Article
Environmental Sciences
David J. Hughes, James Alexander, Gary Cobbs, Michael Kuehl, Chris Cooney, Mathieu Pernice, Deepa Varkey, Christian R. Voolstra, David J. Suggett
Summary: This study reveals that corals have the ability to regulate their oxygen levels in response to declining oxygen pressure. Different coral species show varying levels of regulation, with some being able to regulate even at extremely low oxygen levels.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian R. Voolstra, Raquel S. Peixoto, Christine Ferrier-Pages
Summary: Global warming is causing significant damage to coral reefs. Urgent actions must be taken to mitigate and restore in order to prevent their complete extinction.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wanda De Keersmaecker, Pablo Rodriguez-Sanchez, Milutin Milencovic, Martin Herold, Johannes Reiche, Jan Verbesselt
Summary: An increase in disturbances in the Amazon tropical forest is affecting its ability to recover and maintain a functioning ecosystem. This study proposes an open source simulation framework to compare the reliability and sensitivity of recovery metrics and evaluate the effect of pre-processing techniques on their reliability. The framework can be used to test other datasets and ecosystems.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. U. D. N. Hansani, E. P. D. N. Thilakarathne, J. Bimali Koongolla, W. G. I. T. Gunathilaka, B. G. D. O. Perera, W. M. P. U. Weerasingha, K. P. U. T. Egodauyana
Summary: This study investigated the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, revealing their potential threat to the ecosystems. The average abundance of microplastics in corals, water, and sediments were 546.7 items/kg, 9.8 items/m³, and 46.3 items/kg respectively, with blue LDPE fibres being the dominant type. Corals showed the highest amount of microplastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Ito, Y. Takano, C. Deutsch, M. C. Long
Summary: Ocean deoxygenation caused by global warming is a significant issue that has made progress in theoretical understanding, but many questions remain unanswered. The changes in oxygen in the tropical thermocline are still not well understood, with differing projections among models. The role of ocean mixing in the mean state and response to warming has been examined, showing that it has a significant impact on the spatial patterns of oxygen loss.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Samuel C. Mogen, Nicole S. Lovenduski, Allysa R. Dallmann, Luke Gregor, Adrienne J. Sutton, Steven J. Bograd, Nathali Cordero Quiros, Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Elliott L. Hazen, Michael G. Jacox, Mercedes Pozo Buil, Stephen Yeager
Summary: This study characterizes the biogeochemical properties of the Eastern North Pacific upper ocean during the Winter of 2013-2014 using observations and models, and finds that the Blob is associated with increased aragonite saturation and decreased oxygen concentration.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Mikula, Oldrich Tomasek, Dusan Romportl, Timothy K. Aikins, Jorge E. Avendano, Bukola D. A. Braimoh-Azaki, Adams Chaskda, Will Cresswell, Susan J. Cunningham, Svein Dale, Gabriela R. Favoretto, Kelvin S. Floyd, Hayley Glover, Tomas Grim, Dominic A. W. Henry, Tomas Holmern, Martin Hromada, Soladoye B. Iwajomo, Amanda Lilleyman, Flora J. Magige, Rowan O. Martin, Marina de A. Maximiano, Eric D. Nana, Emmanuel Ncube, Henry Ndaimani, Emma Nelson, Johann H. van Niekerk, Carina Pienaar, Augusto J. Piratelli, Penny Pistorius, Anna Radkovic, Chevonne Reynolds, Eivin Roskaft, Griffin K. Shanungu, Paulo R. Siqueira, Tawanda Tarakini, Nattaly Tejeiro-Mahecha, Michelle L. Thompson, Wanyoike Wamiti, Mark Wilson, Donovan R. C. Tye, Nicholas D. Tye, Aki Vehtari, Piotr Tryjanowski, Michael A. Weston, Daniel T. Blumstein, Tomas Albrecht
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing avian tolerance towards humans in open tropical ecosystems. It finds that rural bird populations and those exposed to lower human disturbance have lower tolerance, while larger species with larger clutches and enhanced flight ability are also less tolerant. The study also shows that escape distances increase during the wet season and from longer starting distances.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lawrence Patrick C. Bernardo, Masahiko Fujii, Tsuneo Ono
Summary: This study developed an approach to evaluate and predict the combined effects of ocean acidification and deoxygenation on calcifying organisms along the coast of Japan. The model simulations suggest that global warming and ocean acidification may have significant impacts on calcifying organisms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marisa Roch, Peter Brandt, Sunke Schmidtko, Filomena Vaz Velho, Marek Ostrowski
Summary: Observations from the Argo float array show a warming and freshening trend in the upper mixed layer of the southeastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, leading to increased upper-ocean stratification. Changes in wind stress and weakened coastal upwelling may explain the southward spread of tropical surface waters in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
David Obura, Mishal Gudka, Melita Samoilys, Kennedy Osuka, James Mbugua, David A. Keith, Sean Porter, Ronan Roche, Ruben van Hooidonk, Said Ahamada, Armindo Araman, Juliet Karisa, John Komakoma, Mouchtadi Madi, Isabelle Ravinia, Haja Razafindrainibe, Saleh Yahya, Francisco Zivane
Summary: The study reveals that coral reefs in the Western Indian Ocean are at risk of collapsing due to future warming and fishing pressure. In order to prevent coral reef collapse, a combination of ecosystem-based management and climate change mitigation is necessary. The approach used in the study can be replicated globally to help countries meet conservation and sustainability targets set under various global conventions.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fernando G. Taboada, Jong-Yeon Park, Barbara A. Muhling, Desiree Tommasi, Kisei R. Tanaka, Ryan R. Rykaczewski, Charles A. Stock, Jorge L. Sarmiento
Summary: Subseasonal to decadal ocean forecasting plays a crucial role in managing living marine resources in a changing ocean. This study demonstrates the importance of incorporating three-dimensional biogeochemical information into ecological forecasts to anticipate fluctuations in bigeye tuna populations in the Pacific Ocean. The findings highlight the impact of ocean warming and deoxygenation on the dynamics of bigeye tuna and emphasize the need for efficient dynamic management strategies to promote sustainable use of marine resources.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Florian Luskow, Bernd Christiansen, Xupeng Chi, Pericles Silva, Philipp Neitzel, Mollie E. Brooks, Cornelia Jaspers
Summary: Physical and topographic characteristics have significant impacts on the composition of pelagic habitats and the distribution of plankton communities. In this study, the response of gelatinous zooplankton (GZ) to oxygen conditions and a seamount in the Eastern Tropical North Atlantic was investigated. The results showed species-specific differences and significant correlations between GZ abundance and both temperature and oxygen levels. Additionally, GZ biomass was found to be highest at depths with the lowest oxygen concentrations and in the vicinity of the seamount.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xingchen Tony Wang, Yuwei Wang, Alexandra Auderset, Daniel M. Sigman, Haojia Ren, Alfredo Martinez-Garcia, Gerald H. Haug, Zhan Su, Yi Ge Zhang, Birger Rasmussen, Alex L. Sessions, Woodward W. Fischer
Summary: This study reveals the expansion of ODZs in the southeastern Pacific since the late Miocene, accompanied by a major increase in ocean nutrient content, indicating a connection between the formation and development of modern ODZs and historically high concentrations of seawater phosphate.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan C. Rocha
Summary: Global ecosystems are facing critical transitions due to human activities and climate change. A study found that up to 29% of terrestrial ecosystems and 24% of marine ecosystems show symptoms of resilience loss, with the most affected areas being the Arctic tundra, boreal forest, Indian Ocean, and Eastern Pacific. These results help identify risk areas and prioritize management interventions and conservation efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Lei Zhang, Gang Wang, Matthew Newman, Weiqing Han
Summary: This study analyzes sea surface temperature variability in the Indian Ocean, focusing on both internal processes and external influences from the Pacific. Results show that internally generated SST variability in the Indian Ocean is comparable to that forced by ENSO, indicating that the Indian Ocean actively influences the tropical Pacific.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Keryn B. Gedan, Rebecca Epanchin-Niell, Man Qi
Article
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth de la Reguera, Jacquelyn Veatch, Keryn Gedan, Katherine L. Tully
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2020)
Article
Limnology
Man Qi, Jessica MacGregor, Keryn Gedan
Summary: Interior marsh pond formation can be differentiated by temporal vegetation changes and spatial configuration from accretion deficit and other disturbances. Flood tolerant plants displace flood intolerant species landward of ponds, while a reverse species transition is observed seaward due to tidal creek incision alleviating interior marsh inundation.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Justus Grant Dalton Jobe, Keryn Gedan
Summary: Ecotones are important in responding to environmental changes and guiding the succession of plant species as they migrate. Biotic and abiotic factors play a role in determining species establishment at different points along a migrating ecotone. Different plant species show individual responses to environmental pressures, with some thriving in low salinity conditions and others in high salinity conditions. Herbivory pressure can also impact the success of certain species in establishing themselves in a new environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phoebe Shaw, Justus Jobe, Keryn B. Gedan
Summary: The study found that Phragmites australis is able to grow in low-light conditions in closed forest, despite preferring high light environments. By colonizing forest understory areas ahead of other salt-tolerant species, it is poised to be the dominant species during saltwater intrusion and forest retreat.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Phoebe Shaw, Justus Jobe, Keryn B. Gedan
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher J. Hein, Michael S. Fenster, Keryn B. Gedan, Jeff R. Tabar, Emily A. Hein, Todd DeMunda
Summary: The reciprocal relationship between barrier islands and backbarrier saltmarshes, along with the application of these natural interdependencies to coastal systems management, are discussed in this study. The case study of a marsh creation project on Cedar Island in Virginia showcases interdisciplinary engagement and the design process involved in enhancing barrier-island resilience. Ultimately, the construction of the marsh on Cedar Island aims to provide additional habitat and ecosystem benefits, slow the island migration, and inhibit island breaching, potentially enhancing storm and sea-level rise resilience.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ezra J. Kottler, Keryn B. Gedan
Summary: Climate change is threatening the conservation of foundation species and their habitats, and this study focuses on the impacts of light limitation on the flowering capacity of the clonal marsh grass Spartina patens. It finds that flowering is consistently reduced in low light conditions, which may limit the potential for local adaptation and reduce genetic diversity. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms and trade-offs between sexual and clonal reproduction.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justus Jobe, Cairn Krafft, Mikaila Milton, Keryn Gedan
Summary: The experimental results demonstrate that geese have strong effects on plant cover and species diversity in restored urban wetlands. The presence of geese inhibits plant establishment and suppresses plant diversity, particularly of annual species. Therefore, protecting wetlands from goose disturbance is a crucial management activity that determines the composition and long-term persistence of vegetation. The reduction of non-migratory goose populations supports greater wetland plant diversity.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Nordio, Ryan Frederiks, Mary Hingst, Joel Carr, Matt Kirwan, Keryn Gedan, Holly Michael, Sergio Fagherazzi
Summary: Recent studies have mostly focused on the impact of large tropical cyclones on shorelines, disregarding the effects of less intense but more frequent events. This study analyzes the influence of offshore tropical storm Melissa on groundwater along the North America Atlantic coast. The findings show that Melissa led to a significant increase in groundwater level and specific conductivity, with a longer recovery time for conductivity. The study suggests that the increasing frequency of moderate storms will have a significant ecological impact on vegetated shorelines.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alexander J. Smith, Karen McGlathery, Yaping Chen, Carolyn J. Ewers Lewis, Scott C. Doney, Keryn Gedan, Carly K. LaRoche, Peter Berg, Michael L. Pace, Julie C. Zinnert, Matthew L. Kirwan
Summary: Coastal landscapes consist of shifting mosaics of distinct ecosystems, and rapid losses and gains within these ecosystems largely offset each other, resulting in relatively stable areas and increased carbon storage. However, the strength of these compensatory mechanisms may weaken as climate change exacerbates carbon losses.
Article
Plant Sciences
Caitlin DiCara, Keryn Gedan
Summary: Species-specific variation in response to stress is investigated in this study to determine how salinity intensity, duration, and their interaction affect survival and performance of coastal plants. The results show that salinity intensity best explains survival patterns in glycophytic species, while the interaction between intensity and duration is a better predictor for halophytic species. Biomass and chlorophyll production are mostly explained by the interaction between intensity and duration. There is interspecific variability in the response magnitude, with some glycophytic species showing a more negative biomass response. Prolonged stress duration exacerbates the negative effect of salinity intensity on biomass in most species, but two species exhibit a compensatory response in chlorophyll production. The regression coefficient of salinity intensity versus biomass at the highest stress duration is identified as a useful indicator of salinity tolerance. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the independent and interactive effects of salinity intensity and duration on species' response to stress.
Correction
Biodiversity Conservation
Justus Jobe, Cairn Krafft, Mikaila Milton, Keryn Gedan
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ellen Neff, Jessica MacGregor, Keryn B. Gedan
