Has the efficiency of fishery management changed?
This indicator shows the proportion of Pacific Fishery Management Council actions and National Marine Fisheries Service rule-making actions dedicated to managing the groundfish fishery versus other fisheries in the West Coast region.
In the absence of a record of the amount of time the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) spend on various topics, this indicator uses actions; appointed committees, task, and work groups; in-season adjustments, and agency actions such as federal register rule notices as a proxy for time spent. The actions used to develop the metric were decisions related to development of the Shorebased IFQ Program that the Council approved, adopted, decided, recommended, or appointed. Prior to development of the Shorebased IFQ Program, Council actions related to groundfish management represented about half the actions discussed at Council meetings. The number of ad hoc working groups devoted to aspects of the catch share program increased after the 2003 control date used to decide eligibility for an IFQ program, with a peak in 2009. Following implementation of the catch share program, time spent on actions related to the program has decreased. This indicator also considers management efficiency as measured through the number of actions the Council and NMFS have taken to make in-season adjustments, which also have declined.
Baseline Years: Prior to Catch Share Program
The Pacific Fishery Management Council meets five times per year to discuss its five Fishery Management Plans (FMPs; Salmon, Pelagics, Highly Migratory Species, Pacific Halibut, and Groundfish), along with administrative and legislative topics and trending topics such as essential fish habitat, ecosystem-based management, and marine protected areas. Therefore the indicator presents as a proxy for time changes in the number of actions related to development of the Shorebased IFQ Program that the Council approved, adopted, decided, or recommended, and the number of regulatory actions published in the Federal Register taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Although certain meetings may have a focus on one FMP, during the baseline period of 2002–2010, every meeting had at least some discussion of all FMPs. Groundfish actions represented an average of more than half of the Council’s yearly decision-making through the period.
Development of a catch share program had been under discussion as early as the 1980s, but discussion resulting in actions related to groundfish management increased after the Congressional moratorium on the creation of new IFQ programs expired in 2002. A control date used to decide eligibility for an IFQ program was set in 2003 (i.e. catch history after this date could not be considered for deciding an initial allocation in the program), and the first working group, an ad hoc committee on the Shorebased IFQ Program, was named in 2004. From 2004 through 2010, the Council created a dozen ad hoc groups to work on aspects of the Shorebased IFQ Program development.
The numbers of Council, NMFS and industry participants, and subcommittees, ad hoc and ancillary groups spending time developing the catch share program as a subset of discussion on the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP peaked in 2009, when Amendment 20 was drafted (Management Framework). In the development phase, Council actions devoted to groundfish management and to developing the catch share program exceeded Council actions on all other FMPs combined.
Catch Share Program
With the implementation of Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish FMP implementing the Shorebased IFQ Program in 2011, time spent on catch share program actions decreased. The Council continued to spend time on trailing amendments, which had been planned as follow-on to FMP Amendment 20. Numerous trailing actions were implemented in 2013 and 2014, and the Council has set priorities for action on remaining issues. Now in its fourth year, groundfish decision-making takes up slightly more than 40 percent of the Council’s actions on an annual basis, and the IFQ program actions represent about 10 percent of the Council’s time. In terms of time spent by NMFS, the percent of groundfish actions as a portion of all rules pertaining to the Pacific Council, declined after implementation of the program; the percentage of in-season adjustment rules pertaining to groundfish (catch share and non-catch share) varied from 2011 through 2014.
Data Gaps and Limitations
This indicator uses a comparison of all Council action items, groundfish action items, and groundfish catch share actions as a proxy for time. Rulemaking, as recorded by notices of FMP amendments, openings, closures, and adjustments to catch limits provides the proxy for time spent by staff of the NMFS Northwest Regional Office. Fishery managers were consulted for advice on what action types to include.
Federal Register. 2002 – 2014. NOAA Rules for Pacific Groundfish FMP. Available online: https://www.federalregister.gov/
Pacific Fishery Management Council. 2002–2014. Briefing Books, Meeting Minutes, Decisions. Available online: www.pcouncil.org
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Management Efficiency (pdf) – June 2015 (updated results)
Archive of previous versions:
Management Efficiency: Management Time (pdf) – January 2015 (minor editorial revisions)
Management Efficiency: Management Actions (pdf) – September 2013 (initial release)
Updated: June 3, 2015
RESULTS BY INDICATOR


Crown Estate consults on tidal
UK seabed landlord the Crown Estate has kicked off a consultation with tidal power industry players in the run up to a possible lease award for offshore development acreage by the end of next year.
The engagement, prompted by a “growing number of enquiries” from developers of tidal range and lagoon projects, aims to more clearly establish the readiness of the sector for industrialisation.
“The opportunity that tidal range and lagoons could present for the UK has been long talked about. We now need to see if this is the time for action,” says Crown Estate head of minerals and infrastructure Ian Selby.
“We are keen to give industry the opportunity to set out their interest and how tidal range and lagoons projects could contribute to, and complement the UK’s growing portfolio of low carbon offshore wind, wave and tidal stream portfolios.”
Interested developers have until 7 February 2014 to participate.


A "No Discharge Area" is a designated body of water that prohibits the discharge of treated and untreated boat sewage. Federal law prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage from vessels within all navigable waters of the United States, which include territorial seas within three miles of shore.
New Hampshire's Freshwaters
New Hampshire is one of only 14 states that enforce "No Discharge" laws for inland waters. Boats cannot contain devices that will allow for overboard discharge of boat sewage. These devices are often called "y-valves." The DES Boat Inspection Program (Fact Sheet WD-BB-38) inspects boats with toilet facilities to ensure their compliance with the law.
New Hampshire's Coastal Waters
New Hampshire's coastal waters were recently designated as a No Discharge Area. Boats with Type I and Type II marine sanitation devices may discharge treated effluent in coastal waters UNLESS they are in a "No Discharge Area." While boating in a No Discharge Area, these marine sanitation devices must be secured to ensure overboard discharge is not occurring. This can be achieved by preventing access to the head (i.e., locking the door) or otherwise disabling the system. All Type III marine sanitation devices must discharge wastes through an approved on-shore pumpout station.
Boaters in this area will be educated about the dangers of discharging boat sewage in our sensitive coastal waters. For more information, read the sections Let's Keep Sewage out of NH Waters and Frequently Asked Questions.
The availability of sewage pumpout stations, the importance of the waterbody for human health and recreation, and the desire for more stringent protection of a particular aquatic ecosystem are important considerations in the designation of No Discharge Areas for vessel sewage.
For more information about No Discharge Areas, visit the EPA New England Web site.
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The Southern Marion Platform (Marion Plateau, offshore NE Australia) is a drowned, isolated carbonate platform of Neogene age that was drilled during ODP Leg 194 in January - March 2001. Initial results from the Leg suggested that temperate-water carbonate production was terminated by a phase of subaerial exposure during the late Miocene, and did not resume during the ensuing Pliocene transgression. New petrographic, geochemical, isotopic and biostratigraphical data obtained from samples collected during the cruise show that the Southern Marion Platform was not subaerially exposed during the late Miocene, and further remained intermittently active during the early Pliocene. At that time, its mode of functioning was probably the reverse of that of classical, Bahamian-type, isolated platforms: sediment production occurred during sea-level lowstands and was shut off during highstands.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Water Science and Technology
- Ocean Engineering


SCIENTISTS have been baffled after a mysterious whale washed up on a South Australian beach sporting extra teeth.
The rare beaked whale was found on Waitpinga beach in February stumped examiners from the South Australian Museum who discovered two mysterious teeth never before seen in the deep water species.
Local scientists launched appeals to colleagues around the world to try and unravel the mystery but have as yet come no closer to uncovering the reason for the extra small and pointy fangs in the underwater beast.
Some specialists believe the teeth could be an ‘evolutionary throwback’ or a trait that re-emerges after generations.
Dr Catherine Kemper said the finding left her searching for answers.
“As we were doing the dissection, after we’d done our measurements and photos, we started to the look at the jaws because that’s one of the distinctive parts of a beaked whale,” she told theABC.
“They were very odd. I didn’t know what it was, because these teeth were something I had never seen before.
“My mind was thinking, ‘do we have something new here.”
Beaked whales live deep down in the depths of the ocean waters and are very rarely seen alive by humans.
After they had stripped the whale’s skull clean the museum’s collection manager, David Stemmer, wrenched the tooth out and was amazed to find a larger tooth underneath the first one.
That discovery confirmed the juvenile female was not a new species but rather an unusual specimen of one already known to science.
“It was still exciting and although we now knew we had a species we know, it’s a species we don’t get very often and it’s only the third specimen we have collected here in South Australia,” he said.
The museum hopes that the carcass will help them understand more about the rare species and aid the team in conservation.
“Without that knowledge, it’s just very difficult to know what’s going on and to monitor whether they’re doing all right,” he added.


Crab fishermen struggle as season begins under strict new regulations
Measures to protect endangered whales after deadly year include making some fishing grounds off limits
Snow crab fishing began last week in northern New Brunswick, the first season under strict new regulations by Ottawa to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Eighteen whales died in Canadian and American waters last year, and at least three of those deaths were a result of entanglement in fishing gear.
- Earlier snow crab season, ship speed limits announced to protect North Atlantic right whales
- Fisheries officials investigate snow crab trap cut from dead right whale
The most drastic of the new measures has been the closing of a zone off the province's northeastern coast to fishing, a location where 90 per cent of the whales had migrated to last summer.
That area is also an area rich in snow crab.
As many boats came back from their first trip out to sea, some fishermen couldn't help but feel anxious about what the season would bring.
"We're a little disappointed with the catch," said Alain Noel, captain of the Atlantic Gale, a crab fishing boat in Shippagan.
"The quantities were mediocre."
To catch enough crab, Noel said, his crew had to be out at sea for five days.
That's because they had to go twice as far to find new fishing grounds — almost all the way to the Magdalen Islands.
"The gulf is big, but it's not just anywhere you can lay a trap. There's certain areas where crabs hang out."
The "no-fishing zone" accounted for 20 per cent of last year's crab quota, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
"That's taking away a lot of our territory," said Noel.
Plants worried too
Inside processing plants, many people are also feeling nervous.
"The workers are really concerned about the number of hours they'll be able to work out of this crab processing season," said Marc Guignard, who manages Belle Ile Fisheries Ltd., a plant that processes snow crab in Sainte-Marie-Saint-Raphael.
So far, Guignard said the landings have been less than they were last year. He's also worried fishermen will try to rush things before the whales are expected to migrate to the gulf later this spring.
"They're afraid of a closure of the crab fishery before they would have caught the totality of their quota," said Guignard. "This is putting a lot of pressure on the plants."
In a year that's made headlines for workers protesting the so-called EI "black hole" — and with things only expected to get worse next year with requirements for minimum number of hours worked going up, Guignard said he's having to look into diversifying his work for the first time.
"We're trying to find ways to be able to hire them to continue employment and do other stuff usually we haven't done in the past," he said. "We will have to take care of those employees if we want them to return next year."
For now, the latest zone closure has caused the biggest headache for New Brunswick's fishing industry.
But once whales begin migrating into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, DFO could also implement what it calls "dynamic closures" — the closing of additional areas to fishing where whales will be spotted for a duration of at least 15 days at a time.
"Oh I don't even want to think about that," said Noel. "I don't even know where we would go."
There's also the looming threat that Ottawa could cut the season short, as it did last year after whales began dying in such alarming numbers.
Many fishermen worry whether they'll be able to catch their quota at all this year.
"Everyone's worried about that … we're crossing our fingers that everything goes well," said Noel.


In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing will examine the oil spill threats, risks, and vulnerabilities posed by large non-tank vessels. Topics will include the prevalence and environmental impact of non-tank vessel spills, the adequacy and enforcement of vessel response plans, the status of Coast Guard rulemakings, the adequacy of non-tank liability limits, and the allocation of Coast Guard and other Federal resources toward oil spill prevention, preparedness, and oil spill research and development in a post-9/11 world.
Daniel K. InouyeSenatorDuring the past decade, significant progress has been made toward reducing the amount from and number of oil spills from tank vessels. Much of that success is the direct result of passage and implementation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. However, in recent years, vessel traffic has rapidly increased with our country’s growing dependency on imports and fuel. With that increase in vessel traffic, it is evident that non-tank vessel spills are a major concern today. Non-tank vessels can carry millions of gallons of oil as fuel, and the standards for non-tank vessels should be strengthened.I am aware that the Coast Guard is in the process of finalizing long awaited rulemakings in this area and I encourage them to take the steps necessary to hasten the completion of these regulations.I look forward to hearing the testimony to better address these issues from a policy perspective.
Witness Panel 1
Ms. Susan FlemingDirector of Physical Infrastructure IssuesGovernment Accountability Office
Mr. Mary GlackinDeputy Undersecretary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationU.S. Department of Commerce
Admiral Thad W. AllenCommandantUnited States Coast Guard
Witness Panel 2
Mr. Bill DeaverPresident and Chief Operating OfficerTotem Ocean Trailer Express
Dr. Dagmar EtkinPresidentEnvironmental Research Consulting
Mr. Mike CooperChairmanWashington State Oil Spill Advisory Council


Davidson Seamount: 2002 Expedition
- Andrew DeVogelaere
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Gregor Cailliet
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, California State University
- Mario Tamburri
University of Maryland
- Randall Kochevar
Monterey Bay Aquarium
- William Douros
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
End Date: May 24, 2002
The Davidson Seamount is an impressive geologic feature located 120 km southwest of Monterey, California. This inactive volcano is roughly 2,300 m tall and 40 km long, yet its summit is far below the ocean surface (1,250 m). In May 2002, a diverse group of scientists led by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary embarked on an exploration to more fully characterize the Davidson Seamount.
Using the research vessel Western Flyer and ROV Tiburon, we completed 6 full-day dives and recorded 90 hours of video from all depths of the seamount. Meanwhile, at the surface, a team counted seabirds and marine mammals. We collected 104 rock samples, 21 sediment cores, 123 biological samples, and 3 trash items. While detailed analyses are still in progress, it is clear that these assemblages of species are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance.
The number of new species is unknown, but with the samples collected and associated digital video, there is a potential to describe several. At least 4 rare fishes were observed and many invertebrates have yet to be identified. Our work is helping resource managers make a decision regarding inclusion of the Davidson Seamount into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary boundary to conserve and protect the species and habitats there.
Summary to DateWe collected 104 rock samples, 21 sediment cores, 123 biological samples, and 3 trash items. The crest of Davidson Seamount had the highest diversity of species, including large gorgonian corals and sponges. While detailed analyses are still in progress, it is clear that these assemblages of species are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance.
The number of new species is unknown, but with the samples collected and associated digital video, there is a potential to describe several. At least 4 rare fishes were observed and many invertebrates have yet to be identified.
To learn more about the Joint Management Plan Review process and Davidson Seamount protection, go to the Ecosystem Protection - Davidson Seamount website.
- Apparent species zonation patterns found along the seamount: crest, slope, base.
- Several rare and unique fish species observed. Rare sea toad (Bathychaunax coloratus) seen alive for the first time. Halosaur (Aldrovandia sp.) observation may be the first reported occurrence in the California Current.
- Species assemblages are arranged in previously undiscovered large, contiguous patches, and are susceptible to physical disturbance.
- Age & Growth
- Habitat association
- Geological characterization
Study MethodsHabitat and Species Analyses
To document habitat and species occurrence at the Davidson Seamount, digital video (Sony Digital Betacam™ format) was continuously recorded, as well as, intermittent high-quality digital camera (Nikon® Coolpix® 990) still images. During each ROV dive, video frame grabs were recorded and preliminarily annotated using MBARI’s computer video annotation program, VICKI (Video Information Capture with Knowledge Inferencing). Several video sampling methods were used to characterize the Seamount: 1) video transects; 2) video frame grabs; and 3) general observation video footage. Transect length and duration depended on dive objectives and suitable habitat for ROV operation. Video frame grabs were conducted at predetermined dive depths, and consisted of a series of six video frame grabs at depth: 1) pan left, distant; 2) pan left, close-up; 3) center, distant; 4) center, close-up; 5) pan right, distant; and 6) pan right, close-up. General observation video footage was used to explore the area, and recorded during collection of rocks, animals, and sediment cores. Transects and frame grabs will be used to quantify habitat and macrofauna.
After the cruise, preliminary frame grab annotations were edited at MBARI’s Video Lab. Species were identified to lowest possible taxa. In many instances, species names were not known and common names were assigned to animals. As a result, an Image Library has been created to identify known and unknown species. Images of unknown species will be discussed with taxonomic experts to assign species names, if available. In addition, biological tissues from select species collected during dives will aid in species identification. The Image Library will also help with species identification in the quantification analysis using video transects and still video frame grabs.
Marine Mammal and Seabird identification and quantification. Scan sampling was performed every 30 minutes for a duration of 10-15 minutes, searching behind the ship with the stern-mounted ‘bigeyes’ (25x150) and in other directions with the handheld binoculars (7x50). Prior to each scan sample, weather conditions were entered into a laptop computer that was linked to a global positioning system (GPS) to record time and position. Sighting effort was maintained throughout the duration of the expedition, regardless of sea state conditions.
Genetic sampling of sperm whales.
We attempted to obtain skin samples from a small pod of sperm whales sighted 22 May, approximately four miles from the R/V Western Flyer. A small boat was launched from the ship and approached within 30 meters of the whales before they dove beneath the surface. We were unable to relocate the whales and no skin samples were obtained.
Figures and Images
Map showing the location of the Davidson Seamount in relation to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Close-up map of the Davidson Seamount.
Stalked white ruffle sponge on the Davidson Seamount (2563 meters).
Mystery mollusk (nudibranch) above the Davidson Seamount (1498 meters).


The South West NRM Region has complex and unique marine, waterways, wetland, estuaries and coastal environments of high environment values remaining. The south west has the second most extensive beds of seagrass on the WA Coastline and; has two Ramsar-listed Wetland systems (i.e. the Vasse-Wonnerup system and Peel-Yalgorup system) which are important areas for waterbirds in south-western Australia. The south west coastal environs are also one of the State’s greatest assets in terms of its community, cultural, economic and environmental value.
Our Coastal Environments Program aims to protect and improve the biodiversity of and address the threats to the environmental values of the Peel-Yalgorup and Vasse-Wonnerup Ramsar listed wetland systems as well as priority Coastal Hotspots and the broader coastline and nearshore marine environment of the South West Region, particularly through the implementation of activities to rehabilitate ecosystem functions of those systems.
This program takes a landscape-scale approach to protecting the Vasse-Geographe and Peel-Harvey priority coastal hotspots (including the associated Ramsar listed wetland systems) and the broader coastline of the South West Region through:
Our Coastal Team aims to actively work in partnership with agencies as well as engage where possible with the south west community in projects to improve the resilience of these systems by implementing on-ground works (e.g. riparian management, invasive pest and weed control, coastal rehabilitation), changing behaviours associated with fertiliser use in the urban and agricultural context and engaging, coordinating and up-skilling the local community.


This area has steep hills running down to the water’s edge and is deep close to shore. Rocks fringe the shore-line but generally there are no outlying dangers. Apart from the head of Cannibal Cove and some parts of Anakakata Bay, there are no beaches.
NW to N winds tend to become accelerated in this area and often blow up to twenty knots stronger than the main wind speed in Cook Strait.
This increased wind force is felt up to a mile from shore and yachts will usually find better sailing conditions well off this coast in N sector winds.
The area also tends to be very gusty in strong conditions. In NW to N winds, the sea is relatively calm close to shore from Cannibal Cove to Cape Jackson.
The northern part of Anakakata Bay has several rocks out from the shore and the coast here should be given a clearance of at least 100 meters.
In strong winds there can be dangerous tiderips and overfalls close to Waihi Point. These can be worse than the seas off Cape Jackson for the same wind conditions.
Little Waikawa has reasonable shelter in winds NE flow and shelter from these winds if under 25 to 30 knots.
There are 2 private moorings in the head of little Waikawa Bay which again with permission from owners are quite good in the above wind condition


Producing oil and natural gas from ultra-deep water in the Gulf of Mexico.
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As the world’s demand for energy continues to rise, delivering a secure supply will require tapping a variety of sources. We are opening up new energy frontiers, from the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico to freezing Siberia. We are also recovering more from existing fields – where up to two-thirds of oil can be left behind.


thermohaline circulation, also called Global Ocean Conveyor or Great Ocean Conveyor Belt, the component of general oceanic circulation controlled by horizontal differences in temperature and salinity. It continually replaces seawater at depth with water from the surface and slowly replaces surface water elsewhere with water rising from deeper depths. Although this process is relatively slow, tremendous volumes of water are moved, which transport heat, nutrients, solids, and other materials vast distances. Thermohaline circulation also drives warmer surface waters poleward from the subtropics, which moderates the climate of Iceland and other coastal areas of Europe.
The general circulation of the oceans consists primarily of wind-driven ocean currents. These, however, are superimposed on the much more sluggish circulation driven by horizontal differences in temperature and salinity—namely, thermohaline circulation. Wind-driven circulation, which is strongest in the surface layer of the ocean, is the more vigorous of the two and is configured as large gyres that dominate an ocean region. In contrast, thermohaline circulation is much slower, with a typical speed of 1 centimetre (0.4 inch) per second, but this flow extends to the seafloor and forms circulation patterns that envelop the global ocean.
In some areas of the ocean, generally during the winter season, cooling or net evaporation causes surface water to become dense enough to sink. Convection penetrates to a level where the density of the sinking water matches that of the surrounding water. It then spreads slowly into the rest of the ocean. Other water must replace the surface water that sinks. This sets up the thermohaline circulation. The basic thermohaline circulation is one of sinking of cold water in the polar regions, chiefly in the northern North Atlantic and near Antarctica. These dense water masses spread into the full extent of the ocean and gradually upwell to feed a slow return flow to the sinking regions. The theory for the thermohaline circulation pattern was first proposed by Henry Stommel and Arnold Arons in 1960.
Some scientists believe that global warming could shut down this ocean current system by creating an influx of freshwater from melting ice sheets and glaciers into the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean. Since freshwater is less dense than saline water, a significant intrusion of freshwater would lower the density of the surface waters and thus inhibit the sinking motion that drives large-scale thermohaline circulation. It has also been speculated that, as a consequence of large-scale surface warming, such changes could even trigger colder conditions in regions surrounding the North Atlantic. Experiments with modern climate models suggest that such an event would be unlikely. Instead, a moderate weakening of the thermohaline circulation might occur that would lead to a dampening of surface warming—rather than actual cooling—in the higher latitudes of the North Atlantic Ocean. See alsoocean current.


HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Kids are helping make reef balls to become homes for the marine life off of Hernando County's coast.
It begins with a reef ball mold, cement, and people willing to get a little messy.
"I think it's good to help out the environment," camp-goer Nolan Shilcote said.
Kids from the Hernando County Outdoor Adventure camp are working hard to help out the fish in the Gulf.
"They learn a little about how concrete works, how it sets up and that you have to pack it," said Keith Kolasa, Hernando County Marine and Waterways Manager.
Within the next year, the reef balls being made this week will be dropped out into the Gulf and become home to fish — just like other ones were last year.
"When sharks come to get them, or any other dangerous animal they can hide here so they don’t get eaten," said Shilcote.
"They actually start learning about what structures are needed to have better fish productivity and what sort of marine life lives in the reef balls," said Kolasa.


My four-year-old nephew Max has a bike but doesn't ride it yet the bugger. Prefers his micro scooter (which is freakin difficult to ride peops! There's a tree on St Mary's Avenue with a mould of my face in it ... )But I love Max anyway. You know why? Because when he's at nursery he writes stories like this:
Sea Creature Story by Max
There was a big whale on land and the flies came to eat him and he started to smell. When anyone went to the beach they went back home because they didn't like the smell.
The octopus was in the water and a big wave came. A wave took him out of the water. The whale and the octopus both smelled. All the other creatures were in the water. A dolphin was stung by a Portugese man of war jellyfish.
The shark ate the eel and then all the other sea creatures died and there was only a baby whale left.
Now I may be wrong but with that kind of killer instinct and total disregard for life, we are looking at the next Tour winner.


The Mission Begins
June 26, 2002
Monitor National Marine Sanctuar
Monitor Expedition 2002 officially began on June 7 when, after several weeks of preparations and equipment loading, the derrick barge Wotan departed the Manson Gulf facility in Houma, LA, bound for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). Aboard the Wotan were the Navy saturation divers and other key personnel, including Captain Christopher Murray, who is the program manager for the Naval Sea Systems Command, and Jeff Johnston, who is the program specialist for the Monitor NMS.
During the estimated ten-day tow to the sanctuary, Navy divers were busy preparing and training for the saturation dives that will allow them to spend up to five hours on the Monitor site for each dive. Jeff also took time to brief divers on the history of the Monitor and on its construction. Off the coast of Florida, Commander Bobbie Scholley, who is the on-scene commander for the expedition, joined the barge. As the barge entered the Gulf Stream heading north, the team held numerous planning sessions to break down the goals and objectives into individual work tasks. heading north, the team held numerous planning sessions to break down the goals and objectives into individual work tasks.
On June 17, the Wotan stopped in calm waters off Morehead City, N.C., where the Manson crew began rigging the mooring anchors. During that operation, however, the steel shaft on the swing motor for the 500-ton crane unexpectedly sheared. Because the crane is essential to mooring and lifting operations, the Wotan had to proceed directly past the Monitor site and on to Norfolk, VA. Here, repairs were made quickly, and the remaining Navy and NOAA teams embarked.
On June 24, the expedition began in earnest on two fronts: the Wotan departed Norfolk with all repairs completed and all team members aboard, and submersible dives were conducted in the sanctuary. The barge reached Cape Hatteras at 3:15 am on June 26. Despite the early hour and total darkness, the crew began deploying the eight 20,000-pound anchors that will hold the barge in position over the Monitor for the duration of the mission.
At 7:05 am, all anchors of the Wotan were set, and at 9:27 am, the first dive of the expedition took place. The divers reported nearly 100 feet of visibility and almost no current. Now the team is working to clear debris from the deck above the turret while keeping an eye on the weather, which is predicted to turn bad tonight.
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Shark In A Bottle. *no baby sharks were harmed in the making of this product. Atlantic ocean type of shark:
Atlantic ocean type of shark: In shark tank episode 516, the young entrepreneurs special, carter kostler pitches the define bottle, a water bottle that uses fresh fruit to infuse taste into drinking water. This makes a great gift for any ocean fanatic or shark lover!
Real Dog Shark In A Bottle!
Ad by texasbeachcombing ad from shop texasbeachcombing. The company has been highly successful since its appearance on shark tank, with revenues surpassing $17 million. Share your thoughts, experiences, and stories behind the art.
Preserved In A Mixture Of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol And Distilled Water Dyed Blue For A Captivating “Oceanic” Aesthetic, It Makes A Nifty Piece Of Educational Decor.
This shark sensory bottle creates the imagery of the ocean with a shark swimming around. Shark in a bottle : The shark in a jar is one of our most popular items with kids!
Edna Haplotyping Can Identify The Genetic Signatures Of Individual Animals In A Single Bottle Of Ocean Water.
Adam and matt approach shark tank with a $1 million offer for 5% of their company, assuming a $20 million valuation. Simply shake the bottle and watch the glitter. Directed by mark anthony little.
5 Out Of 5 Stars.
Eli and jen crane, the owners of bottle breacher, went on shark tank in november 2014 and struck a deal with legendary sharks kevin o’leary and mark cuban. Galveston texas found shark teeth & seaglass filled soy wax beach comb in a jar candle texas beach combing fossil surprise candle. Video tutorial and free printable shark parts included, plus science learning!
You Can Even Use It As A Night Light Or Piggy Bank.
With danny nucci, hiep thi le, ben gazzara, tom lister jr. The bottles do not shatter! My shark waterbottle is cool.


|Scientific Name:||Epinephelus tukula Morgans, 1959|
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (non Forsskal, 1775)
Epinephelus tukula Morgans, 1959
Serranus dispara Playfair, 1867
Serranus fuscoguttatus (non Forsskal, 1775)
|Red List Category & Criteria:||Least Concern ver 3.1|
|Assessor(s):||Fennessy, S., Pollard, D. & Myers, R.|
|Reviewer(s):||Sadovy, Y. & Moss, K. (Grouper and Wrasse Red List Authority)|
Epinephelus tukula is listed as Least Concern. Although Potato Grouper are widespread in distribution, the distribution is patchy and localized and generally uncommon except in marine protected areas. There are no fisheries data on the species. This species is easily speared or caught on hook and line, and forms small aggregations for spawning and/or other purposes which increases its vulnerability to capture. Juveniles are vulnerable to artisinal fishing. A valued species in Eastern markets, hence the development of techniques to culture it, which could relieve the pressure on wild stocks. More information is needed on its biology and the impacts of fisheries to its populations. The species warrants close scrutiny and should be re-evaluated as more information becomes available.
|Range Description:||Epinephelus tukula is a widely distributed Indo-Pacific species. It can be found in the Red Sea, Pakistan, southern Oman, Somalia (Myers distributional database 2006, Mann and Fielding 2000), Socotra (Yemen), Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), some western Indian Ocean islands (Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion (last two: Myers distributional database 2006)), west coast of India (Sluka and Lazarus unpub.), Sri Lanka, Indonesia (Flores and Bali -Nusa Penida, Solomon Islands, excluding Irian-Jaya (Myers distributional database 2006), the northwest Australian shelf, Great Barrier Reef, Christmas Island, Coral Sea, Osprey Reef, Papua New Guinea (Myers distributional database 2006), Taiwan, southern Japan, Paracel Islands, Pratas Reef, and the East African coast from the Red Sea south to Aliwal Shoal 30°S (South Africa) (Heemstra and Heemstra 2004).|
Native:Australia; China; Christmas Island; Comoros; Djibouti; Egypt; Eritrea; India; Indonesia; Israel; Japan; Jordan; Kenya; Madagascar; Mauritius; Mayotte; Mozambique; Oman; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Réunion; Saudi Arabia; Seychelles; Somalia; South Africa; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Taiwan, Province of China; Tanzania, United Republic of; Yemen
|FAO Marine Fishing Areas:|
Indian Ocean – western; Indian Ocean – eastern; Pacific – northwest; Pacific – western central
|Range Map:||Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.|
Epinephelus tukula is not a common species where fishing is known to occur, but may be more common in unfished areas. The species is patchy over its range and highly localized. Very rare in Japan (Dr. A. Ebisawa, Okinawa Prefectural Fisheries and Ocean Research Center pers. comm.).
Potato grouper are classified as rare (based on density estimates) on the GBR (Pears 2005). Chater et al. (1993) recorded it as common during informal diving and angling surveys (8 to 45 m) on coral reefs in the St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves (northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) from 1987 to 1990. The St Lucia reserve, which is well-policed to prevent demersal fishing, had been in existence since 1979 at that point. In a more formal survey, in shallow (9 to 13 m) UVC surveys in these reserves between 1987 and 1992, Chater et al. (1995) recorded densities of this species which were higher than any other serranid. Attraction to divers cannot be ruled out however. On the west coast of India, this species was recorded at six of nine shallow water (2 to 28 m) sites surveyed in shallow water (2 to 28 m), but at a low relative abundance compared to other groupers (Sluka and Lazarus unpub.). Few seen in northern Somalia while diving on shallow (2 to 14 m) non-coral reefs in northern Somalia (Mann and Fielding 2000).
Juveniles are relatively common (20% of all grouper caught from the shore by researchers, n=108 of 546 groupers) from the shore in the St Lucia/Maputaland marine reserves in South Africa 2000 to 2005; catches were higher in sanctuary areas compared to catches in areas which had been open to fishing five years previously (Mann, Oceanographic Research Institute, unpub. Data). Not reported from commercial line catches from southern Mozambique in the mid-1990s after the fishery rapidly developed following 20 years of light fishing effort owing to civil war (Dengo and David 1993, van der Elst et al. 1994). Recorded in 2002 to 2004 (no numbers provided) during monitoring of commercial linefish catches in southern/central Mozambique from 2000 to 2005 (D. Gove, Mozambican Fisheries Research Institute, pers. comm.); recorded in trap catches in central Mozambique from 1997 to 1998 (n=7 individuals of 1,304 groupers; Abdula et al. 2000). Morgans (1964) recorded only one individual in 689 groupers in catches on the North Kenya Banks, at a time when the reef had not been exploited. Nzioka (1977) recorded catching five specimens from 1974 to 1977 as part of a survey of reefs between Mafia Island (Tanzania) and the North Kenya Banks which caught 130 other serranid fishes. Also reported in catches from Reunion (D. Miossec, pers. comm. IFREMER) but lumped with several other species.
Localised small aggregations of large fish reported anecdotally by recreational scuba divers in numerous locations, particularly in areas where fishing effort is low e.g. northern KwaZulu-Natal MPAs, southern Mozambique – “Bass City” (Pereira 2003), Bassas d’India Mozambique channel (Oceanographic Research Institute, unpub. Data, Aldabra (Grandcourt 2005). Such aggregations may be for spawning as recorded by Robinson et al. (2004).
|Current Population Trend:||Unknown|
|Habitat and Ecology:||General|
Epinephelus tukula is a reef-associated species mainly found in deep reef channels and seamounts, in current prone areas. Juveniles may be found in tide pools. Considered to be exceedingly territorial and very aggressive towards intruders. Vulnerable to spear fishers. Hand fed by divers in certain areas, but potentially dangerous to the inexperienced. Prefers coral reefs, although also occurs on non-coral reefs at depths of 10 to 150 m (Heemstra and Randall 1986); museum specimens collected from 3 m depth on the GBR (Pogonoski et al. 2002), occasionally to depths of 400 m (QFS 2000, reported in Pogonoski et al. 2002). An aggressive species (van der Elst 1993), easily approached particularly on reefs which are protected from fishing.
Feeds on reef fishes, skates, crabs, and spiny lobsters.
Growth and Reproduction
Maximum size 150 cm TL, 90 kg (Heemstra and Heemstra 2004); Lieske and Myers (1994) indicate a maximum length of 200 cm (110 kg). Yeh et al. (2003) reported inducing protogynous sex change in captive specimens. Matures at about 90 cm (Morgan, 1982); 90 cm TL/16 kg (Yeh et al. 2003); Lau and Li (2000) report maturity at 99 cm TL. Length weight relationship y(kg) = 1.0-5.xTL cm 3.07. A slow-growing species: von Bertalanffy parameters k 0.13 yr-1, Linf 114.9 cm (t0 assumed to be zero), natural mortality 0.13 yr-1 (Grandcourt 2005). Ripe fish obtained in February, October and December on the central East African coast (North Kenya Banks and Mafia island; Nzioka 1977).
Epinephelus tukula is threatened by loss of habitat and overfishing.
Loss of habitat
Episodes of coral reef bleaching in the range of this species are likely to occur increasingly as SST increases (Sheppard 2003). Dynamiting of reefs, fishing with poisons and netting on reefs have resulted in loss of habitat in several countries, such as Tanzania, Indonesia and Malaysia (Spalding et al. 2001, Kunzmann 2004).
Most of the fishing effort in the region is small-scale, is largely unregulated and can generally be assumed to be increasing (e.g. Martosubroto 2005, Cunningham and Bodiguel 2006, Morgan 2006, Flewelling and Hosch 2006). Caught in the live reef fish trade (Lee and Sadovy 1998). In the Hong Kong live fish markets.
Epinephelus tukula occurs in marine protected areas within its range.
Only 225 km² of reefs are no take-areas in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique (Wells et al. 2007) and it is no clear how much compliance there is. In KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, most of the north coast which contains coral reefs is protected by a 145 km long MPA in which no demersal fishing is allowed, and is strictly enforced. It is intended that this MPA and the southern Mozambique coast from Ponta d’Ouro to Maputo will be incorporated into a Transboundary MPA, with areas zoned for protection, which will offer further protection to this species. May not be retained in South Africa (since 1992) and by recreational fishers in Mozambique (since 1999). Australia: Western Australia and Queensland: totally protected.
|Citation:||Fennessy, S., Pollard, D. & Myers, R. 2008. Epinephelus tukula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T132773A3447657.Downloaded on 22 June 2018.|
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'Shiver of sharks' closes North Coast beach
A SHIVER of sharks has closed the main beach at Evans Head this afternoon.
Surf Life Saving Far North Coast duty officer Garry Meredith said a drone operator closed the beach around 1pm.
"The drone operator saw several sharks but could not identify the species," he said.
"The beach was closed about three-quarters of an hour ago."
Mr Meredith said the beach had been cleared of swimmers and surfers.
"If anyone is ever swimming at a beach and they hear shark siren you are best getting out of the water," he said.
"Even the die-hard board-riders get out."


Our wild-caught Pacific Halibut comes from the Gulf of Alaska. With its mild, sweet taste and firm, meaty flesh, halibut holds flavor well and maintains its shape during cooking, making it perfect for roasting, grilling, sautéing, or poaching.
- The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is responsible for the sustainable harvest of Halibut populations as well as setting limits on the quantity, size, and season of fishing.
- The commission determined in 2018 that the Halibut numbers are healthy for fishing and have increased from previous years. (NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Halibut).
- Two independent certification standards guarantee responsible management of the Alaskan Halibut fishery: the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). (ASMI, Halibut)
- Our halibut is caught in Kodiak, Alaska by our trusted partners at the Seafood Producers Cooperative.
- High in minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Great source of protein and B vitamins.
- Halibut can weigh up to 500 pounds and live up to 55 years.
- These fish can be easily identified by their sideways swim and prominent eyes.
- Wild halibut enjoy their adult lives at the bottom of shallow oceans, eating sculpins, sand lance, herring, octopus, crabs, clams, and other groundfish.


Nearshore habitats in Lake Michigan vary sharply in terms of substrate, structural complexity, and thermal regime. Despite these differences, research and management of fish communities has largely considered the nearshore region of Lake Michigan as a homogenous unit. Nearshore habitat diversity can affect food web interactions as well as fish growth and recruitment. To look at abundance and growth rate differences in relation to habitat types, three distinct locations in Illinois waters of Lake Michigan were sampled bi-monthly from 2008-2012 using small-mesh gill nets. Round goby catch rates were positively related to structural complexity, with almost no fish caught at the sandy location and highest catch rates occurring at the location containing boulders and cobble. Alewife catch rates were highest at the cool northern location and lowest at the warmer southern location. Perch catch rates varied by month, with incoming pulses of age-0 fish in August being higher at the northern location, but age-1 yellow perch in the spring being more common at the southern location. Significant annual variation was found in total length at age-0 for yellow perch, which indicates that temporal patterns in biotic or abiotic conditions could be more important than spatial factors for juvenile perch growth.
|Original language||English (US)|
|State||Published - 2014|


A new species of parasitic nematode, Capillostrongyloides congiopodi n. sp. (Capillariidae), is described based on specimens collected from the gall bladder of the horsefish, Congiopodus peruvianus Cuvier and Velenciennes (Congiopodidae, Scorpaeniformes), from the Patagonian Shelf, Argentina (45–48°S; 60–64°W). Among the 9 species described so far in the genus, the new species most closely resembles C. norvegica Moravec and Karlsbakk, 2000, by the presence of its conspicuously elevated anterior vulvar lip in females; however, it is readily distinguished from it by having a larger body size, larger eggs with protruding polar plugs, the shape and length of the spicule, and mainly by the general morphology of the caudal bursa of males. In addition, the site of infection, i.e., stomach versus gall bladder. This is the first Capillostrongyloides species reported from fishes in the southern Atlantic Ocean.


|کد مقاله||سال انتشار||مقاله انگلیسی||ترجمه فارسی||تعداد کلمات|
|158633||2018||12 صفحه PDF||سفارش دهید||9581 کلمه|
Publisher : Elsevier - Science Direct (الزویر - ساینس دایرکت)
Journal : Journal of Environmental Management, Volume 212, 15 April 2018, Pages 450-461
In Europe, the quality of coastal bathing waters improved considerably in the last decades, mainly due to the more demanding legislation and the adoption of water sanitation plans. In the Nerbioi estuary (North Spain), the Wastewater Treatment Plan implemented between 1990 and 2001 resulted on an abrupt decrease in microbial concentration; thus, complying with bathing waters legislation and allowing recreational activities again in the three beaches of the estuary. However, little is known about how improvements in bathing waters influences the provision of cultural ecosystem services and human well-being. A questionnaire was used to study beach users' behaviour and perceptions and compared with environmental time-series data (microbial concentration and water transparency). Most respondents perceived an improvement in bathing waters quality and linked it to the estuarine sanitation. Nerbioi beaches are important recreational areas, mainly for local visitors, and water quality improvement was found to be a critical factor for deciding to visit these beaches. Furthermore, most visitors answered that they would not return if water conditions deteriorate. Significant differences existed between beaches, with the most inner beach presenting worse environmental conditions than the other two beaches; and matching user's perceptions. Our findings highlight that water sanitation actions are important for the recovery of degraded coastal environments and for the maintenance of ecosystem services. Also, that multidisciplinary research is necessary to better comprehend the links between environmental recovery and the provision of ecosystem services.


Have you heard the exciting news? The first biofluorescent reptile was discovered this week! A hawksbill sea turtle! Biofluorescence is a big word meaning the ability for an animal to absorb light and then produce it (show it) as a different color. In addition to the hawksbill sea turtle being the first reptile to show this amazing ability, it is also one of the first animals to emit two radiating colors. The only other animal that can do this is coral.
Speaking of other animals, this bright, glowing talent is found in many including crabs, jelly fish and fishes. The glow the animals radiate helps them survive in the ocean. Some animals use biofloourescence as bait to lure their prey or even as a defense from predators. The red and green neon lights that the sea turtle gives off could help camouflage the turtle among other fluorescent animals. Or it may help males and females find one another to mate. Then again, this discovery is so new many scientists aren’t quite sure why they have it yet.
This particular hawksbill sea turtle was spotted by a diver in the Solomon Islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Their natural range includes the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Though they commonly nest near the Gulf of Mexico and bordering coasts, a few have been reported along the coasts of North and South Carolina. This new and exciting discovery is just another reason to protect this endangered species. For more information on hawksbill sea turtles, click here.
While our hatchlings at the Aquarium are not glowing, they are growing! This week, Turtle A is 145.8 grams and 9.0 cm and Turtle B is 116.4 grams and 7.9 cm. For more information on what to do with those numbers, please check out our lesson: Hatchling to Yearling.


Herbivory is a key process structuring plant communities in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with variation in herbivory often being related to shifts between alternate states. On coral reefs, regional reductions in herbivores have underpinned shifts from coral to dominance by leathery macroalgae. These shifts appear difficult to reverse as these macroalgae are unpalatable to the majority of herbivores, and the macroalgae suppress the recruitment and growth of corals. The removal of macroalgae is, therefore, viewed as a key ecological process on coral reefs. On the Great Barrier Reef, Sargassum is a dominant macroalgal species following experimentally induced coral–macroalgal phase-shifts. We, therefore, used Sargassum assays and remote video cameras to directly quantify the species responsible for removing macroalgae across a range of coral reef habitats on Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef. Despite supporting over 50 herbivorous fish species and six macroalgal browsing species, the video footage revealed that a single species, Naso unicornis, was almost solely responsible for the removal of Sargassum biomass across all habitats. Of the 42,246 bites taken from the Sargassum across all habitats, N. unicornis accounted for 89.8% (37,982) of the total bites, and 94.6% of the total mass standardized bites. This limited redundancy, both within and across local scales, underscores the need to assess the functional roles of individual species. Management and conservation strategies may need to look beyond the preservation of species diversity and focus on the maintenance of ecological processes and the protection of key species in critical functional groups.
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We thank P. Cowman, C. Lefèvre, and S. Wismer for field assistance, and J. Hoey for assistance with video analysis. Comments by J. Hoey, S. Wismer, T. Done and two anonymous reviewers greatly improved the manuscript. We thank the staff at the Lizard Island Research Station—a facility of the Australian Museum for invaluable field support. Financial support was provided by The Ian Potter Doctoral Fellowship at Lizard Island (ASH), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Research Council (DRB).
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Cite this article
Hoey, A.S., Bellwood, D.R. Limited Functional Redundancy in a High Diversity System: Single Species Dominates Key Ecological Process on Coral Reefs. Ecosystems 12, 1316–1328 (2009) doi:10.1007/s10021-009-9291-z
- Naso unicornis
- functional redundancy
- coral reef


Fugro has already completed 10 surveys for the programme since 2006 and acquired over 140 000 km2 of data. This latest survey will collect high-resolution, high-density multibeam echosounder and sub-bottom data to produce seamless datasets for the Norwegian mapping programme. The fieldwork will run from June to late October this year.
The survey area covers approximately 2700 km2 over Spitsbergenbanken, a large bank in the Barents Sea, in water depths ranging from 30 m to 500 m. Fugro will use state-of-the-art-sensors, advanced calibration techniques and oceanographic measurement workflows designed for acquiring vital Geo-data in this challenging environment.
Nicolien Haasbroek, Project Engineer at Mareano, said: "We are pleased to award this year's contract to Fugro. Our experience of working together has always been positive and we are looking forward to this latest collaboration."
Dr Marco Filippone, Chief Hydrographer at Fugro, said: “Over the past 14 years, we have deployed our specialist multibeam echosounder equipment and applied our International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) certified hydrographers’ expertise on several surveys for the Norwegian Hydrographic Service under this programme. It’s very rewarding to deliver continuous development in line with their objectives and expectations.”
During the survey campaign, Fugro will continue its ongoing contributions to crowdsourcing initiatives such as The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 project, the global initiative to produce a high-resolution map of the world’s ocean floor by the year 2030. To date, Fugro has donated 622 000 km2 of bathymetric data to Seabed 2030, collected during transits to and from global survey areas, and aims to boost this contribution with transit data from the MAREANO programme.


main goals of the research are to examine the ability of Arctic Ocean
models to simulate variability on seasonal to interannual scales, and
to qualitatively and quantitatively understand the behaviour of
different Arctic Ocean models. AOMIP's major objective is to use a
suite of sophisticated models to simulate the Arctic Ocean circulation
for the periods 1948-2004 and 1901-2004. Forcing will use the observed
climatology and the daily atmospheric pressure and air temperature
fields. Model results will be contrasted and compared to understand
model strengths and weaknesses.
AOMIP will bring together the international modeling community for a comprehensive evaluation and validation of current Arctic Ocean models. The project will provide valuable information on improving Arctic Ocean models and will result in a better understanding of the processes that maintain the Arctic's observed variability.
O.A.Sys participates in AOMIP with the coupled ice-ocean model NAOSIM in close cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The focus of O.A.Sys work in this project is the dynamics of Atlantic Water circulation in the Arctic Ocean and the preparation of a specific 100 – year forcing dataset to run a coordinated experiment for the period 1901 – 2004.
AOMIP is supported by the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The project is an official activity of the Arctic Climate System Study / Climate and Cryosphere Numerical Experimentation Group (ACSYS/CliC NEG).


NFRDI to Hold 8th Scientific Conference
In recognition to efforts towards ensuring fisheries sustainability and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' goal of Food Fish Sufficiency, the NFRDI is set to conduct its 8th Scientific Conference (SciCon) with the theme "#Fisheries RDE: Pagkaing sapat para sa lahat."
The Conference will feature various scientific researches from the NFRDI, Academe, BFAR and other research institutions.
It will comprise of Plenary Sessions, Poster Presentation, Spotlight Presentation and Parallel Non- Competing Paper Presentation with sub-themes from the Capture Fisheries, Aquaculture Fisheries, Postharvest Fisheries and Cross-cutting themes (Climate Change, Extension, etc.)
The conference is scheduled on September 5-7, 2018 in Quezon City.


The Chairs drift dive
Another wonderful drift dive with gorgeous coral reef and some interesting features to top it off.
The shallows have several Elkhorn Corals of monumental proportions. They make a diver next to it look small. The top of the drop off is in a spur and groove lay out. A great diversity of healthy hard corals make up the spurs while in the grooves you will find the tallest soft corals anywhere. Many of the Sea Whips here reach an incredible height of 15 feet!
An irregularity along the 45 degree drop off is the place to find a nice school of Tarpon in clear waters. This school of Tarpon is often joined by schooling Cubera Snappers and Horse Eye Jacks. Also Green Moray, Sting Ray and Turtles are seen here many times. Lots of small fish life as well between all the corals. But because of all the soft coral you can not see many of the fish until you are above them and able to look down in between the corals.
And just in case you were wondering. We won't see any chairs on this dive. For years I had this spot marked with some washed up parts of beach chairs. Both entry and exit are with rolling surf.


The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council's (NACC) Coastal & Marine Team will be launching their new Coastal Community Engagement Trailer and hosting a guided Beach Walk at this year's Point Moore Lighthouse Open Day.
Come down and talk to the Coastal and Marine Team about your local coastal environment and discover new and exciting displays! Grab your lunch and make sure you are there for a Guided Beach Walk at12:30pm to learn about coastal native plants and the creatures that live on the beach.
As part of last year's Goodness Festival, the Coastal team delivered a GeroSoup pitch which was very successful in raising funds for a coastal education trailer. Since then, the Department of Fisheries kindly donated a trailer to the Coastal and Marine Program. The pitch money has since been used to deck out the Coastal Community Engagement Trailer with solar power panels and equipment to assist with educational presentations and interpretive displays on traditional ecological knowledge, coastal ecology, processes and their associated management issues.
Who to contact for enquiries: Andrew Outhwaite (0466 694 702)


The Laurentian Great Lakes are a chain of five freshwater lakes running across North America. These are landlocked lakes and contain the world’s largest freshwater reserve.
Sharks are saltwater creatures. Nonetheless, certain shark species have a proclivity to migrate to freshwater ecosystems. So, do sharks live in the Great Lakes of the United States?
Thankfully, this article will attempt to answer this question in depth. In addition, we will answer some additional questions about the subject.
So, let’s get this journey started!
Are there sharks in the Great Lakes?
As we stated, the Great Lakes are landlocked and are freshwater sources. This puts a question mark on the presence of sharks in them. So let’s unfurl the truth.
It might sound weird, but there are indeed no sharks in the Great Lakes. One of the main reasons sharks do not prefer these lakes is that they fail to cope with the cold temperature. Also, there might be a lack of proper food for sharks in these lakes.
However, if one swam and ends up in one of these lakes, it might survive for a few days before heading towards the marine waterways.
What sharks live in the Great Lakes?
Sharks, by nature, are supposed to live in saltwater ecosystems. However, they simply cannot survive without the salt to process into their bodies.
Since sharks’ bodies are resistant to adaptation to freshwater, there have been no shark sightings in the Great Lakes. The only reports in this context have been of dead shark bodies being discovered on the lakeshore on occasion.
As a result, most reports of shark sightings in the Great Lakes are a hoax.
Are there any bull sharks in the Great Lakes?
Bull sharks are a remarkable shark species. These sharks can live in freshwater environments. So, is it a possible shark species for the Great Lakes?
Although bull sharks have a physiological structure that allows them to live in freshwater, no sightings of them have been reported in the Great Lakes. This is because Lake Michigan and Superior are the deepest and coldest of all the lakes, making it extremely difficult for bull sharks to survive.
It is important to note that bull sharks can be found in freshwater sources such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and Central American lakes. Because of the warmer water in these areas, bull sharks can migrate here in search of food.
Are there any great white sharks in the Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes have distinct geography and climate patterns. But does it benefit great white sharks to live here? Let’s go exploring.
Great white sharks cannot live in freshwater. Furthermore, the Great Lakes are too cold for great white sharks to survive. As a result, there are no records of these sharks being found in these bodies of water.
The Great Lakes are surrounded by land. So the possibility of sharks migrating into these bodies of water is ruled out. However, even if great whites end up in any of these lakes during the summer, they will not be able to survive the freezing months.
Could a bull shark get into the Great Lakes?
One of the primary requirements for shark migration to the Great Lakes is connectivity to the ocean. Is it possible that bull sharks will migrate to these bodies of water?
Although the Saint Lawrence River links the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, bull sharks cannot migrate there. In addition, bull sharks avoid these bodies of water due to their cold temperatures.
There are also several barriers that these massive fish would have to overcome in order to reach these lakes. As a result, wired barriers, dams, and other barriers would prevent bull sharks from migrating into the Great Lakes.
Why do the majority of sharks fail to survive in freshwater sources?
Sharks are among the most feared and infamous predators. They do, however, have a flaw: most of them cannot survive in freshwater. But why is this the case?
Freshwater reduces shark buoyancy, which causes them to sink. To elaborate, sharks lack the air bladder, which helps fish survive in freshwater. As a result, it’s only natural that these apex predators aren’t adapted to living in freshwater.
Still, sharks such as bull sharks use their liver fats to create buoyancy and can thus survive in murky and freshwater environments. These are, however, not their permanent residences, but they migrate there in search of prey.
Are there whales in the Great Lakes?
Whales are the world’s largest marine mammals. Whales, like marine water, can thrive for some time in brackish and freshwater, and they frequently migrate there in search of food.
The Great Lakes are devoid of whales. Although there have been reports of whale sightings in Lakes Superior and Michigan, most of them have been pranks or hoaxes.
As a result, whale enthusiasts hoping to see breaching water whales should avoid North America’s Great Lakes. Also, social media pages like the Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station should not be taken seriously because they result from pranks, hoaxes, and miscalculations.
Are there freshwater whales?
The largest members of the cetacean family, whales are versatile. They are, in essence, marine mammals. However, do they have the ability to live in freshwater as well?
Pure freshwater whales do not exist. This is because these mammals lack the physiological structure that would allow them to thrive in freshwater.
Here are some possible reasons why there are no whales in freshwater environments.
- Whales and their prey have adapted to life in saltwater.
- Freshwater sources are shallower than saltwater sources.
- The mineral content of saltwater aids healing.
- The majority of the whales’ food comes from saltwater sources.
- The buoyancy of saltwater is greater.
- Whales have the most space to survive in saltwater bodies.
- Marine waters are cleaner than freshwater ways.
Are there baleen whales in the Great Lakes?
Baleen whales are larger whales and have baleen plates instead of teeth. As a result, they need deeper and wider space to stretch out. So, are there any baleen whales in the Great Lakes?
Baleen whales have never been recorded in the Great Lakes. Since whales are not freshwater mammals, we cannot expect them to make these lakes, despite being deep, their homes.
Are there killer whales in the Great Lakes?
The Great Lakes are devoid of killer whales. Furthermore, no sightings of orcas have been recorded in the lakes’ prevailing geography.
While there are some freshwater dolphin species, killer whales have rarely been seen in freshwater environments. However, there have been reports of killer whales spotted in freshwater rivers such as the Thames, Rhine, and Elbe. This is because they can travel to freshwater sources searching for prey, but they cannot live there.
Are there beluga whales in the Great Lakes?
Beluga whales are the most strange-looking white-toothed whales. They are primarily found in the cold water of the Arctic regions.
Cold waters are a favorite of beluga whales, yet they do not live in the Great Lakes that receive freezing temperatures in colder months.
However, a population of beluga whales has been found to make the St. Lawrence estuary (Canada) their home. They are currently declared endangered, as their population has been on the decreasing side since the 2000s.
To summarize, sharks and whales were not designed to thrive in freshwater. Some of their species can survive in less salty and freshwater environments, but they do not make them their home. If you want to see some toothed grins and massive marine creatures, go to an aquarium or take a marine tour rather than visiting the Great Lakes of the United States.


The U.S. Coast Guard is removing one container at a time in an effort to free a cargo ship that has been stuck in Chesapeake Bay for more than four weeks. NewsNation got an up-close look at the efforts to free the cargo ship EVER FORWARD
The Coast Guard said 43 containers were removed from the ship over the weekend with nearly 500 yet to go; the overall effort is expected to take weeks. The massive cargo ship, which is operated by Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine Corp,, was headed from the Port of Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia when it ran aground in about 18 feet of water March 13.
xSalvage experts determined they wouldn’t be able to overcome the ground force of the more than 1,000-foot ship, loaded with nearly 5,000 containers, the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland Department of the Environment and Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine Corp., the ship’s operator, said in a news release. Unloading the ship offers the best chance to refloat it, officials said.The Coast Guard is utilizing two large crane barges that are tall enough to remove the stacked containers. The containers are then transported to Baltimore’s Seagirt Marine Terminal, officials said. Once that job is complete, tugboats and pull barges will again attempt to refloat the ship. The shipping channel will remain open to one-way traffic during the operation.
It’s unclear what caused the ship to run aground, although reports suggest the crew made a wrong turn just outside of a channel that would have allowed it to continue on. Evergreen Marine Corp. has invoked a principle of maritime law known as “General Average,” which means the owners of the containers onboard the Ever Forward will have to share in the cost of the undertaking. It’s the second time in recent memory that an Evergreen-operated cargo ship has been stuck in a tough spot. Last year, the Ever Given blocked the entire Suez Canal, disrupting the global supply chain for days. But unlike the Ever Given, the vessel in the Chesapeake Bay is not blocking vital trade routes..
Source : NewsNation


photo credit: NEOM
In its vision of the post-carbon economy, Saudi Arabia creates the NEOM site. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, the city is thought of as the ocean city of the future. Ecological, connected, open, NEOM is a new blueprint for sustainable life on a scale never seen before.
The Think Tank Nicolas Baudin is preparing a series of studies for the NEOM project as part of the Focus of our achievements as described in the presentation of our focus, in particular on tourism, transport, aquaculture, coral reefs, water and waste management in yachting.


Synonyms for Oncorhynchus-kisutch
A salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) with silvery sides and a dark back, native to northern Pacific waters and introduced into the Great Lakes.
small salmon of northern Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes
Coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch
Find another word for oncorhynchus-kisutch. In this page you can discover 5 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for oncorhynchus-kisutch, like: coho, cohoe, coho-salmon, blue jack and silver-salmon.


Come join us for a series of short talks from researchers in LISCO to find out what your colleagues do!
Our theme for today will be “changing shores” considering: shoreline management, the biogeochemistry of saltmarshes, seabird adaptation and monitoring of physical processes.
We’ll kick off with an external speaker from the Environment agency (EA), whose interests are aligned with the LISCO Coastal Resilience Theme. Lee Swift is the EA’s Coastal research and Development Officer. He’ll be talking about “The EA/Defra Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Joint Research & Development Programme: A coastal update”.
Lee will be followed by a speaker from each of the three higher education and research institutions specialising in coastal and marine research that form LISCO.
Kostas Kiriakoulakis is from the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University. His expertise are in biogeochemistry specializing in the origin, transformations and fate of organic matter in natural systems. He will present on “Carbon and microplastics in saltmarshes”.
Simon Williams is from the Sea Level and Ocean Climate group at the National Oceanography Centre. His research is in the development of new monitoring techniques and data analysis to observe elevation change of both land and water. He will present on “Ground Based GNSS Measurements of Sea Level or Measuring tides without getting your feet wet”.
Jonathan Green is from the School of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences at the University of Liverpool. His interests lie at the interface of the traditional disciplines of ecology, physiology and behaviour, but focuses on seabirds, as these animals adapt to contrasting environments. He will present on “Seabird ecology: linking coasts and oceans”.
Each talk will last 10 mins with 5 mins for Q&A before we adjourn to the Cath Allen for tea, biscuits and further discussion. We hope you use this opportunity to find out more about the research interests of LISCO members and take the opportunity to build new collaborations.


3 for $ 5.49 | 6 for $ 4.99
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Emerald Crabs are an Atlantic crab that is great at eating Bubble Algae and Hair algae. They grow to about 2" in size. They for the most part are reef safe, but have been reported to sometimes eat coralline algae, so keep a close watch on them. They are great cleaners though, recommend 1 Emerald per 25-50 gallons of tank.


Red Sea diving is an awe inspiring experience. Rich with coral, laden with fascinating wrecks, populated by an incredibly diverse fish population including the ‘big boys’ of the sea, manta rays and sharks as well as being surrounded by towering red mountains and vast expanses of arid desert, the Red Sea offers impressive adventure. Complementing the experience of scuba diving vacations Red Sea are other unique sites.
Diving in Egypt has its benefits. As interesting as it is unique, the Red Sea is a cul-de-sac, which results in an unusual marine life with color bursting from some of the most beautiful and delicate reefs in the world. Fabulous soft corals draped over exquisite hard coral formations, shrouded in swirling schools of glassfish is a typical visual scenario of what Red Sea scuba diving has to offer, with gullies and swim-throughs adding a sense of adventure and mystery.
Fan corals, their edges an ideal perch for feather stars, sway in the current, while lionfish lurk in every nook and cranny, waiting for a tasty morsel to drift past. Sheers walls, such as those found at Ras Mohammed and Sanganeb, plunge into the abyss. Here you can also find patrolling sharks, schools of snapper, barracuda, jacks and other open water species. Scuba diving Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favorite spot for scuba divers from around the world because of its stunning underwater scenery.
Made popular by Jacques Cousteau in the 1960’s, Egypt diving and the Red Sea is still considered top notch as a travel destination with dives sites for every interest. From the unspoiled Sinai Peninsula in Egypt in the north to St. John’s pristine reefs just north of the Sudanese border in the south, the Red Sea shimmers as an example of dedicated environmental conservation. The success of the region’s sea life is largely thanks to conservation efforts implemented in the early 1990’s.
The south is home to fabulous marine parks, most only accessible by Red Sea liveaboards. Amid the pinnacles and steep walls there are ample scuba diving opportunities for pelagic encounters including schooling hammerheads, mantas, oceanic white tips, thresher sharks and other ‘wish-list’ sharks.
South of the port of Marsa Alam, the southernmost town of any size on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, is Fury Shoal, part of which is famous for its coral pinnacles and swim-throughs with some healthy, large and colorful coral heads. The northern Red Sea offers many impressive wrecks such as the world famous Thistlegorm and Umbria, considered one of the world’s finest wrecks as it acts as a frame for stunning walls colored with soft corals, gorgonians and swarms of reef fish. Other sites offer schools of tuna, barracuda and other pelagics. Sharks are not uncommon to frequent the area as well.
Diving Egypt and experiencing the grandeur of liveaboards on the Red Sea is an experience every scuba diver should indulge in. To get started, simply check out our scuba diving vacations Red Sea selection. Let us help you create an entertaining and safe scuba adventure to the Red Sea.


Blog Tags: SB 1138
In a move that will help to turn the tide on seafood fraud, the California legislature passed a bill (SB 1138) late last Friday evening that will help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions for their health and for the health of our oceans. The Senate passed the bill in a vote of 25-10, directly following passage off the Assembly floor in a vote of 57-15.
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The recently passed bill by the state of California on Sustainable Seafood Labelling (SSL) will provide consumers an opportunity to identify where the seafood is sourced and how it is produced. Under the new law, the state's Ocean Protection Council will develop standards for what constitutes sustainable fishing practices and initiate labelling for seafood that meets these standards.
The bill was authored by state Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, and was drafted in consultation with the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) as well as the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations (PCFFA). The new labelling bill is expected to promote the purchase and consumption of certified California sustainable seafood.
MBA is a unique oceanographic research centre which gives information on seafood sourcing through its popular ‘Seafood Watch’ programme. It gives details about which seafood is fished responsibly, which companies’ catch methods harm the environment and which fish farms operate under questionable standards. Likewise, the PCFFA is the largest and most politically active trade association of commercial fishermen on the west coast of the US.
Monning brought to the notice that a number of species that were absolutely in danger because they had been overfished. He said labelling would give consumers a choice whether they should opt for a product which was produced in an environment-friendly manner or not. He also said that the labelling would be a good marketing point, and those interested would be offered a marketing assistance programme and a competitive grant and loan programme under the new bill.
The SSL should meet or exceed the guidelines of the sustainability standards for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. However, the participation in the labelling programme is not mandatory. Experts believe the Californian labelling programme will have far-reaching implications on the seafood sourcing and production across the globe in the near future.
By Jose Roy
sustainable seafood labelling to provide details on origin


Waikiki on The Island of Oahu in Hawaii is a great place to go to do self directed scuba diving. Hawaii has so many different types of scuba diving and Waikiki has almost every type within 1 hour. You have wreck dives off Diamond Head, Shore Dives at Electric beach, Portlock with its large drop in. Lava tubes up at Sharks Cove, and tons of fish at Hanama Bay, including some pelages, and if you have your own scuba diving equipment it can be quite inexpensive. Even if you rent gear You can shore dive allot of different spots near Waikiki like Hanama Bay which basically is a giant aquarium filled with all sorts of beautiful fish. They have a tram that takes you down and back up. There is a lot of gear lugging to do this dive, but worth it, as it is one of the best dives in Hawaii. Electric Beach up at the power plant on the west side towards Makaha, has Giant turtles which can be found under the ledges hiding from the sharks, that you will most likely never see.


Most climate models simulate sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that are consistently 1–4 °C warmer than observed in eastern tropical Atlantic. These biases undermine seasonal prediction efforts and the credibility of climate change projections in this region. To understand what drives the seasonal cycle in upper ocean temperature near the eastern boundary of the tropical Atlantic, we use a 5‐year moored buoy data set from the Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Atlantic at 6°S, 8°E. The buoy is located along the southeastern edge of the Atlantic cold tongue where the seasonal cycle in SST, which is maximum in March and minimum in August, is influenced by the meridional movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and formation of low‐level marine stratocumulus clouds. Associated with these seasonal changes in atmospheric conditions, surface heat fluxes on seasonal timescales are most strongly controlled by shortwave radiation and latent heat flux. The seasonal mixed layer shoals, warms, and freshens in the boreal spring coincident with a southward migration of the ITCZ. The shallow mixed layer amplifies heating from solar radiation on mixed layer temperature at this time. Conversely, during the boreal summer, upwelling leads to entrainment of cold and salty water into the surface layer. From this analysis, we discuss the relative importance of the different components of the seasonal mixed layer heat balance at 6°S, 8°E and how they can be used to better understand the sources of climate model SST biases.


In Madagascar, public authorities, fishers, and civil society organisations are working towards improving fisheries transparency and governance. Together, they want to ensure sustainable and fair management of stocks, and enhance the value of a sector that represents between five and...
Our partner network in Indonesia are speaking with coastal communities whose livelihoods have been impacted by COVID-19
Jamen Mussa, Blue Ventures’ new Fisheries Officer in Mozambique, joined our partner Oikos to support a training session on governance and conflict management in Ilha de Moçambique
With our partners, we are mobilising around the world to help support locally led conservation efforts against the current crisis, safeguarding food security and livelihoods for coastal communities in this turbulent time.
For three years, Blue Ventures has been working with stakeholders and communities in Tsimipaika Bay, northwest Madagascar, to develop an innovative, integrated and consensual Fisheries Management Plan.
The first community-led temporary octopus fishery closure in Wakatobi was reopened on 2 September with much ceremony and celebration.
Two fishing communities in the Barren Isles archipelago of western Madagascar recently closed part of their octopus fishing grounds for two months. Was the wait worth it? Caroline Holo tells the full story from opening day
A community meeting in the coastal village of Bulutui in Sulawesi inspires the establishment of a catch monitoring system and a move towards sustainable fishing practices.
Sarah Freed reviews the highlights of 2017, a year of learning, partnership and preparation.
The National Coordinator of the MIHARI Network, Vatosoa Rakotondrazafy, is a pioneering voice for women’s rights in Madagascar’s male-dominated fisheries sector.
In December last year we visited our partner organisation Mwambao, which is assisting communities in Zanzibar to manage fisheries in a way that benefits the many.
The community of Ilik-namu have decided to take control of their future and begin managing their marine resources.
Madagascar volunteer Jessie Skedd shares her insight after witnessing the opening of octopus fishing grounds following a period of temporary closure.
Abigail Leadbeater and Charlie Gough from the Blue Ventures Monitoring and Evaluation team recently visited our new partners in Sulawesi to support them in their implementation of octopus fisheries monitoring