Unique dietary strategy of invasive marine sponge
Sponges play an important role in the nutrient dynamics of coral reefs and could possibly rise to dominate coral reefs as corals decline due to human activity and climate change.
Whale moms, calves whisper to avoid predators
The findings of an international team of researchers, including Lars Bejder from the UH Marine Mammal Research Program, shed light on southern right whales communication.
Invasive lionfish invasion focus of research model
The researchers suggest the lionfish’s success as a hunter is likely due to a combination of its particular stalking pattern, mouth suction and forward momentum as it strikes—characteristics that are unlike native fish predators.
Decline in humpback whale sightings examined in UH collaboration
The Marine Mammal Research Program collaborated with several groups to quantify the bioenergetic demands of humpback whales migrating between Alaskan foraging grounds and Hawaiian breeding grounds.
New eDNA technology used to quickly assess coral reefs
The project used “metabarcoding,” a technique in which all of the DNA in a water sample is analyzed in one step with DNA sequencing.
Giant Antarctic sea spiders weather warming by getting holey
UH researchers went to Antarctica to test the prevailing theory that animals living in extreme cold can grow to giant sizes because their metabolisms are very slow.
Gates Coral Lab receives $100K donation for critical research
The award from the Annenberg Foundation will support the continuation of Ruth Gates’ legacy of preserving coral reefs in the face of warming seas.
Rare video of newborn humpback whale from UH marine mammal research
The Marine Mammal Research Program seeks to identify the specific effects of human activities on marine mammals, and the development of appropriate mitigation and management strategies.
Whale carcass attracts expertise of UH professors
The sperm whale carcass that has plagued Oʻahu waters is providing scientists a unique opportunity to study the species and its ecological and cultural importance.
Stunning drone videos of humpback and gray whales aid new UH marine mammal research
The overall mission of the Marine Mammal Research Program is the conservation of marine mammals.
