantic shark, Megalodon or megatooth shark, which lived nearly worldwide 15-3.6 million years ago. Paleobiology professor Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University led the study along with 28 other shark, fossil, and vertebrate anatomy experts around the globe.

Small and Nutritious Fish: A Healthy and Sustainable Alternative for the Amazon Region

Wildlife Conservation Society — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:45:45 EST

A study conducted by Cornell University and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), both members of the Amazon Waters Alliance, reveals that small, abundant, and nutritious fish species in the Amazon can be a solution for both public health and biodiversity conservation.

Unicorn of the Sea: Drone Reveals Narwhals' Never-Before-Seen Tusk Behavior

Florida Atlantic University — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:50:29 EST

Using drones, 17 distinct behaviors of narwhals were captured in the wild. Findings reveal complex behaviors of the Arctic's iconic whale never seen before. This highly gregarious whale uses its tusk to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of a fish, the Arctic char. The study also provides the first evidence of play, specifically exploratory-object play, and the first reports of kleptoparasitism, a "food thief" situation, among narwhals and glaucous gulls.

WHOI Scientists Aim to Improve the Study of Marine Heatwaves

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:45:55 EST

Researchers call for regional and context-specific approaches to these extreme events

Microplastics in ocean linked to disabilities for coastal residents

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 16:00:00 EST

Tiny bits of plastic found in the ocean may be tied to a higher risk of disability for people who live in coastal areas with high levels, according to a preliminary study released today, February 25, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5-9, 2025, in San Diego and online. The study looked at disabilities affecting memory and thinking, mobility and a person's ability to take care of oneself.

Experts in South America Identify Priority Conservation Areas for the Endangered Giant Otter

Wildlife Conservation Society — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:05:52 EST

Experts from 12 countries in Latin America have together published the most comprehensive summary of conservation knowledge to date of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), including the identification of the most important riverine areas providing habitat for this aquatic icon of the Amazon.

Some Fish Adapt Faster Than Others to Changes in Water Temperature

Universite de Montreal — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:00:32 EST

Biologist Jeremy De Bonville has analyzed the ability of four fish species to acclimate to temperature variations in their marine habitats.

Innovative Framework for Quantifying Direct Typhoon Impacts on Vegetation

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:15:07 EST

A new study introduces an innovative framework that harnesses satellite observations and machine learning models to quantify the direct impacts of typhoons on vegetation canopy structure and photosynthesis.

Thai Research Team Reaches Antarctica, Finds Alarming Increase in Ice Melt Levels Due to Global Warming

Chulalongkorn University — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:55:14 EST

A Thai research team, part of the Royal Polar Research Project, has arrived at the Great Wall Station in Antarctica, uncovering significant ice melt compared to previous years--a stark indicator of climate change's accelerating effects.

Cutting-Edge New South African Whale Centre Set to Be Developed in Hermanus

University of Pretoria — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:45:04 EST

A new South African Whale Centre is planned to be constructed in the heart of Hermanus, whale capital of South Africa, which will house the Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria's (UP's) Mammal Research Institute (MRI).

Can Artificial Intelligence Save the Great Barrier Reef?

University of South Australia — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 20:10:45 EST

Australian researchers are designing a global real-time monitoring system to help save the world's coral reefs from further decline, primarily due to bleaching caused by global warming.

Economically, Culturally Important Marine Species Vulnerable to Changing Climate, New Study Shows

University of California, Santa Cruz — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:50:34 EST

Dungeness crab, Pacific herring, and red abalone are among the marine species most vulnerable to the changing climate's effect on California's coastal waters, a new study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers finds.

Study Takes a 'Bite' Out of Shark Depredation Using Citizen Science

Florida Atlantic University — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:30:01 EST

Shark depredation is a rising issue in recreational fishing, especially in Florida, where sharks steal fish straight off anglers' lines. Researchers harnessed citizen science - social media, angler surveys, charters - and genetic analysis, to investigate the problem. Findings reveal that snapper-grouper species are the most targeted, with bull and sandbar sharks as the primary culprits. Nearly half of anglers reported depredation. These insights help shed light on the extent of this human-wildlife conflict and its impact on different fishery sectors.

Scientists Harness AI to Help Protect Whales, Advancing Ocean Conservation

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:28 EST

Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that will help predict endangered whale habitat, guiding ships along the Atlantic coast to avoid them. The tool is designed to prevent deadly accidents and inform conservation strategies and responsible ocean development. Using an AI-powered computer program that learns from patterns detected between two vast databases, the researchers said their method improved upon present abilities to monitor the ocean for the distribution of important marine species, such as the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.