David Shiffman

Ethical debate: Can an endangered species be a business partner?

October 19, 2010October 18, 2010 David Shiffman 28 Comments

Conservation

Two of the strongest environmental laws in the world are the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Among many other statutes, these laws make it a Federal crime for anyone to harass endangered marine mammal species such as the West Indian manatee. By the accepted definitions of the word “harass”, this means that people cannot swim with and certainly cannot touch a manatee. However, at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, visitors can do both of these things- and it’s totally legal!

Shark Science Monday: Julia Spät discusses the effect of ocean acidification on sharks

October 18, 2010October 19, 2010 David Shiffman 2 Comments

Science

In the latest edition of Shark Science Monday, Woods Hole/Boston University researcher Julia Spät discusses how ocean acidification is likely to affect sharks. As always, feel free to ask questions for Julia in the comments. ~WhySharksMatter

The Tea Party’s disturbing views about science

October 14, 2010October 14, 2010 David Shiffman 31 Comments

Uncategorized

I know many scientists who aren’t politically active because they feel that many political issues don’t apply to them. I strongly disagree. If the upcoming midterm elections proceed as pundits claim, it may have disastrous consequences for American science policy. We all have a stake in this.

Altered sea turtle sex ratios: Can global warming harm warm-water animals?

October 12, 2010 David Shiffman 5 Comments

Conservation, Science

When most people think of an animal threatened by global warming, images of a polar bear drowning because of lost ice habitat come to mind. Few know that climate change can also threaten animals used to living in environments much warmer than the Arctic. Even when you’re used to heat, too much heat can be a serious problem- particularly in vulnerable early life history stages.

One example of this phenomenon is the sea turtle. Though one species (the leatherback) often ventures into Arctic waters, the other species are largely confined to tropical and temperate climates. All seven species are threatened or endangered due to decades of bycatch mortality and habitat destruction, and they are in serious trouble as a result of warming beach temperatures.

Shark Science Monday: Thomas Farrugia discusses restoring lost shark and ray habitat

October 12, 2010 David Shiffman 3 Comments

Conservation, Science

A major threat facing sharks is the loss of important nursery habitat. In this week’s Shark Science Monday, Thomas Farrugia discusses how effective habitat restoration can be. Feel free to ask questions for Thomas in the comments. ~WhySharksMatter

Frito Lay abandons eco-friendly SunChip bags

October 7, 2010October 6, 2010 David Shiffman 10 Comments

Uncategorized

Last year, Frito Lay unveiled a 100% compostable bag for SunChips. Since packaging waste from single-serving junk food is a sizable chunk of our society’s trash, this move was a big deal and was cheered by environmentalists. They even had a sappy commercial showing how this could make the world more environmentally friendly. Remember the commercial?

How not to apply for a job working with sharks

October 6, 2010October 6, 2010 David Shiffman 11 Comments

Science

This week marked an important e-mail milestone for me: I received my 100th request for a job. I do not mean job offers (i.e. people saying “David, we’d like to hire you”), or requests for job advice (i.e. people saying “David, can you point me in the right direction?”). I’d be thrilled to answer any of those e-mails (particularly the job offers). I mean job requests (i.e. people saying “David, please hire me”).

I get all kinds of e-mails from readers, and I’m always happy to answer them. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that applying for a job in this way is incredibly ineffective. I thought I’d take some examples from some of my favorite job request e-mails to explain to you all how not to apply for a job working with sharks.

Return of the light bulbs?

October 5, 2010October 5, 2010 David Shiffman 4 Comments

Uncategorized

Two weeks ago, I mentioned the strange “save the light bulb” movement, prompting Andrew to write an excellent analysis refuting their central claim. For some reason, this issue is really bothering conservatives and it just won’t go away.

Shark Science Monday: Michelle Heupel discusses the need for lethal shark research

October 4, 2010October 4, 2010 David Shiffman 6 Comments

Conservation, Science

Last spring, we held an ethical debate focusing on a paper called “Science or Slaughter”. The authors claimed that sometimes it is necessary to kill sharks to answer important scientific questions. One of the authors agreed to be interviewed for Shark Science Monday. Enjoy! As always, feel free to ask questions of the interview subject … Read More “Shark Science Monday: Michelle Heupel discusses the need for lethal shark research” »

Bad news for sharks in the South China Sea

September 30, 2010September 29, 2010 David Shiffman 1 Comment

Conservation, Science

While a large percentage of the world’s shark fins pass through Hong Kong fish markets, most come from far-away countries and little attention has been paid to shark populations in adjacent waters. An important new paper, appropriately titled “The sharks of South East Asia – unknown, unmonitored and unmanaged” provides new insight into this problem.