Latest news with #OceanographicMagazine
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Ocean darkening' warning as fifth of the world's waters undergoes transformation
A new study has warned that a significant portion of the world's oceans is undergoing a mysterious process known as "ocean darkening" - and the consequences could be dire A staggering fifth of the world's oceans have plunged into darkness over the past two decades, a dramatic shift that could spell disaster for marine life worldwide. Oceanographic Magazine has reported on a major new study revealing that more than 75 million square kilometres of ocean - including vast coastal areas and open waters - have experienced what experts are chillingly terming "ocean darkening." This process, observed between 2003 and 2022, involves the photic zone - the sunlit upper layers of the ocean where a whopping 90% of all marine life flourishes - shrinking dramatically as less light penetrates the water. Alarmingly, researchers from the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory report that over 9% of the ocean (an area larger than Africa) has seen photic zones retreat by more than 50 metres, while 2.6% has seen a drop of more than 100 metres. While the full implications remain uncertain, scientists fear it could affect "huge numbers of the planet's marine species and ecosystem services provided by the ocean as a whole.", reports the Express. However, it's not all doom and gloom. Around 10% of global oceans - some 37 million square kilometres - have actually grown lighter over the same period, with changes possibly linked to plankton communities, rainfall, and agricultural runoff. Dr Thomas Davies, Associate Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth, explained:. "There has been research showing how the surface of the ocean has changed colour over the last 20 years, potentially as a result of changes in plankton communities. "But our results provide evidence that such changes cause widespread darkening that reduces the amount of ocean available for animals that rely on the sun and the moon for their survival and reproduction." He added: "We also rely on the ocean and its photic zones for the air we breathe, the fish we eat, our ability to fight climate change, and for the general health and wellbeing of the planet. Taking all of that into account, our findings represent genuine cause for concern." The team analysed two decades of satellite data using NASA's Ocean Colour Web, which breaks the global ocean into 9km-wide pixels. Light availability was then calculated using a high-tech algorithm to estimate photic zone depth. Among the most affected areas are the Arctic and Antarctic, and the Gulf Stream, which are already undergoing some of the most dramatic transformations on the planet due to climate change. Closer to home, the UK's waters have seen mixed results. The North Sea, Celtic Sea, parts of the English and Scottish east coasts, Wales, and the Irish Sea have darkened - while the English Channel and northern waters near Orkney and Shetland have brightened. Professor Tim Smyth, from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, issued a stark warning about the underappreciated dynamism of the ocean: "The ocean is far more dynamic than it is often given credit for. For example, we know the light levels within the water column vary massively over any 24 hour period, and animals whose behaviour is directly influenced by light are far more sensitive to its processes and change." He went on to highlight the potential ecological impact, "If the photic zone is reducing by around 50 metres in large swathes of the ocean, animals that need light will be forced closer to the surface where they will have to compete for food and the other resources they need." Smyth stressed this could precipitate dramatic shifts in marine life: "That could bring about fundamental changes in the entire marine ecosystem." His remarks accompany the publication of a pivotal study, 'Darkening of the Global Ocean', recently featured in Global Change Biology.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover hundreds of unknown ocean species in historic expedition: 'We are laying the groundwork'
Scientists have discovered 866 new marine species, including a guitar shark, a deep-sea mollusk with cancer treatment potential, and the first octocoral found in the Maldives, Oceanographic Magazine reported. The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census looks to change how scientists identify new marine species by speeding up the process. This discovery marks a "significant step" in advancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity. Traditional methods can take up to 14 years, but this international collaborative effort of 800 scientists from over 400 institutions is changing the approach. Many species go extinct before they're documented. The mission's executive director explained that while oceans cover 71% of our planet, only about 10% of marine life has been discovered. By accelerating identification, scientists can better protect these species. Some of these discoveries might directly benefit your health. The newly found deep-sea mollusk produces peptides with potential applications in pain relief and cancer treatment. You can now access this information through the newly launched Ocean Census Biodiversity Data Platform. The public database was developed with the U.N. Environment Programme and showcases species found at depths ranging from one to nearly 5,000 meters. The mission has conducted 10 global expeditions and has hosted eight Species Discovery Workshops. They've found new species of sharks, sea butterflies, mud dragons, bamboo corals, water bears, shrimp, crabs, reef fish, and many more creatures from dozens of taxonomic groups. "Every new species — whether a shark or a sponge — deepens our understanding of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide for the planet," said professor Lucy Woodall, head of science at Ocean Census. Oliver Steeds, director of Ocean Census, added: "Our estimates suggest that discovering 100,000 new species could require at least $1 billion. We are laying the groundwork to make large-scale species discovery a reality." The team plans to provide more Species Discovery Awards, undertake 10 new expeditions, and host additional workshops across the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans in the coming year. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts alarmed after researching bottlenose dolphins off coast of Florida: 'There's a growing concern'
A new study is looking at how rain and red tides affect plastic exposure in Florida's bottlenose dolphins, with concerning early findings that could impact dolphin health and reproduction, Oceanographic Magazine reported. Researchers from the College of Charleston and the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program have discovered alarming levels of plastic particles in dolphin stomach contents and breath. Even more troubling, chemicals used to make plastic, known as phthalates, have been found in dolphin urine. About 75% of Sarasota Bay dolphins now have detectable phthalate levels in their bodies, exceeding concentrations found in humans. This has prompted scientists to launch a bold investigation into how rainfall and red tides (toxic algae blooms) influence dolphin exposure to these plastic-derived chemicals. "In previous studies, we found that there were unexplained differences in phthalate concentrations in Sarasota Bay dolphins, depending on when urine samples were collected and what part of the bay the dolphins frequented," said Leslie Hart, associate professor at the College of Charleston and the project's lead researcher. These plastic chemicals damage mammal hormone systems, causing problems with growth, fertility, and reproduction that could threaten entire dolphin populations. The situation might get worse as ocean temperatures rise. Warmer waters fuel tropical storms that wash more plastic pollution into marine environments. "Long-term forecasts predict increasingly warmer ocean temperatures, which provide fuel for tropical storms and hurricanes that can bring flooding and excess runoff from land," Hart said. "As these waters drain into our local bays, they carry nutrients and chemicals, including phthalates and plastics, from the land, increasing the risk of contaminant exposure for local dolphin populations." These same chemicals affect humans, too, with studies linking phthalates to heart problems, breast cancer, and brain disorders. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Scientists are analyzing urine samples collected over 30 years to track how storms, rainfall, and red tide events affect phthalate exposure in dolphins. The Sea Grant-funded study builds on data from 55-plus years of research on Sarasota Bay's resident dolphins, creating an unmatched historical record that helps answer these pressing questions. "As phthalates have become ubiquitous in our environment, there's a growing concern over what the impacts could be," said Randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. "If humans are causing disturbances to things like dolphin reproduction because of plastics and chemicals from plastics, wildlife managers need to know so they can work to mitigate the risks." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China's 'Deep Sea Space Station' Will Be 6,500ft Underwater
The world's oceans, covering 70 percent of the earth, are vast, ominous, and largely unexplored. According to a June, 2024 report from NOAA, only 26.1 percent of the ocean floor has been mapped. That's staggeringly low; that's like looking at a photo of a person, trying to see a clear picture of their face, and only getting an ear, or an eyeball. If it were a dating app, you'd undoubtedly swipe left. But China recently announced a project aimed at exploring the unexplored, getting a clearer picture of the ocean's mysteries. And they're doing so by going straight to the source – 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) beneath the surface. Still, that's only about half the depth of the sunken remains of the Titanic (12,500 feet off eastern Canada). But hey, it's a full-on research station down there. Per Oceanographic Magazine, the station, which will be located in the South China Sea, 'is expected to be completed by 2030 with the ability to accommodate up to six scientists at a time who will inhabit the 'deep sea space station' for up to a month at a time. 'It has been reported that the primary focus of the facility will be the study of 'cold seep' ecosystems in the area. These are unique environments that have previously been found to be teeming with life as well as home to vast deposits of methane hydrates, a resource earmarked for its potential source of energy.'Details surrounding what this facility will look like are scarce. But sci-fi fantasies abound…hence the video above. And just for reference, what's the deepest that humans have ever gone in the ocean? That happened back in 2020, when a crew aboard the Challenger Deep vessel sunk down the Mariana Trench in the Pacific (the deepest point in all the oceans, at least that we know) and reached 10,927 meters – that's 35,849 feet, or 6.7 miles. What will the Chinese find down there? TBD.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rescuers make disturbing discovery after oil tanker runs ashore — here's how it impacts the area
The deaths of dozens of marine mammals have been reported after two Russian oil tankers spilled during a storm in the Black Sea. On Dec. 15, 2024, a storm in the Kerch Strait caused one old Russian oil tank to run ashore while the other sank, as Agence France-Presse reported, shared by The spill resulted in about 2,400 tonnes (over 2,645 tons) of heavy fuel contaminating the nearby water and killing several cetaceans, a group of mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Within three weeks of the spill, 32 deceased dolphins were among the total of 61 cetacean animals that died in that period. Oceanographic Magazine reported that Russia's Delfa Dolphin Rescue and Research Centre stated the dolphin deaths were "most likely related to the fuel oil spill" as the condition of the remains of the others indicates death before the incident. When the dirty fuel from the spill killed these dolphins, it was a blow to marine conservation efforts. Most of those dolphins were from the endangered Azov species of porpoises native to the Sea of Azov, per Oceanographic Magazine. Along with trash dumping, oil spills are another human activity that has led to dolphin endangerment. The oil involved in the incident is M100 grade "heavy" fuel oil. Thomas Azwell, a researcher at the University of Berkeley, told AFP (via Barron's): "A heavy fuel oil can remain in the environment for years." In other words, this incident can disrupt local ecosystems for a long time by destroying animal habitats and disrupting the food chain. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Oil reached beaches, but "more than 68 kilometers (42 miles) of coastline have been cleaned," Russia's emergency ministry said, per AFP. Unfortunately, this cleanup won't be easy. "The type of fuel oil involved in the incident is particularly hard to clean because it is dense and heavy and does not float on the surface," AFP reported, citing Russian authorities. Incidents like this can seem overwhelming to the average person. However, you can do your part in reducing the economic reliance on dirty energy sources by making the transition to cleaner options. Converting to solar panels, induction stoves, heat pumps, and electric vehicles helps create cleaner air and land for all forms of life. After all, if there is no demand for the supply, it reduces the need for these large oil tanks that put oceans at risk. Also, be considerate of animals in your environment and beyond by avoiding actions that hurt their habitat, such as littering or participating in noise and light pollution, which can disrupt their circadian rhythm. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
