Ecosystems

Ecosystems

Marine plankton put nitrogen in a fix

New genetic analyses of tropical marine microorganisms hint that some species are converting significant amounts of atmospheric nitrogen into nutrients, helping to fortify the base of the ocean's food pyramid.

Ecosystems

Fish stocking may transmit toad disease

Hatchery-raised trout can transfer a deadly fungus to western toads, bolstering the view that fish stocking may play a role in amphibian population declines.

Ecosystems

Parrot survey finds poaching but also hope

The largest review yet of wild parrot nesting finds poaching worrisomely frequent but also sees cause for hope in the efects of a U.S. protection law.

Ecosystems

Hurricanes’ full havoc yet to be felt

When Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, and Irene pummelled North Carolina in the fall of 1999, they delivered a three-punch sequence that may, for years to come, disrupt fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

Ecosystems

Underwater Refuge

Efforts are under way to greatly expand coastal no-fishing zones.

Ecosystems

Fish Epidemic Traces to Novel Germ

A new mycobacterium, related to the one causing tuberculosis, is responsible for a mysterious epidemic sickening some of the Chesapeake Bay's most prized fish.