Latest news with #TimO'Hara
Scoop
5 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
New Zealand Part Of Hidden Global Deep-Sea Network Beneath The Waves
Study of ancient sea creature's DNA links New Zealand to oceans around the world A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought. The research, led by Australia's Museums Victoria Research Institute and just published in Nature, found that while marine life in shallow waters is regionally unique, deeper ocean life shows more global connectivity, with some deep-sea species found across vast distances, even on opposite sides of the world. A previous lack of global data meant that the connections of deep-sea species weren't fully known, but the researchers from 19 different institutions, including Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA), were able to discover how marine life is connected across the sea floor. The landmark study mapped the global distribution and evolutionary relationships of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea), an ancient, spiny animal found from shallow coastal waters to the deepest abyssal plains, and from the equator to the poles. In the most comprehensive study of its kind, brittle star DNA from four dozen collections, including from Earth Sciences New Zealand's invertebrate collection in Wellington, was examined. By analysing over 2,500 DNA samples collected from over 300 research voyages in all oceans and at various depths, the researchers were able to uncover how the deep-sea invertebrates have evolved and migrated across the oceans over the past 100 million years, linking ecosystems from Iceland to Tasmania. 'You might think of the deep sea as remote and isolated, but for many animals on the seafloor, it's actually a connected superhighway,' said study lead Dr Tim O'Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates at Museums Victoria Research Institute. 'Over long timescales, deep-sea species have expanded their ranges by thousands of kilometres. This connectivity is a global phenomenon that's gone unnoticed, until now. 'The brittle star was chosen because the animals, which have lived on Earth for over 480 million years, are found on all ocean floors, including at depths of more than 3,500 metres, says Dr O'Hara. "These animals don't have fins or wings, but they've still managed to span entire oceans. The secret lies in their biology; their larvae can survive for a long time in cold water, hitching a ride on slow-moving deep-sea currents." With the yolk-rich larvae able to drift on deep ocean currents for extended periods, the brittle stars have been able to colonise far-flung regions. Unlike marine life in shallow waters, which is restricted by temperature boundaries, deep-sea environments are more stable and allow species to disperse over vast distances, the study found. "The research shows that deep-sea communities, particularly at temperate latitudes, are more closely related across regions than their shallow-water counterparts. This may be due to historic ocean currents and temperature patterns that allowed species to spread over time. For example, marine animals found off southern Australia share close evolutionary links with those in the North Atlantic, on the other side of the planet." However, the deep sea is not uniform, and while species can spread widely, factors such as extinction events, environmental change, and geography have created a patchwork of biodiversity across the seafloor. Deep-sea ecosystems are more connected than first thought, says study co-author Sadie Mills, invertebrate collection manager at Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA). "Understanding how species are related and their connections in the ocean at different depths and different latitudes is key to protecting marine biodiversity across the entire planet. These global links should be taken into account in planning." As threats from deep-sea mining and climate change increase, this new appreciation of how life is distributed and moves through this vast environment is essential if we want to protect it, says Dr O'Hara. "It's a paradox. The deep sea is highly connected, but also incredibly fragile."
Scoop
5 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
New Zealand Part Of Hidden Global Deep-Sea Network Beneath The Waves
Press Release – Earth Sciences New Zealand In the most comprehensive study of its kind, brittle star DNA from four dozen collections, including from Earth Sciences New Zealand's invertebrate collection in Wellington, was examined. Study of ancient sea creature's DNA links New Zealand to oceans around the world A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought. The research, led by Australia's Museums Victoria Research Institute and just published in Nature, found that while marine life in shallow waters is regionally unique, deeper ocean life shows more global connectivity, with some deep-sea species found across vast distances, even on opposite sides of the world. A previous lack of global data meant that the connections of deep-sea species weren't fully known, but the researchers from 19 different institutions, including Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA), were able to discover how marine life is connected across the sea floor. The landmark study mapped the global distribution and evolutionary relationships of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea), an ancient, spiny animal found from shallow coastal waters to the deepest abyssal plains, and from the equator to the poles. In the most comprehensive study of its kind, brittle star DNA from four dozen collections, including from Earth Sciences New Zealand's invertebrate collection in Wellington, was examined. By analysing over 2,500 DNA samples collected from over 300 research voyages in all oceans and at various depths, the researchers were able to uncover how the deep-sea invertebrates have evolved and migrated across the oceans over the past 100 million years, linking ecosystems from Iceland to Tasmania. 'You might think of the deep sea as remote and isolated, but for many animals on the seafloor, it's actually a connected superhighway,' said study lead Dr Tim O'Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates at Museums Victoria Research Institute. 'Over long timescales, deep-sea species have expanded their ranges by thousands of kilometres. This connectivity is a global phenomenon that's gone unnoticed, until now. 'The brittle star was chosen because the animals, which have lived on Earth for over 480 million years, are found on all ocean floors, including at depths of more than 3,500 metres, says Dr O'Hara. 'These animals don't have fins or wings, but they've still managed to span entire oceans. The secret lies in their biology; their larvae can survive for a long time in cold water, hitching a ride on slow-moving deep-sea currents.' With the yolk-rich larvae able to drift on deep ocean currents for extended periods, the brittle stars have been able to colonise far-flung regions. Unlike marine life in shallow waters, which is restricted by temperature boundaries, deep-sea environments are more stable and allow species to disperse over vast distances, the study found. 'The research shows that deep-sea communities, particularly at temperate latitudes, are more closely related across regions than their shallow-water counterparts. This may be due to historic ocean currents and temperature patterns that allowed species to spread over time. For example, marine animals found off southern Australia share close evolutionary links with those in the North Atlantic, on the other side of the planet.' However, the deep sea is not uniform, and while species can spread widely, factors such as extinction events, environmental change, and geography have created a patchwork of biodiversity across the seafloor. Deep-sea ecosystems are more connected than first thought, says study co-author Sadie Mills, invertebrate collection manager at Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA). 'Understanding how species are related and their connections in the ocean at different depths and different latitudes is key to protecting marine biodiversity across the entire planet. These global links should be taken into account in planning.' As threats from deep-sea mining and climate change increase, this new appreciation of how life is distributed and moves through this vast environment is essential if we want to protect it, says Dr O'Hara. 'It's a paradox. The deep sea is highly connected, but also incredibly fragile.'
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake, Indian River County
A toxic algae bloom in Blue Cypress Lake prompted a May 22 health advisory warning people to avoid contact with the water. Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, was detected in the center of the lake on May 15 — seven days before the Florida Department of Health issued a public health advisory. The level of the toxin microcystin was 0.86, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The toxin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. None of that information was included in the DOH health advisory. It's the second such advisory in as many days. Potentially toxic algae was found in a canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca, state officials warned in a May 21 health advisory. DEP is awaiting test results to determine whether the algae is toxic. Blue Cypress Lake has experienced toxic algae outbreaks in previous years, including 2018 and 2016. Biosolids were suspected of causing the latter. Pressley Ranch, which lies southwest of the lake, had spread partially treated human sewage sludge over 3,059 acres of pastureland to help grow Bahia grass for cattle grazing. Toxic algae is most common in the hotter, wetter, summer months. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They come predominately from agricultural runoff but also urban development. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Toxins can be harmful to the ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic animals, as well as people. Children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may be at risk even at low concentrations, DOH stated. Blue Cypress Lake: Is phosphorus pollution from Pressley Ranch's biosolids? Algae advisory: Florida DOH warns of algae in Martin County on C-44 Canal side of Lake Okeechobee The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored or water that smells unpleasant. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. Report a bloom to DEP online or via its toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903. Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Blue Cypress Lake
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere Water Management Area, Headwaters Lake
Toxic algae in Headwaters Lake prompted a May 30 health advisory for the waterway, which is also known as the Fellsmere Water Management Area. Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, contained the toxin microcystin at a level of 0.43 on May 27, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. That was three days before the Florida Department of Health alerted the public to be careful around the lake. The toxin is harmful to people, pets and wildlife to touch, ingest or inhale when the level is 8 parts per billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. None of that information was included in the DOH health advisory. This is the third such advisory this month. DOH warned of toxic algae in Blue Cypress Lake on May 22, and of potentially toxic algae in the C-44 Canal on the Martin County side of Lake Okeechobee near Port Mayaca on May 21. Blue Cypress Lake has experienced toxic algae outbreaks in previous years, including 2018 and 2016. Biosolids were suspected of causing the latter. Pressley Ranch, which lies southwest of the lake, had spread partially treated human sewage sludge over 3,059 acres of pastureland to help grow Bahia grass for cattle grazing. Toxic algae is most common in the hotter, wetter, summer months. Blooms can appear as scum, foam or paint on the surface of the water in various colors. Some environmental factors that contribute to blooms are sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions, and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They come predominately from agricultural runoff but also urban development. Blooms can appear year-round, but are more frequent in summer and fall. Toxins can be harmful to the ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic animals, as well as people. Children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised may be at risk even at low concentrations, DOH stated. Blue Cypress Lake: DOH warns of toxic algal bloom in this Indian River County lake Lake Okeechobee: DOH warns of algae in C-44 Canal in Martin County The DOH advises residents and visitors to take these precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts, or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae or discolored or water that smells unpleasant. Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. Report a bloom to DEP online or via its toll-free hotline at 855-305-3903. Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute at 800-636-0511. Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida DOH advisory warns of toxic algal bloom in Fellsmere lake
