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Papers
9 resultsShowing papers from National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
ClearThe ecological impacts of marine debris: unraveling the demonstrated evidence from what is perceived
This systematic review critically examined the evidence for ecological damage caused by marine debris, including plastic pollution. Researchers found 366 perceived environmental threats from marine debris, and when tested, 83% of those threats were confirmed through scientific studies. This large-scale confirmation of marine debris impacts reinforces concerns about microplastics harming ocean ecosystems that humans depend on for food.
Microplastic Moves Pollutants and Additives to Worms, Reducing Functions Linked to Health and Biodiversity
Researchers exposed lugworms to sediment containing 5% microplastic pre-loaded with pollutants and plastic additives, confirming that ingested microplastic transfers chemicals into gut tissue — with nonylphenol uptake from PVC reducing immune cell function by over 60% and triclosan from PVC causing sediment-engineering impairment and mortality exceeding 55%.
Linking effects of anthropogenic debris to ecological impacts
Researchers reviewed the links between anthropogenic debris exposure and ecological impacts, arguing that most studies focus only on sublethal responses to plastic debris. The study suggests that researchers have overlooked medical insights about how debris effects at lower biological levels can escalate to disease and mortality, and calls for policy to recognize the hazardous nature of marine debris.
A trait‐based framework for assessing the vulnerability of marine species to human impacts
Researchers developed a trait-based framework to assess the vulnerability of over 44,000 marine species across 12 taxonomic groups to 22 anthropogenic stressors including pollution and climate change. They found that mollusks, corals, and echinoderms had the highest overall vulnerability, while biomass removal from fishing posed the greatest threat across species. The framework provides a systematic approach for predicting how marine biodiversity will respond to human pressures, which can help guide conservation priorities.
Mediterranean rocky reefs in the Anthropocene: Present status and future concerns
This review assesses the current status and future threats facing Mediterranean rocky reef ecosystems in the context of climate change and human pressures. The study suggests that ongoing degradation of these biodiverse habitats, driven by warming, pollution, and overexploitation, could profoundly affect the essential ecological goods and services that coastal communities depend on.
The Baltic Health Index (BHI): Assessing the social–ecological status of the Baltic Sea
Researchers introduced the Baltic Health Index (BHI) as a transparent, collaborative tool that integrates ecological and human-dimension metrics to assess the social-ecological health of the Baltic Sea, complementing existing ecological status frameworks.
Sources and Pathways of Microplastics to Habitats
This review examined the poorly understood sources and pathways through which microplastics enter terrestrial and aquatic habitats, arguing that managing plastic pollution at the source requires better identification of where different plastic types originate. The authors call for source-specific monitoring and targeted interventions to reduce microplastic inputs to the environment.
100 Opportunities for More Inclusive Ocean Research: Cross-Disciplinary Research Questions for Sustainable Ocean Governance and Management
This paper synthesizes cross-disciplinary research questions from major ocean science and policy scanning exercises, producing a list of 100 questions that require collaborative approaches to inform sustainable ocean governance. Topics range from coastal environmental change to marine technology and socioeconomic innovation as they relate to ocean health.
Predator in the Pool? A Quantitative Evaluation of Non-indexed Open Access Journals in Aquaculture Research
This paper quantitatively evaluates the characteristics of predatory open access journals in aquaculture science, assessing whether publishing in non-indexed journals is detectable by measurable attributes. The findings help researchers distinguish legitimate open access publishing from exploitative "predatory" publishers that undermine scientific quality in this rapidly growing field.