Scientists call long-spined sea urchins “the lawn mowers of the reefs” because they eat algae that could otherwise smother reef ecosystems and kill corals. That’s why researchers affiliated with the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Lab (TAL), who work at the Florida Aquarium’s Conservation Campus in Apollo Beach, are trying to raise as many urchins […]
Tag: Coral Reefs
4 Fun-Filled and Exciting Travel Activities for Nature Lovers
Nature has a way of inspiring us and promoting creativity. Studies have shown that being outdoors can improve our cognitive function, including memory, attention, and creativity. Nature provides a break from the overstimulation of modern life, allowing your brain to rest and recharge. Spending time in nature is linked to improved mood, further promoting creativity […]
Almost two out of every three shark or ray species living in coral reefs are at risk of disappearing from the world forever
The alarming study has just been published in Nature Communications. It finds, except for marine mammals, these coral sharks and rays are more likely to go extinct than any other group in the world. The usual culprits have been found to be behind this tragic state of affairs; overfishing, habitat loss and climate change. Bluespotted […]
DNA reveals the past and future of coral reefs
New DNA techniques are being used to understand how coral reacted to the end of the last ice age in order to better predict how they will cope with current changes to the climate. James Cook University’s Dr. Ira Cooke was senior author of the study. He said when corals become stressed they often bleach […]
Europe moves to protect deep-sea sites in Atlantic from bottom fishing
BRUSSELS — On Sept. 15, the European Commission made a historic announcement: it will prohibit bottom fishing across 16,000 square kilometers, or 6,200 square miles — an area about half the size of Belgium — in waters controlled by the European Union in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. While some fisheries representatives have criticized the decision, […]
Great Places To Visit If You Want To See Different Kinds Of Fish
Do you love fish? Do you want to see different kinds of fish? If so, then you need to visit some of the best places in the world for a chance to see them all! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best destinations for anyone who wants to see a variety […]
The case for reintroduction of the wolf and other species should not be based on the promise of an ecological nirvana
In 1995, eight wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park from a white truck that had traveled 700 miles from Alberta, Canada. They were the first people to live in the park for 70 years, and the return of the most legendary predator to the most well-known national park in the world sparked research that […]
Pet food for cats and dogs being sold containing endangered sharks
Unwitting owners are feeding endangered sharks to their cats and dogs, according to a new study. Scientists discovered that numerous brands contained endangered species but simply specified nonspecific components like “ocean fish,” implying that most customers are unaware. “We believe the majority of pet owners are likely to be nature enthusiasts, and we believe most […]