A new report reveals an alarming decline in marine biodiversity over the last few decades. According to the report, populations of marine vertebrates have declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012, with some fish species declining by almost 75%.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150917095044.htm Researchers have devised a simple way to predict a river delta's shape, given two competing factors: its river's force in depositing sediment into the ocean, and ocean waves' strength in pushing that sediment back along the coast. Depending on the balance of the two, the coastline of a river delta may take on a smooth 'cuspate' shape, or a more pointed 'crenulated' outline, resembling a bird's foot.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150722115636.htm Coral reef diversity 'hotspots' in the southwestern Indian Ocean rely more on the biomass of fish than where they are located, researchers say, a conclusion that has major implications for management decisions to protect coral reef ecosystems.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150902135125.htm :As climate change accelerates ice melt in the Arctic, polar bears may find caribou and snow geese replacing seals as an important food source, shows a recent study. The research is based on new computations incorporating caloric energy from terrestrial food sources and indicates that the bears' extended stays on land may not be as grim as previously suggested.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150904144453.htm Researchers have predicted that by 2050, plastic will be present in the digestive systems of 99 percent of seabirds in the world. Gross! Currently, it has been estimated that 90 percent of all seabirds have ingested plastic. This report further points to the grave issue of plastic pollution in our world's oceans. However, if enough consumers around the world are able to cut down on their plastic pollution footprint by using less plastic products and recycling such products when used, this terrible problem can be reduced and the birds will be saved!
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