MaryAnn Gaffuri-Overfishing

 MaryAnn Gaffuri

Science Daily, March 19, 2012.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163807.htm

In this article, titled “One Solution to Global Overfishing Found”, the findings of on one study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, ARC Centre for Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, are discussed. The team of scientists from 24 nations worldwide studied 40 coral reef regions in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, to test the practice of “co- management” as a solution to overfishing in these reefs. “Co- management” in this regard refers to a mutually beneficial working relationship between local communities who depend on fishing for their livelihoods, Conservation groups who are concerned for the Reef and fish population and sustainability, and governments, who benefit from both locally and in a globalized market economy. The scientists and researchers found very successful results in both maintaining the livelihoods as well as protecting the fish. The only places where they did not find as great success were the areas and regions which more heavily involved with the globalized market in contrast with those communities who sold the fish within their own nations or cities.

                Fish are a vital part of all aquatic ecosystems and are also vital to humans. Overfishing is a major problem because millions of fish, a lot of them predators on smaller prey, are instrumental not only in maintaining the balance within those ecosystems, but also because they are one of the largest food sources for humans. The majority of the world’s population live on the coasts or on water, and their livelihoods, from jobs to food, depend on fishing.

                I think that it is great to hear about some kind of success in fisheries management, but I do not think these attacks the largest problems. Programs like these still only benefit the richest members of communities, and while not necessarily hurting poor groups, no benefit is accrued either. I do think it’s important that overfishing in the reefs is a large problem and understand why they tackled (no pun intended) these areas first but large fisheries in other areas are a huge problem as well, and I am eager to find out how they deal with the areas not designated to one nation or community.

Jeanette Guidi- Blog

The issue that is being addressed in the article “Millions of Americans at Risk of Flooding as Sea Levels Rise” is the recent concern of rising sea levels, consequently causing scientists to predict the massive flooding of coastal areas within the next decade. Scientists have proven that sea levels are currently rising due to temperature of waters increasing, therefore expanding water molecules, and the melting of glaciers; this rise of water have scientists predicting the danger of millions of Americans. Scientists argue that as a result of increase of ocean waters, “the US Government’s currently designated flood zones should not be considered stable.” As a result of unstable flood zones, if waters continue rise as little as 1 meter, there could be a potential danger of  “2.1 million housing units where 3.9 million people live.”   

Ecology is defined as the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. When studying ecology, it is important to understand and acknowledge how natural systems work and how human beings can have an impact the environment. Through analyzing this scientific study presented in the article, the effects of global warming, flooding, and the most importantly the effects flooding will have on millions of people, it is obvious that ecology and its importance plays a role in this environmental problem. Human beings contribute to global warming, which in return results in the heating of the earth atmosphere. Through this global heating, glacial ice has the potential to melt. As a result of glacial ice melting, scientist predict that sea levels will begin to rise. The systematic result of global warming, caused by human beings is now predicted to cause massive flooding in coastal regions and cities close to sea waters; all of the steps that ultimately lead to the massive flooding of coastal regions are all intertwined. 

In my opinion, the potential risk of coastal flooding due to the rise of sea waters is a very serious problem. Considering the article, I also believe that coastal flooding is a great threat to the United States economy, and the basic form of society that we live in presently. If sea waters flood coastal areas, millions of people will be forced to find new homes and millions of jobs will be lost. Extreme flooding would leave the United States in extreme economic turmoil. I believe that there are two ways that the flooding problem can be resolved. One way is that, as a result in the rise of sea waters, new evacuation plans be established by the government. American citizens need to be able to evacuate in a timely matter if flooding comes unexpectedly. Also, the government would need to find a solid source of land - establishment for its coastal citizens affected by the flooding, through housing and the work force. The second option is that globally, all countries and nations agree to participate in a friendlier green lifestyle. In living more green, the potential of decreasing global warming could be possible and therefore sea levels would not be so prone to rising and flooding coastal areas. 

Two years later, fish sick near BP oil spill site

(AP Photo/Courtesy Steven Murawski)

It has been two years since the devistaing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and fishermen and scientists are still reporting sitings of sick fish. Many of them have large open sores, black streaks, and lesions. The oil spill quickly faced the brunt of the blame. But scientists can't definitively say what is actually causing  the diseases because they have no baseline data on sick fish in the Gulf before the spill in order to form a frame of reference. To add to the problem, the gulf is exposed to more and more pollutants every day. But  the suffering fish's diseases are being tied to petroleum and a recent batch of test results revealed the presence of oil in the bile extracted from fish. 


"Bile tells you what a fish's last meal was," said Steve Murawski, a marine biologist with the University of South Florida who was chief science adviser for the National Marine Fisheries Service until November 2010 when he began working on oil spill studies for USF. "There was as late as August of last year an oil source out there that some of those animals were consuming."


Another, more extensive study, was conducted by USF scientists. They caught over 4,000 fish and about 3 percent of them displayed gashes, ulcers and parasites symptomatic of environmental contamination. 1o percent of mud-dwelling fish displayed signs of illness as well. "The closer to the oil rig, the higher frequency was" of sick fish, Murawski, the study leader, said. While past studies conducted in the Atlantic show only 1 percent of fish had been suffering from disease. 


They are seeing many things for the first time, such as fin rot. James Cowan, a reef fish expert at Louisiana State University said, "There is so much in the literature that links exposure to PAHs (the compounds in oil) to exactly what we are seeing: sicknesses, lesions and everything else."


There is more pollution in the Gulf than just the BP spill. Natural oil seeps, pipelines and oil wells and pollution from passing ships, as well as the discharge from the Mississippi River. But now in the past year, research has emerged showing deep-water corals, seaweed beds, inshore bait fish, dolphins and other species were injured by the spill. Nobody will say that the Bp Spill hasn't impacted the Gulf because it clearly has. But many aren't ready to attribute these findings of sick fish to the BP spill even though oil seems to be the main contaminate and we are only 2 years removed from the explosion that caused the spill. The spill wasn't even stopped until 15 months had past. To me, this is just another display of the devestation caused by this disaster. Sadly this problem will continue to harm us for time to come, while BP looks to save money in cleanup efforts even though its their fault that much of the Gulf's pollution can be attributed to the spill. 


Burdeau, Cain . "Two years later, fish sick near BP oil spill site - Yahoo! Finance." Yahoo! Finance - Business Finance, Stock Market, Quotes, News. N.p., 19 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. <http://finance.yahoo.com/news/two-years-later-fish-sick-140236899.html>.

New Threat to Birds Posed by Invasive Pythons in Florida

Limpkin eggs. (Credit: Don Hurlbert, Smithsonian)

Burmese pythons seem to be causing a lot of trouble lately for the Florida Everglades They are native to southern Asia, but they have made their way into the everglades. They were first recorded in 1979. People believe they either escaped, or were brought over as pets. These Burmese pythons have rapidly grown.Studies estimate there are tens of thousands of them. Previous studies have been conducted that shows the pythons out competing native species for habitats and resources. However, this most recent study shows that they are also eating native wildlife. Smithsonian scientists uncovered this new threat. The snakes have been known to eat over 25 species of birds in the everglades. However, until these finding they were never recorded to be eating actual bird eggs. Smithsonian institution is working with the national park to observe the digestive tracks of the pythons. The above picture compares a normal egg, to two eggs that have been eaten by the pythons. These findings pose a new challenge for the Everglades. The pythons are extremely hard to control.


Why is this a problem? This shows that the pythons do not sit and wait for prey. They take advantage of any opportunities and have the ability to go after any native species at any time they desire. According to Carla Dove, lead author of the study, the snakes could potentially affect the native birds breeding. Scientists collected a 14 pound male python to study its eating patterns. Shortly after it was caught, it regurgitated 10 eggs, which were later found out to be Limpkin eggs (shown above). It seems to be fascinating that the Burmese pythons eat eggs because their bodies do not seem to be quite adapted to it. Other species of snakes eat birds, but these snakes have blade-like extensions in their esophogas so they can easily crush the egg. Burmese pythons do not have these extensions. Carla Dove says they do not know how frequently pythons are consuming bird eggs, more research will need to be done.


Invasive species is a very prevalent topic in ecology. They pose as a huge threat to ecosystems. Especially in this case. This invasive species, the Burmese python, is dominating native species in many different aspects. They are taking over the land, the resources, and causing negative affects to breeding. They embody all the aspects of an invasive species. They have spread rapidly, and lack any real competition.I think it is interesting how dominant they have become. I believe the Florida Everglades are in a state of crisis. They cannot control the growing population of the pythons and new threats are frequently occurring. It is very dangerous the pythons are now eating eggs because this can potentially lead to extinction of native species.


Written by Antonia Edwards


Source : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224845.htm

Why Are Alaska Polar Bears Losing Their Fur?

Polar bears in Alaska are suffering from fur loss and skin lesions. Nine out of thirty-three polar bears that were examined during routine field studies near Barrow (Alaska’s northernmost city) during late March/early April were found to have alopecia (fur loss) and other skin lesions. This combination of diseases is rare to find in that many bears in such a small period of time. During summer 2011, 60 seals were found dead (another 75 seals diseased) due to a mysterious illness. The polar bears typically prey on these seals. Similar symptoms that the seals and the polar bears that are affected both show are labored breathing and fatigue. Scientists are trying to figure out whether or not the disease that the seals had is related to these symptoms that the polar bears are showing. Until the study is concluded, the cause is still unknown.

This relates to this course because it demonstrates how an ecosystem works. The polar bear is the predator and the seals are the prey. It shows how animals depend on each other in order to survive and how diseases could get transferred from a prey to a predator.

 I think that this is part of life. But it is also horrible. I think that if the scientists figure out what is causing the disease in seals, they will also figure out what is causing the hair loss and skin lesions in the polar bears. I’m willing to bet that this is related to the grasshopper effect. Barrow is the most northern city in North America. Pollutants transported due to the grasshopper effect end up here. Exposure to pollutants that the seals are not used to are probably causing this disease in the seals that is being transferred to the polar bears. Ecosystems aren’t meant to be completely healthy, but when I see stories like this where a disease is causing a lot of health problems it shows how important it is that the general public is aware of local problems that could cause bigger problems in places very far away from them.

Source: http://news.discovery.com/earth/why-are-alaska-polar-bears-losing-their-fur-120410.html#mkcpgn=rssnws1

Imported Goods bring Invasive Species and Disease

According to Science Daily, the United States imports goods worth more than $500 billion dollars each year.  We import everything from food, to animals, to cars.  When we import things like food, like vegetables, fruits or meat, it comes from thousands of miles away.  Non-native plants and animals commonly find a way to make its way onto U.S. soil and become a problem.  These may come as an accident, possibly hidden on the boat that it came in on, or mixed in with a pile of food.  Sometimes animals are taken from foreign lands, and let free into the wild here, becoming invasive the species around it.  When a non-native species of plant or animal are introduced in the environment, it can possibly take over and dominate the native species or bring in disease that native species aren't used to.  One group ventured to say that 70% of the invasive species in the US came from imported plants.  Many of the plants travel all around the country, mainly to California and Florida where they may grow and thrive.
The authors go on to say that more strict standards need to be set at inspection stations to decrease the chance of bringing in more invasive species.  Importing specifically harmful plants should be banned or held more in check.  Plants or animals that bring disease into the country could hurt the native species and in turn could be hurting the people.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409133928.htm

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is no doubt a breath taking wonder of nature. The Barrier reef is home to more than four hundred different types of coral and hundreds more fish and other wild life. This is all in jeopardy of dying out because the rising sea temperatures.

The rising sea temperatures are a direct effect of global warming. The increase in the burning of fossil fuels has resulted in the increase of Carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. How does the effect the Great Barrier Reef? About 25 percent of the world’s Carbon Dioxide molecules are absorbed by the ocean. The Great Barrier Reef is not invincible and this is becoming very clear. In the past decade the Great Barrier Reefs have experienced the two warmest temperatures 5 year periods in the history of the earth. The increasing sea temperature has started taking its toll on the fragile and highly specialized ecosystem. The reef which is the biggest coral reef in the world is starting to succumb to the rising temperatures. These rising temperatures have resulted in the bleaching of the coral which means the coral is dead. Another result of the rising temperature is the slowing of expansion of the reef. This is hazardous to the ecosystem because the lack of new organisms means the fewer organisms there is to absorb the Carbon dioxide. This is a problem because the coral all have the ability to absorb a certain level of CO2 but not a lot if the water becomes denser with CO2 than the coral die out and the ecosystem around the coral die as well because they are a major keystone species in this ecosystem. The dying off of the coral reef means the dying off of the species that rely on it as a means of their survival as well. This highly diversified community will continue to diminish if the sea temperatures continue to rise due to the burning of fossil fuels.

This is important for us to understand because in ecology we study how our actions affect the world we live in. This is a direct result of humans burning fossil fuels at a pace were the earth can’t maintain its balance. Our ecological footprint is too much for the earth to keep up with. The earth cannot replenish its resources fast enough to deal with the addition of Carbon Dioxide in to the atmosphere at the high levels we produce. In class we have learned ways to reduce our ecological footprint for scenarios just like this. This case only confirms that the material we learn in class is truly realistic tools and problems the earth faces every day because of humans and our manipulation of the environment for our convenience.

I believe that if this problem does not improve it will be too late to fix or reverse the damages   that we have caused to the Great Barrier Reef. In class I learned that this area is a big tourist attraction. This would hurt us in the place that hurts the most, our economy. I think that we need to protect this ecosystem for economic security. Not only does this hurt our wallets but it is a source of protection of erosion of Austria’s coast line as well. I believe that this increase in sea temperature is more serious than we think and we have to act now if we want to save this amazing ecosystem.

Sources:

"Great Barrier Reef Wild Life." BBC News. BBC. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/places/Great_Barrier_Reef>.

"Ocean Acidification Hits Great Barrier Reef: Scientific American." Science News, Articles and Information. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=ocean-acidification-hits-great-barrier-reef>.

"Ocean Acidification Hits Great Barrier Reef: Scientific American." Science News, Articles and Information. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=ocean-acidification-hits-great-barrier-reef>.

"Working Together Today for a Healthier Reef Tomorrow..." Impacts of Rising Sea Temperatures on the Reef. Web. 06 Apr. 2012. <http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/outlook-for-the-reef/climate-change/how-climate-change-can-affect-the-reef/rising-sea-temperatures>

Saving Habitat Key to Songbird's Survival. By: Reuben Negron

                                                     (Photo Credit to University of Cincinnati) 
As we all know, many species throughout the world are becoming extinct and endangered as I type this very blog. One species in particular is the Golden-winged Warbler. Once a abundant and harmonious creature, it now struggles to even make its beautiful and harmonious songs heard throughout the world. One important thing to know about this bird is that back about 50 years ago it was on an enormous upswing in regards to population, but since 1966 these birds have been subject to dramatic declines in population and are still unprotected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is completely mind boggling how such a beautiful creature can remain unprotected when the numbers clearly show how much they are truly being affected by us humans. A lot of care should be being taken to ensure the safety of these birds, but currently isn't.

One person who has been studying these Golden-winged Warblers for over 25 years now and is more concerned than ever is a man named Ronald Canterbury. These birds songs were once heard from the Southern Appalachians through several places including Southern Canada. Now the majority of these birds can only be scarcely found in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario. Canterbury is very worried about these birds and says, "If you go to the watch lists, like Audubon or American Bird Conservancy, the Golden-winged Warbler is going to be in the top 5 and sometimes even the No. 1 bird of critical concern in its breeding range." This quote shows how much danger these birds are actually in and how much concern should actually be taken regarding these birds. 

These birds are currently facing two major threats and the most important and obvious being humans. We are mining most of their habitat, in order to level out mountains for easier access to coal. This process is basically moving the warblers out of their habitat where they are able to thrive and causing major population drops. The second major threats to these warblers are their sister species, the Blue-winged Warbler. The major difference between these two birds is that the Blue-winged Warblers are able to thrive in lower elevation habitats and spreading to mountainsides and competing with the Golden-wing Warblers. The only way to save these birds essentially is figure out how many are left and preserve them by any means necessary, because they are such a beautiful creature and deserve at least a fighting chance to survive. 

This topic is quite relevant to our Ecology class because it deals with species competition with one another and how much humans are truly affecting species with their behavior. We must come together as people and see how much of an effect we are not only having on the environment, but the people who live in it as well. Something must be done, sooner rather than later in order to save not only the Golden-winged Warblers, but other species alike. This article was truly eye opening for me and made me realize just how much of an effect humans are having on animals who are basically endangered and how we must make major leas forward protecting the species, which live on earth.

Sources: University of Cincinnati. "Saving habitat key to songbird's survival." ScienceDaily, 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012. 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113107.htm
Photo: Same website as above, Photo Credit to University of Cincinnati. 

Solution to Global Overfishing By Mark Davin

In recent years there has been a decline in the number of fisheries around the world. The decline in fisheries can be attributed to overfishing to meet the needs of our growing population. A recent study done by the Wildlife Conservation Society has determined that co-management is the key to protecting fisheries around the world. Co-management is an effort of governments, local communities, and conservation organizations to work together to stop overfishing. The study has concluded that co-management has been very successful not only to protect fisheries but to also continue to meet the needs of people around the world. One of the scientists who took part in the study, Dr. Josh Cinner, later went on to say "we found clear evidence of people's ability to overcome the "tragedy of the commons" by making and enforcing their own rules for managing fisheries." The conclusion is that with guidance from organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, people can manage fisheries with their own rules and not over fish. After surveying fisherman more than half agreed that co-management is successful in maintaining fisheries and improving peoples lives. The researchers also compared co-managed coral reefs against not co-managed coral reefs. The findings showed that co-managed coral reefs were half as likely to be overfished which helps maintain ecosystems.

This topic relates to the course because we have disussed overfishing, tradgedy of the commons and about the importance of maintaning ecosystems. My personal opinion on this topic is that we must make a strong effort to stop overfishing. I believe that co-mamagement is an important step in doing so. It is not easy for everyone around the world to stop overfishing but by working together fisheries and ecosystems can both be resored. If overfishing does not decline than more fisheries will dissappear and entire ecosystems will be destroyed.

Source: Wildlife Conservation Society. "One solution to global overfishing found." ScienceDaily, 19 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163807.htm

Image:

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=505&tbm=isch&tbnid=OjJZfYMl5x0GdM:&imgrefurl=http://www.oceanleadership.org/2011/bipartisan-group-of-senators-announce-formation-of-oceans-caucus/&docid=QCOTuSLzLznfUM&imgurl=http://www.oceanleadership.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nwhi_-_french_frigate_shoals_reef_-_many_fish.jpg&w=3000&h=2001&ei=V_9wT9nNL4rC2wXrjvmCDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=794&vpy=184&dur=22386&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=68&ty=100&sig=105108756972097580874&page=1&tbnh=148&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0

Warming Antarctica Brings Changes to Penguins Breeding Cycles

By Kaitlyn Buscone

Warming in the Western Antarctica Peninsula
(Image 1)

Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins
(Image 2)

Antarctica is the home to many different species of penguins. Recent climate changes though are threatening the breeding cycles of three of these dominant penguin species, the Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins. Every year these three species migrate to the West Antarctic Peninsula to breed. However, because of global warming, the peninsula is disappearing and the warmer temperatures are causing the penguins to have to migrate and begin the breeding cycle much earlier than ever before. The climate change is having a significant impact on both the chinstrap and the Adelie penguins, who need the icy waters and seem to be unable to adapt to their warming surroundings.  Their populations are declining in numbers. In contrast to this, the gentoo penguin’s numbers are actually increasing because they prefer areas with less sea ice and adapt much more easily to the changes taking place around them. The gentoo’s are showing up to breeding grounds much earlier than the other two species and taking over the nesting areas before the others arrive.  This issue of directly relates to our course because it is yet another example of how global warming is causing significant climate issues which are affecting the environments of many species. In this case, the decline in the chinstrap and Adelie populations is leading to an imbalance in the variation of species in Antarctica especially because the gentoo population is actually rising as a result of this warming.  When there is an imbalance of species in any ecosystem this leads to problems such as collapsing food webs. I believe that this issue is a serious issue because although it would be difficult to reverse the damage that has already been done to Antarctica and the penguin populations, humans need to prevent any further damage to the environment by doing everything in our power to stop global warming.  If global warming does not slow down, many parts of Antarctica and all of the life there is in serious danger of becoming wiped out.

Souce: Stony Brook University (2012, March 21). Warming Antarctic brings changes to penguin breeding cycles. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2012/03/120321123758.htm      
Image 1: http://www.giss.nasa.gov/research/news/20090121/305938main_Antarctica_temps.jpg
Image 2: http://simpleclimate.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/copa-adelie-colony-icebergs.jpg

Overfishing in the Mediterranean

By Sarah Daily

http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/44102     

    

          For centuries now the Mediterranean Sea has played a major role in trade and commerce throughout the world. However because of this constant exploitation, the resources and ecosystems in the sea have been wiped out. An international study was conducted involving hundreds of dives throughout the Mediterranean over a span of three years. Researchers found that the ecosystems in well-enforced marine reserves were the healthiest. Once this was discovered, the scientists studied the vegetation and animal life in ecosystems of heavy protection and no protection. They found that the fish and animals were able to recover quicker than the plants and vegetation. A head scientist of this international study, Enrich Sala, stated "the protections of the marine ecosystems is a necessity as well as a business in which everyone wins." Calling this system a "business" is directly related to the possible income of potential marine reserves as well as the creation of jobs and tourism revenue. He announced that in Spain's Medes Marine Reserve, which is contained to one square kilometer, that a revenue of 10 million euros is generated. This number is twenty times the amount that would be generated through fishing. 

           Overfishing throughout all of the world has been detrimental to ecosystems for centuries. Although there are still cases, the restrictions being placed on fishing is saving the marine life. If one animal becomes extinct in an ecosystem, the entire marine life in that ecosystem is effected. Because of this, the overfishing needs to be put to an end. Of course, this takes a world wide initiative, which could be incredibly difficult. This article makes an intriguing point to those who think that by fishing these oceans, the Mediterranean in particular, they are gaining as much revenue as possible. However the lead scientist in this experiment showed how that is not the case, where there is more possibility for income by maintaining the marine reserves.       

Gabel, David. "Overfishing the Mediterranean." Environmental News Network. PLoS One; 8  Mar. 2012; Web; 18 Mar. 2012. 

The Endangerment of Cross-River Gorillas by Maureen Shetler

An endangered species is a population that is threatened by the environment because of changes, and is at risk of becoming extinct.  Many nations are creating laws to protect these species and the habitats in which they live, but only a few of the endangered species are able to obtain legal protection.  Laws to prevent hunting and deforestation are among the legislation being passed.  Within the last one hundred fifty years, the rate of extinction has greatly increased.

Cross River gorillas, only found between Nigeria and Cameroon, are one on the worlds most endangered species according to the IUCN Primate Specialist Group.  Roughly three hundred Cross River gorillas are still in the wild. The main cause of their decrease in numbers is the large amount of hunting and deforestation within their habitat.  A large population of humans surrounds them.  Conservationists are working to protect the gorillas through the Takamanda National Park.  The gorillas now have a better habitat to live in, and there are over fifty percent more gorillas.  The population is growing back after so many years. 

This is related to ecology because these species are a part of our biosphere.  We have a responsibility to take care of the world around us.  Entire ecosystems will be destroyed if preventative steps are not taken.  Entire ecosystems will become unstable, and food webs will be completely devastated.  The gorillas are just one of several species who face the dangers of extinction.

It is important that humans are more aware of what is going on in the world around them, and that these laws are observed and followed.  Entire ecosystems could be destroyed, and biodiversity will decrease if people do not know how to take preventative steps.  More laws should be created to cease the hunting of endangered species, and more research should be done in order to legally protect all of the endangered species.  The Cross River gorillas were lucky in that they were put in a more suitable habitat, millions more however, will continue to suffer.  

Sources:

Endangered Species. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2012, from Science Daily website:

             http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/endangered_species.htm

Haluzan, N. (2012, February 2). Endangered animals – Cross River Gorilla. Retrieved

            February 21, 2012, from Ecological Problems website: 

http://ecological-problems.blogspot.com/2012/02/endangered-animals-cross-river-gorilla.html

Photo Credit:

http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/photography/Gorilla%20Album/WWFImgFullitem4340.jpg

Solar Energy? Wind Energy? Seaweed Energy! Seaweed is seen as only an annoyance when people are trying to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Its slimey and smelly and only ruins beautiful beach days. Despite all this, recent research has looked into using microalgae (seaweed) as a source for fuel. Researchers from Tel Aviv University are performing a study to find new ways to harvest and produce seaweed. Seaweed can be produced more rapidly than any land crop and there would be no valuable land wasted. The seaweed can be produced along coastlines. Although some many malicious side affects occur from an explosion of biomass on land, the researchers think that the biomass in a marine environment would actually solve existing environmental problems. While solving some problems, the use of seaweed for energy would reduce ecological footprints across the globe, therefore increasing the amount of nonrenewable energy sources. Also, there would be no degradation of natural ecosystems as seen with deforestation. This topic actually plays a role in my everyday life at home. I live right near the ocean on the south shore of Long Island. There is a water treatment plant that has been dumping sewage into the back bays of Long Island. The sewage creates massive algal blooms in the spring once the water is warm enough to support plant life. Right near my house, the seaweed amasses all spring and summer and does not move. At the end of the summer, there is a massive area of all seaweed about five feet deep. Because it sits there for so long, it begins to produce harmful toxins that are transmitted through the air. My whole town smells horrible with the correct wind, getting to the point that going outside is almost unbearable. The Army Corps of Engineers dredged Jones Inlet about four years ago hoping that it would help with the seaweed problem, although it only made it worse. They came back about eighteen months ago and have temporarily solved the problem-(we will see how well they did in only a couple weeks though). -Mike Gallagher

Just to the right and above the “Ball Park” is where the seaweed gets trapped. You can see how the area is almost shelled out and keeps the seaweed in. http://hugrealestate.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/Point_Lookout_Picture.jpg Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University. "Is Seaweed the Future of Biofuel?." ScienceDaily, 5 Mar. 2012. Web. 13 Mar. 2012.

Help Save Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

            Lake Atitlan, located in the mountainous region of Guatemala, has been called one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Surrounded by large volcanoes and small fishing villages this lake is a spectacle for the senses.  The lake is losing its luster though according to the article “Help Save Lake Atitlan, Guatemala”, written by Barbara Schieber.  In the past few decades, tourism leading to the growth of towns and industry around the lake has ended up hurting the lake they depend on.  Before tourism began to boom, the residents around the lake lived in a more sustainable way, a way that did not pollute the lake.  But with the influx of tourists and the news ways in which the area had to accommodate them, pollution began to spread.  It began with debris such as plastic bottles and garbage.  Then it turned out the hotels and businesses around the lake that accommodated tourists were dumping sewage water and other toxins directly into the lake.  The Guatemalan government, not having the strong political structures to enforce environmental laws, has not gone through the right steps to halt this pollution of the lake.  Also, contamination has risen due to agricultural practices around the lake.  In this region farmers use an abundance of fertilizers and chemical protectants on their crops, little of which is regulated by the government.  These toxins reached the lake, and in 2008 cyanobacteria (a blue-green algae) was reported.

            This problem corresponds with our discussion of the Highly-Developed Nations compared to Less-Developed Nations.  Poverty in this country is tremendous, and businesses and individuals may not have the money to fund equipment and certain practices that prevent pollution.  Also, lesser developed countries tend to have an unstable political structure and Guatemala is no exception to this.  The amounts of consumption the region is not due to the native population.  Over-consumption came as a result of the influx of tourists from highly developed nations. 

            Having actually visited Lake Atitlan myself I know how special this place really is.  It is truly sad that a place so rich in native culture and natural beauty is facing the problems that it is.  The way I see it is that the tourists to the area did not mean to have such a drastic affect on the Lake.  It was the fact that the region was not capable of accommodating tourism in a environmentally safe way due to the reason states before.  But as I have seen, it is also the people who visit the lake and have fallen in love with it that are taking strides to protect it.  They know the native population does not have the means nor perhaps the right information to act sustainably.  So, many tourists have formed groups and raised money to do so.  The reason the lake became polluted to begin with may also be the reason it is protected in the future.

Source:  Schieber, Barbara. "Help Save Lake Atitlan, Guatemala." Guatemala News. 27 Oct. 2009. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.guatemala-times.com/news/guatemala/1222-help-save-lake-atitlan-guatemala.html>.

Staghorn Coral Transplanted to Threatened Reef

Scientists and researchers at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center and the National Coral Reef Institute will transplant 28 basketball-sized, on-land, nursery-grown staghorn coral to reefs off Florida’s Broward County coast in order to save the reef from persistant threats.  Scientists have been carefully growing staghorn coral for about 18 months now and they will continue to monitor them on a monthly basis once placed in the reef.  This operation is a first on many different levels.  Firstly, it is the first time on-land nursery grown reef has been transplanted to Broward County and secondly, this county is the furthest north reef that staghorn coral has even been translated to.  The reef off Broward County coast is at great threatening risks due to degradation from human causes such as: pollution, overfishing, climate change and development.  Reefs such as these, need to be protected as they serve protection purposes for young fish to hide from predators.  These transplanted reefs will help the reef by providing these forms of protection again and restoring genetically diverse colonies.  Researcher David Gilliam Ph.D. states, “It’s vital to have both on-land and in-water nurseries to help better understand how to restore coral reefs.”  NSU’s land-based coral nursery will be soon opening an 86,000- square-foot, $40-million center for coral reef science research, making it the largest in the country. 

Several topics we are learning in class relate to topics found in this article.  Firstly, this article demonstrates the relationship between organisms and their environment, the basis of ecology.  Furthermore, the overwhelming human actions effect today’s ecological system are demonstrated through the depletion of coral reefs in this article.  Additionally, this specific coral reef’s food web is affected from the lack of staghorn coral that would otherwise protect and hide younger fish of lower trophic levels.  Lastly, the need for genetic variation, that lack in the Broward county coast reefs, relates to what we have discussed in class. 

In my opinion I find the steps NSU has taken and will take in the future to protect Florida’s reef to be extremely commendable however, I can’t help but pay attention to why they need to be protected.  In addition to replenishing what human activity has depleted in coral reefs, we need to stop the problem from continuing.  In order to fix the problem we include the source of the threat to coral reefs,  which is most directly, the human impact on ecological systems. 

 Source:

Nova Southeastern University. "Staghorn coral transplanted to threatened reef." ScienceDaily, 17 Feb. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2012.

Discovery of earth's climate patterns (John Izzo)

On April 6, 2010, Santa Barbara geologist Lorraine Lisiecki discovered a method to figure out why the changes in earth’s climate occur. By studying ocean sediments, Lisiecki and a team of scientists were able to trace the earth’s climate patterns millions of years into the past. They discovered a pattern that gave a direct link between earth’s historic climate changes and its changing orbit.

The eccentricity of earth’s orbit around the sun changes approximately every 100,000 years, becoming either more round or more elliptical. After the study of the ocean sediments, scientists found that a direct connection with this orbital pattern is the glaciation of the planet, which also occurs every 100,000 years. Because it is extremely unlikely that these two major events would not be related in some way, this became the basis of future of earth’s climate. The most intriguing discovery was that the planet seemed to go through periods of heavy glaciation during the intervals in which eccentricity was experiencing the weakest change, and vice versa.

In relating these studies to our class discussions, the effect of additional greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere can potentially have a major effect on the earth’s glaciation cycle. These additional gasses are causing the earth’s average temperature to increase each year, and it eventually may not be able to cool down to the proper temperature for glaciation to occur. As the study shows, this planet has been able to cool in response to its orbital changes for millions of years, but additional greenhouse gasses in all likelihood will alter this cycle dramatically.

The orbital patterns theoretically would decrease the amount of heat that reaches earth. Because of the industrialization our planet has gone through within the past 150 years, much more carbon dioxide has been added into the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuels. This massive increase in greenhouse gasses has enabled our planet to retain much more heat than it has in the past. Eventually, the planet’s natural cooling process will not able to keep up anymore.

Source –

University of California - Santa Barbara (2010, April 6). Geologist connects regular changes of Earth's orbital cycle to changes in climate. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/04/100406133707.htm