‘The Ocean of Life’—And the Sorrow Beneath the Sea

This is an excellent article in the current Newsweek about the condition of our oceans and the species being lost.  The author Callam Roberts is a marine conservation biologist, oceanographer, author and research scholar at the University of York, England.  His work examines the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems.

 Here is the article: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/05/13/the-ocean-of-life-and-the-sorrow-beneath-the-sea.html

Update on the Cause of Death of L112

Today NOAA released more information on the ongoing investigation of the cause of death of L112.  The most recent results can be found at:  http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/Whales-Dolphins-Porpoise/Killer-Whales/L112-rpt2.cfm

Pelicans, Boobies & Dolphins Die in Peru

Since January about 900 dolphins have died on Peru's beaches as well as 4,000 Pelicans and boobies.  Biologists believe the Pelicans starved to death, but as yet have not found a cause for the dolphin deaths.  To read more:

http://news.discovery.com/earth/peru-closes-beaches-120509.html#mkcpgn=rssnws1

Herring Return to Eastsound

For the second year in a row herring have spawned on the Eastsound waterfront. Volunteers from the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory collected eggs over the Easter weekend. The herring are mainly spawnng on seaweed (sargassum) and dwarf eel grass both non-native species. Though not native to Fishing Bay these species are gradually creating dense thickets that herring find attractive. It is not known whether there is any adverse impact to native species. Russel Barsh, Kwiaht ecogolgist, told volunteers "that as the Eastsound herring appear to be recovering this is the time to go gentle with Fishing Bay and Indian Island in order to give the herring and vegetation that supports them the best chance possible".