Knauss Brown Bag August 18th: Salmon!

Hey Knaussers! After a brief hiatus, we're bringing you the next installment of the Knauss Brown Bag seminar series. 

Coho salmon, credit: FWS

This Thursday, Bethany Craig will tell us all about her work investigating coho life history patterns.  Her research focuses on figuring out how baby salmon grow into adults and where they prefer to live within the vast riverine networks of the Pacific northwest.  In the Grays River Estuary in Washington, she has studied the local salmon in hopes of learning more about how quickly they grow, what they eat, where they choose to lay their eggs, and how they use different types of habitat. 

Recovery regions; NOAA

Salmon research and management remain highly contentious within the Pacific northwest.  In the conservation arena, successful recovery of the many threatened species and their "Evolutionarily Significant Units" along the West coast is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest with a team of constituents dragged kicking and screaming behind you.  For many of the usual reasons (livlihoods, animals rights, food supply, hydropower, native subsistence practices, and economic development, to name a few) all things salmon are slow and cumbersome processes.  Additionally, the prevalence of this iconic fish within the culture and history of the region does nothing to soothe tensions.  However, this isn't to say that it can't be done.  Through work such as Bethany's, resource managers and researchers can make informed decisions about where to focus recovery planning and restoration activities when they know more about how salmon grow and where they live at each age.  Those who have dedicated their lives and work to such noble fish truly tackle their mountainous task one river and stream at a time. 

To learn more about migrant nomads, fish scale analysis, channels, streams, and the WET lab, come hear Bethany's talk this Thursday!  For more information, check out the Protected Resources coho page and the NOAA Salmon Recovery website.   

Field Notes: Knauss and RFMOs in La Jolla

Read below for Andy's lessons and impressions from the one and only Kobe III meeting in La Jolla a few weeks ago...

Tuna, credit: NOAA

 "As I mentioned in my Knauss fellow profile, I did not have extensive exposure to the current depth or breadth of fisheries issues prior to this year.  Many of the issues that I have learned about so far pertain to tuna management (e.g. the listing of Bluefin tuna).  Over 50 species of tuna along with other highly migratory species such as sailfish, billfish, and some sharks are internationally managed by 5 Regional Management Fishing Organizations (RFMOs):  Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).  In 2007, a delegation from each of the 5 RFMOs came together in Kobe, Japan, to promote and enhance coordination and communication between the RFMOs.  The meeting was creatively called Kobe I, and this body has convened two additional meetings – one in San Sebastian, Spain, (2009), and one in La Jolla, CA, (2011).  The Kobe group is not a decision-making body, but makes recommendations that are (hopefully) sent to the 5 RFMOs for implementation.  Because of my newly-found interest in tuna fishery issues, I felt lucky to be a member of the U.S. delegation at the Kobe III meeting in La Jolla a few weeks ago.

Before the first day of the Kobe III meeting, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation organized a side panel with invited speakers who presented information on rights-based management tools such as the oft mentioned and debated “catch shares” (read here and here for contrasting depictions).  Also on Monday, the Bycatch Joint Technical Working Group met behind closed doors to develop a report on dealing with a variety of bycatch issues slated for inclusion in the Kobe III recommendations.  This year, the U.S. delegation was composed of approximately 40 individuals from NOAA, Department of State, Coast Guard, and various U.S. commissioners who represented commercial and scientific research interests.  Henry Debey, a current Knausser with Fisheries International Affairs, was also among the delegation.  Eric Schwaab, the NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator, was the head U.S. participant, and Russell Smith was elected as chairman by the meeting delegates. 

Billfish, credit: NOAA

The majority of the meeting agenda centered around three topic areas:  science, management, and compliance and enforcement.  Under these topics, meeting delegates had the chance to voice their thoughts, opinions, and concerns about priority issues such as data sharing between RFMOs, capacity within RFMOs, port state measures, and data harmonization in designating Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing vessels.  In the evenings when the meeting was not in session, member countries sent representatives to drafting sessions where the Kobe recommendations were being created and discussed. 

Sailfish, credit: NOAA

Finally, on the last day, the draft list of twelve recommendations was brought before the meeting participants to be discussed and agreed upon.  One recommendation called for the RFMO secretariats to develop data confidentiality rules and a protocol for data sharing.  Other recommendations specified that fishing capacity should be better understood by the RFMOs and that developed nations should freeze large scale purse seine capacity under their flag (but not longlining).  The RFMO secretariats should coordinate with the U.N. FAO to develop a global list of fishing vessels, refrigerated transport vessels, and supply vessels.  Also, RFMOs should also harmonize data reporting requirements for purposes of assessing compliance.  The final recommendation, which the U.S. proposed, called for RFMOs, developed states, and non-governmental organizations to accelerate capacity-building efforts in developing states to enhance port state measures and catch documentation schemes. 

The last action of the participants was to come to an agreement on the future of the Kobe process.  It was decided that a steering committee comprised of RFMO chairs should regularly report on the progress of the enactment of the Kobe recommendations to the RFMOs, with the next meeting proposed for at least three years from now.  This meeting was not structured like the usual scientific conferences that I have attended in graduate school.  Rather, it was a very formal setting steeped in politics (although not nearly as contentious as the International Whaling Commission).  Members of the Forum Fisheries Agency, (17 Pacific Islands nations) were very organized in the deliberations, coordinating their responses and stances on issues.  I also observed solidarity between the developing Latin America countries.  In the end, when asked about the successes of the meeting, veteran U.S. delegates agreed that successes hinged on the practical implementation of the recommendations. 

Sunfish, credit: NOAA

After the meeting, I stayed a couple of extra days to explore the La Jolla.  I talked with Jeff Seminoff, one of the lead sea turtle researchers at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, about his group’s involvement in the recent study investigating the movement patterns of marine apex predators.  His group found that leatherback sea turtles nest in Papua New Guinea and then swim the width of the Pacific Ocean to feed on jellyfish off the western coast of the U.S.  I also went on a great whale watching tour and saw four or five blue whales, including a mother and calf.  A sunfish, or mola mola, was also spotted sunning at the water’s surface.  To end the trip, I visited the Birch aquarium, which had an interesting seahorse display and is involved in seahorse aquaculture.  In fact, the seahorses produced at Birch are given to other aquariums in an effort to lessen collecting pressures on threatened wild populations.

Kobe III was a fascinating experience.  Presentations are available if you are interested."

Thanks to Andy for his great travel experience story!  Check back for more exciting Knauss adventures and lessons.

12 Questions: Katrina Phillips

 Knauss Placement: NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Office of Communications

1. Where were you before beginning Knauss, and what were you doing there?

Before starting the fellowship, I was studying loggerhead sea turtle habitat use for my masters degree in Marine Affairs and Policy at the Rosenstiel School for Atmospheric and Marine Science in Miami.

 2. What drew you to the position you chose?

I have previously focused on science and was encouraged to reach outside my comfort zone.  I knew that working in a communications office would challenge my abilities and expand my knowledge of exciting projects across NOAA.  Communicating science has always been important to me, and I continue to pursue these opportunities even outside of my fellowship duties. 

3. How will you use your background in your new office?

Having a background in science and policy has helped me translate detailed, nerdy scientific findings into meaningful messages that can be applied in this policy-centric world. 

4. What has been the biggest change for you since starting the fellowship?

I miss my turtles.  But I love spending time with my new-found fellowship friends.

5. What have you found to be your most essential piece of 'work attire'?

My NOAA pin endowed to me by the one and only Dr. Lubchenco.  It reminds me that I am part of a larger effort that reaches all the way to the corners of the country.

6. Where is your favorite spot on Earth?

Aside from my bed?  I'd have to say being on a ship in the middle of the Caribbean.  Life doesn't get much better than that.

7. What's at the top of your recommended reading list for someone wanting to explore a career in your field? 

Don't Be Such a Scientist, by Randy Olson, Voyage of the Turtle, by Carl Safina, and Mamma Sea Turtle Lost her Babies by Rober Stanek.

8. Personal favorite book? 

There are too many to count, but my recent favorite is A Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Love, and Food, by Kristin Kimbell.  

9. What are your hobbies?

My long list of hobbies includes watching Say Yes to the Dress, hosting brunch, spending time with my family, playing the violin, getting Seriously Strong in the NOAA gym, eating mustard, and helping plan my best friend's wedding!

10. What would you be doing if you hadn't gone into your field?

Sailing the high seas and eating Chipotle burritos with each port call.

11. Who is your favorite historical scientist and why?

I have a deep appreciation for all nerdiness that came before me and laid the foundation for the environmental research, ocean conservation, wildlife science, genetics, and climate research that is done today.  A favorite?  There really are too many to count that pertain to my current work, but perhaps I'll go with Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle for being pioneers in science and women's leadership in their respective fields.

12. Any idea what you're doing next year?

After the fellowship, I'll be kicking butt and taking names for a while within OAR Communications and seeing where life takes me after that.  I'm eternally drawn to finding my perfect graduate program in case the stars align and I decide to pursue a PhD.

Field Notes: Knauss Aboard the Langseth

In continuation of our Field Notes series, Olivia Lee shares thoughts from a recent northerly adventure.  Here is her story...

Three years since concluding my field work in Alaska, my office at the NSF brought me back to this wild, beautiful state. My foray back into field work allowed me to gain experience on our research vessel, the R/V Marcus G. Langseth.  My office helps to provide NEPA documentation for the geophysical surveys that occur on the Langseth and this July, we collected data for a study on the Alaskan megathrust. The results from the study would increase our breadth of knowledge on catastrophic earthquakes caused by subducting plates, and also provide data that supports graduate and undergraduate student research. In addition to the importance of the research, I was mostly thrilled to be back in the field! I started my cruise from Kodiak Island, whose beautiful green mountains were a fantastic backdrop for the harbor.

Numerous sea otters, harbor seals and seabirds accompanied us through coastal waters as we began our journey out to sea. My first morning in the open ocean was an exercise in staying upright. Basic actions such as showering, eating, and sleeping become a challenge when you are not used to the sway of the boat – needless to say, I was not entirely thrilled about my first shift on watch. As a Protected Species Observer (PSO), part of my job was to look for marine mammals or (errant) sea turtles that may approach our boat during seismic surveys. There were ~30 steps from the deck to the tower, and during rainy conditions, those steps seemed even more treacherous to a clumsy novice observer. Although my fellow PSOs bounded effortlessly up and down the tower, I always took my time. 

Conquering the tower steps was frequently rewarding in the Gulf of Alaska. We had an amazing view as we encountered humpback whales, fin whales, northern fur seals and groups of Dall’s porpoises. I learned how to identify species from the few surface characteristics that they exhibited. The occasional breaching humpback or bow-riding porpoise helped to make up for the long hours with brisk, cold winds, fog, or rain. Another highlight of each watch was whenever a ‘visitor’ would bring up a batch of gummy bears to the tower. Between several 3-4 hour visual shifts, I also monitored the Passive Acoustic Monitoring system to attempt to detect marine mammals acoustically. Generally, the five PSOs work close to 16-hour days with a few breaks thrown in depending on the number of daylight hours, but with me onboard we only had 11 hours of work each day. However, everybody on the boat works hard and it was great to be around a group of hardworking scientists and a crew who got along so well. Friends were easy to make on the Langseth.

I left the Langseth as she was halfway through her science mission. A few technicians from Scripps and I were transported to Sand Point, Alaska, on the Langseth’s small rescue boat. For a day and a half, I got to explore the small town of Sand Point, which is part of the Shumagin Islands. On the day I left Sand Point, the whole town was plagued by a power outage, and I was not sure if my flight would make it out, but it did. I’d like to think that Alaska was reminding me that while I was eventually allowed to leave, I would probably be back.

Phew, what a trip... thanks to Olivia for sharing!  Where has Knauss taken YOU recently? 

Sea Grant...in Space?

New evidence suggests Mars may have 'tendrils' of water running down its slopes. Martian temperatures typically don't break -5°C (23 °F) even in the summer, so any liquid water would be salty, since salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water. Could this lead to the addition of a 33rd Sea Grant Program: Mars Sea Grant? Dave Partee from Alaska Sea Grant gives us a preview of their logo. I wonder if their Knauss fellows would get a higher travel allowance...

12 Questions: Andy Coleman

 Knauss Placement: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

1. Where were you before beginning Knauss, and what were you doing there?

I was finishing my Ph.D. at University of Alabama at Birmingham.  My research focused on a depleted population of diamondback terrapins (a species of turtle) along the Gulf Coast of Alabama. I defended my dissertation in May, so please refer to me as Dr. Andy when we converse.  Just kidding.

 2. What drew you to the position you chose?

I was interested in the subcommittee office due to its national and international perspective.  I have learned about fishery issues from the Gulf of Maine to the South Pacific.  I was given the chance to be a part of the U.S. delegation to the KOBE III meeting in La Jolla, CA (I’ll write about that experience soon).  It has also given me a chance to learn more about issues that are taking place in the Gulf of Mexico.

3. How will you use your background in your new office?

I haven’t really used my background for the office, I’ve definitely received more from being in my position than I have contributed.  I’ve learned so much.

4. What has been the biggest change for you since starting the fellowship?

Wearing SUITS!!!  I prefer the graduate school attire, but I’ve adapted like a zebra mussel.

5. What have you found to be your most essential piece of 'work attire'?

The blackberry for those especially “interesting” briefings.

6. Where is your favorite spot on Earth?

I know I’m biased and can be a little obnoxious about it, but Alabama is such a great place that too many people overlook.  There’s a wonderful variety of habitats and wildlife (including its people), and there’s only one University of Alabama (not including University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama at Huntsville).  Roll Tide!!!

I haven’t done a lot of traveling, unfortunately, but for a non-Alabama place, some of my favorite spots would be the coral reefs of Hawaii (where I saw a manta ray) and the tidepools of the Pacific Northwest.  And if I could add just one more…Melbourne Beach, FL, is awesome because you have nesting leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles on one side of the road and gopher tortoises on the other side.

7. What's at the top of your recommended reading list for someone wanting to explore a career in your field? 

Fire in the Turtle House was the first sea turtle related book I read, and it’s a very interesting and easy read.  It discusses the issue of fibropapillomatosis (don’t worry, I consulted Wikipedia for spelling) in sea turtles and it interviews some of the great sea turtle researchers. 

But for any good sea turtle natural history book, you can’t go wrong with Archie Carr.

8. Personal favorite book? 

A series of memoirs written by Rick Bragg…All Over Bout the Shoutin’, Ava’s Man, and The Prince of Frogtown.  Bragg does a great job of describing what it was like growing up in the rural South.  AND, the books are set in Alabama.

9. What are your hobbies?

Playing and watching a variety of sports.  I like seeing new places and getting outside.  One unique sport I enjoy is fencing, I was a member of a fencing club in Birmingham for a few years and would like to do it again sometime soon.

At the time I write this, football season starts in 32 days! Roll Tide!!

10. What would you be doing if you hadn't gone into your field?

In high school, I thought of two other possibilities besides marine biology…forestry (I was a member of the 4-H forestry team growing up) and the seminary.  But I feel today that I’m doing what I was put on the Earth to do.

But wildlife photography and environmental film making seem like very inspiring career choices, but as you can see, I wrote off actually making a lot of money a LONG time ago.

11. Who is your favorite historical scientist and why?

E.O. Wilson—He’s been involved in science and trying to effectively communicate it for so many years.  He was the first person to document the invasion of fire ants into the U.S. as a 13 year old!  And, he grew up in ALABAMA!! Roll Tide!!!

12. Any idea what you're doing next year?

I miss the research, so I hope to find a way to get back into that somehow.  But now I have new avenues of research that I would like to pursue thanks to the fellowship.  If I had my choice, I would find a career that combined research, policy, and public outreach/education.

Field Notes: Knauss in Chicago

In continuation of our Field Notes series, Abby Graefe writes us about her experiences two weeks ago in the Windy City.  Read on for more on her adventure and check back soon for more stories from Knaussers in the field.

My kind of town, Chicago is!

Okay, I MAY be a little biased since I was born and raised in Chicago, but Chicago was the perfect location for this year’s Coastal Zone Conference – a.k.a. "CZ11". Coastal Zone is a biennial international symposium, which draws the largest international gathering of ocean and coastal management professionals in the world. Session topics ranged from aquatic habitat restoration to sea level rise adaptation/communication, and from Asian carp control to CMSP tools. When the 900 attendees weren’t busy participating in over 180 technical sessions and workshops and countless numbers of networking opportunities, they were able to enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan’s coastal scenery and activities.  Bi-weekly fireworks, river and lake cruises, kayaking, swimming, and water-side dining anyone??

Enthusiasm for the National Ocean Policy (NOP) was elevated all week, as the conference fell on the first birthday of the NOP!  We celebrated its birthday cruising Lake Michigan on an interpretive boat tour and reception sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see the beautiful skyline, since the city was enveloped in fog! However, the fog cleared as the boats re-entered the lock, and some of us got an extended tour up the Chicago River to view the city’s magnificent architecture. On the shores of Lake Michigan, attendees also received a taste of the Pacific Northwest and the Caribbean at the world-renowned John G. Shedd Aquarium. We ate dinner and mingled with new friends and contacts surrounded by sharks, sting-rays, and hundreds of reef-loving fish. 

Through the conference, I gained crucial networking experience and a new stack of business cards. I have also spent slow office days researching various programs, policies, and management tools that were brought to my attention that week. I definitely recommend attending this conference’s next installment in 2013. No, you won’t get the added bonus of enjoying the fantastic city that is Chicago, but you will leave the conference with new knowledge and a larger professional network.

Chicago Poems : "The Fog” by Carl Sandburg

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.