Category: Science

I built a DIY hardware store pressure vessel to test ocean science tools from the comfort of my shed.

Posted on By Andrew Thaler
Featured, Open Science, Science

I have a problem with the OpenCTD. The OpenCTD is a low-cost, open-source oceanographic instrument that lets you take fundamental water quality measurements for a fraction the cost of commercial alternatives without sacrificing data quality. It’s rated to 140 meters, and we’ve tested that, once, in a bathymetric chamber, and then, occasionally, in the field. … Read More “I built a DIY hardware store pressure vessel to test ocean science tools from the comfort of my shed.” »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Experts respond to concerns over the relative risks of electric boats and shark encounters

Posted on By Southern Fried Science 1 Comment on FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Experts respond to concerns over the relative risks of electric boats and shark encounters
News, Science

A joint statement from David Shiffman Consulting, Inc and Blackbeard Biologic: Science and Environmental Advisors A 2024 presidential hopeful recently expressed concerns regarding the relative risks of electric boats and shark attacks, stating that: “What would happen if the boat sank from its weight, and you have this tremendously powerful battery, and the battery is … Read More “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Experts respond to concerns over the relative risks of electric boats and shark encounters” »

Critically Endangered sawfish are spinning in circles until they die. What the heck is going on?

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Science

An epidemic of spinning disease is killing these Critically Endangered animals in a horrifying way. I spoke to experts to help understand what’s going on and what’s being done to help. A dead sawfish is unloaded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in preparation for a necropsy. Image courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife … Read More “Critically Endangered sawfish are spinning in circles until they die. What the heck is going on?” »

The world’s leading sustainable seafood certification standard just made some big changes for sharks

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Science

Here are what the Marine Stewardship Council’s new requirements for sharks caught in certified sustainable fisheries mean. Sharks and their relatives are some of the most threatened vertebrates on Earth, and the number one threat by far is unsustainable overfishing practices. The Marine Stewardship Council, the non-profit that runs the world’s largest sustainable seafood certification … Read More “The world’s leading sustainable seafood certification standard just made some big changes for sharks” »

Here’s what I teach my students about finding jobs in marine biology and conservation

Posted on By David Shiffman 1 Comment on Here’s what I teach my students about finding jobs in marine biology and conservation
Academic life, Featured, Science

Our field is competitive, some job postings are confusing, and some career advice is contradictory or wrong. Here’s an exercise I have my students perform that I hope can help you. Graphic via Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Hardly a day goes by that I don’t see a heartbreaking post from a prospective marine biologist in … Read More “Here’s what I teach my students about finding jobs in marine biology and conservation” »

Everything is Crabs: How many crabs do you need to land on the moon?

Posted on By Andrew Thaler
Education, Featured, Science

In 2011, researchers from Japan and the Center for Unconventional Computing in the UK asked one of the most important questions ever asked. How many crabs do you need to build a computer? And then, they answered it. If you want to build a computer from scratch, you must first invent a logic gate. Using … Read More “Everything is Crabs: How many crabs do you need to land on the moon?” »

Dr. Craig McClain on How An Ancient Ocean Shaped US History

Posted on By Andrew Thaler
Blogging, Science

12 years ago, Craig McClain wrote what is probably now the most widely read and discussed blog post in the entire ocean blogging community: How presidential elections are impacted by a 100 million year old coastline. A decade later, people are still talking about it. Watch Dr. McClain discuss this 100-million-year-old coastline on PBS Human … Read More “Dr. Craig McClain on How An Ancient Ocean Shaped US History” »

Oceanography’s Diversity Deficit

Posted on By Kersey Sturdivant
Academic life, Education, Featured, Popular Culture, Science

Centuries of exclusion have resulted in a tangible human diversity deficit, where the diversity of oceanographers does not represent the global diversity of people impacted by ocean processes. Let’s explore the history of ocean science to understand how it ties into and influences the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in modern day oceanography. … Read More “Oceanography’s Diversity Deficit” »