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Archives Brown Bag Seminars |
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1994-1997 | 1998-1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | Upcoming Brown Bags For questions concerning this page please contact Library.Reference@noaa.gov. The NOAA Central Library has hosted over 274 lunchtime "Brown Bag" seminars since 1994. This page lists all Brown Bags given. Powerpoint presentations and live recordings of the seminars will be added when available. Most presentations are in pdf format and require the free Acrobat Reader to view, while the live recordings are in wrf format and require the free WebEx Player to view. If you are interested in presenting a Brown Bag seminar, please contact Library.Reference@noaa.gov. 1994-1997 Brown Bags
1998-1999 Brown Bags
2000 Brown Bags
2001 Brown Bags
2002 Brown Bags
2003 Brown Bags
2004 Brown Bags
2005 Brown Bags
2006 Brown Bags
Abstract:
The NWS is in the process of prototyping three Services Evolution Initiatives that will position the agency for the future and may lead to fundamental changes in the way the agency operates. Join General Johnson in this brown bag session to learn about the exciting period of discovery the agency is currently undertaking. 2007 Brown Bags
Since then over 65 governments and more than 40 international organizations have joined the activity from around the World. Back home, the US has formed a national, interagency planning and coordination committee, the "USGEO", that reports to the President's National Science and Technology Council. NOAA Administrator Conrad Lautenbacher is the US co chair of GEO. In June 2005 he named Helen Wood as the NOAA GEOSS Integration Manager. Earlier she served as Director of the Secretariat for the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations, from its formation in 2003 until September 2005. Recently she was appointed co-chair of the USGEO. Tuesday, November 27 - Pam Rubinoff, Coastal Management Extension Specialist, University of Rhode Island Sea Grant program, and Lynn Richards, Senior Policy Analyst EPA Smart Growth program, will discuss "Waterfront Smart Growth Elements".
Thursday, December 13 at 11:30 - Annual Holiday Brown Bag Seminar featuring NOAA Administrator Vice Admiral Lautenbacher and the "One NOAA Holiday Band and Chorus." Please join library staff in enjoying treats, coffee, and the holiday spirit. NOTE: To be held in SSMC#3, Conference Room #4527.
2008 Brown Bags
Thursday, February 7
Friday, February 15
Abstract: What do meteorologists, hydrologists, farmers, emergency managers, newspaper reporters, golfers and baseball players have in common? They all keep track of precipitation! Precipitation is one of the most important of all climate elements for daily life. Yet, precipitation varies tremendously from place to place and from month to month and year to year. These variations have widespread impacts. This seminar will describe a project where people of all ages, using very simple and low cost instruments, are helping scientists study storms and precipitation patterns. Volunteers provide valuable data for NOAA applications while learning directly about climate processes, impacts and research. Methods for measuring rain, hail and snow will be demonstrated, and CoCoRaHS results will be shown including precipitation patterns from recent storms. Henry Reges is the National Coordinator for CoCoRaHS at Colorado State University. He was formerly with the American Meteorological Society in Boston, MA. Nolan Doesken is the State Climatologist for Colorado and has worked for the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University since 1977. He initiated the CoCoRaHS project after an extremely localized storm in 1997 dropped over 14 inches (350 mm) of rain near his home but was not well detected by existing observing systems. Nolan Doesken has worked closely with National Weather Service headquarters on several snow measurement projects. Wednesday, March 5
Abstract: Worldwide aquaculture production is growing rapidly. The experience of Alaska wild salmon suggests that aquaculture may have significant and wide-ranging potential implications for wild fisheries. Salmon farming exposed wild salmon’s natural monopoly to competition, expanding supply and driving down prices. Wild salmon has faced both inherent as well as self-inflicted challenges in competing with farmed salmon. The economic pressures caused by competition from farmed salmon have been painful and difficult for the wild salmon industry, fishermen and communities. However, these pressures have contributed to changes which have helped make the salmon industry more economically viable. Farmed salmon has greatly expanded the market and created new market opportunities for wild salmon. Farmed salmon has benefited consumers by lowering prices, expanding supply, developing new products, and improving quality of both farmed and wild salmon. Salmon farming has had no apparent direct effects on Alaska wild salmon resources, but could have indirect effects on wild salmon resources which might be positive or negative. The experience of Alaska wild salmon suggests that anyone interested in wild fisheries should pay close attention to what is happening in aquaculture. No wild fishery market—especially for higher valued species—should be taken for granted. Tuesday, March 11Dr. Daniel R. Brooks, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Toronto and Fellow, Royal Society of Canada, will present "Emerging Infectious Diseases: Evolutionary Accidents Waiting to Happen." Sponsored by NOAA Restoration Center. Powerpoint slides Abstract: Today’s bio-diversity crisis is not just one of lost habitats and extinct species. It is also a crisis of emerging infectious diseases (EID’s), such as HIV in humans, Ebola in humans and gorillas, West Nile virus and Avian Influenza in humans and birds, chytrid fungi in amphibians, and distemper in sea lions. There is every reason to take these events seriously, because EID’s appear to have a long evolutionary history. Geographical restriction and specialized transmission mean that in most time periods, most pathogens occur in a small number of host species, often only one, but retain the ability to infect more. However, climate change alters everything. Species move out of their areas of origin and ecosystems change. Pathogens come into contact with susceptible hosts that they have never before encountered, and that never had the opportunity to evolve resistance. As a result, EID’s are not just possible; they are inevitable. Indeed, every episode of climate change has produced them. If EID’s were rare, management through crisis response might be cost-effective. But EID’s are not rare at all. Rather, they are a common outcome of geographic dispersal associated with large-scale environmental changes. We face a potential crisis, however, that stems from our fundamental ignorance about the biosphere, for it is impossible to be proactive about species of pathogens whose existence has not been documented. This makes many pathogens “evolutionary land mines” awaiting us as we relocate to novel habitats, move species around, and alter existing ecosystems. Nevertheless, most resources are still being allocated for responses to known EID’s rather than to assessing the risk of potential EID’s. Simply put, we must complete the global inventory of pathogenic species. Now. The question is whether we find them before they find us. About the Speaker: Professor Daniel R. Brooks is a parasitologist of world renown and teaches in the Department of Zoology at the University of Toronto, Ontario, CANADA. He was conferred the honor of Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2004 and has received numerous awards and honors for his research contributions from organizations and institutions of higher learning in Canada, the U.S., and other countries. He has conducted research in Canada, the U.S., Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil,, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Ecuador. In addition to his teaching and mentoring duties at U.T., he is coordinator of the Inventory of Eukaryotic Parasites of Vertebrates in the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a World Heritage Site. He studies parasites in many countries and is interested in the dynamics of emerging infectious diseases around the world. He is currently amassing a database of parasites which will contain all published phylogenetic trees for parasitic helminths (worms) of vertebrates (including DNA information), in an effort to recognize, predict, and prevent parasitic infestations in humans in the future. He views unknown parasites and pathogens as “evolutionary land mines” awaiting us as we relocate to novel habitats, move species around, and alter existing ecosystems. Thursday, March 20 from 11:30 - 1:00 Friday, March 21 at 12 noon Abstract: Initial results are reported from a study designed to provide science-based approaches for mitigating risk of sonar to beaked and other whales. The study on beaked and other whale behavioral responses to mid-frequency sonar and other sounds was conducted at the AUTEC range near Andros Island, Bahamas, where Blainvilles beaked whales (/Mesoplodon densirostris/) can regularly be detected using passive acoustic monitoring of their echolocation clicks. Tags recorded sound at the whale and behavior of the whale. Data were collected from 10 tags; 6 on Blainvilles beaked whales, 4 on pilot whales. 109 hours of data were collected from tags; 74h from beaked whales; 34h from pilot whales. Playbacks of mid-frequency sonar and killer whale sounds were performed on 1 tagged beaked whale and 2 tagged pilot whales.The tagged beaked whale responded to both sonar and killer whale sounds by premature cessation of clicking during foraging dives (RL = ~117 dB re 1 µPa for the killer whale sound, ~145 dB for the sonar), with unusually slow and long ascents. Following the two exposures, the beaked whale exhibited sustained and directed avoidance of the area for at least 10 hours. Thursday, April 10 at 11:30 am
Thursday, April 10 at 12:45 pm Wednesday, April 16 at 12 noon
Thursday, April 17 at 12 noon Abstract: The eastern Bering Sea is responding to climate change which is having a profound impact on all levels of the food chain, including commercial and protected species and humans. Changes in the presence of sea ice (timing, extent, and thickness) impacts the heat content and stratification of the water column, nutrient supplies, the timing and magnitude of the spring bloom, zooplankton biomass and species composition, and fish distributions. NOAA’s North Pacific Climate Regimes and Ecosystem Productivity program (NPCREP) is working with academic and other partners to measure and quantify these changes and synthesize the results. Our research will provide key observations and the understanding necessary to infer how future changes in climate will impact the abundance and production of ecosystem goods and services. Wednesday, April 23 at 12 noon Wednesday, April 30 at 12 noon
Abstract: The programs of the national Sea Grant network partner with other NOAA programs and offices throughout the country in many ways. In an effort to formalize and better facilitate such relationships, the "NOAA in the Carolinas" initiative was launched to promote regional partnership development, coordination, and communication among NOAA programs. Two speakers discussed "NOAA in the Carolinas" and some of its successes on April 30th at the Ralph Rayburn Beltway Brown Bag seminar, which will take place at noon in the NOAA Library, second floor of SSMC 3. Darin Figurskey, NWS MIC, Raleigh, NC will speak on Sea Grant’s role and relationship with the "NOAA in the Carolinas" effort and the initiative’s continued success, while Suzanne Van Cooten, NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) will discuss the development of the Coastal & Inland Flood Observation and Warning (CI-FLOW), which began after the massive flooding associated with Hurricane Floyd in North and South Carolina. The research staff at NSSL in Norman, Oklahoma along with a Sea Grant network outreach team began working on CI-FLOW in 2000 to create a "mountains to the sea" precipitation, flood and surge observing system to better monitor, model and ultimately forecast, in association with the NOAA NWS, inland flooding and storm surge often associated with tropical storm systems. "NOAA in the Carolinas" was conceived in 2004 by the North Carolina Sea Grant program as a way to demonstrate NOAA’s presence in the state and highlight how NOAA offices cooperate and collaborate with each other across the region. All of these relationships pre-date "One NOAA" and clearly demonstrate how programs do and must continue to work together to achieve mutual goals. Four successive annual meetings have been conducted and the effort is now formally associated with NOAA’s regional program in the southeast-- SECART. Thursday, May 1 at 12 noon
Abstract: Maine has the most extensive and diverse marine aquaculture sector of any state in the nation. Maine also has some of the strictest aquaculture environmental regulations and monitoring requirements in the world. Based on farm gate sales – worth over $80 million dollars annually – Maine has been the number one marine aquaculture state for 10 of the last 15 years. On a per acre basis, farm raised salmon, oysters, mussels, and baitfish are the most valuable agricultural crops raised in Maine. But, like any human activity, aquaculture involves risk and can have environmental impacts. The Maine Aquaculture Association and its member growers are widely recognized as pioneers in the development of innovative and sustainable farming methods designed to enhance their stewardship of Maine's marine environments. Through a 14-point set of environmental guiding principles, cooperative bay management and a comprehensive code of practice, Maine’s aquatic farmers are leading the way in a new, environmentally sustainable way to produce seafood. With good science, political will and technical expertise, achieving a balance between conservation and economic development has been possible in Maine. Speaker Bio: Sebastian Belle is the Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, the oldest state aquaculture association in the country. He has been working in commercial fishing and aquaculture for over 30 years. He has worked in 14 different countries growing over 15 species using a number of different production methods. Monday, May 12 at 12 noon
Wednesday, May 21
Tuesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 11
Thursday, June 12
Friday, June 13 at 11:00 am
Wednesday, June 25th
Unlike many other techniques, HFR is unaffected by weather conditions such as clouds, fog or precipitation. Because its signal hugs the ocean’s surface, and is conducted by it, HFR can observe the ocean at distances far beyond the line-of-sight (distances often exceed 200 km). Also, this surface-hugging mode makes the placement of HFRs more flexible, in that they can be located almost anywhere along the shoreline. By combining data from two HFRs, a two-dimensional map of surface currents can be produced, spanning thousands of square kilometers. Currently, about 100 HFRs are operating on US coastlines. Nearly all are owned by research universities working in partnership with NOAA IOOS. NOAA’s current HFR efforts are led by the IOOS Program in partnerships with NOS/CO-OPS and NWS/NDBC. This technology was developed in the 1970’s and 1980’s in a NOAA Research laboratory in Boulder, Colorado and was referred to as Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar (CODAR). After that development, a commercial company was spun off that markets the HFRs under the name CODAR Ocean Sensors SeaSondes®. More than 90 percent of the HFRs in the US are of the CODAR type. The seminar will give an HFR overview including details on the national HFR data server and management system, regional capabilities and future plans. Thursday, June 26
Wednesday, July 2
Thursday, July 17th at 12 noon
NOAA is proud to lead a national partnership of 17 federal agencies and 11 regions working together to link marine data in an easy-to-use standard format that will provide users with a composite picture of our nation's waters in an accurate and timely manner. This seminar will discuss some of the complexities of the national IOOS efforts, what NOAA and its partners are doing to integrate our ocean and coastal data, and IOOS benefits to data users, the general public, and the nation. Marine Policy Issues: First in a Series of Panel Presentations given by Knauss Sea Grant FellowsAnatomy of a Good Policy: Legislation & Community management of Marine Resources in West HawaiiPowerpoint slides (pdf) Presented by Paulo Maurin, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program: Abstract: This presentation examines Act 306, which went into effect in 1998 and established large Fish Replenishment Areas in West Hawaii. The Act was a response to increasing aquarium fish collecting activities and local community concern over exploitation of the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens). The research reexamines tropical aquarium fish collecting patterns in the area and presents key policy and management elements that implemented the West Hawaii Fisheries Council, a successful and sustained structure for the co-management of local marine resources involving fish collectors, government, university and grassroots organizations. The Proposed Oregon Coast National Marine Sanctuary: A Case Study in Marine
Management
In late 2005, Governor Ted Kulongoski proposed that the Oregon Ocean Stewardship Area should be designated a National Marine Sanctuary. He then consulted with the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC), and asked that body to determine the feasibility, extent and public support for his proposal. This presentation will examine the background, objectives and progression of the proposal as it developed since its inception. The policy process will be compared to models offered by Kingdon (1995) and Sabatier & Mazmanian (1983). Examining Effectiveness in Regional Ocean Governance Regimes
Abstract: The research examines regional ocean governance regimes including the United Nations Environment Programme’s Regional Seas Programmes and efforts underway by the Global Environment Facility, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in managing Large Marine Ecosystems and linked watersheds. The research applies international relations theory, and specifically regime theory, to expand the knowledge base regarding the formation, dynamics and effectiveness of such regimes in an effort to understand when, how and why they work, or conversely, fail. Tuesday, August 5 at 12 noon
Thursday, August 7 at 12 noon
Microbial Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Euphotic Estuarine Sediments:
A Case Study from Chesapeake Bay
Laurie McGilvray, Chief, Estuarine Reserves Division, NOS Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, provided an overview of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System and the Graduate Research Fellows Program. Thursday, August 28
Abstracts:
BACK FROM THE BEACH: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF BEACHFRONT VALUES & TAX BASE
Thursday, September 4
Using GPS collars to monitor the activity and habitat use of Canada lynx in Minnesota
The Decay of Particulate Organic Matter in the Ocean and of Bills in the U.S. Senate
Regional adaptation in feeding preference for chemically-rich seaweeds by the marine herbivore, Ampithoe longimana
Wednesday, September 10
Tuesday, September 16 at 11:00
Thursday, September 18 at 12 noon
Fine scale genetic population structure in the threatened Acropora palmata and
Acropora cervicornis in Southwest Puerto Rico
Do closed fishing areas in New England qualify as marine protected areas?
October 2 at 12 noon
Abstract: This is a one year retrospective by Jack Hayes, Director of NOAA National Weather Service. Jack will discuss accomplishments and outline some of the record-breaking weather, water, and climate events the agency has seen during the past year. He will also explore how the NWS is planning to meet the growing demands for weather, water and climate services. Jack has a wealth of domestic and international experience to draw on in this brown bag luncheon. He has held several SES positions within NOAA (NOS, OAR, and NWS), as well as domestic and international experience working for the Air Force and the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization. On October 7 at 12 noon
October 9 at 12 noon
October 23rd at 12 noon
Emily McDonald, Sea Grant Fellow, Office of Ocean Exploration & Research presented:
Luis Leandro, Sea Grant Fellow, Office of Legislative Affairs presented:
15th Annual Library Book Fair on November 5 from 10-3
November 6 at 12 noon
November 19 at 12 noon
Powerpoint slides (ppt format) Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract:Atlantic Sea Scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), valued at $385 million (ex-vessel value) in 2007, support the top revenue generating commercial fishery in the United States. Found on the seafloor in Northwest Atlantic waters ranging from Newfoundland to North Carolina, they are typically harvested using a New Bedford style scallop dredge, that is dragged along the seafloor bottom by a fishing vessel. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center has been conducting sea scallop surveys aboard the R/V Albatross IV (and more recently the R/V Sharp) with a modified New Bedford style dredge annually since the late 1970s as a means to help estimate scallop population sizes and structure and provide management advice. In recent years however, optical survey methods using cameras to photograph and analyze scallop populations have emerged as a potential alternative to the dredge survey. One such optical survey method, Habcam, short for Habitat Mapping Camera System, was developed as a collaborative project between the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the fishing industry, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Habcam, unlike a dredge is non-invasive. It is towed above the seafloor by a commercial scallop boat and can collect as many as 300,000 high resolution images per day. In 2007, calibration experiments between the NMFS dredge survey and Habcam were conducted, in which sea scallop abundances and size class distributions were measured at the same stations by both dredge and Habcam surveys. This presentation will provide an overview of the different sea scallop survey methods and 2007 calibration experiment, as well as discuss preliminary results of the 2007 calibration experiments, with an examination of how optical and dredge survey methods compare, and the potential impacts measurement errors can have on optical survey methods. Lora Clarke (Office of Science and Technology, NMFS) will present "High Connectivity in a Locally Adapted Marine Fish Species: A possible scenario?" November 20 at 12 noon
December 2 at 12 noon
Abstract:
December 4 at 12 noon
Abstract: The National Sea Grant Law Center was established in 2002 to provide legal research, education, and outreach services to the National Sea Grant College Program and its constituents. Through a quarterly newsletter, a monthly e-mail case alert, and a bi-annual scholarly journal, the Law Center helps Sea Grant extension agents, coastal managers, and the general public stay informed of developing legal issues and recent court opinions. The Law Center's groundbreaking Advisory Service provides non-biased legal research and analysis to the Sea Grant, its partner agencies, and their constituents. Through its Advisory Service, the Law Center has informed the debate over ballast water regulation in the Great Lakes and water quality trading in Chesapeake Bay. The Law Center has increased understanding of and reduced opposition to coastal projects around the country by providing easy-to-understand information on the existing permitting and liability regimes. Current projects include an education and outreach project on offshore alternative energy siting and permitting and a symposium on water quantity. This presentation will provide an overview of the Law Center, its services, and recent projects. Bio: Stephanie Showalter received a B.A. in History from Penn State University and a joint J.D./Masters of Studies in Environmental Law degree from Vermont Law School. As Director for the Sea Grant Law Center, Stephanie advises Sea Grant constituents on ocean and coastal law issues, researches and publishes papers on natural resources, marine, and environmental law issues, and supervises law student research and writing projects. Her main areas of research include invasive species, aquaculture, and coastal development. Stephanie also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mississippi School of Law offering courses such as ocean and coastal law, wetlands law and policy, and wildlife law. December 9 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
11:00-11:30: "Hunting Hurricanes -- Now and Then",
Followed by the NOAA Holiday Band and Treats and Coffee! Hurricane Ike Powerpoint slides B-29/Guam Hurricane Powerpoint slides December 10 at 12 noon
Powerpoint slides (in pdf format) Abstract:The relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and Atlantic hurricane activity has been explored in several recent scientific publications and it has been the subject of much debate. A causal relationship between /absolute/ SST and Atlantic hurricanes implies a continued and dramatic increase in hurricane activity, and implies that the recent increase is partly man-made. A causal relationship between /relative/ SST and hurricane activity implies a future similar to the past (with big variability and small trend), but the recent increase cannot be attributed to human actions. This talk will show the importance of applying our dynamical understanding of tropical cyclones, in addition to the observed record, to address this question. Bio: Gabe has been a research oceanographer at NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, N.J. since June of 2006. He was a visiting scientist at the lab from 2003 to 2006. His research interests include ocean-atmosphere coupling and climate change and variability. He earned his degrees from Rutgers University and the University of Washington and has won many awards for his work, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and a 2007 NOAA/OAR Outstanding Paper award. December 11 at 12 noon
Abstract: On February 23, 2008, three teams of students from the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) made history by becoming the first DCPS students to participate in a National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) competition. NOSB is a national academic competition for high school students in the ocean sciences. Each year thousands of students across the country take part in the competition but until recently, DCPS students had never participated. These DCPS students and their teachers were part of NOAA's pilot project "NEMO" designed to interest students in the ocean sciences and initiate DCPS participation in the NOSB program. NEMO is primarily an after school program that includes a weekly meeting between students and teachers (using activities provided by NOAA) and field trips opportunities coordinated by NOAA every other month. This presentation will provide an overview of NOAA's project NEMO, program evaluation methods and results, lessons learned on engaging inner city high schools in the ocean sciences and initiating their participation in a NOSB competition, and NEMO's future direction. December 18 from 12 noon - 1 p.m.
Powerpoint slides (in pdf format) Brief Description: A two-year study to study on how some marine mammals, including beaked whales, respond to various sounds, including simulated military sonar signals, was recently completed on an underwater listening range in the Bahamas. This project, called the Behavioral Response Study (BRS), was spearheaded by NOAA's Office of Science and Technology in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and scientists from several institutions and many countries. Diving and vocal behavior in four cetacean species was measured before, during, and after sound exposure to obtain measurements of how the animals react to human sounds in their environment. Abstract: Beaked whales have mass stranded during a few military exercises involving the transmission of active, mid-frequency tactical sonar, but the cause is unknown. A recent series of experiments on a specialized acoustic range [including 80+ elements capable of recording up to ~48 kHz covering ~600 sq. miles] were conducted in the Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO), Bahamas to provide empirical measurements of the behavioural responses of beaked whales and other odontocete cetaceans. A total of nine playback sequences (including measurements during "control" and "exposure" intervals) were conducted on four species of odontocete cetacean [Blainville's beaked whale, /Mesoplodon densirostris/ (n=2); Melon-headed whale, /Peponocephala electra/ (n=1); short-finned pilot whale, /Globicephala macrorhynchus/ (n=4); false killer whale, /Pseudorca crassidens/ (n=2)]. In addition, observations were made of odontocete vocalizations at a coarser (group) level using the hydrophone array during playback sequences. The results demonstrated that one of the tagged Blainville's beaked whales responded to playbacks of simulated naval sonar once the (gradually increasing) received levels (RL) reached 136 dB re: 1µPa and killer whale RL reached 102 dB re: 1µPa by interrupting foraging dives, prematurely ceasing vocalizations, and sustained avoidance of the playback area after exposure to the killer whale sounds. The other beaked whale playback included a single exposure to a pseudo-random noise signal of comparable level in the mid-frequency band; measurements of the response were limited by the premature disattachment of the tag, but there were some apparently similar responses in cessation of vocalizations and foraging. The other species tested appear to be categorically less sensitive to MFA and control sounds than beaked whales, demonstrating some changes in vocal and movement behaviour but nothing like the clear avoidance responses to relatively low-level sound exposures in the beaked whales. That beaked whales appear to have a particular sensitivity to acoustic exposure is not surprising, given their disproportionate occurrence in the stranding events that have apparently resulted from sonar training exercises. However, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the specificity of responses as a function of signal-type and context. Our results demonstrate that useful scientific information can be obtained through controlled exposure experiments on beaked whales and a range of other species without causing serious negative effects on the target or non-target species. Subsequent consideration is now on how best to optimize methodologies to increase sample sizes, expand the species tested, and integrate these results with complimentary opportunistic studies. 2009 Brown BagsJanuary 26 at 12 noon
Abstract: NOAA's Tropical Moored Buoy Array Program is a coordinated, multi-national effort to implement a sustained moored buoy observing system in the global tropics for climate research and prediction. The array addresses NOAA Strategic Plan goal of "Understanding climate variability and change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond." This presentation will review the scientific background motivating development of the program, highlight progress in understanding and forecasting climate variability originating in the tropics, and describe plans for completing and sustaining the array.
January 27 at 12 noon
Abstract: A compound in the fats found in Louisiana oysters could be a key ingredient in treating and preventing cancer according to LSU AgCenter food science researcher Dr. Jack Losso. Dr. Losso has found that ceramide found in oysters can restrict blood vessel growth and development of cancer cells in test tubes. It can also inhibit blood vessel growth in rats. By preventing the formation of blood vessels, called angiogenesis, the compound keeps cancer cells from multiplying because they can't grow without nutrients from the blood. Ceramide works on human breast cancer cells both in test tubes and in laboratory rats. When breast cancer cells come in contact with ceramide, they begin dying within 48-hours. These findings and other significant human health findings related to oysters will be presented at this seminar. February 4 from 10-12 EST and 1-3 EST - Endnote Training
Abstract: Endnote is a bibliographic management tool that allows researchers, students, and librarians to search online bibliographic databases, organize their references, images and PDFs, and create bibliographies and figure lists instantly. This class will cover all the basics of using Endnote, Endnote for Web, and using Endnote to insert and cite references as you type your paper. NOAA has a site-wide license for Endnote. To download Endnote, see NOAA NITES site. Registration is required:
Class Syallabus: Note: This training is open only to NOAA employees or contractors who work full-time at a NOAA facility. To set up training and access to Endnote for your agency or organization, please contact: Doug Nguyen, Customer Education Specialist, ResearchSoft, Scientific Thomson Reuters, O: +1 415 344 3985
February 11 from 12 noon - 1 pm
Powerpoint slides Abstract: The National Cancer Institute's Natural Products Branch (http://dtp.nci.nih.gov/branches/npb/index.html) located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, is a high-tech prospector for natural marine products which could help fight or cure cancer. Dr. Newman, a world leader in this line of investigation, will discuss the work of the Natural Products Branch which acquires crude natural materials from both terrestrial and marine environments, usually via competitive contracts world-wide, for extraction and screening of chemicals and compounds which could be of value in the fight against cancer. The responsibilities of his research branch include the selection and evaluation of the materials to be tested, and the procurement of large quantities of raw materials necessary to produce sufficient quantities of those active agents selected for preclinical and clinical evaluation. February 19 from 12 noon - 1 pm
Abstract: There are numerous questions NOAA managers must face when it comes to managing their staff: If you arent sure of the answers to these and other workforce-related questions, CSI can help. As part of its commitment to have the scientific, technical, and mission support expertise necessary to accomplish its mission, NOAAs Workforce Management Office established CSI. CSI employs internal consultants with a wide variety of specialized expertise areas like recruiting, workforce planning, competency modeling, instructor-led training, e-Learning, alternative dispute resolution, and instructional design. This presentation will provide an overview of the various services CSI provides and give NOAA managers the tools they need to develop, value and sustain a world-class workforce. Bio: Mr. Springer has over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors helping organizations use their most valuable resource, people, more effectively. He has worked as both an internal and an external consultant to a wide range of organizations including Fortune 100 companies, local and Federal public sector organizations, and national associations. His areas of expertise include performance management, competency modeling, career development, staffing, compensation/classification, and organizational development. Feb. 23 at 12 noon
Abstract: This presentation will provide an introduction to the CERES S'COOL Project, a 12-year-old NASA K-12 education project which brings the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project into schools to motivate authentic science experiences for students. The project emphasizes sky and weather observations, introduces remote sensing and validation, and involves students as part of the CERES research team. Bio: Dr. Lin H. Chambers - Dr. Chambers is a physical scientist in the Climate Science Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center. She received her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1991. Dr. Chambers has worked in a variety of radiative transfer applications, including nonequilibrium flows and cloud inhomogeneity effects. She is a member of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Science Team. Research activities have focussed on assessing the effect of inhomogenous clouds on satellite remote sensing and cloud/radiation parameterizations, as well as on better understanding the radiative properties of Tropical cloud systems. Dr. Chambers is also director of the outreach component of the CERES effort, the Students' Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL) Project, and she was the Contrail Scientist for the GLOBE program. She leads the MY NASA DATA project at the Langley Atmospheric Science Data Ceter to make real NASA earth-observing data accessible to the K-12 and citizen science community. Feb. 26 at 12 noon
Kathleen M. Herrmann will present "Conservation Action Plans in CNMI."
Alyssa Edwards will present "American Samoa Population Growth and its
Impacts on Coastal Resources."
Elaina Todd will present "RARE Pride Environmental Campaign in Guam"
Bio: Dr. Kirk Bergstrom is founder and President of WorldLink, a media and education group based in San Francisco, California. In this capacity, he has directed special projects for the National Science Foundation, PBS, Walt Disney Imagineering, State of the World Forum, California Science Center, and Tech Museum of Innovation. Recently, Kirk completed production on a new PBS special entitled Nourish: Food + Community which explores the possibilities of a sustainable food system. He also directed the award-winning PBS program Power Shift: Energy + Sustainability and a companion traveling exhibit. Kirk received two national Emmy Awards for his film Spaceship Earth: Our Global Environment. Dr. Bergstrom also serves as principal investigator of a NSF-funded project entitled Interactive Earth: Tools for Earth System Science. A digital mapping tool, the program includes more than 100 global data sets and an interdisciplinary curriculum organized around real-world issues. He also designed the Eye on Earth multimedia exhibit that explores the art and science of remote sensing. Kirk’s work in interactive media originated in 1982 with the critically acclaimed Los Angeles TeleVote, one of the first large-scale experimentsin teledemocracy. In 1985, he was invited by Walt Disney Imagineering to participate in designing future interactive facilities and exhibits for the EPCOT theme park in Florida. From 1992-96, Kirk served as Executive Director of the Global Youth Summit, a week-long educational program that brings together young leaders from around the world. Convened in Rio de Janeiro during the 1992 Earth Summit and later in San Francisco as part of the State of the World Forum, the Global Youth Summit has served youth from over 40 nations. Kirk earned a B.A. degree in Cinema Production from the University of Southern California and a M.A. in Futures Studies from the University of Hawaii. He received his Doctorate in Education from the University of San Francisco. March 12 at 12 noon
March 17 at 11-12 and 1:30-2:30
Lexis-Nexis is a global information service providing access to thousands of news, legislative, business and legal information sources. Includes major newspapers, law journals, international news, intellectual property records, industry and market reports, and more.
Available for NOAA staff in Silver Spring via www.nexis.com. Available to all NOAA staff outside Silver Spring via user id and password. Contact your NOAA Library for more information. Contact Library.Reference@noaa.gov if you are a patron of the NOAA Central Library. For a list of NOAA libraries see http://www.lib.noaa.gov/about/lib_network.html.
March 18 at 12 noon
March 19 at 12 noon
Abstract: Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated - How these fishing practices can affect the seafood you consume
NOAA Fisheries Service international trade experts speak on this and other U.S. seafood fisheries management issues.
POSTPONED: March 25 at 12 noon
Abstract: Observations of different parts of the Arctic system present a coherent picture of change over the past half century. The climate models used to project future changes capture the past variations to varying degrees Here we survey the performance of global climate models in simulating Arctic climate, with particular attention to simulations of the seasonal cycle, natural variations and greenhouse-driven changes. The role of low-frequency variations in confounding future projections will be given special attention, as will the impacts of deficiencies in model simulations of sea ice and the Arctic terrestrial surface. We will then address the downscaling of Arctic climate simulations by presenting the results of initial attempts to produce high-resolution scenarios of climate change for Alaska.
March 26 at 12 noon
Abstract: Increasingly, coastal and marine resource managers are asked to
enhance communication, coordination and integration across ecological,
jurisdictional, and sector boundaries. But was would such integrated,
ecosystem-based management look like in operation? How do we implement
integrated management across the watershed-estuary-ocean divide? This
research employs communication network analysis methods to examine the
governance networks underlying cases of collaborative watershed planning and
Atlantic herring fisheries management. Specifically, the focus is on the
extent of collaboration, roles of network leaders and managers, and the
enhancement potential of the existing networks. Ramifications for
integrated, ecosystem-based management are discussed. Bio: Troy Hartley is a Research Associate Professor in coastal and marine
policy and the Director of Virginia Sea Grant at the Virginia Institute of
Marine Science (VIMS). Dr. Hartley's research interests are in coastal,
marine and fisheries policy and management, specifically in the
communication networks and stakeholder processes underlying integrated
planning and management, adaptive management, collaborative management,
ecosystem-based management, and other forms of governance networks.
April 3 at 12 noon
Abstract: Arctic climate is changing at a pace faster than the global average in the recent decades. Arctic haze - an accumulation of long-range transported aerosols - exerts substantial surface warming in winter by interacting with clouds. The formation of Arctic haze and its influence on local climate are poorly understood. Here we find, with the help of a state-of-the-art global climate model, that the poleward transport of European air pollution is controlled strongly by the second climate mode of the North Atlantic - European region. This is supported by the strong correlation of measured surface aerosol concentrations and longwave downward radiative flux with the second mode. A shift of the mode from negative to positive phases doubles the abundance of Arctic haze. This finding is essential for understanding Arctic climate variability and change. The seminar is part of the NODC International Polar Year (IPY) Seminar Series
(http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/General/NODC-About/Outreach/NODC-seminars09.html#IPYSeminars). April 2 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Bio: Mr. Wells is an ex-marine who has been a Federal employee for 37 years. For the past 31 years, he has worked exclusively in the Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Management arena. Mr. Wells studied at the University of Hawaii, Chaminade, where he received his B.S. degree in Political Science. Mr. Wells has been involved in many aspects of the Federal EEO Program and the Diversity Management process (e.g. EEO Counseling, Investigations, Complaint Adjudication, FEORP, Affirmative Employment Programs, Disability issues, (Reasonable Accommodations, Accessibility, etc.), Community Outreach, Special Emphasis Programs, Student Programs, Upward Mobility, EEO and Diversity Management Training, and development of online EEO and Diversity Management training.
April 8 at 11:30 AM
April 15 at 12 noon
April 21 at 12 noon
April 22 at 12 noon
April 23 - Bring a Child to Work Day April 28 at 12 noon
Abstract: Despite increasing dissatisfaction among many stakeholder groups, fisheries management often does not allow for a meaningful exchange of information and ideas between stakeholders and managers. Stakeholders in several prominent U.S. fisheries have been frustrated by a perceived lack of inclusion of their views in fishery management decisions, which has led to distrust of management and the potential for problems with compliance. Our objective was to develop a process that allowed stakeholders to develop recommendations to 1) improve the fishery through voluntary measures and 2) provide management recommendations that they supported. We developed a “stakeholder-centered” process that allowed stakeholders to evaluate how well alternative options could achieve their goals using a decision analysis model. The first application of this collaborative process was to the king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) fishery off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the U.S. The stakeholder workgroup developed objectives for the fishery, performance measures to guage whether objectives were reached, and options that could be used to reach the objectives. Objectives included traditional and non-traditional goals such as maintaining high and stable catches and retaining the ability to catch large fish, and options included both voluntary changes in fishing practices (e.g., adoption of techniques that reduce catch and release mortality) and mandatory regulations (e.g., size limits or bag limits). Through an iterative process, stakeholders assisted in developing a model to allow them to compare how well their options met their vision for a quality fishery. The workgroup developed a consensus suite of recommendations, including more conservative length and bag limits than those recommended by the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee, based on the results of the decision analysis. The immersion of stakeholders in the available science and model development and evaluation eventually led to recognition that more conservative management was necessary to achieve their objectives. This project demonstrated that stakeholders can be included in a meaningful participatory process that can improve fisheries management, but inclusion requires increased time and an effort to provide science without jargon or condescension. Bios: Tom Miller is a Professor of fisheries science at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Dr. Miller's research focuses on a range of fisheries topics including fisheries ecology with emphasis on early life history, population dynamics and stock assessment, and quantitative methods in ecology with emphasis on modeling, and experimental design and statistics. Mike Wilberg is a Professor of fisheries science at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. Dr. Wilberg's research focuses on fisheries management, development and evaluation of stock assessment methods, fisheries population dynamics, decision analysis, survey design, and statistical estimation and modeling in ecology. April 29 at 12 noon
April 30 at 12 noon
April 30 from 2:00 - 3:15 pm
May 4 at 12 noon
Abstract: Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist, carried out research in the 1970s that contributed to removing brominated and chlorinated tris, cancer-causing flame retardants, from children's sleepwear. Chemicals such as tris can cause neurological and reproductive impairments, thyroid abnormalities, endocrine disruption, and/or cancer. They often bio- accumulate up the food chain and persist in humans, wild animals, and the environment. Blum will describe her interdisciplinary research and policy work to protect health and the environment while maintaining fire safety. Currently, Blum is working with a global team of scientists and NGOs to stop hundreds of millions of pounds of unneeded toxic fire retardant chemicals being added to consumer products worldwide. If time permits, Arlene Blum will share also dramatic images and stories from her historic mountaineering expeditions and will relate how her climbing career led to her current work in environmental health and public policy. May 5 at 12 noon
Abstract: The Simrad ME70 is a new multibeam-echosounder system that was designed for quantitative fisheries research and is installed on each of the new, acoustically-quiet, NOAA Fisheries survey vessels (FSVs). The ME70 has configurable beams and transmits in the range of 70-120 kHz to provide calibrated, acoustic backscattering data throughout the detection range (Fisheries Mode). With hardware and software add-ons, the ME70 can also collect soundings that are expected to meet IHO S-44 Order 1 standards (Bathymetric Mode). Furthermore, with custom algorithms and software, bathymetric data can be obtained from the ME70 operating in Fisheries Mode, and volume backscatter can be sampled from the ME70 operating in Bathymetric Mode. This flexibility may allow data to be concurrently and efficiently collected on fish and their seabed habitat. Here, we describe a method to process the echo amplitude and phase data from multiple split-beams formed in Fisheries Mode to estimate seabed range, slope, roughness, and normalized surface scattering strength (a hardness metric). We compare the resulting bathymetry to that collected with the ME70 operating in Bathymetric Mode in the same area of the Bay of Biscay. (Authors for this paper include: George R. Cutter, David A. Demer (NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center) and Laurent Berger (IFREMER, France). May 6 at 12 noon
May 7 at 12 noon
May 14 from 11:30-12 and 1-1:30
May 14 at 12 noon (originally scheduled for March 25)
May 19 at 12 noon
Powerpoint presentation - Loomis
Abstract: Many studies have used valuation techniques to predict the potential effect of coastal restoration on human uses, but few provide empirical evidence that restoration indeed affects the way people use and perceive the coast. We take two approaches to examining how coastal restoration affects uses and perception. May 21 at 10 am in the NOAA Science Center Abstract: The unprecedented challenge that climate change poses to fish, wildlife, and natural systems has led to an ongoing transformation of the conservation agenda. This seminar will provide an overview of efforts within the conservation community to reorient their mission, show some practical examples of how natural resources adaptation to climate change is taking place on the ground, and share an update on relevant federal legislation. In addition, opportunities for NOAA and other federal agencies to partner with non-governmental organizations will be discussed, highlighting in particular how NGOs can help make connections with grassroot constituencies and governments at the state and local levels. This seminar is co-hosted with the NWS Office of Hydrologic Development. May 21 at 12 noon
Abstract: Up until about 160 years ago, the surface of the 70% of our planet covered by water was totally unknown except for small areas bordering the fringes of most continents. Since that time there has been an explosion of knowledge concerning our view of the seafloor. Many individuals and organizations were responsible for this. This presentation will introduce some of the significant individuals and their accomplishments in the history of seafloor mapping. It will also track the evolution of seafloor mapping technologies and how they influenced our view of planet Earth. May 27 at 12 noon
May 28 at 12 noon
May 20 at 12 noon
Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: Although the state of Oregon has had an ocean resources management program for more than 20 years, recent events have converged to drive new program activities and create synergies to solve ocean management problems that are expanding the state's ocean management capacity and reach. Bob Bailey, Oregon Coastal Program Manager, will discuss current ocean planning work on marine reserve designations, ocean wave energy development proposals, the West Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean Health, and initiatives with coastal fishermen, local governments, NGOs, universities, and state and federal agencies to apply science, marine spatial databases, and GIS capacity to problems of ocean management. Along the way he will discuss the key roles of various NOAA programs ...as well as blind luck and good timing(!)...in moving these issues forward. May 29 at 12 noon
June 3 at 12 noon
Abstract: Foundations of Success (FOS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the practice of conservation through Adaptive Management - working with practitioners to test assumptions, adapt, and learn. The University of Maryland's Master's Program in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology (CONS) provides students with the multidisciplinary, conceptual and experiential learning experience necessary to address the biodiversity crisis that now faces the planet. This presentation will provide an overview of Adaptive Management and will introduce attendees to FOS's 2009 training program, Adaptive Management for Conservation. The content of this training program follows the steps of the Conservation Measures Partnership's Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, which are quickly becoming an industry standard. June 4 at 12 noon
June 5 at 12 noon
June 8 at 12 noon
June 9 at 12 noon
Abstract: Predicting the impact of climate change on higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems (e.g., fisheries) is hampered by uncertainties in the factors controlling the propagation of primary production through the marine food web. A marine ecosystem model and two compilations of observed and derived phytoplankton and mesozooplankton productivity estimates are thus used to diagnose the factors controlling global patterns in the ratio of mesozooplankton productivity to primary productivity (referred to as the z-ratio). Results suggest a modest yet significant (/r/ = 0.4) increasing trend in /z/-ratios with productivity, from values of ~0.01-0.04 in the oligotrophic sub-tropical gyres to >0.1 in highly productive upwelling regions. Two mechanisms were responsible: 1) zooplankton gross growth efficiencies increased as ingestion rates far exceeded basal metabolic costs in productive regions; and 2) the increasing dominance of large phytoplankton in such systems shortened the trophic distance between primary producers and mesozooplankton. Results suggest that climate-driven changes in primary production may be amplified at higher trophic levels. June 10 at 12 noon
Abstract:
The 2007 Magnuson-Stevens Act calls on the United States to promote improved monitoring, control, and surveillance for high seas and Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) fisheries; improve the effectiveness of RFMOs through adoption of IUU vessel lists, stronger port state controls, and market-related measures; and build capacity in other countries to ensure sustainable fisheries and regulatory enforcement.
To further NOAA Fisheries Service efforts in Africa, we have been collaborating with the U.S. Navy's African Partnership Station (APS) to improve maritime safety, security, and resource stewardship. We participated in an on-board, fisheries-focused reception in Senegal in 2007, including a speech by a representative of the Senegalese Ministry of Fisheries on the importance of fisheries to maritime security in the region. In early April 2008, NOAA Fisheries coordinated a 10 day observer training workshop on board APS vessel, HSV2 Swift, in Tema, Ghana. We worked with the Ghanaian Ministry of Fisheries to offer a training program for up to 35 fishery observers. The program trained observers to improve the ways they collect data for scientific research and monitoring of fish stocks and bycatch within domestic and international fisheries. NOAA Fisheries also provided Ghana with safety and scientific equipment for use by observers while performing their duties. In February 2009, NOAA Fisheries in coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries Senegal and through the US Navy's APS, USS Nashville, provided a second observer training to 40 Senegalese observers and several interested NGO's and university students. The presentation will discuss these ongoing activities and future plans for a coordinated engagement working with a variety of partners dedicated to improving fisheries management and combating IUU fishing in West Africa.
June 17 at 12 noon
June 18 at 12 noon
Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Historically, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) has been described as one of the most devastating fish diseases on a worldwide basis and has decimated fresh-water reared rainbow trout in the European continent for many years. Disease events known as early as the 1930's were thought to have a viral cause (a viral etiology), but it was not until the early 1960's when the techniques of fish cell culture became available, that the virus was cultured and proven as the cause of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia. A major event in the history of VHS occurred in 1988 and 1989 when VHSV was isolated from apparently normal returning sea-run chinook and coho salmon in the Puget Sound area of Washington State in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Discovery of VHSV in marine fish made the fish health community think of VHSV as a pathogen of marine fish that somehow moved into the freshwater trout culture facilities of Europe in the 1930's. The emergence of VHSV in the Great Lakes Basin of North America in 2005 marked another major milestone in the history of this virus and the disease it causes. Of additional concern is the fact that VHSV has also been isolated from Atlantic herring, Striped bass and mummichog in the Northwest Atlantic (Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy). These isolations revealed the presence of a virus that was genetically most closely related to the Pacific Northwest genotype. This discovery presents a potential a risk to Atlantic species, in that the no one knows the relative susceptibility of these species to infection and possible losses due to disease from VHSV. As a pathogen that is listed by the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) as reportable, the finding of VHSV in these new locations has significant trade implications on a national and international level and has already demonstrated economic impacts to bait dealers, and commercial fish processors in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. In response to the discovery of a freshwater form of VHSV in the Great Lakes and a Pacific genotype in Northwest Atlantic, New York Sea Grant proactively and effectively responded to the issue through sponsored research integrated with extension outreach on a statewide, regional and national scale. These efforts include pioneering research on VHS diagnostics, technical/policy discussions with legislative offices, an information workshop for marine Sea Grant colleagues, facilitated meetings between regulatory authorities and affected businesses, partnerships with regulatory agencies and fish health experts to develop a national outreach plan and applied research with prominent fish health experts. June 24 at 12 noon
Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: The Fishing Ecosystem Analysis Tool (FEAT) is a system for analyzing and spatially displaying commercial and recreational catch data in combination with the place-based approach to defining and measuring fishing communities envisioned by National Standard 8 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Fishing communities in Hawaii are currently defined at the island level, which is overly broad for conducting social impact analysis. A suitable scale for many analyses is Zip Code Tabulation Area, which the U.S. Bureau of the Census developed by aggregating census blocks. We refer to these areas as Socioeconomic Zones because they can be characterized using Census socioeconomic variables such household income, poverty level, education, ethnicity and many others. Socioeconomic zones can be linked to commercial marine license catch data and recreational catch data using anglers' zip codes. This allows for spatial analysis and reporting of catch variables such as species, pounds landed, port of landing, gear used, and fishing area location. We can then associate any of these variables with socioeconomic zones and characteristics. Data from 10 years of commercial marine license catch reports and 7 years of recreational catch data currently are entered into the database. We will provide a number of examples of possible analyses that can be conducted with FEAT, which has the capability to tie in with other Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) data systems and to be used for many purposes other than analysis of human dimensions data. June 30 at 12 noon
Powerpoint presentation (Lupton_063009.ZIP, 100 MB including ppt and video clips) Abstract: The NOAA Vents Program has recently been studying activity on submarine volcanoes along volcanic arcs. These studies have revealed that several of these submarine arc volcanoes are venting fluids highly concentrated in carbon dioxide. One in particular, NW Eifuku volcano in the northern Mariana Arc, is releasing droplets of pure liquid CO2 into the ocean at about 1600 m depth, about one mile under the ocean surface. The high CO2 concentrations at this vent site, which is appropriately named Champagne, locally produce acidic or low pH conditions that affect the mussels and other organisms that inhabit the volcano. Five other volcanoes on the Mariana and Tonga-Kermadec Arcs have also been found to be venting CO2 as a pure gas phase. These sites represent valuable natural laboratories for studying the effects of acidic CO2-rich environments on marine ecosytems. July 1 at 12 noon
Ed Kruse, International Affairs Specialist, NOS International Program Office, and Doctoral candidate, University of Maryland, Marine Estuarine and Environmental Science program, will present "Reducing Threats of Land-based Sources of Pollution to Human and Ecosystem Health: A case study for the Island of Dominica." Abstract: Dominica is the northern most windward island in the Caribbean Sea. It’s economy is mainly supported by agriculture however the importance of tourism and specifically eco-tourism is a growing economic sector. A preliminary assessment of the vulnerability of the Springfield catchment area to impacts from anthropogenic pollutants was conducted to identify potential threats to the watershed and the drinking water supply. The Springfield catchment area serves as the drinking water source for the City of Roseau and the surrounding environs. Data were collected on water flow, land use, and basic physical/chemical parameters (DO, pH, nitrogen, dissolved solids) to establish an initial baseline. A preliminary inventory of point and nonpoint sources of pollution was obtained and the data were geocoded for analysis by the geographic information system. Data on landuse, soils, vegetation and topography were also collected and brought into ArcGis. Analysis of the data collected revealed several potential anthropogenic sources of contamination which could pose detrimental impacts to the catchments water quality. Important threats identified by this study included: (1) heavy erosion and sedimentation during high rainfall periods, (2) migration of pesticide and fertilizer residues into raw drinking water; (3) unregulated trash disposal within the catchment area, (4) potential high levels of disinfection by products (trihalomethanes and haloaetic acid) from chlorination of the drinking water., and runoff from road surfaces (oil,grease). Anthropogenic effects observed in the field or documented in the data review ranged from pesticide and fertilizer residues from farming practices, sedimentation, disinfection by products resulting from chlorination of organic rich water, and poorly planned human development development in the headwaters of the catchment area. The catchment is traversed by a major road connecting Roseau with the primary airport at Melville Hall. All drainage form the road drains directly into the catchment basin through a series of culverts and through direct runoff from the road surface. It is recommended that a source water protection plan be developed and implemented in combination with additional monitoring of water quality for disinfection byproducts, herbicides/pesticides, and microbiological contaminants particularily parasites that are resistant to disinfection by chlorinati. July 16 at 12 noon
Thursday, July 16 from 2:00 - 3:00 EST
Session #1, Thursday, July 16, 2-3pm EST: An Overview of CSA Illumina Databases: These databases are available to all NOAA staff nationwide via the NOAA Central Library's databases page. (Note MGA is available only to NOAA staff in Silver Spring, Camp Springs, Miami, Boulder, and Seattle.) Featured will be an introduction to CSA Illustrata, a database employing "deep indexing" to categorize and enable searching of tables, figures, graphs, charts and other illustrations from the scholarly research and technical literature. The webinar will be presented by a Customer Training Specialist from CSA.
Thursday, August 6
Abstract: The Rhode Island Ocean SAMP, or Ocean Special Area Management Plan, will define use zones for Rhode Island's offshore waters through a research and planning process that integrates the best available science with open public input and involvement. From 2008 to 2010, through a public policy process that includes scientific research and stakeholder involvement, the Ocean SAMP will make Rhode Island the first state in the nation to zone its offshore waters for diverse activities including renewable energy development. This process will also protect current uses and habitats through zones for commercial fishing; critical habitats for fish, marine animals, and birds; marine transport; and more. Leading this project is the R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), the state's coastal management agency. Among other responsibilities, CRMC is charged with managing the state's submerged lands. CRMC has already zoned Rhode Island's near-shore waters for a variety of uses, from industrial ports to conservation areas. CRMC is leading the SAMP effort with the support of the University of Rhode Island (URI). Federal agencies such as the Minerals Management Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which have authority in federal waters, will participate, as will state agencies including the R.I. Department of Environmental Management. Research projects undertaken by URI scientists will provide the essential scientific basis for Ocean SAMP policy development. These projects assess wind speeds, appropriate technologies, marine life, geology, meteorology, and more. Information about each project is available on the Ocean SAMP web site. Tuesday, August 11 at 10:30 am EST
Abstract: On May 28, 2008 Governor Deval Patrick signed the Oceans Act of 2008. The Oceans Act requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan, following a scientific and stakeholder process that leads to a draft plan by summer of 2009, and the final promulgation of the plan by December 31, 2009. The plan will use comprehensive science-based planning to assure long-term protection and sustainable use of ocean resources and to accommodate the siting of appropriate scale offshore renewable energy facilities. The draft plan was released for public comment on June 30, 2009. Mr. Carlisle will talk about the process for developing the plan and the information it contains. More information on the Ocean Management Plan can be found on the Massachusetts CZM Program web site: http://www.mass.gov/czm/czm.htm. Sponsored by the NOAA NOS Office of Coastal and Resource Management, Atlantic Coastal Management Programs and Planning/Budgeting. Bio: Bruce Carlisle is the Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Program in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Mr. Carlisle has been with CZM since 1993, serving in several positions, including coordinator of the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program and manager of the Wetlands Restoration Program, before being promoted to Assistant Director in 2005. Mr. Carlisle has a masters in Environmental Policy from Tufts University. Wednesday, August 12 at 12 noon
Abstract: Today, the National Weather Service has some of the most thorough products and precise lead times for predicting weather events; yet, with all its definitive data some people, because of adverse risk behavior, still succumb unnecessarily to weather incidents. This paradox has caused NWS to consider employing methods, thought to be unconventional in an empirical scientific environment that will examine this challenge. NOAA and the National Weather Service representatives recognize the importance of social science research and integrate disciplines such as, anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, and communications to meet their goals and mission. This interdisciplinary approach will provide an opportunity to enhance and improve the ability of the NWS to protect life and property. As a part of this initiative, NWS has undertaken the task of investigating the impacts of culture on weather related risk communication on diverse and vulnerable populations. NWS Communications Director, Curtis Carey, Ph.D. and NOAA Graduate Scientist, Vankita Brown, are working together to discover ways in which culture influences risk perception and behavior during times of severe weather events and natural disasters. In June, Brown traveled to New Orleans for two weeks to talk with emergency management personnel, academic professionals, and residents for phase one of her ongoing research project on communicating risk across cultures. She will present her initial findings in this brown bag luncheon. Her study will serve as a framework or model to assist forecasters in developing more effective protocols and mechanisms for communicating risks to diverse and vulnerable publics. Bios: Curtis D. Carey, Ph.D., has a unique combination of international and domestic communications experience, serving in a variety of commercial broadcasting, government, military, and academic positions. He is currently the director of Communications and Executive Affairs for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service. He has served as a national press officer for NOAA and the Department of The Interior, managing media relations on issues ranging from domestic energy policy to environmental sciences Dr. Carey has a B.A. (cum laude) in Asian Studies with a minor in Communication from the University of the State of New York; a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of Denver; a M.A. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma; and a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Vankita Brown is a doctoral student in Mass Communications and Media Studies at Howard University in Washington, DC. She was granted the prestigious NOAA Graduate Scientist Fellowship in 2007 and is assigned to the National Weather Service. Her current research involves understanding how culture affects decision making and behavior in the threat of natural disasters.Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Brown worked for various non-profit agencies in public relations. She is a member of Community Service Public Relations Council and CORO Women in Leadership. Brown is a recent recipient of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication's Inez Kaiser Graduate Student of Color Award. She has a M.A. in Media Communications Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and a B.A. in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Friday, August 21, at 12 noon
Abstract: It’s time to "Chart the Future" to better prepare for the external developments and challenges we face while continuing to serve as the nation’s most trusted source on environmental leadership. Join us in our commitment to reassess and renew the mission, vision, and goals of NOAA as part of the Next Generation Strategic Plan. The objective of the Next Generation Strategic Plan is to inform and respond to the priorities of the new administration; to engage and respond to stakeholders; to respond to the long-term external challenges facing the agency; and to meet the GPRA and related requirements. This initiative aims to support our role in helping understand and predict changes in Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation's economic, social, and environmental needs.
Thursday, September 10 at 12 noon
Powerpoint slides (pdf, 1,380 KB) Abstract: With this brown bag seminar the European Commission would like to increase the knowledge within NOAA about our 7th Framework Programme and lay the foundation for developing ways to collaborate on research and policy topics (Examples, but not limited to: space weather, earth observation, data management, modelling, ocean management, climate change impacts). The European Commission launched new calls for research proposals in a variety of areas -- all open to partnerships with countries from outside the European Research Area, including the United States. U.S. research institutions, universities and industry are invited to join research proposals under the Cooperation, Capacities and People Programme of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP7). Sponsored by NOAA Research, International Activities Office. Tuesday, September 15 at 12 noon
Wednesday, September 16 at 12 noon
Abstract: Panel Discussion on best practices, policies, and innovative use of social media tools within NOAA and Department of Commerce. Has your program considered using YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Addthis.com, Flickr, or other Web 2.0 tools? Lively discussion promised on using these new technology and communications tools to make NOAA data and science more useful, more efficient and more transparent to the public. Thursday, September 17 at 12 noon
Abstract: Over the last several years, the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS) program, based at the University of Arizona, has worked with a wide variety of stakeholders in the Southwest to increase their capacity to cope with ongoing drought conditions. In recent years, stakeholders have become increasingly concerned with understanding and planning for anticipated climate changes, including the possibility of prolonged drought conditions throughout the region. The warmer and drier conditions already experienced in the Southwest are resulting in significant cultural and socioeconomic impacts that are expected to worsen with increased warming. In Arizona and New Mexico, American Indian Nations are managing large areas of land and water resources, yet they often lack robust climate data and information to inform their decisions. This presentation will focus on emerging CLIMAS efforts to partner with the Hopi Nation and Navajo Nation to: 1) help develop a network of natural resource managers that ensures better access to drought and climate information and 2) improve climate and drought monitoring on the southern Colorado Plateau. This emergent work with Native Nations is part of ongoing CLIMAS efforts to build the long-term partnerships necessary to foster climate adaptation capacity throughout the Southwest. September 22 at 12:00 noon
Abstract: Program Evaluation is a tool used to describe why your program is seeing the results it is. Join me as I describe the tools and pointers I learned from a detail assignment at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Evaluation Support Division. The presentation will provide some ideals that NOAA can adapt to build capacity to conduct program evaluation. What other organizations in NOAA are interested in Program Evaluation? Please, sign-up for the new Program Evaluation Network during the presentation. September 24 at 12:00 noon
Tuesday, September 29 at 12:00 PM
Powerpoint slides (pdf) Abstract: All life in the ocean is connected and in the same way our human cultures are all connected. Diversity is a strength in the ocean world. So too in ours. The goal of the Ocean for Life program is to bring better understanding of the diverse marine world and of the diverse peoples of the world. Our lives depend on close connections to the ocean -- and on the close connections that link us all. During two field studies, one to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (July 15-30) and the other to the Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries (July 29-Aug 9), high school students from Western and Middle Eastern countries worked together to learn more about marine science and each other's cultures. The students captured their experience by creating youth media projects based upon the three themes of Ocean for Life: a sense of place, interconnectedness, and ocean conservation and stewardship. These projects will be shared along with highlights from the two field studies. Upon returning to their home communities, the participants are encouraged to use their experience to become better stewards of their local environment, promote its connection to the ocean, and strengthen the links they have built to the communities and cultures of their fellow participants. We will also discuss how you can help this effort, through serving as a mentor and/or forum moderator on www.oceanforlife.org. Tuesday, October 6 at 12 noon
Wednesday, October 14 at 12 noon
Thursday, October 15 at 12 noon
Tuesday, October 20 at 12 noon
Thursday, October 22 at 12 noon
Friday, October 23 at 12 noon
Wednesday, November 4 from 10-3
Thursday, November 5 (rescheduled from Nov 4) at 12 noon
Tuesday, November 17 at 12 noon
Wednesday, November 18 at 12 noon
Tuesday, December 1 at 12 noon
Thursday, December 10 at 11:30
Abstract: This seminar will look at two research areas: i.) the functional morphology of gelatinous zooplankton and its relationship to swimming, feeding, and ecology, and ii.) trends in gelatinous zooplankton over the entire Northeast Shelf of the US. These two lines of research would ultimately intersect to better understand the size and type of impact gelatinous zooplankton has on this system. Morphology and kinematics of scyphomedusae and hydromedusae generate flow fields that entrain prey. Swimming resulted in a pulsed series of toroids which travel along the medusan oral arms and tentacles. Prey was entrained in this flow and the location of encounter was influenced by the phase of the pulsation cycle during which entrainment occurred. Flow-field velocities, measured by tracking particles adjacent to the bell margin during contraction, increased with bell diameter. Differences in body design produce differing flow patterns and capture strategies. These relationships can provide insight into prey selection. The number of ctenophores found in approximately 60,000 stomachs of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) over the last 30 years provided an estimate of the abundance of ctenophores across the Northeast Continental Shelf of the US. There have been a few such major increases in ctenophores in enclosed (e.g. Caspian Sea) and semi enclosed (e.g. Mediterranean Sea) ecosystems, with concomitant significant effects on those ecosystems and the productivity of their fishery resources.2010 Brown BagsWednesday, January 20 at 12 noon
Thursday, January 28 at 12 noon
Wednesday, February 3 at 11:00 AM
Wednesday, February 3 at 12 noon
Thursday, February 4 at 12 noon EST
Tuesday, February 9 at 12 noon EST
Wednesday, February 10 at 12 noon EST
Thursday, February 11 at 12 noon EST
Wednesday, February 24 at 12 noon EST
Thursday, February 25 at 12 noon EST
Wednesday, March 10 at 12 noon EST
Thursday, March 11 at 12 noon EST
Monday, March 15 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, March 16 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, March 18 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, March 24 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, March 25 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, March 30 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, March 31 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, April 1
Thursday, April 1 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, April 6 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, April 15 at 12 noon ET
Monday, April 19, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, April 20 at 12 noon ET
Wednedsday, April 21 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Speakers: Mark S. Dixon, Yaqin Li, and April N. Croxton, NOAA Northeast Fishery Science Center Milford Lab Abstract: Increasing global demand for seafood is being, and will continue to be, met by increased aquaculture production. Suspension-feeding shellfish, a premium aquaculture product, obtain nutrition directly from phytoplankton primary production and are considered to have environmental benefits beyond human food value. Relatively-recent innovations, Floating Upwelling Systems (FLUPSYs) are now a common and important component of many shellfish-aquaculture operations. A FLUPSY is an in-situ nursery system designed to increase water flow, and therefore microalgal food delivery, to post-set shellfish. Typically the system is incorporated into a floating dock array and deployed in a productive, coastal waterway. The widespread use of FLUPSYs is a testament to their success. The placement of FLUPSYs, however, leads to questions about their potential impacts -- negative, neutral, or ecosystem service -- upon the local environment. This presentation will include preliminary results of this study, including methodologies that are transferable to other aquaculture settings. This OneNOAA Science Seminar is sponsored by the NOAA Aquaculture Program and the NOAA Central Library. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:15 AM ET
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM ET
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 12:30 PM ET
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Monday, July 19, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM ET
Neural and psychological research over the past fifteen years has confirmed that story architecture accomplishes each of these feats. Two key questions emerge: Finally (and most importantly) what does that mean for scientists who want to communicate their findings and results? This session explores what science has shown us about the explicit elements of effective story architecture and how to harness their communications power to make your points and case. Neural sciences have revealed an exacting and explicit definition for story architecture that links directly to how human brains and minds process incoming narrative information. In this session I will demonstrate both the elements and limits of that structure and lay out the process for using it to improve the success of science outreach communication. Specifically, attendees will receive: Note: This seminar will be held in the NOAA Science Center. For further information please contact LuAnn Dahlman. Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 12:30 PM ET
Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 12 noon ET
About Toastmasters:The Vision of Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change. Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member Clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of Clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs. The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
Toastmasters International’s core values are integrity, dedication to excellence, service to the member, and respect for the individual. These are values worthy of a great organization, and we believe we should incorporate them as anchor points in every decision we make. Our core values provide us with a means of not only guiding but also evaluating our operations, our planning, and our vision for the future.
Remote access via webinar will NOT available. Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 10 AM EST
Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 12:30 pm ET
Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 12:30 PM ET
Friday, October 22, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 12:30pm ET
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 12 noon ET
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 12 noon EST
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 12:30pm EST
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 12 noon EST
Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 12 noon EST
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 Speaker: Alison Reed, NOAA Office of International Affairs Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Holiday Brown Bag: A Lifetime of Growth, Service and Success through Mentoring Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Kenneth Carey, Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Noblis Center for Sustainability Abstract: Serving as a mentor is a challenging endeavor but one that has the opportunity to change lives, and sets the stage for a fulfilling career. A mentor gets the satisfaction in knowing they had an impact on someone’s professional and personal development, and the opportunity develop a mentee’s leadership, scientific, and communicative skills, and build confidence. They also can gain a fresh perspective from the mentee, and a link with a future generation. Mentees can gain an ally to help them find jobs, and navigate life’s “challenges”. They can benefit immensely from a mentor’s experiences, and expand their professional and personal network. One of the greatest tools for a mentee’s success will be the relationships that are established with more experienced and seasoned people. The mentor/protégé relationship has been used throughout history, setting the stage for advancements in science, medicine, technology and politics. Strategies and helpful hints will be presented, followed by suggestions on getting started. Concepts on moving forward and opportunities for you to informally mentor will be discussed, and motivation for being a part of a mentoring relationship are presented. Note: This will be our annual Holiday Brown Bag Seminar, featuring performances from the NOAA Holiday Band from 11:30am to noon and from 1:00pm to 1:30pm. Refreshments and treats will be served. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Transport of contaminants from sediments to the water column and environmental remediation strategies Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Priscilla Viana, Sea Grant Knauss Fellow, Division of Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metal contaminants have accumulated on the bottom of rivers and lakes due to chemical interactions and transformations and due to their relatively long environmental persistence. Gas ebullition, in addition to normally occurring diffusive and advective transport of contaminants, increases contaminant availability to the bioactive zone and water column. Increased incidences of fish disease and decreased species biodiversity in pollution-impacted benthic/aquatic environments are some of the costs to ecological and human health posed by these contaminants. My study focuses on quantifying and modeling the transport of contaminants from sediments to the water column and on investigating the effectiveness of active capping as a mitigation strategy to minimize the release of these contaminants. Active capping both isolates contaminated sediments from the water phase while offering degradation and/or sequestration of contaminants by the active materials. I modeled the transport of Cd, Cr, Pb, Ag, As, Ba, Hg, CH3Hg and CN through sand (25 cm), granular activated carbon (GAC, 2 cm), organoclay (2 cm), shredded tires (10 cm) and apatite (2 cm) caps by deterministic and Monte Carlo methods. Sand caps performed best under diffusion due to the greater diffusive path length. Apatite had the best advective performance for Cd, Cr and Pb. Organoclay performed best for Ag, As, Ba, CH3Hg and CN. Organoclay and apatite were equally effective for Hg. Monte Carlo analysis was used to determine output sensitivity. Sand was effective under diffusion for Cr within the 50% confidence interval (CI), for Cd and Pb (75% CI) and for As, Hg and CH3Hg (95% CI). Under diffusion and advection, apatite was effective for Cd, Pb and Hg (75% CI) and organoclay for Hg and CH3Hg (50% CI). GAC and shredded tires performed relatively poorly. Although no single cap is a panacea, apatite and organoclay have the broadest range of effectiveness. I am also quantifying and modeling metal contaminant and PAH transport from the sediment to the water column due to gas ebullition as recent research suggests that another important factor affecting cap performance is gas ebullition due to organic matter biodegradation primarily under methanogenic conditions. Gas bubbles may damage the cap layer, opening preferential holes in the cap or even rupture the cap. Additionally, my results demonstrate that gas ebullition may be an important pathway for release of PAH and heavy metal pollutants to the water column. Comparison of diffusive and advective release rates (measured through a benthic chamber study) to field ebullition facilitated rates suggest that PAHs are released at >10 times greater rates by biogenic gas production. Although the increase in release rate is not as great for metals, ebullition facilitated release rates are frequently much greater. Using our field study and modeling results, we worked with the Wetlands Initiative and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD-GC) to improve the stewardship of the highly contaminated local aquatic resources. We proposed placement of an organoclay mat with an underlying sloped sand layer and a high permeability gas venting system to allow biogenically-produced gas migration to shoreline collectors through an innovative support grid. The project design included an overlaying wetland to remove nutrients from the adjoining Chicago River and to provide a public recreational space. Note: This seminar is part of the Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Ingredients for Protection: How Guangzhou, China Can Learn from Boston and New York City’s Experiences with Surface Drinking Water Source Protection Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 12:30pm EST Speaker: Shannon Cosentino-Roush, Sea Grant Knauss Fellow, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Today more than 1 billion people around the globe and nearly a quarter of China’s total population lacks access to clean drinking water. This raises the question: what can be done to ensure clean and safe drinking water not only on a global scale, but more specifically in the context of this research, in Guangzhou, China? Historically, many communities used preventative measures to maintain the quality of their local drinking water. They took water from non-polluted upstream areas, passed regulations limiting polluting activities, and preserved land around the drinking water source. Yet, over time as technology improved, many communities began to rely more heavily on treatment and other methods rather than on drinking water source protection. Today, though treatment remains a vital tool, it is important to recognize that the value of source water protection in the struggle to ensure clean drinking water cannot be overlooked. As China struggles to deal with its large population, an increasingly polluted environment, and water shortages, it must figure out an effective and efficient way to ensure clean drinking water. Specifically, the interest in source water protection became increasingly apparent when a professor from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China approached Vermont Law School’s China Program with the question: How does the United States protect its surface drinking water sources? Thus, the mission began: to research examples of United States’ cities engaging in drinking water source protection and to assess how their experiences might be applied in Guangzhou, China. This presentation discusses the two primary pieces of federal legislation underlying surface drinking water source protection in the United States: the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. It then explores how two United States’ cities, Boston and New York, incorporate and expand on the federal approach, in order to extrapolate effective themes and strategies useful for implementing and improving upon source water protection. Subsequently, this presentation discusses the current water pollution situation in the Pearl River Delta region in China, particularly the urban center of Guangzhou, and analyzes the relevant national and local laws governing over drinking water source protection. Finally, this presentation concludes by applying the extrapolated themes to Guangzhou in order to provide suggestions for improving the city’s source water protection efforts in the future. Note: This seminar is part of the Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Unwanted Medicines and Educating our Communities: What Have we Learned, How are we Doing and What are the Next Steps? Experiences from the Great Lakes States Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Susan Boehme, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program Outreach Coordinator and Liaison to the U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Medicines are produced in increasing volumes every year. With this growth comes concern regarding environmental fate of unwanted medicines. Recent studies identified pharmaceutical compounds in fresh and marine waters nationwide, and several of these bioactive compounds are potentially harmful to aquatic organisms, even in small quantities. Additionally, improper medicine disposal poses poisoning risks to children, the elderly and pets and can lead to drug/identity theft. Unused medicines may accumulate in homes or be flushed, placed in the trash, or given to others, all of which have significant disadvantages. One approach for decreasing amounts of unwanted medicines reaching the environment is the organization of collection programs that ensure safer methods of disposal. This presentation will describe the status of our efforts in the Great Lakes Region including collection programs, outreach and education with an eye toward what is still needed, and what should be our next steps to expand the program nationally. Should we focus more on the front end of the cycle including drug manufacturing, and reducing the amounts of waste from the home, or should we focus on non-residential waste of pharmaceuticals including confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), hospitals and clinics? Where do we go from here? Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Turning Japanese: A Year in Japan as a Mansfield Fellow Date: Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Michael Clark, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS Abstract: I participated in the Mansfield Fellowship between September 2008 and September 2010. This two-year fellowship provides Federal government employees with the opportunity to learn Japanese and then spend a year working in Japan on issues relevant to their expertise and interests. The first year was spent learning Japanese in DC and the second year was spent in Japan working at a variety of offices, including: the Fisheries Agency, with a member of the Japanese Legislature (Diet), at a seafood trading company, with a fisheries economist at Tokyo University, and at their Fisheries Research Agency. In terms of value and volume, Japan is one of the world's most significant consumers of seafood; over 60 percent of which is imported from countries like the United States. The cultural significance and economic importance of seafood have led to efforts by the Japanese Fisheries Agency to try and increase Japan's self-sufficiency rate for seafood products, however; overfished stocks, aging fishermen and migration from coastal communities, and the decreasing price of imports have made it difficult to achieve this goal. Significant differences exist between Japan and the United States concerning their approach to fisheries management. These differences stem from a unique history in Japan where fishermen have traditionally maintained more autonomy concerning management decisions, resulting in a more "bottom-up", co-management regime between fisheries cooperatives and government. Furthermore, commercial fishermen are the predominant stakeholder in Japan meaning environmental NGOs, recreational fishermen, and the general public are not as involved in the management process as they are in the United States. Japan is a country unlike any other I have visited: a wealthy country where you can still experience culture shock. Japan is modern, but not at all western. A country that has been responsible for numerous technological advancements in a variety of industries while adhering to rigid cultural norms that are will not likely change anytime soon. Please consider joining me on December 16th to learn about this experience. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. 2011 Brown BagsBiological and Behavioral Response Studies (BRS) in southern California (SOCAL-10) Date: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Brandon Southall, President and Senior Scientist for Southall Environmental Associates, Inc. and Research Associate with the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: SOCAL-10 was a scientific research project conducted in Aug-Sept 2010 in important biological areas near southern California. It extended previous studies in the Bahamas (2007-08) and Mediterranean Sea (2009) of whether and how marine mammals change their behavior when they hear different sounds. Each of these studies have integrated behavioral response studies to controlled sound exposures with ongoing research on diving, foraging, and social behavior. The overall objective was to provide a better basic understanding of marine mammal behavior, while providing direct scientific information for the Navy and regulatory agencies to estimate risk and minimize the impact of human sounds, particularly military sonar. SOCAL-10 was the first in a five-year dedicated effort to study a variety of marine mammal species in areas around the southern California coast and Channel Islands. SOCAL-10 involved an interdisciplinary collaboration of experts in marine mammal biology, behavior, and communication, as well as underwater acousticians and specialized field researchers. During a preliminary scouting phase and two research legs on different research vessels, SOCAL-10 observed, photographed, and/or tracked in detail, individuals of 21 different marine mammal species. Sixty-two tags (of six different varieties) were successfully secured on 44 individual animals of nine different marine mammal species, including several which had never been studied using tag technologies previously. Scientists also conducted 28 controlled sound exposure experiments; in these experiments, animals were monitored with suction cup acoustic sensors, remote listening devices and specialized observers with high-powered binoculars. Sounds were then played to the animals under specific protocols and protective measures (to ensure animals were not harmed) and changes in behavior were measured. Preliminary results based primarily on clearly observable behavior in the field and from initial data assessment indicate variable responses, depending on species, type of sound, and behavioral state during the experiments. Some observations in certain conditions suggest avoidance responses, while in other cases subjects seemed to not respond, at least overtly. Additional analysis and interpretation is underway of the nearly 400 hours of tag data from the project, as well as thousands of marine mammal observations, photographs, tissue samples, and acoustic measurements. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. UNEP, the Arctic, and the Law of the Sea Date: Monday, January 10, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speakers: Amy Fraenkel, Regional Director and Representative for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Dr. Yannick Beaudoin, Head of the Marine Programme at the Global Resource Information Database Center in Arendal, Norway (UNEP/GRID-Arendal) Presentation (QuickTime format, 610 MB) Abstract: Ms. Fraenkel will address UNEP’s work on current and possible future Arctic environmental issues. In 2008, UNEP’s Governing Council encouraged UNEP “to cooperate, as requested, with the Arctic Council, relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other relevant regional and international bodies, as appropriate,” in addressing Arctic environmental issues. In implementing the 2010-11 Programme of Work, UNEP is collaborating with GRID-Arendal, UNEP’s Polar Collaborating Centre, to carry out a number of activities related to polar issues, some of which are conducted in close cooperation with the Arctic Council’s working groups. Pursuant to its existing mandate, UNEP wishes to ascertain where it might best serve governments and other stakeholders to identify and address environmental issues in the Arctic region and the linkages between Arctic and global issues. To this end UNEP plans to consult with Arctic country governments, key multilateral entities such as the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization, indigenous peoples and civil society. This discussion presents one such opportunity for providing input to UNEP. A Concept Note is attached as background. Dr. Beaudoin will discuss UNEP Shelf Programme's work on continental shelf mapping and how UNEP/GRID-Arendal, as implementing institution, advises countries in preparing their submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. His presentation will mainly focus on the recent intensive efforts in West Africa and with 11 Pacific Island Countries. Over the past 5 years, the UNEP Shelf Programme has been mandated with assisting countries in their delineation effort. In addition, as part of a continuing effort to assist developing coastal states in the sustainable use of their marine environment and resources, UNEP/GRID-Arendal is currently in the development phase of new major initiatives, two of which, a Blue Carbon initiative and an ocean management programme, will be briefly presented. UNEP/GRID-Arendal is particularly interested in expertise from and collaboration with NOAA. Note: This seminar is sponsored by the Office of General Counsel for International Law. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Training the next generation of scientists and engineers Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Sarah Hammond, Marine Educator, MIT Sea Grant Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: The Sea Perch program is an innovative underwater robotics initiative that trains teachers—who then train their students—to build a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The program, started by MIT Sea Grant (MITSG) in 2003, is designed to encourage students' enthusiasm for science, technology, and engineering. MITSG educators have been able to train nearly 500 teachers around the world. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships: Plug the Power of Science into Public Policy Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speakers: Laura Petes, Gabrielle Dreyfus, Erin Seney, Melissa Kenney, Brandon Sitzman, Jen Boehme, and Ariana Sutton-Grier, NOAA AAAS fellows Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellows are competitively-selected, post-doctoral scientists and engineers (PhD, MD, DVM) from a broad range of disciplines. These Fellows are available for placement in federal agencies for a 1-2 year term (renewal year can include details outside of the DC area). The Program, in existence since 1973, has an outstanding national reputation with many former Fellows occupying some of the highest positions in science policy throughout the federal government. AAAS currently partners with over 15 federal agencies, many Congressional offices and committees, and nearly 30 professional scientific societies to operate the Science & Technology Policy Fellowships. NOAA has hosted 10 AAAS Fellows since it began participating in the Fellowship Program in 2007. The Fellows offer scientific and technical expertise as they assist with projects, program management, or policy analysis. Fellows start work after two weeks of intense training in science policy (including ethics, the legislative process, and the budget process) and are supported throughout their two years with professional development activities. AAAS Fellows also serve as a link to a network of science and science policy professionals across academia and government, including a network of over 2,300 current and former Fellows. The recruitment process for 2011-2012 AAAS Fellows is already underway, and prospective host offices must act soon to participate. At this Brown Bag information session, current AAAS Fellows and AAAS program staff will share details about the program, insights about their experiences, upcoming deadlines in the recruitment process, and answer your questions. Because the renewal year of the Fellowship can include details outside of the DC area, regional offices and labs are encouraged to participate via webinar. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Date: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 11:00am to 12:30pm EST Speaker: Dexter Fredericks, IT Project Manager, Enterprise Projects Division, OCIO Abstract: NOAALink 101 Training introduces contracting personnel and other interested attendees to the NOAALink PMO, as well as the processes and benefits that NOAALink offers to the Department of Commerce (DOC), and particularly NOAA, in IT contracting. This training is for contracting personnel and others who manage and support IT contracts. The training will provide a detailed walk through of what contracting and IT personnel need to know to engage and work with NOAALink. NOAALink offers DOC, NOAA and all of the NOAA Line Offices better opportunities for IT products and services, including cost savings, time savings and better, more comprehensive IT products and services, all through a streamlined acquisition process supported by the NOAALink PMO. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Assisting Great Lakes Coastal Communities with Climate Change Adaptation Date: Friday, February 4, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Shauna Casey, Danielle Forsyth, Rebecca Held, Sara Katich and Cybelle Shattuck, Masters Students at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: The Great Lakes region is predicted to experience significant coastal impacts due to global climate change that are different than impacts being predicted for our ocean coasts. Specialized education, training and community planning will need to be developed to assist Great Lakes coastal communities in adapting to changes resulting from climate change. This project resulted in three educational modules that can be delivered individually or as a unit to prepare local officials to develop climate change adaptation plans for their communities. These outreach modules will be delivered by Sea Grant Program Extension Staff, USDA Extension Staff, Coastal Zone Management Programs, and other trained outreach professionals who work with local community decision makers in the Great Lakes region. Modules were designed to allow for maximum flexibility and adaptability and can easily be modified to include future research and tools that increase the body of information useful for local decision makers. The student team from SNRE completed this project with the help of NOAA Great Lakes Regional Collaboration team members and Sea Grant professionals as part of a mini-grant funded by the National NOAA Sea Grant College Program. The SNRE team will present an overview of the project and the educational tools they developed, including examples of materials from the modules. Please join us for a discussion about educational outreach related to climate change adaptation. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Date:Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 11:00am to 12:30pm EST Speaker: Dexter Fredericks, IT Project Manager, Enterprise Projects Division, OCIO Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: NOAALink 101 Training introduces contracting personnel and other interested attendees to the NOAALink PMO, as well as the processes and benefits that NOAALink offers to the Department of Commerce (DOC), and particularly NOAA, in IT contracting. This training is for contracting personnel and others who manage and support IT contracts. The training will provide a detailed walk through of what contracting and IT personnel need to know to engage and work with NOAALink. NOAALink offers DOC, NOAA and all of the NOAA Line Offices better opportunities for IT products and services, including cost savings, time savings and better, more comprehensive IT products and services, all through a streamlined acquisition process supported by the NOAALink PMO. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Coral Reef Management Fellowship: Conservation Projects in the Caribbean and the Pacific Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speakers: NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellows Abstract: The NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellows from the Pacific and the Caribbean regions will present on their various projects projects in a series of short sessions during this one-hour seminar. These projects include: Facilitating community participation in marine reserves (PR); Developing guidelines for marine operators (USVI); Coordination of maritime and construction industry permitting (FL); Large-scale watershed revegetation in coral areas (CNMI); and Climate Change island action strategies (AS). Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Date: Monday, February 28, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Dr. David Freestone, Executive Director, the Sargasso Sea Alliance Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Sylvia Earle has called the Sargasso Sea "the golden rainforest of the ocean." It is a unique pelagic ecosystem based on species of Sargassum that are able to develop without contact with land. It is a crucial habitat for a number of species including fish, turtles and eel on the IUCN red list of endangered species. There is also an emerging recognition of the crucial role it plays in the wider ecosystem ranging from the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The threats to the Sargasso include garbage and plastics cast overboard from boats, oil discharges, overfishing, the extraction of Sargasso for bio fuels, and climate change. Dr. Freestone will discuss the Alliance and their approach to sectoral organisations with relevant competences to encourage them to adopt new protection measures in accordance with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. These might include the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in relation to ship discharges and the designation of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, as well as fisheries bodies such the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) and the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) (which already has agreed to monitoring and reporting requirements for Sargassum impacts). Dr. Freestone is a world-renowned legal expert on international environmental law with extensive experience, including as a senior legal adviser at the World Bank and as a professor at the Law School of George Washington University, the University of Hull in the UK and the UN University Institute of Advanced Studies. Dr. Freestone has written widely on international environmental law and Law of the Sea and is the founding editor of the _International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law_. More information about Dr. Freestone and the Sargasso Sea Alliance is available at http://www.greenrock.org/news/bermuda/399-director-appointed-sargasso-sea-alliance. Note: This seminar is sponsored by the Office of General Counsel for International Law. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 11:00am to 12:30pm EST Speaker: Dexter Fredericks, IT Project Manager, Enterprise Projects Division, OCIO Abstract: NOAALink 101 Training introduces contracting personnel and other interested attendees to the NOAALink PMO, as well as the processes and benefits that NOAALink offers to the Department of Commerce (DOC), and particularly NOAA, in IT contracting. This training is for contracting personnel and others who manage and support IT contracts. The training will provide a detailed walk through of what contracting and IT personnel need to know to engage and work with NOAALink. NOAALink offers DOC, NOAA and all of the NOAA Line Offices better opportunities for IT products and services, including cost savings, time savings and better, more comprehensive IT products and services, all through a streamlined acquisition process supported by the NOAALink PMO. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. An investigation of the socio-economic aspects associated with the restoration of Muskegon Lake, MI Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 12 noon EST Speaker: Dr Paul Isely, Assistant Professor, Economics, DeVos Center, Grand Valley State University Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: Muskegon Lake, located in Muskegon, MI, was designated as a Great Lakes Area of Concern by the US EPA in 1987. The Great Lakes Commission through NOAA received a $10 million grant for habitat restoration along the southern shoreline of the lake, which includes the removal of hardened shoreline and contaminated sediments. We compare the estimated benefits of a stimulus funded remediation over time in Muskegon Lake, MI with the direct costs of the remediation. Using travel cost surveys, contingent valuation surveys, and hedonic valuation of residential property, we estimate the economic values of the ecosystem services associated with the restoration of wetland habitat in this Great Lakes Area of Concern. The travel cost survey uses a statistically random sample of over 200 recreational users of Muskegon Lake at multiple recreational access points before and during the remediation. The contingent valuation survey samples a similarly sized random sample of Muskegon County residents via an in person stated preference questionnaire as in Whitehead et al (2009). The hedonic analysis uses proximity to the first and second closest shoreline segments, and their associated lengths, to both natural and hardened shoreline from each house before and after the restoration. The estimates from all three methods are then used to find the economic impact on the Muskegon region. Results find that the return on investment is greater than the cost of remediation. Note: This seminar is sponsored by the NOAA Restoration Center, Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS). Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Closing the Gap: How Scientists Can Connect with the Public Date: Tuesday March 22, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Aaron Huertas, Press Secretary for the Union of Concerned Scientists Abstract: Americans’ appreciation for science is "a mile wide and an inch deep" as one researcher put it. The decline in science journalism and the proliferation of niche media outlets is making it more difficult for scientists to have their voices heard. Meanwhile, the nature of science reporting often conflicts with science education goals. Using best-practices from communications and public relations, scientists and science-based institutions can gain a greater understanding of how the public views their work. When scientists hone their communications skills, they can broaden and deepen public understanding of science. In particular, the concept of "message discipline" can be applied in a scientifically-rigorous way that enhances public understanding of science. Additionally, narrative forms of communication hold great promise for helping people understand why they should care about the work scientists are doing. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Preparing for the Rising Tide: Helping Coastal Communities Cope with the Impacts of Climate Change Date: Monday, April 4, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Juliette Finzi Hart, Regional Research and Planning Specialist, USC Sea Grant Powerpoint slides (pdf format)
Abstract: The University of Southern California (USC) Sea Grant program, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, tackles issues relating to the "Urban Ocean." Climate change and its impacts on a highly urbanized coast and the surrounding aquatic and marine coastal ecosystems is now one of our major areas of focus. USC Sea Grant has a number of ongoing local, statewide and national research, outreach and education projects. We are coordinating an effort with multiple Sea Grant programs to administer a climate change adaptation barriers and needs assessment survey to all coastal states. We are working with local scientists to develop a clearinghouse of oceanographic data from the Southern California Bight that relates to climate change; and, then working to develop workshops and products to link these data to policy-makers and community members. And, we have partnered with the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to train sanctuary docents on climate change to continue educating the interested public about the constantly developing science of climate change. These projects will be presented along with a discussion of next steps and opportunities for collaboration within the NOAA family. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Building a data center from scratch - the Integrated Ocean Data and Information Management System (ZSPDO) at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN) and The state of atmospheric research at IOPAN Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speakers: Marcin Wichorowski and Tymon Zielinski, Institute of Oceanology, Warsaw, Poland Abstract: The Institute of Oceanology, PAS (IOPAN) maintains huge archives of information gathered during research activities performed for more than 50 years. To enable cooperation in data exchange on a higher level IOPAN has decided to develop a data center and deploy a system for management of data and information, using well defined and widely used standards of data processing defined within the SeaDataNet project. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Effect of Salinity on Experimental Infections of Hematodinium sp. in Blue Crabs, Callinectes sapidus Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Anna Huntley Coffey, Policy Specialist, Water Power Program, Department of Energy Abstract: The parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium sp. parasitizes blue crabs along the Atlantic seaboard of the USA. Infections in blue crabs have only been reported from waters >11psu salinity. Blue crabs maintain a hyperosmotic internal concentration at low salinities (0-5psu) and, thus, should be capable of maintaining an infection in low salinity waters, even if Hematodinium cells are intolerant of low salinities. We tested this by observing the effect of low salinity on the progression of disease in crabs experimentally infected with the parasite. Blue crabs were acclimated to 5-psu or 30-psu salinity treatments. They were inoculated with Hematodinium sp. and necropsied 3, 7, 10, and 15 days post-inoculation. The low salinity treatment did not have an effect on the proliferation of Hematodinium infections in blue crabs; moreover, a greater proportion of infections in crabs in the low salinity treatment developed into the dinospore stage than in the high salinity treatment, indicating that salinity may affect the development of the parasite. Dinospores in in vitro cultures rapidly became inactive when held in salinities <15psu. Our experiments indicate that Hematodinium can develop in blue crabs at low salinities, but that the parasite is incapable of transmission in this environment, which may explain the lack of natural infections in crabs at low salinities. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Microbial Response to Potential Soil-Stabilizing Amendments for Coastal Wetland Restoration Date: Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Lauren Land, Focus Team Coordinator, Sustainable Coastal Development and Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities, National Sea Grant Office, NOAA Abstract: During metabolism of organic matter, microbes release extracellular polymeric substances, which accumulate to bind particles and increase soil aggregation. A similar concept might be implemented on a larger scale to aid wetland restoration. Hypothetically, amending hydraulically dredged sediment with polymer prior to deposition on subsiding marshes can lead to sediment stabilization until plants become established. However, adding a simple carbon source to the sediment can potentially affect microbial activity. This study determined the effect of addition of two commercially available natural polymers (xanthan gum and guar gum) on microbial biomass and activity in three types of hydraulically dredged sediments (clay, silty clay, sandy loam) saturated under a range of salinity regimes (1 and 5 ppt, 5 and 10 ppt, and 15 and 25 ppt, respectively) for four time periods (1, 8, 16, and 26 weeks). The CO2 evolved in response to added polymer suggests that microbial communities rapidly degraded the polymers. Addition of polymers provided a readily available source of carbon that induced a priming effect on the microbial biomass leading to increased activity. Microbial activity accelerated beyond background (control) respiration leading to a loss of as much as 8.7 times the native soil carbon. Therefore, polymer additions to wetland sediments can lead to a significant increase in native soil carbon loss with a concomitant decrease in soil quality. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Australian Approaches to Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Bruce Thom, Chair of the Australian National Coasts and Climate Change Council Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: Australian governments (federal, state and local) are taking very seriously the highly likely threats from global warming on coastal settlements and habitats such as the Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 85% of the Australian population lives in coastal regions, and considerable economic and recreational values are dependent on sustained coastal conditions into the future. A national effort is underway in Australia to assess risks to coastal assets, both built and natural. Cooperation between federal and state governments is a challenge given their respective constitutional powers. Local governments are demanding technical and financial support, as well as greater powers to constrain developments in vulnerable locations. At this stage, the emphasis is on both assessing risks due to slowly rising sea levels and increased storm wave attack, as well as on developing a practical set of adaptation planning options acceptable to communities and property owners. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Comparative Phylogeography of the Coral Triangle and Implications for Marine Management Date: Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Dr. Kent Carpenter, Professor of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University and the Manager of the IUCN Global Marine Species Assessment (GMSA) project Abstract: Extreme concentration of marine biodiversity and exploitation of marine resources in the Coral Triangle pose challenges to biogeographers and resource managers. Comparative phylogeography provides a powerful tool to test biogeographic hypotheses evoked to explain species richness in the Coral Triangle. It can also be used to delineate management units for marine resources. After about a decade of phylogeographical studies, patterns for the Coral Triangle are emerging. Broad connectivity in some species support the notion that larvae have maintained gene flow among distant populations for long periods. Other phylogeographic patterns suggest vicariant events resulting from Pleistocene sea level fluctuations, which have, at least occasionally, resulted in speciation. Divergence dates ranging back to the Miocene suggest that changing land configurations may have precipitated an explosion of species diversification. A synthesis of the marine phylogeographic studies reveals repeated patterns that corroborate hypothesized biogeographic processes and suggest improved management schemes for marine resources. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Influence of Surface Atmospheric Stability on Air-Water Interface Modeling over Lake Michigan Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Joe Fillingham, Labs and Cooperative Institutes, NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmostpheric Research Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: The Laurentian Great Lakes make up one of the largest areas of surface freshwater in the world. They have a profound influence on the weather of the United States, and as a vital natural resource supporting an intricate ecosystem, present complex and interdisciplinary challenges to both scientists and managers. The surface of the Great Lakes spans 94,000 square miles. As the interface between the overlying atmosphere and the 6 quadrillion gallons of fresh water the lakes contain, this massive area represents its own set of unique questions. The project presented here attempts to illustrate the influence of surface atmospheric stability on the exchange of mass and energy across the air-water interface. Through a wind-wave modeling experiment and a comparison of different CO2 gas flux models over Lake Michigan, it is shown that the stability of the atmosphere near the water surface caused by the difference between the air and water temperatures plays an important role in these physical processes. It is found that if not accounted for in modeling research, the influence of stability may lead to large errors in wave height forecasting and determining net carbon flux between the lakes and the atmosphere. Other unique issues of this physical environment are explored as they apply to this type of modeling such as fetch limitation and feedback on the ecological system. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Habitat Connectivity Controls Species Richness, Similarity and Rates of Community Development: Results from an Experimental Marine Metacommunity Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 12:30pm EDT Speaker: James Reinhardt, Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program, NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: Connectivity is an important property to understand in the context of our stressed and ever changing marine environment. Experiments and theory elucidating the importance of habitat connectivity can help us make informed decisions in regards to practical applications such as coastal development and MPA creation. Using the shallow hard-substrate benthic community of Southern New England as a model system, I examined species dynamics using the 'metacommunity' framework. A metacommunity is a system of independent local communities that interact (i.e., are connected) through dispersal. Specifically, I sought to increase our understanding of interacting regional (dispersal) and local dynamics (competition) and how processes at these two scales influence species richness. I did this by augmenting the connectivity of interacting experimental local communities via distance between communities. Connectivity between habitats significantly influences the timing of community development, alpha species richness and community similarity. Some of these results have been supported by others findings, while other results are non-intuitive. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Constitution and the Law of the Sea Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Michael P. Socarras, Esq. of the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: Mr. Socarras will discuss how confusion about the nature and status of customary international law is affecting U.S. federal courts and their approach to the law of the sea. The Restatement (Third) of the Foreign Relations Law of the United States and some recent lower federal court decisions on the law of the sea are materially wrong when measured by the standard of how the Supreme Court applies customary international law. For two centuries the Supreme Court has found customary international law in the practices and not in the promises of States, and has enforced customary international law as the highest form of domestic U.S. law that is neither derived from nor limited by the U.S. Constitution. Among the implications of this are that: 1) the customary international law of the sea in practice today is more clearly binding as U.S. domestic law than a ratified Law of the Sea Convention could ever be as a treaty, and 2) what States do not customarily do in practice is not likely to be enforced by the federal courts even if the U.S. were to become a party to the Law of the Sea Convention. Note: This seminar is sponsored by the Office of General Counsel for International Law. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Projecting the response of an endangered marine vertebrate to climate change: Reconciling terrestrial versus oceanic impacts Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Vincent S. Saba, Ph.D., Associate Research Scholar, Princeton University, and post-doctorate researcher, NOAA GFDL Abstract: The impacts of anthropogenic induced climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity is one of the key topics for the upcoming fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Critically endangered leatherback turtles in the eastern Pacific Ocean are excellent candidates for this assessment because they have been extensively studied in terms of their sensitivity to present-day climate variability at both their terrestrial and oceanic environment. If incidental fisheries mortality of leatherback turtles is reduced or eliminated, the population still faces the challenge of recovery in a rapidly changing climate. However, the synergistic impacts of climate change at their terrestrial and oceanic habitats have yet to be reconciled. Here I combine the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory's Earth System Model (GFDL-ESM 2.1), IPCC climate model projections, and a leatherback population dynamics model to estimate a 7% per decade decline in the population over the next century. Whereas changes in ocean conditions had no effect on the population, the warming of the nesting beach was the primary driver of the decline via decreased neonate recruitment. Therefore, even with the elimination of incidental fisheries mortality, the population still faces extirpation. This study highlights the potential for human intervention at nesting beaches to prevent the population collapse; climate mitigation of leatherback nests may be able to negate the precipitous population decline. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. What’s It All About, OMB? Performance! Discover the NEW Government Performance and Results Act Modernization Act of 2010 Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speakers: Liz Davenport, NOS Office of Management and Budget and Thanh Vo, NOAA Office of Program Planning and Integration Abstract: Particularly in lean budget times, it is critical for the Federal government to effectively plan and perform. To that end, strategic planning and performance management must be dynamic and successful. A potential aid is the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act, enacted January 4, 2011. GPRA MA reforms the original 1993 GPRA with 150 changes. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recently begun the first actions of a 3-year implementation. How will GPRA MA impact you, your program, your line or staff office, NOAA, DOC, and other Federal agencies? Much of the 1993 GPRA is extended, but with substantial new requirements that will impact how agencies plan, budget, monitor, evaluate, and report performance. This law portends a new partnership between OMB, the Executive Branch, and Congress for results-based budgeting and execution of mandates and authorities to benefit the Nation. Please join us to explore answers to these questions: Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Keeping Working Waterfronts at Work: A National Perspective on Coastal Communities Date: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speakers and Abstracts: Ryck Lydecker, Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs for Boat US
Dave Knight, Transportation Specialist with the Great Lakes Commission
Thomas Hymel, Environmental Specialist with LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant
Heather Mann, Executive Director of Community Seafood Initiative
Hugh Cowperthwaite, Fisheries Project Director at Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Date: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: James Delgado, Director, Maritime Heritage, NOS Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Abstract: James Delgado, Director of the Maritime Heritage Program in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, was the chief scientist for the 2010 scientific mapping and documentation of the Titanic wreck site. That project, in cooperation with RMS Titanic Inc./Premier Exhibitions, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the National Park Service, and NOAA, mapped 25 square miles of seabed and imaged area of the Titanic site never before mapped. The expedition also conducted a detailed three-dimensional scan and completed 3D imaging of Titanic's bow and stern sections. Delgado will share insights into the ongoing saga of Titanic and the documentation of the wreck site as well as preliminary results of the 2010 expedition. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The AMS DataStreme Education Program: NOAA’s Impact on K-12 Teachers Date: Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: John D. Moore and the NJ Local Implementation Team Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: See how the work of NOAA and NOAA’s educational resources are making a difference in promoting STEM Education in the classroom! Join a group of leaders and teachers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania who participate in the education programs of the American Meteorological Society. This Local Implementation Team for DataStreme Atmosphere, DataStreme Ocean, and Earth Climate System will discuss how they incorporate content, resources, and pedagogy in their classrooms, as well as other collaborative activities in this unique learning community. These education programs are supported through generous contributions from across the NOAA line and staff offices, as well as by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Collision at the End of the Line: Shipwrecks and Commercial Bottom Fishing Date: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Joyce Steinmetz, doctoral student, East Carolina University Abstract: Ms. Steinmetz's research examines the site formation processes of commercial fish trawling and dredging impacts on mid-Atlantic outer continental shelf shipwrecks. Exploring this human-related interaction required multi-disciplinary sources, including historical research, maritime archaeologists, fishermen who experience damage and loss of gear, and recreational divers who observe shipwreck damage. From diver observations 75 to 235 ft. deep, statistical analysis showed 69% of 52 sample shipwrecks had 1 to 5 snagged nets or dredges. The economic loss to the fishing gear owner ranges from $10 to $50K per lost system. Conservatively, $76 million of gear has been lost over 25 years on shipwrecks from Maine to Cape Hatteras. Case studies include the 1847 sidewheel paddle steamer Admiral DuPont, Civil War and early 20th century wrecks, the U.S. Navy tugs Nina and Cherokee, the 1920 submarine USS S-5, and the steam yacht and WWII patrol boat St. Augustine. The last four cases are protected from salvage under the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2005 but commercial fishing is exempt from liability for any damage it causes to such wrecks. Off Delmarva, three rotational scallop gear-restricted areas concentrate gear losses and cultural resource damage. Interviews with trawl netters, scallop dredgers, and clam dredgers reveal that each gear type has a different cost and probability of loss. Fishermen cited the accuracy of obstruction locations as a risk factor. Despite the increasingly common use of advanced technologies (hang logs, global positioning systems and chart plotters) by the commercial fishing industry, diver observations confirm that fishermen continue to lose gear. Gear impacts accelerate structural wreck deterioration and scramble or extract historic wreck contents. The purpose of Ms. Steinmetz’s research is to bring factual awareness and provide a foundation for solutions. A successful collision prevention solution could provide economic benefits for fishermen, conserve essential fish habitat, preserve recreational tourism, and safeguard non-renewable underwater cultural resources. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States, 2010. An assessment from the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Joe Nohner, NOAA/NMFS Office of Science and Technology Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) coastal assessment represents an unprecedented nationwide effort to describe the status and threats to estuarine, coastal and marine habitats in the continental United States. The coastal assessment complements a national assessment of inland fish habitat conducted concurrently by scientists at Michigan State University. This study synthesizes existing nation-wide data sets on anthropogenic disturbance and natural drivers affecting estuarine and coastal ecosystems, and includes indicators of land cover, hydrology, eutrophication, and water quality. A quantitative assessment of habitat components was nested into a multiscale spatial framework for the coastal Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico using NOAA’s Coastal Assessment Framework (CAF). A relative disturbance index was developed for each of the four indicators in each estuary spatial unit within the CAF. Composite habitat condition scores were then calculated for each unit by combining the four individual indices to determine the total current risk of habitat degradation. Results of this analysis allow regional and subregional comparisons to be made and identify major sources of habitat degradation in estuarine and coastal habitats. Data limitations prevented some sources of habitat indicator data from being included in the national coastal assessment. Information on sedimentation, shoreline armoring, fish tissue contaminants, and biogenic habitat status will be included in further coastal assessment efforts at the regional level. Next steps for the NFHAP coastal assessment include testing how these scores predict fish species composition and abundance metrics of well-studied stocks. Additional analyses within regions will be completed to further refine habitat conditions and assist in establishing critically degraded areas. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Biology and Conservation of the Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin, in Alabama Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Andrew T. Coleman, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (Minority Office) Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: The diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin, is the only North American turtle that is an obligate inhabitant of brackish water environments of salt marshes, bays, and estuaries. The terrapin represents a keystone predator in these habitats and can contribute to maintaining salt marsh integrity. This species has experienced a rich cultural history as it once was considered a gourmet delicacy, even being a required course at White House events. However, many populations were over harvested in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and they have not been able to rebound due to a number of current threats including crab pot mortality, habitat loss, nest predation, and road mortality. In 2004, a comprehensive study commenced in Alabama with the purpose of gathering baseline data on the survival status of the state’s diamondback terrapin population and the threats it faces. Through a number of field survey methods, it was concluded that the Alabama population existed in several isolated remnant aggregations. The largest aggregation was found to inhabit Cedar Point Marsh, which was the location of a large terrapin farm in the late 1800’s. Because crab pot mortality and nest predation were determined to be the largest threats in Alabama, a recovery strategy was initiated that attempted to address these threats. By-catch reduction devices (BRDs) were developed by Wood (1997) to prevent terrapin entry into pots without inhibiting crab capture, and their efficacy in Alabama was examined. Although crab capture was higher in non-BRD crab pots, BRDs reduced terrapin catch in crab pots by 90%. Also, a head-start program began in 2008, and, by the end of 2011, over 200 turtles will be returned to Cedar Point Marsh where the aggregation was estimated from mark-recapture data to be approximately 340 individuals. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Loggerhead Sea Turtles: Beyond the Beach Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 12:30 PM EDT Speaker: Katrina Phillips, NOAA OAR Office of Communications Powerpoint slides (pdf format) Abstract: The beaches of state of Florida host one of just two rookeries in the world that support more than 10,000 loggerhead nests a year and represent over half of all western Atlantic nesting for the species. Loggerhead nest counts on Florida’s vital nesting beaches have shown a marked decline in the past decade – but what does this tell us about the Atlantic population? While coastal development, erosion and recreational use put a strain on nesting habitats, nest counts for other species which share the same nesting beaches with loggerheads have increased over the same period. To help explain the drop in loggerhead nesting we must look at other factors, such as population dynamics and offshore habitat selection. Very few night-time saturation tagging projects exist in the state of Florida; in-depth evaluation of the long-term datasets that are available may shed light on broader population trends. For this study a twenty year mark-recapture dataset from the loggerhead nesting beach on Keewaydin Island, off the southwest coast of Florida, was analyzed using a two-state open robust design model in Program MARK. Parameters such as survival, encounter probability, population size and residence time for this nesting assemblage were estimated and examined for trends over time. The relatively low survival rate estimated for this assemblage shows population decline is an important factor to consider in explaining declining nest counts and highlights the need for specific management to enhance the survival of Florida nesters. The mark-recapture analysis was supplemented with a satellite tracking component to identify the offshore foraging areas utilized by Keewaydin nesters. Eleven nesting females were outfitted with platform terminal transmitters. The released turtles transmitted for 42 to 300+ days, including interesting intervals and subsequent migration to foraging grounds. Site fidelity tests and density kernel home range analyses were used to identify and describe foraging habitats. Females foraging in the eastern Gulf of Mexico were within the recent 64 m bottom longline fishery restriction. While the loggerhead females from this particular nesting beach do not frequent the same foraging area, the sites they selected are near those used by other loggerheads tracked from the western coast of Florida. Areas identified as important habitats during the remigration interval may be used to create targeted management strategies and aid population recovery without the use of broad fishery closures. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Marching with the Survey: Mapping and Charting the Civil War Date: Tuesday June 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Speaker: Skip Theberge and John Cloud, NOAA Central Library Abstract: The United States Coast Survey was an intrinsic part of the Union effort to quell the rebellion of the Southern States. Coast Survey hydrographers, topographers, and cartographers served the Union in the field in all theaters of the war and in the national capital producing thousands of maps and other products for the Union forces. The Coast Survey developed tactical maps for battlefield commanders, surveyed hostile harbor entrances, and piloted Union vessels in major naval actions of the war. Strategically, the Coast Survey helped plan the Union blockade through the Blockade Strategy Board and then implement it through its "Notes on the Coast of the United States." Even prior to hostilities, the Coast Survey was planning for the eventual conflict and had produced the best available maps of the coastline and major port cities of the South from Chesapeake Bay to the Texas-Mexico border. As in future wars of the United States, Coast Survey skills helped move men and materiel, helped plan major actions, and provided skilled surveyors, engineers, and scouts on the battlefield. This presentation will be an introduction to the Civil War service of the Coast Survey. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Race Against Time: Greek and U.S. Efforts to Protect the Critically Endangered Mediterranean and Hawaiian Monk Seals Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Dr. Alexandros Karamanlidis, MOm/ Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal Abstract: Monk seals are the only completely tropical species of seal in the world and are in trouble. Centuries of human exploitation and habitat destruction have caused the remaining populations of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) and Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) to drop to perilously low numbers, while the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) has become extinct. Scientists from Greece and the U.S. are in a race against time and are working together from opposite sides of the World to save the remaining monk seals. The MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with over 20 years of experience in the research and conservation of Mediterranean monk seals in Greece and abroad. Researchers at MOm have gained rare insights in the biology and behavior of the Mediterranean monk seal, including recent innovative technology that has enabled the seals to be monitored remotely inside their breeding caves. Current and future collaborations with U.S. scientists who study Hawaiian monk seals will provide important insights into new ways to help the two remaining species of monk seals survive into the future. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Steps towards a Web Data Laboratory: data analysis for the 21st Century Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Benno Blumenthal, Data Library Manager, Climate Monitoring and Dissemination, International Research Institute for Climate and Society Abstract: Scientific progress is increasingly predicated on accessing and analyzing increasingly larger datasets with increasingly complicated descriptive-metadata and use-metadata. Jointly-analyzing datasets frequently involves a multitude of transformations, different formats, different time and spatial resolution, different projections, and different systems for expressing that necessary use-metadata. Our working example is composed of the datasets and some of the metadata in the IRI/LDEO Climate Data Library. These data services enable access and analysis by providing data in a framework which allows format translation, rendering, and application of a variety of analysis functions, including sampling, averaging, regridding, EOFs, and statistical operators. Datasets are both local and remote, allowing a federation of data servers to appear in a uniform space of data access and functionality. Describing the library's contents requires concepts like datasets, units, dependent variables, and independent variables. These datasets have been provided under diverse frameworks that have varied levels of associated metadata. We have created an RDF expression of a taxonomy that forms the basis of a dynamic earth data search interface. The concepts include location, time, quantity, realm, author, and institution. We have also started cross-walking these metadata into various existing metadata schema, so that our data can be found in the corresponding systems. Building and expanding upon such systems, one can envision a future where not only are definitive versions of datasets and standard analyses of ever-larger datasets rapidly available on request, but that chains of analysis can be built non-programatically with equally accessible results. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Scientists, Watermen, and Conflict in the Maryland Chesapeake Oyster Fishery, 1880-2011 Date: Friday, June 24, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Christine Keiner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Science, Technology, and Society/Public Policy Department, Rochester Institute of Technology Abstract: Dr. Keiner will discuss her book The Oyster Question, for which she relied upon the valuable resources of the NOAA Central Library. Using insights from the history of biology, environmental history, agricultural history, and other fields, the book challenges standard interpretations of the oyster fishery as the epitome of the "tragedy of the commons," and addresses the role of historical knowledge in influencing contemporary estuarine resource-use policymaking. The Oyster Question: Scientists, Watermen, and the Maryland Chesapeake Bay since 1880 (published by the University of Georgia Press) won the 2010 Forum for the History of Science in America Prize and co-won the Maryland Historical Trust's Heritage Book Award, as well as Honorable Mention for the Frederick Jackson Turner Award from the Organization of American Historians. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. An assessment of radionuclide activity and associated human health risks in the United States Arctic Date: Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Jawed Hameedi, Ph.D., National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Abstract: Different sources of artificial radionuclides have contaminated the United States Arctic coastal and marine environments during the past several decades, including nuclear weapon tests fallout, discharges from nuclear reprocessing plants, leakage from underground nuclear tests, and dumped research materials. Ecological and human health concerns about radionuclide contamination in the region were heightened by the April 1993 disclosure of widespread dumping of nuclear reactors and wastes in the Arctic and northern Pacific Oceans by the former Soviet Union. Responding to those concerns, NOAA participated in a study to characterize the marine environment and biota of the US Arctic in terms of artificial radionuclides. Surficial sediment and biological samples, both vertebrate and invertebrate, from the Beaufort Sea, Norton Sound and Bristol Bay were analyzed for the anthropogenic radionuclides 137Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Am; a few naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 212Pb, and 214Pb) were also measured. Tissue samples from animals of subsistence value were analyzed to determine the radiation exposures and health risks to coastal inhabitants of the North Slope Borough. The activity of anthropogenic radionuclides in biological samples was very low; for example 137Cs activity levels, measured by both high resolution gamma spectroscopy and on chemically isolated Cs, in animals of the marine food chain were predominantly less than 1 Bq/kg. In contrast, 137Cs activity levels in caribou tissues (muscle, liver, kidney and rumen) were between 24 and 36 Bq/kg. Radioactivity data, combined with per capita consumption of subsistence-harvested foods in three villages (Barrow, Kaktovik and Nuiqsut) were used to derive age-dependent committed effective dose from 137Cs and 90Sr exposure through ingestion. The calculated dose levels for 137Cs were: 2.2 µSv (Barrow), 5.91 µSv (Kaktovik) and 9.06 µSv (Nuiqsut) for adults; levels for 90Sr were much lower. Caribou meat consumption contributed more than 95% of the dose in the case of 137Cs, and fish consumption contributed more than 60% of the 90Sr dose. In all cases, the estimated dose was very small; 0.01 mSv dose is considered negligible in terms of human health risks. The results also indicate that the internal radiation doses from subsistence foods are due to natural background and fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. In terms of source attribution of the radionuclides, the measured 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in sediment from the Beaufort, Norton Sound and Bristol Bay samples were very close to the generally accepted ratio from global fallout (0.180 ± 0.014): 0.19 ± 0.02 in Beaufort Sea (n=14), 0.20 ± 0.01 in Norton Sound (n=15), 0.19 ± 0.01 off Yukon River Delta (n=6), and 0.20 ± 0.01 in Bristol Bay (n=12). 241Am activity was low and when detected at significant levels, its ratio with 239+240Pu alpha activity was indicative of global fallout. There was no detectable 238Pu activity. These data, as originally intended, serve as a baseline about radionuclide activity in the region against which future changes may be assessed. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Among Giants, a Life with Whales Date: Friday, July 8, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Flip Nicklin, Whale Trust Abstract: In the early days of live cetacean research, scientists were trying to learn more, to take whales from fantasy to reality, but they only got glimpses when the animals surfaced to breathe. Only a diver could see these enormous animals in their own world, and a diver who could, like the whales, take a great gulp of air and move into the depths without scuba gear, because the bubbles might disturb the animals. There was a young diver who did that well - and one day in 1979 he dove down to a humpback "singing" in the waters off Maui and took a picture of it. The whale was Frank. The young diver was Flip Nicklin. And that day with Frank led to a career that opened new ground not just in under-water photography but in the whole field of marine mammalogy. Widely regarded as the world’s leading cetacean photographer, Flip Nicklin grew up around his father’s small dive shop on the California coast. He went on to become National Geographic’s premiere whale photographer and marine mammal specialist. In the past 30 years Flip has photographed more than thirty species of whales and dolphins, some so endangered their survival is in question. In 2001 he co-founded Whale Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to research and public education. He has most recently been named North American Nature Photography Association’s (NANPA) Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year, 2012. For three decades, Flip has photographed sperm whales in the Indian Ocean; minke whales off the Great Barrier Reef; belugas, bowheads, and narwhals in the High Arctic; right whales off Patagonia; blue whales in the Pacific…not to mention many, many humpbacks off Maui. Flip will show some of these images and discuss his recently published book "Among Giants, a Life with Whales". Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. An Ecosystem Perspective for Fisheries Management Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Jason Link, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center Powerpoint Slides (pdf format) Abstract: In a recent study, Dr. Jason Link and colleagues reviewed options for incorporating realistic estimates of predation mortality into stock assessments. They concluded that traditional, single-species population models generally underestimate the effects of predation on target species when predation is assumed to be low and constant rather than variable as predator and other prey populations change. The researchers found that including predation leads to more accurate estimates of total population size and more conservative biological reference points, or stock-specific benchmarks. The authors recommend adopting some of the existing methods they reviewed in order to incorporate ecological interactions into stock assessments. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership: Strategic Conservation on a Regional Scale Date: Friday, July 29, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Emily Greene, Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Coordinator, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Arlington, VA Powerpoint SlidesAbstract: The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is a coast-wide partnership of fish habitat resource managers, scientists, and communications professionals from 30 different state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental entities. Working from the headwaters of coastal draining rivers to the edge of the continental shelf, and from Maine to the Florida Keys, ACFHP seeks to accelerate the protection, restoration, and enhancement of habitat for native Atlantic coastal, estuarine dependent and diadromous fishes. ACFHP is developing goals, objectives, action strategies and priorities to guide conservation efforts along the Atlantic coast. Its draft goals include protecting and maintaining healthy aquatic systems, preventing further degradation of aquatic habitats, and restoring degraded aquatic habitats. Towards this end, the Partnership seeks to secure, leverage, and distribute resources for on-the-ground fish habitat conservation projects. This presentation will summarize its strategic planning efforts, to date and highlight progress on the Partnership’s initial restoration work. Remote access via webinar will NOT be available. An Introduction and Update of the Urban Water Federal Partnership Date: Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Simeon Hahn, Regional Resource Coordinator, National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration Abstract: The Urban Water Federal Partnership (UWFP) is 11 Federal Agencies, jointly signing a statement of Vision, Mission and Principles on June 24, 2011 to help urban and metropolitan areas, particularly those that are under-served or economically distressed, as they restore and protect urban water quality, revitalize adjacent neighborhoods, and reconnect to their urban waterways. With the application of federal, state and local tools, the partnership will leverage existing assets to promote short-term and long-term actions towards local urban water revitalization goals. The Guiding Principles of the Partnership are to: The Partnership chose seven locations in which to start work: The presentation will present more background on the initiative, including information on the pilots, and discuss NOAA participation to date as well as future considerations. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Life history pattern diversity, movements, and habitat use of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Grays River Estuary, WA Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Bethany E. Craig, Fisheries Scientific Advisory Coordinator, Office of Science and Technology, NOAA Fisheries Abstract: Recent studies suggest that juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) exhibit a variety of life history patterns in addition to the "stream-type" freshwater rearing life history traditionally thought to dominate coho salmon populations. Sub-yearling downstream migrants or "nomads" represent one of these alternative life history patterns. Recent work suggests that nomads may contribute substantially to adult coho salmon populations. Over the duration of two cohorts (2008-2009), we used catch data, diet and growth, and scale analyses to document the composition, outmigration chronology and habitat use of juvenile coho salmon among their freshwater spawning habitats and tidal freshwater estuary rearing habitats. Catch data shows bimodal migrations of subyearling nomad coho salmon into the estuary and suggests that spring migrating nomads rear in the estuary for an extended period of time. Nomads used a variety of estuarine habitats, but were most frequently caught within off-channel habitats including tidal freshwater forested wetlands and emergent wetlands. Scale pattern analysis showed that nomads have significantly higher growth rates than their subyearling counterparts who remain and rear in freshwater upriver habitat. We observed similar life history patterns among years, suggesting that these patterns are relatively stable, even if the benefits of any particular pattern may vary. Scale pattern analysis of adult scales verified evidence of a variety of juvenile life history patterns. The presence of available and productive wetland habitat in the lower reaches of the river may allow for expression of these nomad life history patterns. These results point to the importance of the preservation, conservation, and restoration of a diverse network of interconnected habitat throughout a watershed. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Coastal CHARM and the We-Table: New Technology for Participatory Democracy on the Coast Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: John Jacob, Texas Sea Grant and Texas A&M University Abstract: Powerful tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) enable the analysis of ever more complex layers of data, making it possible to facilitate much more rational, science-based decisions about coastal planning than previously possible. But this complexity makes it ever more difficult for coastal citizens to meaningfully engage in the community planning process. Without the full engagement of coastal citizens, even what appears to be the best choice based on unbiased science may turn out to be completely un-implementable. What is urgently needed are what the philosopher Ivan Illich referred to as “tools for conviviality.” These are tools that facilitate participatory democracy, tools that enable non-expert citizens to engage complex data sets in meaningful ways. The Texas Coastal Watershed Program, part of Texas Sea Grant and Texas AgriLife Extension, has been working with two new tools that show considerable promise as tools of conviviality. The first is the We-Table, which transforms an ordinary tabletop into an interactive computer interface. This very affordable participation tool allows teams to collaboratively explore and use computer-based data and programs in a workshop setting. The We-Table enhances what people use daily--tables and pens-- while the supporting technology works quietly in the background. This means that participants can easily use the interface with very little instruction, and it allows them to work with what matters most in a meeting: data, maps, and their fellow participants. The second tool is the Coastal CHARM (Community Health and Resource Management) model. Coastal CHARM is built with CommunityViz software, a plugin to the well-known ARC GIS software. CommunityViz is itself a “convivial” adaptation of ARCGIS that facilitates development of scenarios. CHARM uses the CommunityViz platform to array a wide spectrum of coastal natural resource and demographic data in a user-friendly framework. CHARM incorporates many different impact coefficients for different kinds of development patterns, including, for example, impervious surfaces, water usage, polluted runoff loadings, flood proofing costs, hurricane surge impacts, etc. Participants use the CHARM interface to “paint” different future development patterns on the landscape, and then evaluate the overall impact of each development scenario. I review here the initial piloting of the We-Table/CHARM tools at a workshop enabled by the recent Sea Grant Coastal Community Climate Adaptation Initiative. In this exercise, participants were instructed to place the projected 410,000 people expected within 30 years on the western shores of Galveston Bay. Five We-Tables enabled over 40 participants to paint the target area with various gradations of diffuse auto-oriented development and more compact, walkable patterns onto a landscape they knew well. Participants compared their scenarios immediately after the exercise in terms of impacts to the placed population (e.g., flooding and storm surge) as well as impacts to the environment (e.g., wetland loss, nitrogen loadings). A sea-level-rise slider allowed the participants to see how much more area would be flooded under real (e.g., Carla, Ike) or hypothetical storms (e.g. Carly) and various SLR scenarios. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Coastal and Island Watershed Management Tools and Initiatives - an Update from the Center for Watershed Protection Date: Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speakers: Karen Cappiella (Director of Research) and Dave Hirschman (Program Director), Center for Watershed Protection Abstract: The Center for Watershed Protection will provide an update on the results and progress of several coastal and island watershed management initiatives over the past few years. With funding from the Cooperate Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET), we developed tools to manage the impacts of land use and stormwater runoff on water resources of the Atlantic coastal plain. The resulting Coastal Plain Watershed Information Center contains products such as an article series on adapting watershed protection tools for the coastal plain, a coastal community watershed management self-assessment checklist, case studies of successful low impact development (LID) application in the coastal plain, and a photo library and slideshow for use in educating decision makers about the importance and applicability of LID in the coastal plain. Other coastal watershed work has included refinement of techniques for detecting illicit discharges in coastal waters, and, working with Maryland Sea Grant, efforts to assist coastal communities with adapting to climate change. Our island watershed work includes efforts to improve watershed and stormwater management on Pacific Islands working with the Horsley Witten Group and NOAA's Coral Reef program. The work has involved developing a watershed plan framework for the Piti-Asan watershed in Guam, revising (soon to be adopted, we hope!) Guam's erosion control and stormwater regulations, adapting stormwater BMP designs to island applications, conducting pollution prevention training in Saipan, CNMI, and providing watershed training for various audiences. Most recently, the Center, Horsley Witten, and NOAA hosted the Pacific Island Watershed Institute in Hawaii. In the Caribbean, we have been working with NOAA Restoration Partners and NFWF to coordinate implementation of the watershed management plan for Guanica Bay in Puerto Rico- including studies to evaluate the potential effects of restoring the Guanica lagoon, a feasibility study for constructing a treatment wetland to enhance pollutant removal at the Guanica wastewater treatment plant and startup of a roundtable to discuss how to improve the market for shade grown coffee in Puerto Rico- as well as implementation of stormwater retrofits in La Parguerra, PR. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Pedaling Climate: A bike trip across the country, talking about climate Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: David Goodrich, NOAA Climate Program Office (retired) Abstract: After retiring from the NOAA Climate Program Office in January, the author left on a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in May. The trip ran 4205 miles, with quite a few adventures, including holding Lincoln's axe in Illinois, having a tornado party in Missouri, climbing a 10,200' pass in Colorado and camping at a uranium ghost town in Wyoming. In the process there were presentations to 17 groups at 11 different venues about climate change. Some of the impacts of climate change along the way were hard to avoid: sea level rise in Delaware; drought in Kansas; and forest loss in the Rockies. Some ideas and strategies for communicating the issues of climate will be proposed. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Okinawa Dugong: Application of Section 402 of the National Historic Preservation Act Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Mark Spalding, President of the Ocean Foundation Abstract: Please join us on Tuesday, September 13th, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the NOAA Central Library (SSMC3, 2nd Floor) for a brown bag presentation by Mark Spalding, President of the Ocean Foundation, on Okinawa Dugong v. Gates. The case involves the application of Section 402 of the National Historic Preservation Act to a federal project outside of the United States likely to affect the Okinawa Dugong, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In Dugong, plaintiffs challenged the U.S. Defense Department’s plan to build an airbase off the coast of the Japanese island, Okinawa, and DOD’s failure to consider – as required by section 402 of the National Historic Preservation Act - the impacts of its plans on the Okinawa Dugong, a marine mammal species listed as a protected "natural monument" on the Japanese Register of Cultural Properties. The case presents an unusual example of the use of U.S. historic preservation law to protect natural heritage outside of the United States. Mr. Spalding will discuss the case, and more broadly the relationship between domestic and international law. Note: This seminar is sponsored by the Office of General Counsel for International Law. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Blue Carbon – Another Reason to Love Coastal Habitats Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Linwood Pendleton, Acting Chief Economist, NOAA PPI; and Emily Pidgeon, Conservation International Linwood Pendleton's Powerpoint Slides Emily Pidgeon's Powerpoint Slides Abstract: Did you know that coastal habitats such as mangroves, salt marshes, and sea grasses store significant amounts of carbon and have great potential for greenhouse gas mitigation? Dazzle your colleagues and friends with your newfound knowledge of international and U.S. efforts to better understand and protect the use of these coastal habitats for carbon storage and sequestration. You’ll learn the answers to questions including: Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Foraging behavior and habitat associations of newly independent northern fur seal pups (Callorhinus ursinus) Date: Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Olivia Lee, Integrative Programs Section in the Division of Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation Abstract: Northern fur seal pups and juveniles experience the highest mortality rates at sea compared to other age groups, but our knowledge of this life stage remains limited because individuals may not return to shore for 2 years after leaving their rookeries. The foraging behavior and habitat associations of 35 newly independent pups from Bering Island, Russia were investigated using Mk-10AL satellite tags to track pup locations and diving behavior between November 2007 and March 2008. Stomach temperature telemetry was used to identify the duration and timing of ingestion events for the first time in wide-ranging pups. Pup locations were compared to the distribution of several oceanographic features using remotely sensed data including: chlorophyll a concentrations, bathymetry, sea surface temperature, and eddies. Monte Carlo logistic modeling was used to identify the habitat associations of pups, and we compared pup behavior to the known habitat associations of adult females. Pups showed a strong association with regions with high chlorophyll a concentrations, high sea surface temperatures, and greater distances from shore. There was a negative correlation between pup locations and water depth, and pups had no association with eddies. However, pups that encountered eddies during their migration had the longest ingestion events near eddy peripheries. The results indicate that although pups are attracted to certain oceanographic features that may indicate higher prey abundance, they may have not yet learned to take advantage of prey-rich regions associated with eddies. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Halophyte Hydroponics: Exploring the Feasibility of Extracting Excess Nitrogen from Shrimp Aquaculture with Atriplex hortensis, an Edible Crop Date: Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 12:30 PM EDT Speaker: Hui Rodomsky, Coastal Conservation Policy Specialist, NOAA NOS Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management Abstract: The vast majority of the world’s shrimp supply comes from industrial shrimp farms in the coastal areas of tropical developing countries. Shrimp farming practices degrade tropical coastal ecosystems in many ways, including conversion of mangrove forests, soil salinization, and eutrophication of coastal waters. Shrimp pond water quality is maintained by constant water exchange with the surrounding environment. This constant water exchange stresses freshwater resources in the area, and the discharged effluent alters the water chemistry of coastal ecosystems. This research addresses the eutrophication of coastal waters and explores the feasibility of growing halophytes hydroponically to extract excess nitrogen from the pond water before it is discharged into the surrounding environment. This study was conducted in Hilo, Hawai’i, situated within the tropics. Five plant coverage levels of the halophyte Atriplex hortensis were tested to examine the effect of relative plant biomass on nitrogen levels in shrimp aquaculture water. Complete block design was implemented with each treatment represented once per block. There were six blocks total, and each block consisted of five 20-gallon glass aquaria nested in a 300-gallon plastic tank filled with freshwater for temperature control. Each glass aquarium was stocked with Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, at 100 animals per m2, the stocking density of intensive shrimp farming. The water in the glass aquaria was a mixture of seawater and Hawai’i county water to achieve 20ppt salinity. The only nutrient input to the system was the daily feeding of L. vannamei. A. hortensis was grown hydroponically in floating platforms resting on top of the water. Three forms of nitrogen – nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia – were measured via spectrophotometer weekly over seven weeks. The observed rates of decrease for nitrate levels were 1.7 to 2.2 times greater in treatments with plants than in the control treatment. This suggests that incorporating A. hortensis into the shrimp aquaculture system can lower the concentration of nitrate in the water. As A. hortensis is edible, a second crop could be produced from this nitrate mitigation method with no additional nitrogen input. There is potential for halophyte hydroponics to be developed as a way to remove excess nitrate from shrimp farm effluent. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Modeling Ecosystem Service Values of Wetlands in Delaware: an Application of the InVEST Model Date: Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speakers: Maura Flight, Senior Associate at IEc and Chip Paterson, Principal at IEc Abstract: Wetlands cover over 30 percent of the State of Delaware. These ecosystems are being threatened, in particular, by development associated with the growing state population. Wetlands serve a variety of ecosystem functions, including surface water retention, nutrient transformation, coastal storm surge detention, species habitat, and carbon sequestration. Our analysis links wetland functions in Delaware to ecosystem services - the contributions that these functions make to the well-being of human populations - for purposes of economic valuation. There is little disagreement that wetland ecosystem functions provide valuable services. The relationship of some services, such as recreation, to wetlands is more apparent than others, for example, flood protection. From a social welfare perspective, failure to incorporate the values of as full a suite of ecosystem services as possible may result in inefficient resource management (i.e., the total value of goods and services provided by the landscape is not maximized). Our analysis demonstrates a framework designed to evaluate tradeoffs in multiple ecosystem services of land and resource management scenarios. Specifically, we apply the Natural Capital Project’s Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) tool to quantify changes in carbon storage and sequestration, water purification, flood protection, and biodiversity associated with projected wetland losses in Delaware. The InVEST approach advances the science of ecosystem services assessment and valuation by employing spatially-explicit ecological production functions to quantify net changes in the delivery of ecosystem services resulting from specified land use or management changes. Quantifying the net change as opposed to the absolute value of services allows decision-makers to consider tradeoffs associated with marginal changes in ecosystem functions, and provides more meaningful estimates to inform policy. The results of our analysis, both biophysical and economic endpoints, provide additional information regarding less transparent ecosystem services of wetlands to support efficient landscape-level land use planning. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The ecology of narwhals in Baffin Bay and the impacts of a warming climate Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Kristin Laidre, arctic ecologist at the Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Lab, University of Washington Abstract: The offshore pack ice is one of the most important habitats for narwhals (Monodon monoceros), yet few data are available to quantify ecological relationships. Winter movements of narwhals (n=34) satellite-tagged between 2003 and 2005 on Baffin Island were combined with data on distribution and abundance collected from a visual aerial survey on the wintering grounds conducted in April 2008 to examine habitat use in the pack ice. Continuous high-resolution digital photographic sea ice images (n= 2,685) and downward-looking video were also collected on the survey tracklines facilitating a detailed description of the habitat. A fully corrected abundance estimate of 17,239 narwhals (cv=0.58) was calculated for the 9,500 sq. km area, which had only 2% open water. Narwhals ranged most widely and had the highest velocities in years with the most dense sea ice cover, but remained stationary over their preferred foraging grounds in years with low sea ice cover. This may suggest heavy sea ice requires whales to conduct compensatory movements to keep up with leads and cracks that move up to 25 km/day. Some whales were tagged with transmitters which collected and transmitted water column temperature profiles from dives >1,000 m between December and April 2005-2007, a project funded by the NOAA Ocean Exploration program. Data from these tags suggest the previously documented warming in Baffin Bay continued through 2007 and is associated with a warmer West Greenland Current in both of its constituent water masses. Understanding narwhal habitat use in the pack ice is critical to this species given climate change induced sea ice loss rates of 9% decade in Baffin Bay. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The XML Hydrographic Metadata System and the Hydrographic Survey Metadata Data Base (HSMDB) Date: Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Daniel Neumann, IT Specialist, Hydrographic Surveys Division, NOAA Office of Coast Survey Abstract: Metadata is crucial for the efficient archiving and retrieval of hydrographic survey data. Currently, hydrographic metadata is created in multiple formats and housed in manually populated databases. NOAA’s Office of Cost Survey (OCS) is developing tools, using eXtensible Markup Language (XML), to enable NOAA to provide structured XML packaging of information that will allow metadata to be constrained and parsed more efficiently for multiple outputs. When completed, this will support a more efficient, semi-automated workflow for capturing metadata throughout the hydrographic survey lifecycle. This lifecycle is from initial project instructions to final descriptive reports and other supporting documents. Part of the improved workflow is eliminating the manual input of metadata to the authoritative HSMDB at the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). Timely automated update will free Hydrographic survey Division (HSD) data control resources to focus on HSMDB population of archived hydrographic surveys. This will in turn enable different user communities to easily query and harvest more historic hydrographic survey information. This presentation will first offer an overview of the current status and proposed end product of the XML system. Secondly, the interaction of this XML as an extract and insert tool for the HSMDB will be explored stressing the notion that "enter once, use multiple times" approach greatly reduces errors, while also increasing efficiency and usability. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Tales and Tails - 41 Sea Years of Texas Sea Grant Date: Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Gary Graham, Texas Sea Grant extension agent Abstract: Gary Graham, longtime fisheries specialist with the Texas Sea Grant Program will present his experiences with the early years of interaction with marine resource users. An overview of cooperative work with the fishing industry to identify and plot trawl obstructions, development of more environmentally acceptable fishing gear and the emotional times which ultimately yielded successes with turtles and TEDs will be discussed. Graham will describe adaptations in working with different minority groups within the fisheries as well as challenges in engaging industry to solve their own problem. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Law and Policies that Apply to NOAA International Agreements Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Hugh Schratwieser, NOAA’s Office of General Counsel for Weather Abstract: Please join us on Wednesday, October 19th, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the NOAA Central Library (SSMC3, 2nd Floor) for a brown bag presentation on the law and policies regarding international agreements and memoranda of understanding between NOAA and counterpart agencies in foreign countries. Hugh Schratwieser of NOAA’s Office of General Counsel for Weather (GCW) will provide an overview of the Case- Zablocki Act and its implementation by NOAA GC. Authority for making determinations under the Case-Zablocki Act for NOAA international agreements was recently delegated to the NOAA General Counsel by the Department of Commerce General Counsel. Angelia Talbert-Duarte of the General Law Division of the Department of Commerce Office of General Counsel will explain the role played by her office in reviewing NOAA’s international agreements as well as an provide an overview of the law and policies that apply when such agreements involve the transfer of funds. There will be ample time for questions from the audience. Additional background information is available at http://www.gc.noaa.gov/gc_case_zablocki.html and http://www.commerce.gov/os/ogc/model-agreements. Note: This seminar is intended for NOAA employees only. Sponsored by the Office of General Counsel for International Law. Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. The Impacts of El Niño Conditions on California Sea Lion Health and Fisheries Interactions: Stranding Hotspots and Management Implications Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 12 noon EDT Speaker: Amanda Keledjian, Office of Protected Resources in NOAA Fisheries Service Abstract: California sea lions, Zalophus californianus, are often viewed as a sentinel species whose health can be affected by prevailing oceanographic conditions and environmental quality. For this reason, it has become increasingly important to study the natural stressors and anthropogenic impacts that can lead to diminished health and survival among individuals of this coastal species. In this study, just over 36,000 sea lion stranding records spanning 1983-2010 were used to first identify regional and seasonal fishing interaction "hotspots" in California, and second, to examine how these hotspots might change under additional environmental stress induced by El Niño oceanographic conditions that can affect prey availability. Analyzing mean monthly fisheries interactions cases (n=2,380) revealed that (1) the number of fisheries interactions has risen over time (as much as 20% in some areas) but the frequency of these strandings relative to abundance estimates has not changed significantly throughout the study period; (2) regional hotspots were identified in Monterey, Los Angeles, and Orange counties; (3) seasonal peaks in fisheries interactions occur May-August along the coast; and (4) fisheries interactions are significantly greater during El Niño periods in all regions studied. These results indicate that over a twenty-seven year period, sea lion health is impacted by oceanographic conditions and anthropogenic stressors that may be heightened in early summer following the weaning period. Spatially- and temporally-explicit data such as these can be useful in dynamically mapping marine mammal health within spatial planning tools. This study could inform adaptive management measures designed to minimize incidental take for this and other pinniped species where they overlap with fisheries on the U.S. West coast. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. Melting Glaciers: A Probable Source of DDT to the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 12:30pm EDT Speaker: Heidi Geisz, Legislative Fellow with the House Natural Resources Committee subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs Abstract: Persistent organic pollutants reach polar regions by long-range atmospheric transport and biomagnify through the food web accumulating in higher trophic level predators. We analyzed Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) samples collected from 2004-2006 to evaluate current levels of ∑DDT (p,p’-DDT + p,p’-DDE) in these birds, which are confined to Antarctica. Ratios of p,p’-DDT to p,p’-DDE in Adélie penguins have declined significantly since 1964 indicating current exposure to old rather than new sources of ∑DDT. However, ∑DDT has not declined in Adélie penguins from the Western Antarctic Peninsula for more than 30 years and the presence of p,p’-DDT in these birds indicates that there is a current source of DDT to the Antarctic marine food web. DDT has been banned or severely restricted since peak use in the 1970s, implicating glacier melt-water as a likely source for DDT contamination in coastal Antarctic seas. Our estimates indicate that 1-4 kg*y-1 ∑DDT are currently being released into coastal waters along the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet due to glacier ablation. Note: This seminar is part of the 2011 Sea Grant Knauss Fellows Brown Bag Series Remote access via webinar will be available. See the General Information section above for details. |