Category: Science

Scientia Pro Publica #30

Posted on By David Shiffman 5 Comments on Scientia Pro Publica #30
Science

I am proud to host the latest edition of Scientia Pro Publica, a blog carnival that celebrates that best science, medicine, and nature writing aimed at the general public. Biology/Evolution/Conservation Melissa from Out Walking the Dog invites you to celebrate Bird Neck Appreciation Day. Learn how and why bird necks are so flexible and diverse. … Read More “Scientia Pro Publica #30” »

Monday Morning Blogaerobics – some advice for your first trip to sea

Posted on By Andrew Thaler 3 Comments on Monday Morning Blogaerobics – some advice for your first trip to sea
Science

Next week our own Bluegrass Blue Crab will be embarking on her first research cruise – out to the Sargasso Sea. Over the years I’ve compiled a list of advice that I send out to my colleagues for their first voyage. So here is some advice for your first trip to sea. Everyone gets seasick. … Read More “Monday Morning Blogaerobics – some advice for your first trip to sea” »

The Menhaden of History

Posted on By Andrew Thaler 8 Comments on The Menhaden of History
Conservation, Science

ResearchBlogging.orgMenhaden were the most important fisheries throughout American history. When the first settlers learn to farm corn, it was with menhaden that they fertilized the seeds. When the whaling industry reached its height, it was outweighed by menhaden oil. Menhaden ruled the ocean from the middle of the food chain, they were the dominant prey of most large predatory fish. They swarmed the sea in schools several miles long and millions of fish deep. Their huge biomass supported by plankton, they regulated algal blooms, mediated the transfer of primary production up the food chain, filtered the ocean.

Read More “The Menhaden of History” »

Are humans a keystone species?

Posted on By Bluegrass Blue Crab 12 Comments on Are humans a keystone species?
Conservation, Science

“Humans are just a fossil-fueled outbreak that will go away”, stated one of my professors yesterday.

In the world investigating the human dimensions of natural resource management there’s two schools of thought as to how humans fit in: a) as just another particularly troublesome species in the ecosystem or b) a special kind of species with the ability to predict and change the future.  This latter formulation hinges on humans as a species with “motivation” and “intent”, according to C.S. Holling.

Otherwise, however, humans should be able to fit into the ecological definitions and models we all learned in intro biology.  At an extreme case, it means we’re the next trilobite or dinosaur, living in our 15 minutes of fame now but soon to disappear.  In the process, we will pave the way for a new species to become dominant.

Read More “Are humans a keystone species?” »

What in the larval world is this?

Posted on By Andrew Thaler 6 Comments on What in the larval world is this?
Science

The following photo was taken near the Yadkin River in Davie, North Carolina. According to observers, there were millions of them attached to the sides of trees and undersides of leaves throughout the region. In some places they were hanging so thick they looked like tiny bats. Does anyone know what they are? ~Southern Fried … Read More “What in the larval world is this?” »

Social Science to the Rescue

Posted on By Bluegrass Blue Crab 5 Comments on Social Science to the Rescue
Science

The cultural driver of shark killing - from topnews.in

Can social science save the sharks? A recent article in Progress in Oceanography by Peter Jacques seems to think so, calling for a “social oceanography”. In other circles, this could be known as the human dimensions of a marine ecosystem or the social side of a socioecological system. Either way, the field exists already.  However, it’s small and generally not recognized outside of purely academic circles. It may be time for us to step outside of our comfort zone.

Read More “Social Science to the Rescue” »

Hawaii shark fin bill passes!

Posted on By David Shiffman 1 Comment on Hawaii shark fin bill passes!
Conservation, Science

A few weeks ago, I asked readers to voice their support for a proposed anti-shark finning bill in Hawaii. Those of you who follow me on Twitter have seen numerous updates about this important issue.  I am pleased to report that the bill passed both the House and Senate this morning, and it will soon go to the desk of the Governor of Hawaii. If signed (and everyone is pretty optimistic that it will be signed), it will be the strongest shark conservation law in North America- and one of the strongest in the world. Stefanie Brendl, President of Shark Allies and owner of Hawaii Shark Encounter worked harder than anyone on this issue, and she has agreed to answer a few questions about it for us.

Read More “Hawaii shark fin bill passes!” »