Ecosystems

Ecosystems

Fish Stew: Species interplay makes fisheries management tricky in the long run

Annual fluctuations in certain fish populations can be best understood and controlled by accounting for ecological factors, such as predation by other fish, in addition to fisheries harvests.

Ecosystems

Deep-Sea Cukes Can’t Avoid the Weather: El Niño changes life 2.5 miles down

A 14-year study of a spot 2.5 miles underwater off the California coast shows short-term links between surface events and an abundance of deep-water creatures.

Ecosystems

More on California’s rogue seaweed

Scientists have obtained genetic confirmation of the assumption that a newfound rogue alga in California waters is the same strain that has been smothering seafloor communities in the Mediterranean.

Ecosystems

Coastal Surge: Ecosystems likely to suffer as more people move to the shores

Rapid development and population growth on and near U.S. coastlines in the near future will probably spell trouble for ecosystems in these areas, scientists say.

Ecosystems

Bird Dilemma: More seabirds killed when boats discard fewer fish

A long-term study of great skuas shows that when fishing fleets discard less fish, birds that scavenge for waste make up for the loss by increasing attacks on other seabirds.

Ecosystems

Mangrove Might: Nearby trees boost reef-fish numbers

Coastal mangroves give an unexpectedly important boost to reef fish.

Ecosystems

Brazil Nut Loss Looms: Harvest may be too heavy to last

A study of 23 spots in Amazonian forests has raised the question of whether the collection of Brazil nuts—praised as a model of gentle forest use—has reached such levels that it may not be sustainable.

Ecosystems

Brazil Nut Loss Looms: Harvest may be too heavy to last

A study of 23 spots in Amazonian forests has raised the question of whether the collection of Brazil nuts—praised as a model of gentle forest use—has reached such levels that it may not be sustainable.

Ecosystems

New Farmers: Salt marsh snails plow leaves, fertilize fungus

A salt marsh snail works the leaves of a plant in what researchers say looks like a simple form of farming.

Ecosystems

UK halts badger kill after study of TB

Partial results from a new study have pushed the United Kingdom to stop its controversial, decades-old policy of killing local badgers if cattle catch TB.

Ecosystems

Will Climate Change Depose Monarchs? Model predicts too-wet winter refuges

A computer analysis suggests that eastern monarch butterflies may not be able to tolerate the increasingly moist climate in Mexico, their current wintering site.

Ecosystems

Killer Consequences: Has whaling driven orcas to a diet of sea lions?

Killer whales may have been responsible for steep declines in seal, sea lion, and otter populations after whaling wiped out the great whales that killer whales had been eating.