Ecology

Snowmageddon: A lighthearted start to Marine Snow theme week

While the term “marine snow” may conjure images of an aquatic winter wonderland, some aspects of this phenomenon may not…

Biology deep sea Ecology

The backbone of an ecosystem: bone-eating zombie worms control biodiversity at deep-sea whale falls

Zombies are real - but they are nothing like the ones from The Walking Dead. No, these zombies are worms…

Behavior Ecology

Solstice Strategies for Survival: Yule be amazed!

Winter blues got ya down? For some organisms on our planet, the shortened days may influence their very survival. On…

Ecology Invasive Species

Invasive seagrass changes fish community in the US Virgin Islands

Seagrass meadows provide food and habitat for a variety of fish species. Juvenile fish are particularly dependent on the meadows,…

Climate Change Ecology

Local disturbance and global warming unite to make seagrasses taste better to predators

Seagrasses form some of the most important habitats in the marine world. Under threat from global climate change as well…

Ecology Invasive Species

Aliens in the kelp forests – community ecology and Miso soup

In the plant world, competition between species is almost always over space. Space dictates how much sunlight, nutrients, and potential mates…

Ecology

The elephant in the oxygen minimum zone

When people think of the animals that inhabit the deep sea, they think of the fascinating, alien-like creatures like the…

Biochemistry Ecology

Metal fingerprints enhance recycling

The bioaccumulation of bioactive metals in top predators plays a key role in the recycling of nutrients in HNLC zones…

Biodiversity Biological oceanography Biology Book Review deep sea Ecology Geology

Benthic biology on a thermally boring deep-sea ridge

The deep ocean is vast and full of neat ocean dwellers, many of which scientists know little about. One way…

Behavior Biology Conservation Ecology Genetics

A long history of tool use in marine mammals? You otter believe it!

The use of tools by animals has been documented in a wide range of species, from birds to invertebrates, encompassing…

Biodiversity Biological oceanography Conservation Ecology Fisheries Human impacts

Marine Protected Areas need more than just a name

It is no secret that the Earth’s oceans are in trouble. Every day there is a new article on rising…

Ecology

Vacancy at your local kelp forest

A diverse community of seaweeds, snails, sponges, crustaceans, and more, find refuge and food within the dynamic kelp ecosystem.

Ecology

Seagrasses reduce the risk of disease outbreaks

Seagrasses are one of humans’ greatest sidekicks. They are nursery areas for many species including commercially important ones, they protect…

Atmospheric Science Biology Book Review Climate Change Conservation Ecology Evolution Human impacts Physiology Sea Ice

Throwing Babies out with the Sea Ice: Ringed Seals Response to Ice Decline

As the Earth warms, sea ice declines. What happens to those animals who rely on the ice? Today’s oceanbites looks…

Biodiversity Biological oceanography Climate Change Coastal Management Conservation Ecology Physical oceanography

‘The conservationist is ready to see you’: triaging marine ecosystems in times of climate change

Climate change affects ecosystems worldwide, but how do conservationists decide which of planet earth's ecosystems are most in need?

Climate Change Ecology Seagrass

Life Finds a Way: Eelgrass Beds Respond in Surprising Ways to Extreme Warming Events

Article: Reynolds LK, DuBois K, Abbott JM, Williams SL, Stachowicz JJ (2016) Response of a Habitat-Forming Marine Plant to a…

Behavior Biology Climate Change Ecology Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification makes predators dumb

Chemistry is important for a lot of things, but can it change the behavior of animals? Read on to find…

Behavior Book Review Coastal Management Conservation Coral Ecology Human impacts

Small MPAs: the new all-you-can-eat buffets?

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a popular conservation tool and are in many situations very effective. Unfortunately, as with many…

Behavior Biology Book Review Conservation Ecology Evolution

Like a champion Casanova in the sky

After migrating thousands of miles from their southern wintering grounds, males of a certain species of shorebird log thousands more…

Biochemistry Biological oceanography Climate Change Ecology Evolution Genetics

Clamate Change: How clams may be able to cope with a warming world

Global temperatures are increasing at a rate never before seen in Earth’s history. Although efforts to mitigate this are still…