Marine science news covering oceanography, coral reefs, fisheries science, sea level rise, and marine ecosystems.
The New York Times has published reporting focused on mapping the largest dead zone in American waters. The available text for this entry is limited to standard copyright notices and terms of service prohibiting automated data extraction or commercial licensing without permission.
The article argues that rising North Sea temperatures are driving a significant increase in cephalopod populations, including squid and octopus. It contends that this ecological shift threatens traditional fish stocks like cod by altering the food web and displacing cold-water species.
Drone footage reveals bottlenose dolphins in Hervey Bay, Queensland, using seashells to trap fish. Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast identified this as the first evidence of the behavior being transmitted from mother to calf, following observations in July and October 2025.
Miami Beach has completed the REEFLINE project, sinking 22 concrete cars 20 feet underwater to support marine life. The installation features 2,200 corals grown at the Miami Native Coral Lab attached to the vehicle hoods. Artist Leandro Erlich designed the underwater traffic jam to symbolize transformation from car-centric culture to environmental regeneration.
Florida Atlantic University researcher Ellyn Willse estimates sargassum volumes reached 38 million tons in 2025 and 33 million tons this year. The decomposing seaweed blocks sunlight, lowers oxygen levels, harms marine ecosystems, causes respiratory distress for residents, drives away tourists, and can leak arsenic into sand.
Researchers in the Florida Keys successfully produced over 108,000 coral larvae from collected genetic material during a rare spawning event. Twelve organizations collaborated to increase genetic diversity in elkhorn and stag-horn corals, with plans to reintroduce the larvae onto reefs within two years.
Scientists are investigating whether shellfish can help neutralize ocean acidification as part of marine carbon dioxide removal initiatives. This effort, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, aims to address declining lobster populations in New England caused by warming waters, supported by significant private and federal investments.