Article photo: Cristina Mittermeier By Bea San Juan Silva | March 28, 2025 South Africa’s oceans are teeming with biodiversity, from vibrant coral reefs to rich fish populations. To protect these vital ecosystems, the country has established a network of 42 marine protected areas (MPAs) – 41 in the …

Bees run the gamut from generalists to specialists. Whereas the generalists visit a variety of plants for the resources they need, many specialists exist on a single species. Such is the case for at least 20 different bees living in Southwestern North America who specialize on the pollen of the creo…

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Use this guide to find out more about keeping food safe, getting fresh, hot meals in a time of crisis, and learning how to navigate food programs.

The post What will the Planning and Infrastructure Bill mean for freshwater? appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

DEFRA Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, met with the team behind the Pollack Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) during a visit to Plymouth this week.  Pollack FISP is a pioneering collaboration bringing together recreational charter skippers, commercial fis…

The post Headstart: a new approach to cleaning up Britain’s river systems appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Leave the leaves! It is a phrase you hear a lot these days, but why is it so important to keep leaves and other plant debris on your landscape? These are the questions that drive Dr. Max Ferlato. Leaf litter and other plant debris provides vitally important habitat for myriad organisms including spe…

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

What does it take to save orchids from extinction? Saving Orchids by Dr's Philip Seaton and Larry Zettler showcase the dedicated folks who are making it happen across the world. From why orchids need our help to cultivating in the lab and returning them to the wild, Saving Orchids is an inspirationa…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Novel approaches are always fun. Nowhere is this more apparent than in today's podcast. We revisit a conversation with Dr. Camille Holmgren from SUNY Buffalo State about her research reconstructing ancient desert climates using pack rat middens. Join us for a fun and interesting discussion that will…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

New England Aquarium
The post Inside the Wildlife and Ocean Health Lab appeared first on New England Aquarium.

In a heartening segment filmed for BBC’s Countryfile, presenter Vick Hope joined our team aboard the RV MBA Sepia for a special milestone: the release of young rays back into the waters of Plymouth Sound. The event marks a key moment in the Little Rays of Hope project — a collaborative initiative fr…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Multiple nations recently signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to boost global wildfire readiness across the globe. The “Kananaskis Wildfire Charter” was signed by each of the countries in the “Group of Seven,” or G7, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Unite…

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is seeking a dedicated Canvass Director to drive our fundraising and awareness-raising efforts in the Greater Vancouver Region.
The post NOW HIRING: Vancouver Canvass Director appeared first on Ancient Forest Alliance.

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Four marine protected areas (MPAs) were honored today with prestigious Blue Park Awards today at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. The newly awarded Blue Parks are: Cahuita National Park (Costa Rica), Gorgona National Natural Park (Colombia), Kaho'olawe Island Reserve (Hawai'i, U.S.), and Shark Fin Bay M…

How fishers in Juan Fernández are protecting lobsters and livelihoods A series of volcanic islands rise in the Pacific like a handful of skipped rocks off Chile’s coast. Once a pitstop for pirates and the rumored home of buried treasure, today the remote Juan Fernández Archipelago hosts 1,000 reside…

Hadley Menk is a student in the Master of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy (MAS CSP) program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Menk grew up in Charlotte, Vt. and received her undergraduate degrees in geography and modern history from the University of St. Andrews …

The ocean offers us so many natural wonders – and seashells are some of its most beautiful gifts. Instead of buying plastic decor or mass-produced souvenirs, why not create something meaningful using shells you’ve collected? Small and beautiful, seashell candles make thoughtful handmade gifts — idea…

Besides pollination, what do flowers and bees have in common? Microbes, of course! From mutualists to pathogens and everything in between, Dr. Quinn McFrederick wants to know how plants, bees, and microbes interact. Join us for a deep dive into our growing understanding of these important relationsh…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Tubers, corms, taproots, bulbs... There are many different kinds of underground storage organs in the plant world. Moreover, they form from many different kinds of plant tissues. This begs the question, why are there so many variations on the theme of energy storage? Join me and Dr. Carrie Tribble a…

Plant stress starts at the molecular level but can influence entire ecosystems. That is why questions about drought, heat, and climate change fuel Dr. Lou Santiago's research. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of studying plant stress in different ecosystems. This episode was produced in part …

I have said it before, and I will say it again: plants ARE habitat. Nowhere is this fact more apparent than in the field of wildlife ecology. From food to shelter, one simply can't understand the innerworkings of nature without understanding plants. Join me and Wildlife Ecologist Dr. Chris Moorman a…

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

Your guide to finding accurate information, emergency kits, evacuations, protecting your home, and more if you’re at risk of a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or other disaster.

Join Chief Botanist for NatureServe Wes Knapp and me as we take a deep dive into an all-too-often overlooked group of plants - the rushes (genus Juncus). Rushes are fascinating and beautiful plants when you get to know them, and the genus has a lot of secrets waiting to be revealed. From their uniqu…

Learn how we count hundreds of fish—and why it’s an important practice for animal health.
The post Counting Fish Isn’t Just for Kids’ Stories appeared first on New England Aquarium.

If you’ve just watched Ocean with David Attenborough and found yourself awed by the beauty and fragility of marine life, you’re not alone. Along with the millions of others who watched this in turns devastating yet hopeful documentary, you may be asking: How can we better understand and protect life…

There is no denying that roots are one of the most important organs on a plant. However, unless its an epiphyte, root activity takes place underground, largely out of site and out of mind. This has not stopped my guest today from trying to understand the origin and evolution of these amazing structu…

This episode explores the nuances of why it is so important to plant native plants. Native plants are the cornerstone of nearly every ecosystem on Earth because they are both food and habitat wrapped into one. Join me and Dr. Desirée Narango as we explore how native plants feed ecosystems. This epis…

Spend any time in the southern Appalachian Mountains and you are bound to cross paths with Galax urceolata. This wonderful little evergreen herb seems to be at home in a variety of habitats from forest streams to granite outcrops and everywhere in between. It is also culturally significant and even …

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The post Exempting wildlife ponds from planning would be a big win for nature appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

As the iconic film Jaws marks its 50th anniversary this week, MBA Senior Research Fellow and Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Southampton, Professor David Sims, has published a compelling article in The Conversation that examines the film’s lasting impact on sharks and how science is…

Bats and plants rely on each other more than we know. From pollination and seed dispersal, to pest control and unexpected relationships, Dr. Merlin Tuttle wants you to know just how important bats are across the globe. Dr. Merlin Tuttle is widely recognized as the godfather of modern bat conservatio…

Parents and children don't always get along. Sometimes they can even be competitors. Conflicts often lead to interesting evolutionary adaptations and mosses are no stranger to this. Join me and Dr. Jessica Budke as we explore a familial tug of war going on all around us. This episode was produced in…

Diversity is a defining feature of old-growth forests, whose unparalleled structural complexity develops over centuries to provide habitats for thousands of species, many of which live nowhere else. Learn more about these incredible rainforest ecosystems and take action to protect them!
The post Hap…

40 Years (and Counting) of North Atlantic Right Whale Research
The post Our History and What’s Ahead: Right Whale Research appeared first on New England Aquarium.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is proud to be taking part in Coast – a contemporary pop-up gallery exhibition celebrating our deep connection with the sea – alongside local artists, conservation partners, and the wider Plymouth community. Held in the historic Melville Building at Royal Will…

Populations of animals and plants – even those separated by thousands of miles – can fluctuate in synchrony, driven by shared environmental influences. This striking phenomenon, known as spatial synchrony, is the subject of a new synthesis study published in Ecology Letters, led by researchers at th…

Plant pigments certainly catch the eyes of many organisms, but they serve many important functions beyond simple attraction. For instance, plant pigments can play a huge role in managing stressors like heat, sunlight, and more. Join me and Dr. Niky Hughes as we explore one of the most abundant and i…

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

It may not seem obvious at first, but fish need plants too! From aquatic to terrestrial, plants provide fish places to breed, places to eat, and places to hide. Plants filter water and prevent erosion, ensuring fish have suitable habitat. Plants also feed the organisms that fish love to eat. Simply …

On face value, flower colors would seem to have everything to do with pollination, but it is far more complex than that. The pigments that give flowers the colors we can see can have many different functions and how they evolve is a fascinating realm of research. Join me and Dr. Andrea Berardi as we…

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) has long been maligned for its invasive tendencies. This floating aquatic aroid grows fast and responds well to poor water quality, and because of this, states like Florida spend lots of time and money on trying to eradicate it. However, a combination of fossil end …

Fireflies are among the most celebrated organisms on Earth. What is not to love about their incredible light displays? However, fireflies can't exist without habitat and plants are that habitat. Revisit a conversation between Dr. Sara Lewis and me as we discuss some of the intriguing connections bet…

From the roots of an açaí palm to the canopy where monkeys swing and toucans call, the Amazon is alive with food — not just for the animals that call it home, but for people around the world. On World Rainforest Day (June 22nd), we’re honoring the vital connection between forests and food. In the [……

In a world of constantly evolving science and technology, Amazon Conservation is at the forefront of harnessing these advancements to develop innovative and long-term conservation solutions to strengthen the management of protected areas and Indigenous territories, while developing effective strateg…

If you’ve been following us on our Earth Day countdown this past month, you’ve seen some of the highlights of what Amazon Conservation has been able to accomplish and contribute over the past 25 years! We’re thrilled that Earth Day is finally here, and as we celebrate all the wonderful ways nature h…

The post Building boardwalks: how volunteers can be a powerful voice for nature’s recovery appeared first on Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Some corals produce chemicals called diterpenoids that have shown promise in fighting cancer and reducing inflammation, but researchers have been unable to study the chemicals in depth. The problem is that the chemicals are produced in tiny amounts by slow-growing and uncommon corals, making it envi…

How lawmakers around the country are taking action to protect our ocean
The post U.S. Progress on Tackling Plastic Pollution appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.

The New England Aquarium first opened our doors over 50 years ago on June 20, 1969. Take a look at some memories from our photo archive!
The post Archive Dive: A Look Back at New England Aquarium Over the Years appeared first on New England Aquarium.

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Paw paw (Asimina triloba) is a charismatic and special species. It is the most northerly growing member of a mostly tropical family. It also has considerable influence on its herbaceous neighbors. Join me and PhD student Anna Wassel as we explore the random world of pawpaw and understory herb commun…

Counting the rings of a tree can be so much fun. In the temperate zone, each ring marks a year in that tree's life. However, if you know what to look for, tree rings can tell you so much more. Dr. Valerie Trouet has made a career out of counting and measuring tree rings. Tree rings offer a surprisi…

For Dr. Rob Raguso, the phrase "stop and smell the roses" takes on a whole new meaning. Dr. Raguso studies the intricate world of floral chemistry. You are undoubtedly familiar with some of the wonderful odors flowers produce but such tantalizing smells are only the beginning. The world of floral ch…

Chara represent the earliest stages of true plant evolution. They are also model organisms for a wide variety of research questions. Join me as we revisit an intriguing discussion with Dr. Mary Bisson from the University at Buffalo. This episode was produced in part by Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Ja…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Plant conservation isn't easy work, but it is vital to maintaining ecosystem health. Nowhere is this more apparent than in extreme environments like beach dunes and deserts. Join me and plant conservationist Emily Guinan as we explore some of her adventures in plant conservation. This episode was pr…

We take seeds for granted, yet still have much to learn about how they work. What factors play in to seed dormancy? How long can some seeds remain dormant? What cues are required to break dormancy? All these questions and more drive Dr. Grace Fleming's research. Join us as we explore how molecular p…

Conservation Biology, Volume 39, Issue 3, June 2025.

Behind the scenes at the Aquarium, aquarists raise baby turtles through their first winter, helping boost wild populations.
The post Giving Threatened Freshwater Turtles a Head Start appeared first on New England Aquarium.

Hidden but vulnerable marine treasure discovered in collaboration between the Marine Biological Association, Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios. In an extraordinary moment of chance during the production of Ocean with David Attenborough, a vibrant and exceptionally well-preserved pink sea fan …

Aquarist Chris Doller is part of a team raising jellies at the New England Aquarium—including a jelly with a surprising ability.
The post Glowing Jellies, Growing Jellies: A Look at Jelly Culturing at the Aquarium appeared first on New England Aquarium.

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is stepping into a new era—one defined by strategic growth, stronger partnerships, and bigger impact. As corals face mounting threats, we’re scaling up our efforts to ensure reefs around the world not only survive but thrive.  And we’re doing it quickly. Why Growth Ma…

Glaciers are important indicators of climate change. A recent study published in the leading journal Science shows that glaciers in the tropical Andes have now retreated further than at any other time in the entire Holocene – which covers the whole history of human civilisation since the invention o…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Restoration Ecology, EarlyView.

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

The grape family (Vitaceae) is known and appreciated the world over, largely for their culinary value. Ecologically speaking, they are very important plants as well. However, we know very little about their origin, evolution, and rates of extinction. Thanks to some lucky paleobotanical finds, that s…

Restoration Ecology, Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2025.

Coral reefs support about 25% of all marine life, and their significance stretches far beyond their beauty. Increasingly, these vibrant ecosystems are being recognized as a vital source of potential medical breakthroughs. Researchers have found that coral reefs are a treasure trove of complex substa…

Picture this: A starry moonlit night filled with nothing but the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.   But under the cover of night, a quiet liveliness unfolds as female turtles come ashore to lay over 100 eggs then slip back to sea as quietly as they arrived.   For the green sea turtle ... R…

The shoal lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) is a truly special plant. It is found in only a few rivers throughout southeastern North America where it will only grow in rocky shoals. It makes its living by wedging its bulb and contractile roots into rock crevices where clean, swift moving water washes ov…

Conservation Biology, EarlyView.

Boynton/Alabama sandstone (Quercus boyntonii) and Georgia oaks (Q. georgiana) are among the rarest oaks in North America and yet we know so little about them. This paucity of knowledge can make conservation difficult, but that doesn't stop people like Patrick Thompson from trying. Join us as we disc…

The emergence of leaves, the blooming of flowers, the arrival of pollinators... these are all biological events that are closely tied to the changing seasons. The study of this linkage is called Phenology and my guest today wants to share her passion for this wonderful world of inquiry. Join me and …

January 2025 marks the 10 year anniversary (!!!) of the In Defense of Plants Podcast. To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to revisit the first episode of the podcast. Travel back a decade to a tiny, old Buffalo NY apartment where a young and naive Matt waxes poetic about his love for jewel orchi…

ResourceWise recently held a webinar featuring Mat Stone, our Vice President of Low Carbon Fuels. He shared his expertise and vital knowledge of the biofuels market, highlighting key areas to look for both in short- and long-term strategizing.

Good news is hard to come by in the world of plant conservation, but it is out there! Take, for instance, some recent examples on Santa Cruz Island in which the recovery of a handful of endangered plants, including island bedstraw (Galium buxifolium) and Santa Cruz Island Dudleya (Dudleya nesiotica)…

The High Line was once a major railway. Today, it is one of the best gardens in the United States. By focusing on and encouraging native plants, horticulturists at horticulture at the High Line is supporting biodiversity in one of the busiest cities on the planet. Join me and senior director of hort…