Feature Channels: Marine Science

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In July 1982, researchers in New Zealand recorded unidentifiable sounds as a part of an experiment to characterize the soundscape of the South Fiji Basin. The sound consisted of four short bursts resembling a quack, which inspired the name of the sound “Bio-Duck,” and researchers came to a consensus that the sounds had to be biological. Ross Chapman will present his work analyzing the mystery sounds as part of the virtual 187th ASA Meeting, presenting the waveform and spectrum of the recordings, as well as further evidence that the work was a conversation between multiple animals.

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Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution partner with the University of the Virgin Islands to create a resilient artificial reef

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Creating a spatial map of the sea

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New research shows that Antarctic blue whales are likely a single population, rather than several isolated populations -- information that will help conservationists as the whales, the world's largest animal, try to recover from historic lows due to 20th century whaling.

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Today, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Brazilian state of Pará, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining mutual goals, responsibilities, and intentions in advance of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) which will take place in Belém (located in the State of Pará) Brazil, November 10 – 21, 2025. This will be the first time the Amazon will host a climate COP.

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The sounds of barking elephant seals are again in the air along the breeding grounds of Península Valdés, Argentina—but it’s quieter. Almost exactly a year after a massive outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza killed more than 17,000 elephant seals, including about 97% of their pups, scientists estimate that only about a third of the elephant seals normally expected here returned.

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Foster comes to WHOI after an extensive national search and brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

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A critical ocean layer for El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics.

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A pivotal study has unveiled the deep-reaching molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic organisms, underscoring the pressing need to unravel their toxicity pathways. Using advanced multi-omics analysis, the research highlights how nanoplastics interact at the cellular level across various species, presenting a critical call to understand these interactions to safeguard ecosystem health.

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U.S. Air Force officials installed a new kind of structure in the waters of St. Andrew Bay on the shore of the Tyndall U.S. Air Force Base in Northwest Florida on Oct. 30 – the first section of a Rutgers University-designed “self-healing” reef made of custom-designed concrete modules and living oysters. The reef is designed to protect the base and its people from hurricanes and tidal surges.

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A new study shines light on the role of currents in marine mammal conservation

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After 16 years of grassroots efforts, local communities in northern Puerto Rico are celebrating the creation of a new marine protected area (MPA) – Jardines Submarinos de Vega Baja y Manatí.

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FAU’s Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) has received an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance ocean energy technologies. Collaborating with various experts and organizations, SNMREC will conduct a pioneering feasibility study for an ocean current test facility off Palm Beach County, marking a first in leveraging top marine energy expertise. The project’s end goal is to improve the nation’s competitiveness in marine energy technology, encourage domestic manufacturing, and create jobs while helping to achieve the nation’s energy goals.

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New research from WHOI and partners sheds light on a novel dive foraging strategy.

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Once abundant, the massive, colorful clam is now locally extinct in many regions, with a critical drop in population due to overfishing and climate change.

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The Fall Members' Meeting of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System — taking place virtually — will feature updates from the U.S. IOOS, information on new projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Gulf's high-frequency radar system and more.

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A recent study highlights the hepatotoxicity of tire-wear particle (TWP) leachates in aquatic environments, impacting gut-liver axis and inducing oxidative damage. The findings suggest potential health risks for aquatic organisms.

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Using successful techniques from an earlier study, acoustic enrichment continues to show promise