 exploring, preserving and protecting the genetic diversity of the world's oceans
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OGL Newsletter
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Greetings!
This month we highlight an important issue that is close-to-home - the record number of marine mammal strandings off Cape Cod, MA this year. Read on for an updated report on the number of strandings and potential causes. Also, learn about one of OGL's newest programs- the Marine Mammal Genome Archive- focused on preserving the genetic diversity of all marine mammals. Finally, we close with a highlight of creative innovations aimed at reducing inadvertent marine mammal mortality caused by fishing gear.
And, as always, follow our expeditions and other news from the marine world on our Facebook and Twitter pages!
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Marine Mammal Strandings
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Using a sling Linda D'eri, left, and Misty Niemeyer, members of an International Fund for Animal Welfare rescue team, carry one of 11 dolphins stranded ion a mud flat during low tide in Wellfleet, Mass., Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012. (Source: AP)
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Over a period of just 36 days from January 12 - February 16, 2012 a total of 179 common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) have stranded in Cape Cod, MA. The events have received national media attention because the total is nearly five times the average of 37 common dolphins stranded in each of the past 12 years. For now, the cause of the strandings is unknown. Possibilities include changes in weather, water temperature, or behavior of the dolphins' prey. Geography may also play a role if the dolphins are "getting lost" along the Cape's jagged inner coastline. Adding to the confusion is the observation that no other locations along the eastern coast of the US are reporting an increase in the frequency of strandings, indicating that this is an isolated incident, specific to Cape Cod (Katie Moore, IFAW). While the majority of test results are still pending, military sonar does not seem to be the cause, according to experts.
 | | Dolphin strandings have occurred in Cape Cod Bay, most commonly between Wellfleet and Dennis, MA |
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), an OGL-collaborator, is the lead organization responding to these strandings. IFAW staff and volunteers are collecting valuable measurements, observations, and samples in two large trailers that act as emergency rooms for the animals. Samples include small tissue biopsies and/or blood samples that can be used to obtain genetic information. In a recent Boston Globe article, UMass Dartmouth professor and dolphin expert Richard Connor pointed out that DNA samples can help determine if the stranded dolphins belong to one large group or subspecies whose specific biology might hold a clue to the phenomenon.
This is where the Ocean Genome Resource DNA bank at OGL may be able to help. In early 2012, OGL launched the Marine Mammal Genome Archive (MMGA) with the goal of archiving DNA samples from all described marine mammal species. With strong support from collaborators, including IFAW, the MMGA will ultimately hold samples representing a broad cross-section of marine mammal genetic diversity. As with all materials in the OGR collection, samples will be available to researchers in accordance with all relevant laws and treaties for research that can help protect these remarkable creatures. OGL urges all members of the marine mammal research community who may be interested in participating in this collaborative project to contact the OGL Collections Manager. |
Innovative fishing gear
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 | Sea turtle escaping fishing net through a specially-designed hatch.
(Credit: NOAA) |
Marine mammals, sea turtles, and other non-target species often turn up in fishing nets. This destructive bycatch is a wasteful problem that concerns environmentally-conscious citizens and fishermen alike. Scientists at the New England Aquarium are working actively to develop and test new fishing gear modifications to reduce or eliminate bycatch from some fisheries through "conservation engineering". Recent projects include adding acoustic pingers to gillnets that reduced bycatch of harbor porpoise to almost zero; using metallic repellents to deter sharks from fishing gear; and designing ropes that break if a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale becomes entangled. Ideally, gear modifications are simple and cost-effective to speed their adoption by the fishing community. In a related effort, the World Wildlife Fund hosts an annual Smart Gear Competition that rewards inventors for simple designs aimed at reducing bycatch. Read more about bycatch reduction... The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) plans and programs to reduce bycatch. |
Biotechnology Conference April 12-14, 2012
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VI Biennial Nicaraguan Biotechnology Conference to Feature Marine Biodiversity
OGL is partnering with scientists from the Molecular Biology Center of the University of Central America, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and New England Biolabs to present this year's Nicaraguan Biotechnology Conference from April 12-14 in Managua, Nicaragua. The focus of the conference is, " Genomic Archiving and Coastal Marine Biodiversity Exploration, Conservation and Sustainable Development." The conference, led by OGL visiting scientist Dr. Jorge Huete-P érez, will include speakers from around the world, including the U.S., Belgium, Spain, and Central America, and will show the real world applications of biotechnology as it is used in supporting aquaculture, fishing regulation and ecological conservation efforts. This event will kickoff the new Marine Biodiversity in Central America initiative, a cornerstone project for capacity building in scientific research in the developing countries of the region. Click here to find out more about the Biotechnology Conference, or, if you're interested in taking part, contact Dr. Huete at huete@oglf.org. |
| Coming Soon... |
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Seafood mislabeling
Late last year the Boston Globe reported on an investigation into seafood mislabeling in Boston-area restaurants, fish markets, and supply houses. DNA testing revealed that 87 of 183 tested fillets (48%) were mislabeled! While mislabeling can happen for a variety of reasons, it is a way to increase profits - selling a cheaper fish as something more pricey on the assumption that customers will not detect the difference. Tune in next month for an update on what states are doing to combat this important consumer issue...
 | | Restaurants substituted tuna (left) with escolar (right), a less expensive meaty fish (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff) |
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DONATE TO OGL
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Want to help OGL document and preserve the spectacular genetic diversity of our world's oceans? Visit http://www.oglf.org/Support.htm
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