Science – Page 60 – Southern Fried Science

A rig by any other name, could it be an artificial reef?

April 14, 2011 Andrew Thaler 2 Comments

There are currently more than 7,500 offshore oil platforms actively probing the earth’s crust for black gold. Their relatively minimal appearance at the surface belies the shear magnitude of human construction beneath the waves. Oil platforms are among the world’s tallest man-made structures. Compliant tower platforms reach up to 900 meters in depth (in contrast, the tallest building is 828 meters). these rigs are not permanent structures. As the wells run dry and sea water corrodes steel jackets, the wells are capped and rigs decommissioned. At least 6500 offshore platforms are slated for decommission by 2025, which begs the question, what do we do with inactive oil platforms?

Beneath the Waves Film Festival: Mini-Season

April 11, 2011April 2, 2011 David Shiffman

Conservation, Science

The latest 2011 Beneath the Waves Film Festival entry, Mini-Season, comes from University of Miami graduate student Erica Staaterman. It explains the culture and biological effects of lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys.

MSC considering granting sustainable status to a fishery with high shark bycatch

April 6, 2011April 6, 2011 David Shiffman 11 Comments

Conservation, Science

In a world where greenwashing, overfishing, bycatch and pirate fishing run rampant, it can be difficult for eco-conscious consumers to know what to buy. Many eco-certification agencies exist, but they often offer conflicting advice. Who should you listen to?

Book Review: A year at Lazy Point

April 5, 2011April 13, 2011 Andrew Thaler 8 Comments

Conservation, Science

I adored Song for the Blue Ocean. The first time I read it was a formative moment in my development as a young marine biologist and conservationist. When I picked up Eye of the Albatross and, later, Voyage of the Turtle, I expected that same magic, but could not find it. Safina’s subsequent books were not bad. Both were evocative, beautifully written, and stirring tributes to the natural world. But their stories felt too familiar, like listening to a contemporary symphony built around a Bach fugue or watching a remake of a classic movie. So I approached The View from Lazy Point with the same expectations, as yet another supplement to Song for the Blue Ocean. I was mistaken.

What is Sustainability Science?

April 5, 2011April 5, 2011 Bluegrass Blue Crab 1 Comment

Science

The term sustainability is a muddy one, covered in marketing efforts and political baggage. So when someone says they study sustainability or are part of the field of sustainability science, what does that mean? The discipline actually refers to a fairly well-defined subject borne out of the call for interdisciplinary research, especially between ecology and the social sciences. At its heart, the field is based in the need to provide food, fuel, and fiber to current and future residents of planet earth. In other words, it’s the science behind the Brundtland Commission’s oft-cited goals of sustainable development and hopes to understand and create long-term integrity of the biosphere and human well-being.

Beneath the Waves Film Festival: Under the Boat

April 2, 2011April 2, 2011 David Shiffman 2 Comments

Popular Culture, Science

This 2011 Beneath the Waves Film Festival entry comes from students of Dr. Jeremy Long, the creator of “What Invert You Like“. If you have a question for the filmmakers, please leave it as a comment below and I’ll make sure they get it. This entry won “best student film”.

Shark shooter identified, but has he broken any laws?

March 31, 2011March 31, 2011 David Shiffman 18 Comments

Conservation, Popular Culture, Science

Earlier this month, a video of fishermen shooting a rifle at sharks appeared on YouTube and caused quite a stir. The video has since been removed, but not before shark conservation activists made copies (warning: the videos are extremely graphic and have inappropriate language). Apparently some computers can access the site with the videos and others can’t, if you can’t access the site and want a copy of the videos just let me know. All images in this post are screenshots from the video.

Severely injured great white shark found, are scientists responsible?

March 29, 2011May 3, 2011 David Shiffman 125 Comments

Conservation, Popular Culture, Science

[Editor’s Notice – Comments have been suspended on this post. Please visit “Full video of injured shark shows numerous natural injuries” for an update on this controversy]

Last summer, I reviewed National Geographic’s “Expedition Great White” and interviewed the lead scientist. Several researchers and conservationists were concerned about the methods that Dr. Michael Domeier uses to study great white sharks, particularly after one shark was “foul hooked” through the gills. These methods (removing captured great white sharks from the water to study them using a forklift-like structure) make for excellent television, but may be harmful to the sharks. As I reported last year:

Shark Science Monday: Matt Baronio discusses using ROVs to study shark behavior

March 29, 2011 David Shiffman

Science

In this week’s edition of Shark Science Monday, Matt Baronio of Southern Cross University discusses using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to study shark behavior. If you have a question for Matt, please leave a comment on this post and I’ll make sure he gets it.

Beneath the Waves Film Festival: Spectacular When Spotted

March 27, 2011March 28, 2011 David Shiffman

Science

This year’s Beneath the Waves Film Festival was a huge success, and we’ve already started planning for next year. In the meantime, I’ll post some of the 2011 entries. “Spectacular when spotted” follows a spotted eagle ray research project in Bermuda. It has some great footage of these amazing animals, and shows some field scientists … Read More “Beneath the Waves Film Festival: Spectacular When Spotted” »