NOAA science story tips -- AAAS 20...(ies survival. The new technology can be...)

New Study Shows Extent of Harmful Human Influences on Global Marine Ecosystems
John Leslie, NOAA Satellite and Information Services, 301-713-2087 ext 174

More than 40 percent of the world's oceans are heavily impacted by human activities, including overfishing and pollution, according to a new study appearing in this week's (Feb. 15, 2008) issue of the peer-reviewed journal Science.

Dr. Kenneth Casey, with NOAA's Oceanographic Data Center is a co-author of the study which combined 17 data sets of different human activities - from fishing and fertilizer run-off, to commercial shipping and pollution - and analyzed their effects on marine ecosystems, continental shelves and the deep ocean. He says that human-induced climate changes in sea surface temperatures, UV radiation and ocean acidification are among the most important factors in determining the global impacts.

According to the study, the ecosystems most at threat are: coral reefs, which house more than 25 percent of all marine life and protect against wave erosion; seagrass beds, which help ward off coastal erosion; and mangroves, which are trees and shrubs that grow in coastal habitats.

NOAA Analyzes Impacts of Marine Anti-foulants in Estuaries
Ben Sherman, NOAA National Ocean Service, 301-713-3066, ext. 178

NOAA toxicity assessments of the anti-fouling biocide, Irgarol 1051 in larval and adult grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) showed that Irgarol was more toxic to larvae than adults.

Grass shrimp is an ecologically important species in salt marsh ecosystems, with its populations vital to the function of the coastal food web in much of the U.S. Sublethal effects on several biomarkers were observed only in larvae. The toxicity in both life stages was observ
'/>"/>