Killer whale genetics raise inbreeding questions
April 18, 2018 —
A new genetic analysis of Southern Resident killer whales found that two male whales fathered more than half of the calves born since 1990 that scientists have samples from, a sign of inbreeding in the small killer whale population that frequents Washington's Salish Sea and Puget Sound. The analysis by lead author Mike Ford was published this week in the journal Animal Conservation.
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Washington Shellfish Week
April 13, 2018 —
Join us in celebrating all things shellfish during Washington Shellfish Week from April 15- April 21, 2018. Events are scheduled throughout the week and are open to the public. Activities include Washington Sea Grant's shellfish trail walks, the Hama Hama Oyster Rama, the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival, shellfish dining specials at Anthony's Restaurants and Picked Fish, beach-walks and workshops with Harbor WildWatch, a shellfish exhibit at the Puget Sound Estuarium, and much more.
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Citizen Science Day is April 14
April 12, 2018 —
Each year, citizen scientists volunteer more than 500,000 hours to over 40 projects involving NOAA and our partners. In the Pacific Northwest, charter boat captains and 100 volunteer anglers collected 100 rare rockfish in the Puget Sound from 2014-2016. Our genetic analyses from these fishing trips provided new information and contributed to delisting of canary rockfish. Currently, citizen scientists help us monitor Puget Sound's waters and provide early warning of harmful algal blooms in order to minimize human health risks and economic losses to fisheries. Thank you, citizen scientists!
Marine Science Day at Hatfield Marine Science Center
April 12, 2018 —
Meet scientists from our observer program during Marine Science Day at the Hatfield Marine Science Center this Saturday, April 14 in Newport, Oregon. Join tours, meet scientists, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the research, education, and outreach in marine sciences that makes this marine laboratory unique in the Pacific Northwest. The event is free and open to the public.
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