Halibut Herald August 6

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ALIBUT HERALD August 6, 2009 Whale Impaled by Cruise Ship in Vancouver Now, I know this is old news to most, however, I wanted to share some photos that came from Marine Mammal Rescue in regards to this poor fin whale. For those who don’t know about the story, you can read about it here: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/07/25/bc-cruise-ship-whale-impaled.html

From MMR: MMR staff members Lindsaye, Karyn, Tanya, and intern researcher, Chelsea participated today in the necropsy of the Fin Whale at an undisclosed location coordinated by Lisa Spavin, of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and assisted by Stephen Raverty, Veterinary Pathologist of the Animal Health Centre in Abbotsford who conducts all of the seal necropsies for the MMR. An amazingly unique opportunity the MMR team members jumped at the opportunity to participate in the collection of tissue samples, organs, and various measurements including the length of the whale confirmed at just over 17 meters. That’s almost half a Canadian football field! Go Lions! And you go MMR team! Thank you for your dedication and tireless work with all marine mammals and thank you for the sharing these incredible photos.

On Another Note… Top Tricks and Secrets to Avoid Getting a Parking Ticket in Vancouver! http://www.vancouversun.com/story_print.html?id=1324063&sponsor=

Meet Taiwan's Whale Shark

Like Chimps, Whales and Dolphins Found to Possess Qualities of Personhood

It's the star attraction of the island's national aquarium, and a symbol of Taiwan's growing eco-consciousness. READ ON: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/china-and-itsneighbors/090803/meet-taiwans-whaleshark

Researchers have discovered that Cetacea, long thought to be “the most distinctive and highly specialized orders of mammals” actually exhibit characteristics of “personhood.” Like chimpanzees, whales and dolphins exhibit “considerable social complexity and individual distinction.” Scientists believe future research will prove Cetacean personhood will approach that of primates. Such research gives even more significance to ending international whaling programs. READ ON: http://bluelivingideas.com/topics/marine-oceansea-life/chimps-whales-dolphins-possess-qualitiespersonhood/

Satellite Data Could Overturn Plankton Bloom Hypothesis

''Bizarre Beasts'' Were Real (Believe It or Not)

Plankton blooms are a hot topic in the earth sciences because they are one determinant of how big a carbon reservoir the oceans can be. That’s important for climate science generally, and for would-be geoengineers specifically. A new fundamental understanding of plankton blooms could change the way we model our climate now and long into the future. READ ON: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/08/newbloom/

Shipwreck Damages Pristine Coral Reef via Destructive Organism

Nestled within the new Pacific Remote Islands Marine Monument lies Palmyra Atoll, one of the last pristine coral reefs left on the planet some 960 nautical miles south of Hawaii. Or near pristine. In 1991 a 100-foot longline fishing ship—the "Hui Feng No. 1"—foundered on the reef under mysterious READ ON: http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60second-science/post.cfm?id=shipwreck-damagespristine-coral-re-2009-08-05

A coil of teeth caps the lower jaw of a sculpture of a 13-foot (4-meter) whorl-tooth shark, or Helicoprion, a fish genus that lived about 250 million years ago. Artist Gary Staab depicts the animal's jaw as something of a spiral conveyor belt, in which new teeth would advance to replace old ones (concealed here by skin) . But the true arrangement and purpose of the teeth remains a mystery. Some scientists suggest that it may have operated like a spiked whip, possibly curled underneath the lower jaw like a weaponized elephant trunk. The shark adds bite to "Bizarre Beasts, Past and Present," a new exhibition of Staab's sculptures at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C. (through February 2, 2007). The animals depicted are, or were, all real testaments to the twists, turns, and blind alleys of evolution. VIEW MORE BEASTS: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/10/photogallerie s/bizarre-beasts/index.html

The Citadel: Europe’s First Floating Apartment Complex

Celebrating Water Through Art – H20: Film on Water

H2O: Film on Water is a video art show meant to prompt artists and audiences alike to re-examine the role of Water. Artists will draw on the ocean of imagery about water to explore it as both an elemental force of life and its increasing importance as a measurable, quantifiable result of climate change. READ ON: http://bluelivingideas.com/topics/wateractivism-events/celebrating-water-arth20-film-water/ The Dutch have been fighting the rising and falling tides for centuries, building dikes and pumping water out of areas that are below sea level. Now, rather than fight the water infiltrating their land, the Dutch will use it as part of a new development called ‘New Water‘, which will feature the world’s first floating apartment complex, The Citadel. This “water-breaking” new project was designed by Koen Olthuis of Waterstudio in the Netherlands, and will use 25% less energy than a conventional building on land thanks to the use of water cooling techniques. READ ON: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/29/the-citadel-europes-firstfloating-apartment-complex/

Does Tap Water Just Need Better Branding? For the most part, bottled water’s success as an industry seems to be driven by branding and powerful marketing. But here’s an idea: maybe the problem is branding? The government of Venice, Italy seems to think so. They’ve re-branded their tap water with the name “Acqua Veritas,” given branded carafes to city residents, and embarked on a celebrity filled advertising campaign. Genio! READ ON: http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/06/does-tap-waterjust-need-better-branding/

Global Caterer Adheres to Sustainable Fish Recommendations

Douglas-fir, Geoducks Make Strange Bedfellows in Studying Climate Change Scientists are comparing annual growth rings of the Pacific Northwest's largest bivalve and its most iconic tree for clues to how living organisms may have responded to changes in climate. Compass Group has decided to swell its 13-species “Fish to Avoid” list up to 69 species in the UK and Ireland. The world’s largest contract caterer will refuse to serve any of the species at restaurants, in hospitality dishes or in grab-and-go products unless it is deemed environmentally responsible by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Compass Group Canada is already on board with the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood Program. READ ON: http://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=& special=&monthyear=&day=&id=33294&ndb=1&df=0

This magnified slice of a geoduck shell clearly shows incremental growth rings used by scientists to analyze sea surface temperatures READ ON: http://www.physorg.com/news168174866.html

Coming This August 14, 2009: Cyclists Launch Well-Mannered Rival to Critical Mass

A new group, Critical Manners, has emerged after Friday’s controversial Critical Mass ride in Vancouver. The first Critical Manners Bike Ride will be on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. in downtown Vancouver. According to organizer Jennifer Watkiss, the riders will stay in bike lanes and obey all traffic rules. “We ride Friday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m. through the streets of Vancouver,” Watkiss said on her website. “We’ll be easy to miss, since we’ll be staying in bike lanes or on the far right side of the road, obeying all traffic signals and otherwise doing our best to share the road effectively with all other vehicles and pedestrians.” READ ON: http://www.theprovince.com/travel/Cyclists+launch+rival+Critical+Mas s/1850693/story.html

7 Car-Free Cities: A Slideshow

It's hard to believe that before the early 20th century, almost every city in the world was "car-free." Zoom ahead 100 years later, and you have to do some real digging to escape the army of cars now clogging the planet's roads and highways. Sure, there are some cities with car-free zones, but we wanted to find destinations where entire populations go about their business independent of the automobile. READ ON & VIEW SLIDESHOW: http://www.mnn.com/transportation/cars/photos/7car-free-cities/20364

Bike Furniture Design

There’s just something about cyclists. They always seem on the pulse when it comes to green design and recycling. Bike Furniture Design was founded by Andy Gregg in 1990. READ ON: http://www.curatedmag.com/news/2009/07/03/bikefurniture-design/

IS IT GREEN?: The Compact Fluorescent Light

Watt for watt, there’s no question whether or not CFLs save energy as compared to their predecessors. But with the concerns of toxic mercury and the recent developments in LED technology, CFLs may not be the smartest choice for long-term sustainability. Read on for our in-depth report! READ ON: http://www.inhabitat.com /2009/07/29/is-it-greenthe-compact-fluorescentlamp/

Pure: A Solar-Powered Water Purifier That Looks Like a Small Animal

It resembles a pet or a small garden pest more than anything else, but the “Pure” system, created by industrial designer Emilian Dan Cartis, is actually a solarpowered water purifier. The system requires almost no upkeep–just put it outside and watch as the device gathers rainwater (or sea water) and turns into potable water suitable for human consumption. READ ON: http://bluelivingideas.com/topics/savingwater/pure-solarpowered-water-purifiersmall-critter/

Infographic: Why Buy Local & Ten Reasons to Shop Local First

Local First, a Grand Rapids. Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies has made a simple but effective illustration of how money flows if it’s spent at a locally owned business versus a non-local business. READ ON: http://www.psfk.com/2009/08/infographic-why-buy-local-ten-reasons-to-shop-local-first.html

Green Index: Helping Consumers, Organizations, Businesses Make Green Choices Bullfrog Power, Canada's leading 100% green electricity provider in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, has launched a new service -- the Bullfrogpowered Green Directory -- that helps green-minded consumers and environmental businesses and organizations find each other. What's more, it also helps environmental organizations and businesses connect to support each other. Why is that so important? By doing so, we create a circular effect that drives change and sends a powerful message about how dollars are spent and where. READ ON: http://workcabin.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1166&Itemid=117

Calcutta Clunker Ban Boosts Air Quality in Just Six Days It may be only a few days since Calcutta authorities banned commercial vehicles fifteen years or older from the city's streets -- and caused a commuting nightmare in the process -- but the air quality is already markedly improving, the BBC reports: They cite a survey done by Saviour and Friend of Environment which measured air quality at four of the Calcutta's most polluted intersections and found that hydrocarbon levels had been cut in half. Previous levels had been blamed for higher rates of cancer, as well as liver and kidney illness. READ ON: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/ca lcutta-clunker-ban-boosts-air-quality-insix-days.php

Archival Photo

Baby Fur Seal, Nippy, with Billy Wong, 1964.

Library News Library user needs survey The Robin Best Library and Archives needs you! The library and archives would love to have your feedback on our collection and services. The survey is active now and will run st st from July 31 – August 21 It should take approximately 10-15 minutes of your time For your effort you will be rewarded with the knowledge that you helped to build a useful and relevant library collection…and you’ll be placed in a draw for a $25 gift certificate from Amazon. Go to the survey now Thanks for your help building our collection!

Beat the heat! Looking for a nice cool place to have a break from the sun? The library is a great place to go. We now have a third computer station that you can use to browse the catalogue or do research or check your email. Library hours are 8:00-3:30 Monday – Friday apart from the exception below. st

Friday July 31 , closed at 2pm th Friday August 7 , closed The library will be open on BC day. For more library news, book reviews, access to our online catalogue and much more, visit us on the aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/default.aspx Get your up-to-the minutes news via RSS feed from the library’s What’s new pages. Currently, there are two What’s new pages running a variety of interesting news feeds What’s New – Animals and Nature – for news about birds, reptiles, marine mammals, and places such as the Arctic http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/WhatsNewAnimalsandNature.aspx What’s New – Business and General – for news about business, finance, tourism, visitor experience and marketing http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/What%27sNewBGN.aspx News on Environmental conservation and education will soon be available via the Conservation Current http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/ConservationCurrent/Pages/Default.aspx Did you know that the Library has access to over 100 journals and magazines?? At least 80 of these are available full text online. For a complete hyperlinked list, visit the library journals page on Aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/Journals.aspx As well, you can find new books and movies listed on this page of Aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/LibraryCatalogue.aspx

From Earth to Ocean: Stories from Gwaii Haanas

Parks Canada has identified the waters around Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (Queen Charlotte Islands) as a potential national marine conservation area reserve. To present the stories of Gwaii Haanas, Parks Canada has partnered with The Vancouver Aquarium to offer a unique speaker series open to the public. Participation is free, though seats are limited. Each engaging event allows audience members to explore a different aspect of the region and understand the benefits of its protection. Starting in September, join us to find out more about: Session 1: Exploring the Islands Monday September 14 A virtual tour of Gwaii Haanas with stunning visual footage and presentations by the people who live, breathe and respect this extraordinary B.C. region. Session 2: Icons of the Pacific Monday October 26 A look into the history and journey of whales throughout Gwaii Haanas and why protecting these habitats benefit us all. Session 3: Changing Seascapes Monday November 16 Learn about ancient Haida villages, changing sea levels and how historical trade practices have all played a role in shaping today’s Gwaii Haanas. Session 4: Healthy oceans, healthy people Monday December 7 Whether it’s dining out or reporting a whale sighting, your actions can make a difference to our oceans. Join us for this special conclusion to find out what you can do to help Each session takes place at The Vancouver Aquarium from 7 – 9 pm. Please enter at the ‘Administrative Entrance’. To confirm your seat, email: [email protected] or call 604-659-3432. Please identify which session you would like to attend. Seating is limited.

Classified

NEXT BOOT CAMP SESSION STARTS JULY 21 2009 Are you looking to challenge yourself physically? Increase your strength and endurance? Tone up for summer? If so…...join us for boot camp! Program Description : This boot camp is a fun, functional, innovative and interactive workout session. The exercises will challenge one’s strength and endurance, improves general well-being while burning lots of calories. The workout moves quickly going from one exercise to the next with little or no rest. Open to anyone who is interested in achieving their desired health and fitness level. Participants will be taught on how to progress the exercises to meet their fitness level. Program Details : Fee : $40 per month Time : 4.30 – 5.30 pm OR 5.30 – 6.30 pm Day : Tuesday & Thursday Venue : Stanley Park

If you would like to join, contact [email protected], ext. 3558 or [email protected], ext. 3587. Equipment Required : Bring your own mat, dumb bells and resistance tube.

http://www.cov erealty.ca/listin g_detail2995255.html

Events

READ ABOUT IT HERE: http://www.straight.com/meet-the-producers

http://fishopolis.com

http://eatsnaprepeat.ca/2009/05/31/chinatown-market/

More exciting events here: http://www.vanevo.ca/event s01.html Check out videos of past lectures here: http://www.sfu.ca/cstudies/ science/darwin.htm

ENTER CONTEST HERE: http://www.marineph otobank.com/resour ces/OceaninFocusP hotoContestHome20 09.php

http://www.thebigwi ld.org/summerfriends-contest