biomass
biomass on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 10 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on biomass in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around biomass, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Assessment of the protection of coastal reef-fish habitat across an isolated oceanic archipelago using spatial distribution models
Effective marine protected area (MPA) networks demand precise knowledge of habitat distribution, a challenge in remote archipelagos where comprehensive surveys are often impractical. This study assesses coastal reef-fish habitat protection across the Azores archipelago using species distribution models (SDMs), integrating visual census data with seabed and oceanographic variables. Our random forest approach predicts habitat suitability, revealing that while current MPAs generally align with high-suitability areas, protection remains limited.
Multiple lines of evidence framework for quantifying ecosystem function and connectivity of offshore infrastructure: a rigs-to-reefs perspective
Decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure presents a critical challenge, hampered by inconsistent monitoring and uncertainty regarding ecological impacts. Our research introduces a Multiple Lines of Evidence framework to quantitatively assess ecosystem function and connectivity associated with these structures, facilitating informed decision-making regarding removal versus habitat retention. Integrating diverse methodologies—from environmental DNA to biophysical modeling—this framework provides a transparent, context-specific basis for evaluating ecological value.
World’s Largest Single Green Methanol Bunkering Operation Completed At Shanghai Port
World Data Ocean confirms the successful completion of a record-breaking green methanol bunkering operation at Shanghai Port, representing the world’s largest single instance of this sustainable fuel supply. This validated event underscores the increasing viability of green methanol as a critical climate indicator for the maritime sector. The operation's scale demonstrates significant progress toward decarbonization goals. For further context on maritime security challenges, see our report, "Vessel Hit By Unknown Projectile In Strait Of Hormuz," detailing recent incidents impacting global shipping lanes.
Balanced top-down and bottom-up control in coastal planktonic food webs
Coastal planktonic food webs are governed by both bottom-up (physical/chemical) and top-down (predation) controls, yet the relative strength of these forces remains a critical uncertainty hindering ecosystem understanding. A 15-year analysis of the Wadden Sea reveals a complex interplay, demonstrating bottom-up influences on phytoplankton blooms alongside top-down termination via grazing. Notably, our findings suggest a comparable importance of both control mechanisms across various timescales, highlighting the crucial link between higher trophic levels and biogeochemical cycling.
Autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar
The escalating global demand for macroalgae—driven by its potential as a sustainable food source, carbon dioxide removal tool, and resource for pharmaceuticals—necessitates efficient monitoring methods. Traditional techniques are costly and limited in scope. This research introduces an innovative approach: autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar. Our validated method estimates kelp height and standing biomass, demonstrated on a commercial installation off Santa Barbara, California.
Limitations of using the canopy to infer the structure and functioning of giant kelp forests
Remote sensing of floating kelp canopies offers a readily accessible method for assessing giant kelp forest dynamics, yet the validity of this approach remains largely unexamined. This study investigates the relationship between surface canopy biomass and the underlying structural complexity of *Macrocystis pyrifera* forests across three California sites, revealing that canopies represent only 12-38% of total biomass. While canopy biomass correlates with total kelp biomass, it poorly predicts plant density or morphology, highlighting limitations for assessing forest structure.
Compositional convergence of island demersal fish assemblages in the East Sea: a long-term trammel-net comparison between Dokdo and Ulleungdo
Rapid ocean warming is fundamentally reorganizing marine fish assemblages, yet definitive, long-term evidence of compositional convergence between adjacent island ecosystems remains limited. A recent study published by World Data Ocean analyzed two decades of standardized trammel-net surveys around Dokdo and Ulleungdo in the East Sea, revealing a significant decline in inter-island dissimilarity between 2013 and 2025.
The future of our oceans: negotiating marine fisheries, aquaculture, and living resources with unbiased science
Navigating the future of our oceans demands a rigorous, unbiased scientific foundation. Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and living marine resources—integrating biology, climate science, and policy—face accelerating challenges requiring proactive solutions. Key priorities include climate adaptation, sustainable aquaculture, and ecosystem-based management, underpinned by technologies like artificial intelligence and genomics. Addressing fragmented governance and translating complex science into actionable policy is critical for long-term global food security.
Green ultrasound-assisted extraction of pigments from Mexican Caribbean Sargassum
The escalating accumulation of *Sargassum* spp. along Caribbean coastlines presents both an environmental and economic challenge. These macroalgae contain valuable pigments—including fucoxanthin—exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) utilizing hydroethanolic mixtures as a sustainable alternative to conventional, solvent-intensive methods. Results demonstrate optimized pigment recovery—specifically, 26.64 mg g⁻¹ dw fucoxanthin—achieved with 70% ethanol at 60°C, supporting a scalable strategy for *Sargassum* valorization.
First Container Ship To Run On Brazilian-Made Ethanol Sets Sail From Port Of Santos
A significant advancement in sustainable maritime practices occurred Tuesday as the first container ship powered by Brazilian-made ethanol departed from the Port of Santos. This pioneering vessel represents a crucial step toward decarbonizing global shipping, demonstrating the viability of alternative fuels. The initiative underscores Brazil’s leadership in biofuels and highlights the potential for innovative solutions to address climate change. For a broader perspective on related environmental challenges, explore our analysis of "Comparative legal framework for marine plastic pollution control in China and Pakistan."