Marine Biology

A study reveals that microplastics have infiltrated fish in isolated Pacific waters, with about one-third of sampled coastal fish containing the particles. Fiji shows particularly high levels, affecting nearly 75% of fish, while Vanuatu has much lower contamination at 5%. The findings highlight risks to local communities reliant on seafood.

2 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

A new study reveals that SAR11, the most abundant bacteria in the world's oceans, may be hindered by their own adaptations to nutrient-poor environments. Under stress, these microbes experience cellular failures that limit their growth, potentially affecting ocean ecosystems amid climate change. Researchers from the University of Southern California highlight this as a key weakness in these dominant lifeforms.

Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have identified mid-sized fish, such as the bigscale pomfret, as key connectors between deep and surface ocean ecosystems. These fish perform daily migrations in the twilight zone, influencing the behavior of large predators like sharks. The findings, based on satellite tracking, reveal how environmental factors like water clarity affect their movements.

12 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists have discovered fossils in Qatar of a small sea cow species that lived over 20 million years ago, providing insights into ancient seagrass ecosystems. The find, from the Al Maszhabiya site, represents the densest collection of such fossils known. This ancient relative of modern dugongs highlights a long history of marine herbivores shaping the Arabian Gulf's environment.