Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae—simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. While many people call these blooms ‘red tides,’ scientists prefer the…
Coral reef fish are a significant food source for over a billion people worldwide. Many coastal and island communities depend on coral reef fisheries for their economic, social, and cultural benefits. But too much of a good thing can be bad for coral reefs. Coral reef ecosystems support important commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishery resources in the U.S and its…
Rossby waves naturally occur in rotating fluids. Within the Earth’s ocean and atmosphere, these waves form as a result of the rotation of the planet. These Rossby waves play a significant role in shaping weather and climate. An animation from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center shows both long and short atmospheric waves as indicated by the jet stream. The colors represent the speed of…
Coquina and tabby are “bullet-proof” building materials born of the sea. Nearly every child who’s played on the beach has built a simple sand castle by creating a turret with an upturned bucket of sand. Others, more elaborate (and typically built with help from an ambitious parent), boast multiple structures surrounded by moats and rivers that ebb and flow with…
Sponges — simple aquatic animals with dense, yet porous, skeletons — are highly adapted to their environments. Sponges are found in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and are often mistaken for plants. Scientists believe that their varied colorations may protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sponges have been around for a very long time, with…
The common chemicals used in thousands of products to protect us against harmful effects of ultraviolet light, threaten corals and other marine life. Healthy coral reefs are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide billions of dollars in economic and environmental services, such as food, coastal protection, and tourism. However, coral ecosystems around the world face serious…
Seaspeak is the official language of navigators the world over. As the official language of the seas, Seaspeak helps to prevent any form of miscommunication. And since miscommunication can easily lead to serious and dangerous situations, seafarers use a specific language to prevent nay accidents from happening. Have you ever wondered how crews on ships at sea communicate? Nowadays, crews…
These Totten Beacons –19th century aids to navigation– are protected historical resources. In 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de León sailed into the strong currents of the Florida Straits. Little did he know that within a few years, these uncharted waters, which feed into the Gulf Stream, would become a major international shipping route to and from Europe and the New…
Ocean noise refers to sounds made by human activities that can interfere or obscure the ability of marine animals to hear natural sounds in the ocean. Many marine organisms rely on their ability to hear for their survival. Sound is the most efficient means of communication underwater and is the primary way that many marine species gather and understand information…