Halibut Herald November 21

H

ALIBUT HERALD November 21, 2008

Bits and Bites 8 Incredible Martian Landscapes on Earth

With familiar destination names from Utah to Australia to Bolivia to Norway, these images of foreign geography, geology, extreme conditions & fickle weather patterns surely take your imagination out of this world!

READ ON: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/martian-landscapes/3803

Meteor? Seen from East Saskatchewan to Central Alberta Yesterday Around 5:30 p.m. last night, a huge flash of light briefly turned the dark skies into daylight. Reports of sightings of the light and possibly a fireball came from Edmonton to Regina to Swan River, Man. People got so excited that RCMP in Lloydminster, on the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary, issued a news release asking people to stop calling them. The excitement quickly spread to the scientific community, which was agog with the possibility the fireball might have dropped meteorites to the ground.

READ ON: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadian press/article/ALeqM5jU4E6gEY14ICcUMiwnqP kveUsF3w YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_2aX784sw

The Floating Aerohotel: A Modern Aquatecture Marvel As fears of global warming induced population displacement are steadily realized, the allure of waterborne aquatecture becomes more and more enticing. Designed by Alexander Asadov, this incredible floating Aerohotel features a lighter-than-air aesthetic that sits serenely atop an elegant system of supports. Conceived as an elevated aquatic structure replete with hanging gardens, the space-age floating island preserves the entire extent of the ecosystem beneath it, contrasting with man-made islands that disrupt their immediate environment with tons of gravel fill. Asadov’s Aerohotel consists of a 200 meter wide circular hub lofted by an interlacing network of supports anchored by three arms that stretch to the bottom of its site. The structure’s body will contain cafés, restaurants, and winter gardens in addition to a hotel. The Aerohotel can be installed in any body of water, and the plans include docking arrangements for boats as well as a landing strip for a zeppelin - how slick is that?

READ ON: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/17/aero hotel-by-alexander-asadov/

More News Links Otter Pups at the Monterey Bay Aquarium These adorable African spotted-neck otter pups debuted at the Monterey Bay Aquarium early last year. While it might be old news, we couldn't help but sharing these ridiculous little guys.

MORE PICS: http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2008/11/ monterey-bay-aquarium-welcomes-twofreshwater-otter-pups-.html

How many animals and plants live in the ocean? It is comparable to the amount of stars in the sky. Especially if you think that 95% of the world’s oceans are unexplored. That is why in 2000 a huge census of what lives in the ocean started. The Census of Marine Life brings together more than 2,000 scientists from 82 countries to try and answer the question. Every so often a report card of their progress is unveiled to the public - and the latest one was this month. It is great - they are always finding new wacky stuff. Currently, there are about 230,000 known marine creatures that have gone through the process of becoming legitimately described as “unique”. Since 2003 the Census of Marine Life has discovered more than 5,000 new living creatures - But, 111 have been processed as new and unique creatures! The scientists are making remarkable progress. Here is a brief list of some of the new wacky stuff they have found: • • • •

An octopi that lives in the deep sea - unusual since lacks an ink sak like other octopi - you don’t need to ink in the dark, right? Sea stars and sea spiders larger than a bread box. A completely blind lobster species with very unique antennae used for feeling. A brand new orange and black stripped shrimp that lives off the coast of Africa.

This is a link to the most recent progress report - 24 pages - great pictures! http://www.coml.org/pressreleases/highlights08/coml_highlightsReport08-sm.pdf READ ON: http://beachchairscientist.wordpress.com/

GHG Photos: Climate Change Photography Shapes Debate New Photo Agency Focuses on Climate Change From polar bears on thin ice to killer smog clouds smothering Asia, pictures play a hugely important role in shaping our understanding of the world and the threats posed to it. That’s why it's so great to hear about the birth of GHG Photos, a coalition of science, environmental, nature, and documentary photographers who have spent the last several years focused on greenhouse gas emissions and effects of those emissions on our planet. Besides offering stock photography, the photographers at GHG are also available for talks and corporate assignments. GHG clearly believes it can play a significant role in shaping the debate around climate change, citing as historical precedent the role of 19th Century photographer William Henry Jackson in inspiring the national parks movement:

Four Men Who Work in Antarctica - Interview Here’s an interesting & kinda funny interview of the life of researchers in Antarctica…

READ ON: http://www.viceland.com/int/ v15n10/htdocs/four-menantarctica-147.php

Library News New Books:

A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder: 89 activities for children ages 3-7 (2007) NSTA Press

Behavior and Ecology of the Northern Fur Seal (1997) by Roger L. Gentry Climate Change from Pole to Pole: Biology Investigations (2008) NSTA Press The End of the River: Dams, Drought and Déjà vu on the Rio Sao Francisco (2008) by Brian Harvey

Exemplary Science in Informal Education Settings: Standards-Based Success Stories (2008) NSTA Press

Exemplary Science: Best Practices in Professional Development (2005) NSTA Press Fur Seals: Maternal Strategies on Land and at Sea (1986) by Roger L. Gentry The Lingo of Learning: 88 Education Terms Every Science Teacher Should Know (2003) NSTA Press

Start Young: Early Childhood Science Activities (2006) NSTA Press Teacher Research: Stories of Learning and Growing (2007) NSTA Press When the Weather is Uggianaqtuq: Inuit Observations of Environmental Change; Shari Fox (2003) – Interactive multimedia CD-ROM New DVDs:

Inuit Observations on Climate Change; International Institute for Sustainable Development (2000)

The Dolphin Dealer; Omni Film Productions and CBC-TV (2008)

Archival Photo

Don Herron with Hyak, 1981. (G Erikson)

Green Team Sustainability Challenge! Enter to win great prizes!!! Participate in Ocean Wise month by eating at an Ocean Wise restaurant! Bring in your receipt(s) to win great prizes - $100 gift certificates for an Ocean Wise restaurant, as well as an Ocean-friendly cook book. Drop off your November receipts in the Green Team suggestion box in the Lounge. Please highlight the Ocean Wise item you ordered, and write your name and extension (or email) on the back of the receipt. The prize draw will happen during the first week of December. Look for a restaurant: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise/

Presented by The Green Team and Ocean Wise

******************************

Bike to Work Week is Back!!! November 17 - 23, 2008 IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN-UP & LOG YOUR KILOMETERS! Our workplace already has a Bike to Work team – and this is a great opportunity to try biking to work in the winter, or to celebrate the fact that you already do. As a team we can work together at our workplace to create some winterriding incentives and facilities for those of us who are committed to trying it. Why register and log my commutes? The more people that participate, the better our chances of winning team prizes! It lets others know that people CAN bike to work in the winter! There is power in numbers – the more people that register, the stronger the voice for cycling in our region. Biking to work is still good for you, good for the environment and most importantly – biking to work is fun – even in the winter!

Join our team, here's how: Go to www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork, and register for Bike To Work Week. The registration process will step you through finding and joining a workplace team. Ours is called “Vancouver Aquarium”. OR If you're already on our team, simply sign in and confirm your intention bike to work this winter!

Let's be the greenest and healthiest workplace in our region, and win some great prizes!

******************************

******************************

November is Ocean Wise Month Dining out can make a world of difference!

Help us spread the word and celebrate sustainable seafood this November with our 1st Annual Ocean Wise Month! A number of Ocean Wise events are happening this month, so be sure to visit the Ocean Wise website at: www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise In addition you will notice Ocean Wise themed gallery programming, activities, shows and other activities throughout the aquarium. Ocean Wise Month Dine-out is happening throughout the BC Lower Mainland giving diners the chance to win 52 Ocean Wise restaurant gift-certificates, simply by choosing the Ocean Wise identified menu item from participating Ocean Wise Month restaurants.

Note: Staff and their immediate family of Vancouver Aquarium and participating Ocean Wise restaurants can not enter the Dine-out draw. However the Green Team and Ocean Wise are having a Vancouver Aquarium staff only Ocean Wise Month draw – the prizes? $100 gift certificate to Chambar and a sustainable seafood cookbook! Enter by bringing in your receipt from any Ocean Wise restaurant during November (ballot box is the “Green Team Feedback” box in the Level 2 AquaQuest lunchroom).

“Green Bite” Ocean Wise Month Fact: AVOID DREDGE CAUGHT SCALLOPS

Events

Join POST and the Census of Marine Life in a sneak peek at absolutely AMAZING footage from Jacques Perrin's (Winged Migration, Microcosmos) upcoming theatrical release, Oceans. Be completely amazed, engaged and inspired in the Goldcorp Theatre at 12:00pm sharp on Thursday, December 11. All staff and volunteers are welcome (no guests, please) to join in this very special opportunity to see the spectacular and astounding preview footage. Don't miss it!

***********************************************

Name That Ferry! Enter the contest to name the new SeaBus! The newest member of the TransLink “family”, the third SeaBus, will be introduced in late 2009, and as with any introduction, the ferry needs a name. For more than 31 years, two SeaBuses have carried commuters back and forth across the harbour. The Burrard Otter was named for one of the more common sights one is likely to see while crossing between Lonsdale Quay and Waterfront Station, while the Burrard Beaver was named in part for the historic steamship that served the coast between Portland and Vancouver until it ran aground in 1888. What will their new “sibling” be called? That’s up to you. Time to get out the “name your baby (ferry)” books and enter TransLink’s “Name the New SeaBus” contest. From now until November 21 at midnight, you can submit your choice for the name, and have a chance at winning three 3-zone Transit Passes, a ride on the inaugural sailing and the warm-fuzzy feeling that a name you chose will be on display daily for thousands of commuters and tourists to see. There are three ways to enter: 1. email to [email protected] 2. online at www.translink.bc.ca 3. by snailmail to “Name The New SeaBus”, TransLink, 1600 – 4720 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4N2 (look for the entry forms in your local weekly newspapers) A panel of judges will choose the best five names, which will then be sent to the TransLink Online Advisory Panel, which will vote on the best one. Anyone can join the Online Advisory Panel: log onto www.translinklistens.bc.ca for more information. When the Third SeaBus goes into service, each of the other two will, in turn, be refitted with more modern equipment and have their engines overhauled; all the while, SeaBus will be able to maintain 15-minute service during peak periods. When all three ferries are fully operational, weekday service may be increased to 10-minute intervals during peak periods and 15-minute service at off-peak times, in anticipation of rising demand.

***********************************************

16th Annual BC Marine Mammal Symposium

Saturday, November 29, 2008 – 9:30am – 5:00pm Sponsored by the UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit and Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest University of British Columbia Science Visualization Room; Ground Floor, Aquatic Ecosystem Research Laboratory (AERL); 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4; Telephone: (604) 822-8181

Registration fee: · ·

Advanced: $0 (pre-register by Nov 21: ([email protected]) Late: $5 (cash only at the door)

Join us for presentations as well as discussion on issues that concern us all. This meeting is open to researchers, educators and businesses involved with marine mammals and anyone in one or more of these categories is welcome to attend. Please email Pamela Rosenbaum @ [email protected] before November 21, 2008, to indicate that you plan to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, but we need to know how many people to plan for. There will also be a social evening (6:00-9:00 pm) where beer and pizza can be purchased. The Agenda will be distributed at the meeting. Please email Pamela Rosenbaum @ [email protected] before November 21, 2008 if you would like to make a five minute presentation about your research. Longer presentations on topics of general interest are welcomed. We would also like to know if there are any issues that should be discussed by the group at large. We look forward to hearing from you and you seeing at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2008 ***********************************************

H

ALIBUT HERALD November 21, 2008

Bits and Bites 8 Incredible Martian Landscapes on Earth

With familiar destination names from Utah to Australia to Bolivia to Norway, these images of foreign geography, geology, extreme conditions & fickle weather patterns surely take your imagination out of this world!

READ ON: http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/martian-landscapes/3803

Meteor? Seen from East Saskatchewan to Central Alberta Yesterday Around 5:30 p.m. last night, a huge flash of light briefly turned the dark skies into daylight. Reports of sightings of the light and possibly a fireball came from Edmonton to Regina to Swan River, Man. People got so excited that RCMP in Lloydminster, on the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary, issued a news release asking people to stop calling them. The excitement quickly spread to the scientific community, which was agog with the possibility the fireball might have dropped meteorites to the ground.

READ ON: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadian press/article/ALeqM5jU4E6gEY14ICcUMiwnqP kveUsF3w YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_2aX784sw

The Floating Aerohotel: A Modern Aquatecture Marvel As fears of global warming induced population displacement are steadily realized, the allure of waterborne aquatecture becomes more and more enticing. Designed by Alexander Asadov, this incredible floating Aerohotel features a lighter-than-air aesthetic that sits serenely atop an elegant system of supports. Conceived as an elevated aquatic structure replete with hanging gardens, the space-age floating island preserves the entire extent of the ecosystem beneath it, contrasting with man-made islands that disrupt their immediate environment with tons of gravel fill. Asadov’s Aerohotel consists of a 200 meter wide circular hub lofted by an interlacing network of supports anchored by three arms that stretch to the bottom of its site. The structure’s body will contain cafés, restaurants, and winter gardens in addition to a hotel. The Aerohotel can be installed in any body of water, and the plans include docking arrangements for boats as well as a landing strip for a zeppelin - how slick is that?

READ ON: http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/17/aero hotel-by-alexander-asadov/

More News Links Otter Pups at the Monterey Bay Aquarium These adorable African spotted-neck otter pups debuted at the Monterey Bay Aquarium early last year. While it might be old news, we couldn't help but sharing these ridiculous little guys.

MORE PICS: http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2008/11/ monterey-bay-aquarium-welcomes-twofreshwater-otter-pups-.html

How many animals and plants live in the ocean? It is comparable to the amount of stars in the sky. Especially if you think that 95% of the world’s oceans are unexplored. That is why in 2000 a huge census of what lives in the ocean started. The Census of Marine Life brings together more than 2,000 scientists from 82 countries to try and answer the question. Every so often a report card of their progress is unveiled to the public - and the latest one was this month. It is great - they are always finding new wacky stuff. Currently, there are about 230,000 known marine creatures that have gone through the process of becoming legitimately described as “unique”. Since 2003 the Census of Marine Life has discovered more than 5,000 new living creatures - But, 111 have been processed as new and unique creatures! The scientists are making remarkable progress. Here is a brief list of some of the new wacky stuff they have found: • • • •

An octopi that lives in the deep sea - unusual since lacks an ink sak like other octopi - you don’t need to ink in the dark, right? Sea stars and sea spiders larger than a bread box. A completely blind lobster species with very unique antennae used for feeling. A brand new orange and black stripped shrimp that lives off the coast of Africa.

This is a link to the most recent progress report - 24 pages - great pictures! http://www.coml.org/pressreleases/highlights08/coml_highlightsReport08-sm.pdf READ ON: http://beachchairscientist.wordpress.com/

GHG Photos: Climate Change Photography Shapes Debate New Photo Agency Focuses on Climate Change From polar bears on thin ice to killer smog clouds smothering Asia, pictures play a hugely important role in shaping our understanding of the world and the threats posed to it. That’s why it's so great to hear about the birth of GHG Photos, a coalition of science, environmental, nature, and documentary photographers who have spent the last several years focused on greenhouse gas emissions and effects of those emissions on our planet. Besides offering stock photography, the photographers at GHG are also available for talks and corporate assignments. GHG clearly believes it can play a significant role in shaping the debate around climate change, citing as historical precedent the role of 19th Century photographer William Henry Jackson in inspiring the national parks movement:

Four Men Who Work in Antarctica - Interview Here’s an interesting & kinda funny interview of the life of researchers in Antarctica…

READ ON: http://www.viceland.com/int/ v15n10/htdocs/four-menantarctica-147.php

Library News New Books:

A Head Start on Science: Encouraging a Sense of Wonder: 89 activities for children ages 3-7 (2007) NSTA Press

Behavior and Ecology of the Northern Fur Seal (1997) by Roger L. Gentry Climate Change from Pole to Pole: Biology Investigations (2008) NSTA Press The End of the River: Dams, Drought and Déjà vu on the Rio Sao Francisco (2008) by Brian Harvey

Exemplary Science in Informal Education Settings: Standards-Based Success Stories (2008) NSTA Press

Exemplary Science: Best Practices in Professional Development (2005) NSTA Press Fur Seals: Maternal Strategies on Land and at Sea (1986) by Roger L. Gentry The Lingo of Learning: 88 Education Terms Every Science Teacher Should Know (2003) NSTA Press

Start Young: Early Childhood Science Activities (2006) NSTA Press Teacher Research: Stories of Learning and Growing (2007) NSTA Press When the Weather is Uggianaqtuq: Inuit Observations of Environmental Change; Shari Fox (2003) – Interactive multimedia CD-ROM New DVDs:

Inuit Observations on Climate Change; International Institute for Sustainable Development (2000)

The Dolphin Dealer; Omni Film Productions and CBC-TV (2008)

Archival Photo

Don Herron with Hyak, 1981. (G Erikson)

Green Team Sustainability Challenge! Enter to win great prizes!!! Participate in Ocean Wise month by eating at an Ocean Wise restaurant! Bring in your receipt(s) to win great prizes - $100 gift certificates for an Ocean Wise restaurant, as well as an Ocean-friendly cook book. Drop off your November receipts in the Green Team suggestion box in the Lounge. Please highlight the Ocean Wise item you ordered, and write your name and extension (or email) on the back of the receipt. The prize draw will happen during the first week of December. Look for a restaurant: http://www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise/

Presented by The Green Team and Ocean Wise

******************************

Bike to Work Week is Back!!! November 17 - 23, 2008 IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN-UP & LOG YOUR KILOMETERS! Our workplace already has a Bike to Work team – and this is a great opportunity to try biking to work in the winter, or to celebrate the fact that you already do. As a team we can work together at our workplace to create some winterriding incentives and facilities for those of us who are committed to trying it. Why register and log my commutes? The more people that participate, the better our chances of winning team prizes! It lets others know that people CAN bike to work in the winter! There is power in numbers – the more people that register, the stronger the voice for cycling in our region. Biking to work is still good for you, good for the environment and most importantly – biking to work is fun – even in the winter!

Join our team, here's how: Go to www.vacc.bc.ca/biketowork, and register for Bike To Work Week. The registration process will step you through finding and joining a workplace team. Ours is called “Vancouver Aquarium”. OR If you're already on our team, simply sign in and confirm your intention bike to work this winter!

Let's be the greenest and healthiest workplace in our region, and win some great prizes!

******************************

******************************

November is Ocean Wise Month Dining out can make a world of difference!

Help us spread the word and celebrate sustainable seafood this November with our 1st Annual Ocean Wise Month! A number of Ocean Wise events are happening this month, so be sure to visit the Ocean Wise website at: www.vanaqua.org/oceanwise In addition you will notice Ocean Wise themed gallery programming, activities, shows and other activities throughout the aquarium. Ocean Wise Month Dine-out is happening throughout the BC Lower Mainland giving diners the chance to win 52 Ocean Wise restaurant gift-certificates, simply by choosing the Ocean Wise identified menu item from participating Ocean Wise Month restaurants.

Note: Staff and their immediate family of Vancouver Aquarium and participating Ocean Wise restaurants can not enter the Dine-out draw. However the Green Team and Ocean Wise are having a Vancouver Aquarium staff only Ocean Wise Month draw – the prizes? $100 gift certificate to Chambar and a sustainable seafood cookbook! Enter by bringing in your receipt from any Ocean Wise restaurant during November (ballot box is the “Green Team Feedback” box in the Level 2 AquaQuest lunchroom).

“Green Bite” Ocean Wise Month Fact: AVOID DREDGE CAUGHT SCALLOPS

Events

Join POST and the Census of Marine Life in a sneak peek at absolutely AMAZING footage from Jacques Perrin's (Winged Migration, Microcosmos) upcoming theatrical release, Oceans. Be completely amazed, engaged and inspired in the Goldcorp Theatre at 12:00pm sharp on Thursday, December 11. All staff and volunteers are welcome (no guests, please) to join in this very special opportunity to see the spectacular and astounding preview footage. Don't miss it!

***********************************************

Name That Ferry! Enter the contest to name the new SeaBus! The newest member of the TransLink “family”, the third SeaBus, will be introduced in late 2009, and as with any introduction, the ferry needs a name. For more than 31 years, two SeaBuses have carried commuters back and forth across the harbour. The Burrard Otter was named for one of the more common sights one is likely to see while crossing between Lonsdale Quay and Waterfront Station, while the Burrard Beaver was named in part for the historic steamship that served the coast between Portland and Vancouver until it ran aground in 1888. What will their new “sibling” be called? That’s up to you. Time to get out the “name your baby (ferry)” books and enter TransLink’s “Name the New SeaBus” contest. From now until November 21 at midnight, you can submit your choice for the name, and have a chance at winning three 3-zone Transit Passes, a ride on the inaugural sailing and the warm-fuzzy feeling that a name you chose will be on display daily for thousands of commuters and tourists to see. There are three ways to enter: 1. email to [email protected] 2. online at www.translink.bc.ca 3. by snailmail to “Name The New SeaBus”, TransLink, 1600 – 4720 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4N2 (look for the entry forms in your local weekly newspapers) A panel of judges will choose the best five names, which will then be sent to the TransLink Online Advisory Panel, which will vote on the best one. Anyone can join the Online Advisory Panel: log onto www.translinklistens.bc.ca for more information. When the Third SeaBus goes into service, each of the other two will, in turn, be refitted with more modern equipment and have their engines overhauled; all the while, SeaBus will be able to maintain 15-minute service during peak periods. When all three ferries are fully operational, weekday service may be increased to 10-minute intervals during peak periods and 15-minute service at off-peak times, in anticipation of rising demand.

***********************************************

16th Annual BC Marine Mammal Symposium

Saturday, November 29, 2008 – 9:30am – 5:00pm Sponsored by the UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit and Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest University of British Columbia Science Visualization Room; Ground Floor, Aquatic Ecosystem Research Laboratory (AERL); 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4; Telephone: (604) 822-8181

Registration fee: · ·

Advanced: $0 (pre-register by Nov 21: ([email protected]) Late: $5 (cash only at the door)

Join us for presentations as well as discussion on issues that concern us all. This meeting is open to researchers, educators and businesses involved with marine mammals and anyone in one or more of these categories is welcome to attend. Please email Pamela Rosenbaum @ [email protected] before November 21, 2008, to indicate that you plan to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, but we need to know how many people to plan for. There will also be a social evening (6:00-9:00 pm) where beer and pizza can be purchased. The Agenda will be distributed at the meeting. Please email Pamela Rosenbaum @ [email protected] before November 21, 2008 if you would like to make a five minute presentation about your research. Longer presentations on topics of general interest are welcomed. We would also like to know if there are any issues that should be discussed by the group at large. We look forward to hearing from you and you seeing at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2008 ***********************************************