San Juan County Beach Watchers will soon begin their third round of beach sampling to determine the quantity of micro-plastics intermingled with the sand on our local beaches. This sampling and sorting process is part of a research project being done by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (MSC) on the shorelines of counties all around the American Salish Sea.
Twice a year, (October and March,) buckets of sand are collected from these areas. The sand and other organic materials are sifted out, and the remaining man-made products (99% plastic,) are then sorted into different categories and counted. The samples are sent to the MSC, where the tabulated results are analyzed to determine the prevalence of small plastic particles in our marine environment, and where it is most heavily concentrated.
This Fall's sampling will take place during the week of October 18 on Orcas and Lopez, and a number of volunteers will be needed. If you haven't already done so, please contact Nancy Alboucq on Orcas or Susan Muckle on Lopez if you would like to help out. It is an interesting and thought-provoking project - come join us!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Check out the Sounder Article on Beach Watchers and the Marine Health Observatories
This week's Sounder (Sep 22,) features a full-page article on our Kwiaht/WSU Beach Watchers Marine Health Observatories, complete with photo and a map of all the MHO and salmon seining locations. The article describes the recent Marine Resources Committee meeting in East Sound, moderated by Shann Weston, and includes nice quotes from Marcia Spees, Orcas Beach Watcher from the '09 class. Nice job, everyone! Keep up the good work.
FDA Approval Pending For Genetically Engineered Salmon?
What will probably be the final FDA hearing on the request by a Massachusetts company (AquaBounty,) to sell genetically-modified salmon eggs, was held in DC on September 21. The bio-tech company has been trying for 15 years (at a cost of millions of dollars,) to gain approval to market their product.
A growth hormone implanted in the Atlantic salmon eggs from chinook salmon is activated by DNA from another eel-like fish known as "ocean pout." The DNA protein acts as anti-freeze, keeping the growth hormone from turning off in colder weather, as it normally would in wild fish. This enables the modified salmon to grow quickly to large size, and be ready for market about twice as soon.
AquaBounty plans to produce the eggs at a hatchery on Prince Edward Island, and then ship them to a hatchery in Panama to be raised to market size. The company maintains that both facilities are inland from the ocean and fully contained, with no danger of GE fish escaping. They also say only sterile females will be produced.
There isn't room here to go into details on this complex situation, which is causing great concern among scientists and environmentalists, but a Google search will turn up a lot of additional information. Purdue University has done considerable research on this situation, but according to some reports, the FDA has considered only AquaBounty's research during the hearing process. Interestingly, the approval is being sought for a "veterinary drug" - not for a food product or process -- since the modified eggs are a change to the nature of an animal.
Many people fear that if approval is given in this case - the first of its kind - many other GMO requests will follow; apparently some are already waiting in the wings for the outcome of this one. Another disturbing aspect of this situation, is that if these salmon are allowed to be brought to market in the US, apparently no special labeling will be required to identify them as genetically-modified!
If you wish to voice your concerns, it will be important to do so soon, as the FDA seems to be leaning towards approval, and its decision is expected soon.
Here's one of many sites on this subject:
A growth hormone implanted in the Atlantic salmon eggs from chinook salmon is activated by DNA from another eel-like fish known as "ocean pout." The DNA protein acts as anti-freeze, keeping the growth hormone from turning off in colder weather, as it normally would in wild fish. This enables the modified salmon to grow quickly to large size, and be ready for market about twice as soon.
AquaBounty plans to produce the eggs at a hatchery on Prince Edward Island, and then ship them to a hatchery in Panama to be raised to market size. The company maintains that both facilities are inland from the ocean and fully contained, with no danger of GE fish escaping. They also say only sterile females will be produced.
There isn't room here to go into details on this complex situation, which is causing great concern among scientists and environmentalists, but a Google search will turn up a lot of additional information. Purdue University has done considerable research on this situation, but according to some reports, the FDA has considered only AquaBounty's research during the hearing process. Interestingly, the approval is being sought for a "veterinary drug" - not for a food product or process -- since the modified eggs are a change to the nature of an animal.
Many people fear that if approval is given in this case - the first of its kind - many other GMO requests will follow; apparently some are already waiting in the wings for the outcome of this one. Another disturbing aspect of this situation, is that if these salmon are allowed to be brought to market in the US, apparently no special labeling will be required to identify them as genetically-modified!
If you wish to voice your concerns, it will be important to do so soon, as the FDA seems to be leaning towards approval, and its decision is expected soon.
Here's one of many sites on this subject:
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Upcoming TV Shows about the World's Trash and Water Problems
Two documentaries on environmental topics of critical concern will air at the end of this month on CNBC TV.
"Trash, Inc: The Secret Life of Garbage," will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 29 at 9 PM Eastern Time (check listings for local time,) and will include a segment on Charles Moore. (See following article.)
"Liquid Assets: The Big Business of Water," will be shown on the following night at the same time.
More information on these broadcasts, including some previews, can be found on You-Tube.
"Trash, Inc: The Secret Life of Garbage," will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 29 at 9 PM Eastern Time (check listings for local time,) and will include a segment on Charles Moore. (See following article.)
"Liquid Assets: The Big Business of Water," will be shown on the following night at the same time.
More information on these broadcasts, including some previews, can be found on You-Tube.
OCT 26: Charles Moore To Speak Again in Friday Harbor
Note Correction: Talk is at 7:30 pm, (not 7 pm as originally noted.)
Noted marine researcher Charles Moore will give a talk on "Combating the Oceans' Plastic Plague," at the San Juan Community Theater on Tuesday, October 26, at 7:30 pm. Two years ago Doris Estabrooks, the Friday Harbor resident who spearheaded the successful crusade to ban polystyrene food containers in San Juan County, arranged Captain Moore's first appearance in the islands. She has convinced him to return and speak again since, as Doris noted, "passing the ordinance has not made the plastics problem go away."
Because Doris, who is passionate about this issue, wants as many people to attend Moore's lecture as possible, there will be no admission charge. But at the same time, she is working hard to cover all the costs of his visit. Donations are still very much needed and appreciated.
Checks (which are tax-deductible,) should be made out to Moore's organization, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and mailed in care of: Doris Estabrooks, 2143 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, 98250.
To learn more about the Algalita Foundation and Captain Moore's work, go to his website at: http://www.algalita.org .
Noted marine researcher Charles Moore will give a talk on "Combating the Oceans' Plastic Plague," at the San Juan Community Theater on Tuesday, October 26, at 7:30 pm. Two years ago Doris Estabrooks, the Friday Harbor resident who spearheaded the successful crusade to ban polystyrene food containers in San Juan County, arranged Captain Moore's first appearance in the islands. She has convinced him to return and speak again since, as Doris noted, "passing the ordinance has not made the plastics problem go away."
Because Doris, who is passionate about this issue, wants as many people to attend Moore's lecture as possible, there will be no admission charge. But at the same time, she is working hard to cover all the costs of his visit. Donations are still very much needed and appreciated.
Checks (which are tax-deductible,) should be made out to Moore's organization, Algalita Marine Research Foundation, and mailed in care of: Doris Estabrooks, 2143 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, 98250.
To learn more about the Algalita Foundation and Captain Moore's work, go to his website at: http://www.algalita.org .
Friday, August 6, 2010
Fraser River Sockeye Need Your Help
For a number of years British Columbia has allowed foreign corporations to set up farmed salmon operations in their waters. The total number of fish that have escaped is unknown, but some are diseased, causing the wild fish to become infected, in particular, the Fraser River sockeye. There has been a campaign for many years to close down these farms. A public comment deadline of September 12 has been set to receive comments on the fish farming as well as the diseases affecting the wild salmon. You can email Ed Porter at the Canada Department of Oceans and Fisheries at PAR-RPA@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
To sign the petition and get more general information:
www.salmonaresacred.org
To read cases studies on fish diseases and the Fraser River sockeye
http://www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/
To sign the petition and get more general information:
www.salmonaresacred.org
To read cases studies on fish diseases and the Fraser River sockeye
http://www.sfu.ca/cstudies/science/
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fisherman Bay Birds
Lopez Beach Watchers have done several bird surveys this summer with ornithologist Kelley Palmer-McCarty (Lopez resident and graduate student at WWU,) as part of the Kwiaht/WSU Beach Watchers Fisherman Bay Marine Health Observatory project.
With spotting scope, clipboard, and copies of Sibley in hand, Kelley, Ann Palmer, (Kelley's Mom,) and several Beach Watchers have been watching the birds from eight different locations around the bay on a regular basis. Among the interesting things we have seen so far:
A good number of Pigeon Guillemots appear to be nesting in the cliff just north of the entrance to the F.B. channel.
Caspian Terns have been regular visitors to the inland side of the tombolo at Otis Perkins Park, and have been seen catching fish from the Bay.
California gulls are back and mingling with the year-round resident Glaucous-Winged Gulls. Flocks of upwards of 80 birds have been observed.
A pair of Ospreys and at least one juvenile eagle have been seen. Adult eagles also.
On our last outing, we saw nine Great Blue Herons roosting in evergreen trees at the south end of the Bay.
The bird surveys will continue through the summer. Meanwhile Kwiaht intern Anne Harmon has been focusing on the marine life in the bay. The next fish and marine life survey will be Aug. 10, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Meet at the Galley dock if you're interested in helping.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Indian Island Research
This weekend will be the final 4 days of research and outreach on Indian Island for the summer. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday August 7 Outreach team on beach 9-11 am; fishing at 11 and at noon.
Sunday August 8 Outreach team on beach from 9 am to noon.
Monday August 9 Invertebrate surveys -- team on beach 10 am to noon.
Tuesday August 10 Outreach team on beach and on island 11 am to 1 pm.
Please feel free to join us, everyone is welcome.
Saturday August 7 Outreach team on beach 9-11 am; fishing at 11 and at noon.
Sunday August 8 Outreach team on beach from 9 am to noon.
Monday August 9 Invertebrate surveys -- team on beach 10 am to noon.
Tuesday August 10 Outreach team on beach and on island 11 am to 1 pm.
Please feel free to join us, everyone is welcome.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Acidification of Sea Water
This is a good article on the affects of acidification in several areas on our coastal and inland waters. Besides affecting the reproduction of shellfish, acidification could also affect the orcas and other animals that use sonar by making marine waters noisier.
Puget Sound Partnership has New Chairman
Bill Ruckelshaus, the first chairman of the volunteer Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council, retired from the position at the end of last month, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced last Saturday. Gregoire praised Ruckelshaus for his service and declared July 30th “Bill Ruckelshaus Day” in honor of his work to protect Puget Sound. Gregoire has asked Martha Kongsgaard, previously the vice chairwoman, to serve as the new chairwoman of the Leadership Council.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Ferry System Wants Your Opinion
The state ferry system wants your opinion on how and what you use the ferry system for. The survey will probably take about 10-15 minutes. Please go to the link:
The Whale Museum August Lectures
On August 4, Joe Gaydos, the SeaDoc Society and San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, will present a talk entitled “Killer Whale Diseases: What We Have Learned From a Decade of Strandings.” Dr. Gaydos has a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his PhD is from the University of Georgia. He has studied health and disease in wildlife all over the world.
On August 11, Amanda Taylor's talk is entitled “Results from the San Juan Islands Archaeological Project 2005-2009.” She will discuss chronology of prehistoric Native American settlement patterns. Amanda is a PhD student at the University of Washington who has conducted fieldwork in Nevada, Oregon, New York, Alaska, the California Channel Islands, and the Pacific Northwest.
On August 18, Jonathan Stern will discuss his work with the “under publicized” Minke whale. Jonathan is a co-investigator with the Northeast Pacific Minke Whale Project. In addition to his work with minkes in the San Juan Islands, he is looking at habitat use patterns off San Francisco.
On August 25, Dr. Roland Anderson will present a talk entitled “How Smart are Octopuses.” Dr. Anderson worked as a biologist at the Seattle Aquarium for over 30 years and has co-written a book entitled “Octopus: The Ocean’s Intelligent Invertebrate.”
Note: All lectures will be at The Whale Museum located at 62 First Street N., Friday Harbor, and will begin at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Marine Health Observatory Websites
There has been a lot of activity this summer for all of the Kwiaht/Beach Watcher Marine Health Observatory projects. It's great that we're up and running on all three islands. (And see the article below about Ozzie! He's awesome!)
The Indian Island project is now in its third season; it's the second year for the Port of Friday Harbor, and Fisherman Bay volunteers are now meeting regularly to do bird and fish inventories around the Bay on Lopez. To keep up with the activities on your own and other islands, bookmark these neat websites:
Orcas: http://sites.google.com/site/indianislandproject/Home
San Juan: http://sites.google.com/site/fridayharbormho/
Lopez: http://fishermanbayproject.org/
The Indian Island project is now in its third season; it's the second year for the Port of Friday Harbor, and Fisherman Bay volunteers are now meeting regularly to do bird and fish inventories around the Bay on Lopez. To keep up with the activities on your own and other islands, bookmark these neat websites:
Orcas: http://sites.google.com/site/indianislandproject/Home
San Juan: http://sites.google.com/site/fridayharbormho/
Lopez: http://fishermanbayproject.org/
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Whale Museum Lecture - Non-invasive Wildlife Monitoring With the Use of Scat Detection Dogs
The Whale Museum’s 2010 Lecture Series begins on Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. at The Whale Museum. Dr. Sam Wasser will be discussing the Center for Conservation Biology’s ‘Conservation Canine’ program.
Dr. Wasser earned his PhD from the University of Washington in 1981. He is the director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington and he is acknowledged worldwide as a pioneer of non-invasive wildlife monitoring methods. He has participated in a number of conservation programs throughout Africa and North America, in collaboration with state, federal and international organizations. His work is internationally respected by scientists, environmental activists, and government and non-government wildlife managers. The lecture is free, however, donations are accepted.
For more information, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 23.
Bluefin Tuna Endangered
This is an interesting article from The New York Times describing the near extinction of the bluefin tuna--only an estimated 9,000 fish may be alive in North American waters. While the US believes the fish is endangered, many other countries do not. Some have begun"farming" the fish; however, it may go the way of the Atlantic salmon and be fished to extinction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
