University of North Carolina Wilmington researchers Jessie Jarvis and Stephanie Kamel recently received a grant to study seagrass resilience to help reverse the course of declining underwater meadows.
marine life
Left exposed
Low tide exposes clusters of oysters clinging to the piles supporting the Morehead City-Beaufort high-rise bridge over the Newport River and near the Radio Island Fishing Pier. Photo: Dylan Ray
Monitor Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council meets Jan. 26
The public is invited to attend the meeting 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia.
Spineless specimens may hold clues for coastal researchers
The non-molluscan invertebrates collection at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences could unlock mysteries of the coastal environment and help better gauge the effects of climate change and pollution.
Wildlife Commission honors Jean Beasley with Quay Award
Beasley, founding director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, received the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award for outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina.
Why do sharks matter? Author Dr. David Shiffman explains
Dr. David Shiffman is on a mission to reach the public through his new book “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.”
Groups remind public: Disturbing sea turtle nests a crime
Whether deliberate vandalism or accidents, sea turtle monitoring volunteers have seen incidents of tampering this season, a violation of federal law that could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time.
Researchers index climate change effects for marine species
Nearly 90% of the 25,000 marine species studied will be at high or critical risk by 2100 in the worst-case scenario for greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study out this week.
NOAA proposes expanding right whale protections
NOAA is asking for public comment on proposed changes that would expand mandatory speed restrictions for vessels to reduce the likelihood of collisions with north Atlantic right whales.
Ocean Isle group works to protect sea turtles year-round
Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization volunteers work year-round, not just on World Turtle Day, to protect sea turtles, especially during nesting season.
Monitor expedition set as marine sanctuary system turns 50
The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Systems will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and a livestreamed expedition begins next week at the first national marine sanctuary off Cape Hatteras.
Study of shrimp eyes opens window into life in the deep sea
UNCW researcher Lorian Schweikert was on a team that found the light organ patterns on the bodies of deep-sea shrimp were the best predictor of the size of their eyes.
Weakfish prolific spawners in North Carolina waters
It’s estimated that weakfish can spawn as many as 66 times per season, which is longer in North Carolina than in areas to the north.
Atlantic menhaden a small fish with an outsized role to play
It’s a popular baitfish and its commercial uses date back centuries, but Atlantic menhaden also serve important ecosystem needs.
Lionfish an example of needed invasive species awareness
This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and the red lionfish has gained increasing attention since the nonnative predator first began to appear in waters off the NC coast about 20 years ago.
Whales eat much more than previously thought: Study
A recent study found that baleen whales can consume 5 to 30% of its body mass on a daily basis, illustrating the large impact they have on the marine food web.