National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) researchers collaborated with attorneys and federal agents to study how the forensics capabilities at NCCOS are applied to uphold U.S. wildlife protection laws. Training provided in legal interpretation of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Lacey Act will greatly enhance our application of molecular forensics [...]
Ask a group of NCCOS ocean scientists why they do what they do, and chances are the word “health” will figure prominently in their answers. But is it public health as generally understood? Or ocean health, as in the “ecological health of the oceans” that professionals worry about? The answer is both. Both human and [...]
Estuaries across the United States are in fair condition overall, but conditions are poor in the estuaries of the Northeast coast and Puerto Rico regions, four federal resources agencies say in a new report on the coastal environment that is issued only once every four years. The 2005 National Coastal Condition Report released on Monday [...]
What is Eutrophication?: Estuarine Water Quality as a Coastal Stress Indicator Estuarine water quality degraded by excessive nutrient inputs — what experts call eutrophication –is a key barometer of coastal environmental stress. In coming decades, the nation’s coasts are expected to experience increased environmental stress as a result of further development and population growth. Scientific [...]
Harmful algal blooms have been recognized for producing toxins since earliest recorded time “…and the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that were in the river died; and the river stank and the Egyptians could not drink the water of the river…” However, confirmation of marine biotoxins has [...]