Coral Reefs and the Threat of Ocean Acidification
by Hanover Matz, RJD Intern While global climate change is often the environmental concern at the forefront of the discussion about greenhouse gas emissions, ocean acidification is a marine conservation issue just as closely tied to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) humans have put into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. It is […]
Mating ground for North Atlantic right whales discovered in the Gulf of Maine
by Hannah Calich, RJD Graduate Student and Intern North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) are among the most endangered species of marine mammals in the world. Their Endangered status is largely due to the fact that they were heavily targeted by the whaling industry for over 300 years. During that time it is estimated that […]
Fishery Benefits From Behavioral Modification of Fishes in Periodically Harvested Fisheries Closures
by Pat Goebel, RJD Intern In the South Pacific, periodically harvested fisheries closures are often implemented as a conservation and fisheries management tool. This is an important management tool because it allows resource users a greater say in the development and enforcement of rules, which in turn will lead to a successful fisheries management. Periodically […]
Eighty Sea Turtles Wash up Dead on the Coast of Guatemala
by Michelle Martinek, RJD Intern The volcanic black sand beaches of Guatemala’s southeastern coast are usually a vision of natural beauty for residents and visitors, but lately they have been witness to a tragic event- the mass stranding of sea turtles. According to a statement released by the wildlife rescue and conservation association, ARCAS, eighty […]
Sea Otters: Their Role in Controlling the Abundance of Other Organisms
by Jessica Wingar, RJD Intern Sea otters, Enhydra lutris, are very playful and charismatic marine organisms. They can often be seen swimming on their backs, just floating in the ocean. In addition to the fact that they are extremely charming creature, they have very many distinct qualities that not many other marine animals possess. Sea […]
13 things RJD did in 2013
2013 was a great year for the University of Miami’s RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program, and we wanted to share some of the highlights with you! 1) We caught, measured, sampled and tagged 318 sharks, including 34 bull sharks, 23 lemon sharks,54 blacktip sharks, 35 tiger sharks, 20 great hammerheads, and even a great white! […]