Interesting fact from a 2015 economic study, the tourism value of a shark over its lifetime in the Galapagos is US $5.4M while a dead shark brings in less an $200 USD
After years of tuna trade misconduct, the US has decided to enforce requirements on tuna products. The more strict “dolphin- safe” rules will require that tuna boats keep more paperwork and undergo training in dolphin-safe tuna fishing. Because schools of tuna tend to gather and swim with some species of dolphins, may fisherman will locate tuna by tracking dolphins. Then they will circle them with nets to get the tuna underneath. The intent of these additional requirements is to maintain high standards for the dolphin-safe label. Read more…
This week, an article was published in the scientific journal Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology that revealed some interesting fish behaviors. The scientists found that for some fish it makes more sense to swim with those that share their taste in food than with members of their own species. It is possible that chemical cues, including amino acids, play a role in creating familiarity and group bonds between members of different species. Previous research has shown that amino acids in the skim mucus of fish are very similar to those found in their food. Read more…
Scientists have started a project to continue exploring the Southern Ocean with a new generation of automated probes. Periodically, the probes will dive to depths of 2,000 meters to measure the temperature and salinity of the water. The US $21M Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling Project (SOCCOM) will continue this data collection with advanced probes to monitor several indicators of seawater chemistry and biological activity in the waters around Antarctica. This project will track the carbon dioxide levels in the water which will help scientists develop climate change models. Read more…
6. “Burnt Hot Dog” Sea Cucumbers
Sea cucumbers are one of the key species in the ocean ecosystem and they are particularly vulnerable to pollution and overfishing. One species of cucumber, Holothuria edulis aka “Burnt Hot Dog” sea cucumber, was recently studied to understand the critical importance of this species. According to the team of researchers at the California Academy of Sciences, there is an urgent need to increase fisheries management and protections for ecologically important sea cucumber. Dr Iria Fernandez-Silva notes that ” sea cucumbers look goofy, move slowly, and barf up their guts when startled, but these invertebrates are superstar ocean cleaners that are hugely important to marine ecosystems”. Read more…
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