oceanbites – Page 2 – Ocean science for everyone!

Studying tiny ocean organisms on a large scale: How do we make sure we have accurate, useful data?

Studying phytoplankton across the Northeast U.S. Shelf is much more accessible with continuous chlorophyll-a data, but the data may need…

Aquaculture

Experimental Kelp Farm Boosts Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

As interest in kelp farming grows, scientists show small- to medium-sized farms positively impact ecosystems.

Behavior

Jaw-some!: Whale Shark Movement Patterns Tied To Oil And Gas Infrastructures

Oil and gas platforms have gained attention as artificial habitats. What can they tell us about movement patterns of megafauna?

Biodiversity Biological oceanography Biology Human impacts Plastic Science Communication

Are Diseases in Ocean Ecosystems Increasing?

Citation: Ward JR, Lafferty KD (2004) The Elusive Baseline of Marine Disease: Are Diseases in Ocean Ecosystems Increasing? PLoS Biol…

Climate Change

Can seaweed save the planet?

Can a giant patch of seaweed in the Atlantic Ocean save the planet from the effects of climate change?

Climate Change

It’s getting hot in here: IPCC and the ocean

With unequivocal evidence that humans are warming the planet, what does the future hold for the ocean and for us?

Fisheries

Sheepshead, a lesson from the past

What happens when archeology and science intertwine to teach us a lesson from the past? Read on to find out…

Biochemistry Chemistry geochemistry

Finding a Needle in a Haystack: Discovering Sulfur Bacteria off the Coast of Namibia

Everyone has that one friend with an eccentric talent, right? What if I told you that the ocean is chock…

Ecology

We Finally Know Why Some Fish are Warm-Blooded

On average Tuna, Great White Sharks, and other warm-blooded fish swim faster than their cold-blooded counterparts

Behavior

Fish Outta Water

Did you know, some fish can live in both water and land habitats? These amphibious fish are smarter than they…

Plastic

Incidental Ingestion: Do fishes intentionally swallow microplastics?

Microplastics in our oceans are a growing problem, but how do fishes investigate and interact with these particles?

Chemistry

Metals from penguin poop can support life in the Southern Ocean

Penguins help the Southern Ocean ecosystems by pooping! Read about how metals from penguin poop keep the Southern Ocean healthy.

Aquaculture

Want to raise healthy fish? Try adding garlic.

A familiar, stinky vegetable may have an unexpected role in helping expand aquaculture.

Conservation

Going for gold: Earth’s marvelous record holders

In the spirit of the Olympics, join us for a celebration of the ocean’s most impressive inhabitants and a reflection…

Conservation

North Atlantic right whales are getting smaller

With fewer than 400 individuals left on the planet, the situation for North Atlantic right whales is dire. Beyond the…

Ecology

Unicellular Predators Feast at Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal vent fluids support an intriguing food web, and unicellular protistan predators play an outsized role.

Biology Chemistry Hazards Human Health Plastic Pollution

How many microplastics are in your body? An insight into lifetime accumulation

Microscopic plastics have been found anywhere and everywhere, including in the food we eat. With plastic pollution on the rise,…

deep sea Ecology

Not only Popeye but phytoplankton need iron too.

Massive Southern Ocean phytoplankton bloom fed by iron of possible hydrothermal origin There are vast areas in the oceans that…

Sea Ice

Narwhal Tusks Indicate Changing Mercury Levels in Arctic Waters

By analyzing growth rings in the tusks of narwhals, scientists uncover trends in mercury pollution in the Canadian Arctic and…

Human impacts

Biofouling Organisms Tell All About The Age Of Lost Fishing Gears

Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears (ALDFG) constitute a significant portion of marine litter, with about 640,000 tons lost…