Toxic chemicals are accumulating in the bodies of dolphins and whales, according to two new studies, and concentrations tend to be highest in the most populated and developed areas. The findings are not necessarily surprising. Scientists have known for years that the blubber of marine predators harbors pollutants. Still, the new studies offer the most [...]
New published research by scientists at the National Centers for Coastal Science demonstrates an improved approach for calculating and comparing bioeffects levels in different places. Using a single numerical score, rather than the traditional system based on 3 distinct data sets (benthic community structure, sediment contamination, and sediment toxicity, known as the sediment quality triad) [...]
Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory completed the second phase of mussel and sediment collections from Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and St. Clair, and the Detroit, St. Clair and St Mary’s Rivers in September. Two teams and two boats traveled a combined distance of nearly [...]
A long-term data series collected by scientists with the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science may help the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as it moves ahead with coastal marine spatial planning (CMSP) efforts. Initial conversations are now being held with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the University of Puerto Rico to utilize [...]
Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and collaborators from the state of California are, for the first time, analyzing mussels collected from 80 sites state-wide for “contaminants of emerging concern.” Foremost among these contaminants are a group of chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. Used as a flame retardant in [...]
NCCOS Scientist Gunnar Lauenstein recently headed up a major effort updating NOAA’s landmark Mussel Watch Status and Trends Report. Here he addresses questions about the key findings of the unprecedented report, outlines ways interested user groups can get the most out of the report in their particular regions, and explains key points derived from two [...]
National Ocean Service researchers began testing out the use of sonar to investigate sea turtle abundance and habitats in coastal waters near Cape Lookout, North Carolina, this October. This novel use of acoustic technology may lead to new ways to protect threatened and endangered species. The survey follows the first successful use of sonar to [...]
Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science completed the 23rd year of sampling of U.S. coasts with this year’s completion of sampling zebra mussels in the Great Lakes this September. National sampling was made possible because of the collaboration of such groups as the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, the Southern California Coastal [...]