Ocean Use and Management

An ad that hits home about marine pollution!

2012-01-27T05:04:00.000-08:00

Field Trip to Bedford Institute of Oceanography

2012-01-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Good news! The field trip to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography is now confirmed for Friday, March 2 10am-12pm. This year is the 50th anniversary of BIO so we may hear about some interesting up-coming events. Our guide will be Bruce Anderson from the Canadian Hydrographic Service and he will give us a presentation about the CHS, followed by a tour of BIO.

Big Miracle!

2012-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

So....saving whales should be inspirational. And it is. Wow...maybe you can get some "show what you know by what you do" action assignment inspiration from the trailer for this new film!

The Seven C's Pledge

2012-01-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

Blogger won't let me fix that broken link: so you can access the "Seven C's Pledge" by clicking here!

The Future of Canada's Commercial Fishery?

2012-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

Canada is blessed to be rich in natural resources, including the longest coastline in the world. It is estimated that 80,000 Canadians make their livings directly from fishing and fishing related activities. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to supporting the economic profitability of those fisheries, while striving to ensure that fish stocks are healthy and abundant for future generations. The Department is modernizing the way it does business to enable the industry to address both current and future challenges. This will ultimately lead to fisheries that are more sustainable, more profitable and more globally competitive for the long term. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has already taken some important steps after considering feedback from industry, Aboriginal groups and others. But more needs to be done. The Department is talking with Aboriginal groups, the fishing industry, non-governmental organizations and fisheries experts, as well as the Canadian public. We recognize the importance of transparency as we move forward with specific elements of fisheries management modernization. We also appreciate the value that diverse perspectives can bring to the development of these policies. Together, we will build a path towards a more sustainable, stable and economically prosperous fishing industry.

Read More Here:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/future-avenir/index-eng.htm

Scholarship Opportunity

2012-01-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

The Marine Affairs Program at Dalhousie
University and WWF-Canada are pleased to announce the attached
scholarship competition for graduates engaged in innovative solutions to
ocean conservation issues. This scholarship is made possible by a generous
gift made by Donald Sobey. The application deadline is January 31, 2012
and details are available at http://marineaffairsprogram.dal.ca/Prospective%20Students/Scholarship%20Information/Graduate_Scholarship.php.

GEOG 2315 Winter 2012

2012-01-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to GEOG 2315 for 2012!
I will be using this blog as well as the Physical Geography of Oceans course: slowly compiling the two into one, for purposes of this course. Keep checking back, as I post content over the semester....

Another "show what you know" contributor!

2008-12-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

Show What You Know

From: cconrad,
13 minutes ago

Show What You Know

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.

SlideShare Link

Another "show what you know" video

2008-12-02T11:24:00.001-08:00

by Ryan Newell

Good Luck on your Exam tonight

2008-12-01T04:11:00.000-08:00

Amazing "show what you know" assignments coming in...

2008-11-28T10:38:00.000-08:00

Including this short video from Nicole Ashley Aube. More to come...

Tuna conservation "mockery"

2008-11-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sarah Weston for e-mailing this BBC article to me. It is an interesting (albeit sad) update on the status of the the bluefin tuna conservation efforts (or lack thereof).

In the event you might be interested...

2008-11-25T17:37:00.001-08:00

Environmental stewardship in Nova Scotia:
A review of community-based monitoring
by

Cathy Conrad, PhD
Associate Professor Geography Department Saint Mary's University

Friday, November 28 at 4:00 pm
Room 1014, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Bldg
6100 University Avenue

This presentation will draw upon experiences from the Community-Based Environmental Monitoring Network, housed within the Department of Geography at Saint Mary's University. Over 50 organized environmental stewardship organizations across Nova Scotia are actively engaged in environmental monitoring and stewardship. It has been well documented that the integration of meaningful public participation into environmental management is not only important but also critical for sustainable development and perhaps even one of the most significant developments in resource management since the beginning of the environmental movement. Based on experiences with watershed organizations in the Nova Scotia over the past four years, common benefits, challenges and recommendations for successful citizen science were compiled.

A word (or two) about Washington

2008-11-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

So I think it is fair to say that everyone had an amazing trip to Washington. I want to
thank Emma Hicks for randomly posting about the Sant Ocean Hall. I guess what she might
not have known at the time is that I like to take good ideas and literally run with them.
You only live once, right?
This was my first time in Washington and I was thoroughly impressed. One of the best experiences (well, a close second to Obama anyway), was experiencing this with a group of amazing people. I am starting to compile many of your photos and plan to prepare a proper video (accompanied by a proper soundtrack) but in the meantime, I put together a montage of some of my photos. The music gets redundant and it ends abruptly: stay tuned for something far better that will be a part of a reunion "Pictures and Pitchers" event in January. Thank you all for being great students, and for being so engaged in the learning experiences that this trip provided for us all.
-Cathy

Talk at Dal about Tuna Management

2008-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Faculty and Students of the Marine Affairs Program invite you to a
seminar:
"Regional Tuna Management in the Western and Central Pacific"
Don Aldous, MMM
Monday, November 3, 2008
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Room 3089
Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue, Dalhousie University Campus
Abstract
The Western and Central Pacific is home for over 40% of the world's tuna resources and the Pacific Islands have traditionally been on the leading edge of cooperative management in the fishery. They were the first to recognize their individual weakness but collective strength with the opening of the Forum Fisheries Agency in 1984. They were the first to develop what has become known as a "positive list of fishing vessels" in implementing the Regional Register in 1986. They were the first to challenge the US tuna Fleet in their courts. Now they are embarking on an ambitious plan to control the fishing effort of the Distant Water Fishing Nations tuna purse seine fleet. The Vessel Day Scheme has no precedent at the international level and poses some difficult issues for the Pacific Islands as they struggle to gain maximum benefit from their resources while ensuring the stocks are sustainable.
Bio
Don Aldous is a fisheries management consultant based in Nova Scotia who has built a career in the global tuna fishery. He spent 12 years with Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the last 16 years as an independent consultant. He has been a government fisheries manager, an ICCAT Commissioner and advisor to governments in the Pacific Islands. He is also a graduate of Dalhousie's Marine Affairs program having completed his MMM in 2006. Currently he is working with Pacific organizations and governments as they implement a new regional strategy for controlling fishing effort in the entire Western and Central Pacific.
For more information, contact the Marine Affairs Program, Marine.Affairs@dal.ca, 494-3555

We're talking about sealing on Monday

2008-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

So when I came across this article, it was very relevant to what we will be discussing.
This is the same Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Society in Sharkwater.

Another "show what you know" opportunity!

2008-10-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Sackville Rivers Association will be stocking Baby Atlantic Salmon (called fall parr), and they NEED some volunteers. If you are able to participate, show up this Friday at 10 am, 24 Oct. Meet at Tim Horton's at Downsview Mall--476-6276.

Bluefin Tuna Closure

2008-10-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Image Source: BBC

Thanks to Sarah for sending me this link.

Another up-coming talk

2008-10-15T14:40:00.001-07:00

In cooperation with Transport Canada, the DFO and Habitat and the Oceans Management Research Network are delighted to invite you to the sixth session of the Oceans Dialogue Series. This session will take the form of a scoping workshop (presentation followed by a panel discussion) on ocean noise with presenter Dr. Leila Hatch, Regional Marine Bioacoustic Coordinator, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and panelists, Paul Topping, TC; Camille Mageau, DFO; Hugh Bain, DFO; and, Jim Theriault, Defense Research and Development Canada.

For more details, please see attached flyer and/or visit the News and Events section found on the home page of the OMRN’s website: http://www.omrn-rrgo.ca

Talk at Dalhousie this Friday

2008-10-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

"Seabed habitat mapping: Science, fiction and politics"

by Vladimir Kostylev, Habitat Ecologist Natural Resources Canada

Friday, October 17, 4:00 p.m.

6100 University Avenue, Room 1014

Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building

Everyone Welcome!

Sharkwater

2008-10-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

We have been watching Sharkwater in class this past week and I told you that I would post some links and further information and reading: so here it is! -Probably more than you need or want but the post is always here if you ever want to refer back to it for information sources. And who knows, maybe one of you will go on to work in Shark Protection, research or management!

Saving Sharks is dedicated to shark conservation: their site provides some really useful ideas about things you can do to help save sharks.

The Centre for Ocean Awareness, Research and Education (COARE) is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its' purpose is to study our oceans and increase public awareness of the earth's marine environment through educational programs and outreach. They have a shark education and awareness program.

IEMANYA OCEANICA is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the conservation of sharks, rays and their habitats. IEMANYA is an international organization of scientists, educators and environmentalists committed to protecting marine life, especially sharks and rays, while addressing the socio-economic repercussions of conservation within the communities that depend on marine resources.I.E.M.A.N.Y.A stands for Research, Education, Management, and Advisory. They are also named after Yemanjá, the celebrated Afro-Brazilian Goddess and guardian of the sea, and mother of all life.

Bite Back: Formed in 2002, Bite-Back continues to be the UK's only organisation dedicated to the protection of sharks by reducing consumer demand for its meat and fins.

Pretoma is based in Costa Rica: you might find it interesting to learn about what they are doing there, given the significance of Costa Rica in the film.

The Shark Trust: is a UK charity dedicated to promoting the study, management and conservation of sharks, skates and rays.

The Shark Research Institute: is a multi-disciplinary non-profit scientific research organization, created to sponsor and conduct research on sharks and promote the conservation of sharks. Founded in 1991 at Princeton, New Jersey, USA, SRI has field offices in Canada, the Galapagos Islands, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, Taiwan and the Seychelles. A new data collecting site has been established in Australia.

The Shark Alliance is a not-for-profit coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to restoring and conserving shark populations by improving European fishing policy. Because of the influence of Europe in global fisheries and the importance of sharks in ocean ecosystems, these efforts have the potential to enhance the health of the marine environment in Europe and around the world. Take a look at their "take action" site: there might be some inspiration for the "show what you know" assignment here. You'll learn that Oct.11-19 is European Shark Week!

Shark Savers was founded in 2007 by a group of divers who care deeply about the environment and the oceans and sharks in particular. We think the need to increase awareness of sharks and the danger they are in is critical.

And finally, CNN's Planet in Peril Series did a segment on Shark Finning. Take a look at it!

P.S. Just because it's a really great site: take a look at obviously.ca. Why? Obviously...

Google Navy

2008-10-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

I recently learned about Google's move towards establishing their computer infrastructure on boats at sea and utilizing the energy harnessed from the ocean to power their systems. Read about it here and here and here and watch the video below. What do you think about this?

R.E.E.F.

2008-10-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

While doing some of my own research for a paper I am presently writing for the journal Biological Conservation on the global "Citizen Science" movement, I came across the "Reef Environmental Education Foundation" or REEF. What a great initiative this is! You might want to take a quick look through their site to see some of things that this group is doing.

"Spanish Trawler Released"

2008-09-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

From MacLean's magazine, March 27, 1995: Read what the reports were like in the midst of the Turbot War and Canada's actions against the Estai.

You can read the full (1998) ruling by the International Court of Justice (Spain v. Canada) here.

The Judicial ruling from the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs one decade later can be found here.

An interesting and relevant thesis on the subject can be found here.

Oceana

2008-09-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Take a look through this very comprehensive site and organization.
To achieve real benefits for the oceans, Oceana conducts focused, strategic campaigns. Each campaign has a specific timeframe and objective that will make a significant difference to the oceans. Each campaign combines scientific, legal, policy and advocacy approaches to reach its goal. Saving the oceans may take decades, but in each of our campaigns we aim to accomplish an important milestone in that effort within two to five years.

Linda Greenlaw charged in Nlfd for illegal fishing

2008-09-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Linda Greenlaw was the swordfish captain of a vessel involved in The Perfect Storm. She has written several books and has always maintained that there are not issues with over-fishing of swordfish. She uses long-lining as a fishing method.

She was arrested within Canada's 200 nm EEZ yesterday for illegal fishing. There is an article on the CBC about it, but I will be posting more about this.

Oct. 6 Talk at Dalhousie

2008-09-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Marine Affairs Program Seminar
The Faculty and Students of Marine Affairs invite you to the seminar :
"The search for whale-fisheries competition in the Lesser Antilles pelagic ecosystem"
Paul Fanning
Project Manager, Lesser Antilles Pelagic Ecosystem Project UN Food and Agriculture Organization
Monday, October 6, 2008
Room 3089
Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue, Dalhousie University Campus
12:30 - 1:30 PM
For more information, contact the Marine Affairs Program, Marine.Affairs@dal.ca, 494-3555

Executive Director of the Canadian Sea Turtle Network giving a talk at Dal tomorrow.

2008-09-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

The SRES Seminar this week features Kathleen Martin who will be presenting on "Peace and conflict in conservation: Lessons from leatherbacks."
Everyone Welcome!
Kathleen Martin
Executive Director, Canadian Sea Turtle Network
formerly Nova Scotia Leatherback Turtle Working Group
Friday, September 26, 4:00 p.m.
Room 1014, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building
6100 University Avenue
People who understand the value of conservation are often frustrated by the legions of people--including politicians, business leaders, the general public, and perhaps most important, resource users--who seem unable to understand its value. Real environmental change will come only when we are able to effectively communicate and work with these groups. In this seminar, I'll talk about what I've learned in this regard from a decade of working with commercial fishers to conserve the endangered leatherback sea turtle.

Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival

2008-09-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

This was the Film Festival Opener last year. This year, the film festival will begin October 22. You can read more about it here. Maybe one day some of you might go to it. Maybe one day one of you might have a film in it.

Russian Leader pushing for Arctic ownership...

2008-09-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Read the online article from the National Post (September 18, 2008) here.
What do you think?

Assignment #2

2008-09-15T16:31:00.001-07:00

So you've already completed one assignment (worth 10%). You next 10% assignment involves the South China Sea, as I had hinted at in class today. Use the links and resources in the powerpoint lecture 3 (on the p:drive).

1.To what extent does res communis and/or res nullius apply to the South China Sea?
2. What nations have made claims to the waters of the South China Sea?
3. What is the issue that involves the greatest amount of debate?
4. Using UNCLOS, what nation or nations would you think that international law would favour in this case?
5. How do you see the future of these claims and disputes being resolved?
6. What would your recommendations be?

Please incorporate your responses to these or other pertinent questions that you come up with to write a short essay (no more than 5 pages, double-spaced, and fully referenced). You must work with at least one other person on this assignment and only submit one written essay (electronically) between the two of you. I would highly recommend that you decide on a specific "division of labour" to tackle this assignment.

The assignment will be due by the end of day on Friday, October 3.

Using Science to Delineate the Limits of Canada's Continental Shelf

2008-09-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to one of you (I love receiving links and interesting information related to the course), I wanted to share this web site with you regarding Canada's efforts to prepare a submission to the United Nations to define the limits of its extended continental shelf. Read about it here and here.

Take a look at the extent of the ice cover change in the Arctic here.

You may also find it interesting to track the oceanographic research ships that are at sea at present.

Hurricane "Y...Ike"!

2008-09-12T03:35:00.001-07:00

From the US National Weather Service: this is a warning to pay attention to! I am worried for the people who stay behind in Galveston, Texas!

ALL NEIGHBORHOODS...AND POSSIBLY ENTIRE COASTAL COMMUNITIES...WILL BE INUNDATED DURING THE PERIOD OF PEAK STORM TIDE. PERSONSNOT HEEDING EVACUATION ORDERS IN SINGLE FAMILY ONE OR TWO STORY HOMES WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH. MANY RESIDENCES OF AVERAGE CONSTRUCTION DIRECTLY ON THE COAST WILL BE DESTROYED. WIDESPREAD AND DEVASTATING PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE IS LIKELY ELSEWHERE.VEHICLES LEFT BEHIND WILL LIKELY BE SWEPT AWAY. NUMEROUS ROADS WILL BE SWAMPED...SOME MAY BE WASHED AWAY BY THE WATER. ENTIRE FLOOD PRONE COASTAL COMMUNITIES WILL BE CUT OFF. WATER LEVELS MAY EXCEED 9 FEET FOR MORE THAN A MILE INLAND. COASTAL RESIDENTS IN MULTI-STORY FACILITIES RISK BEING CUT OFF. CONDITIONS WILL BE WORSENED BY BATTERING WAVES. SUCH WAVES WILL EXACERBATE PROPERTY DAMAGE...WITH MASSIVE DESTRUCTION OF HOMES...INCLUDING THOSE OF BLOCK CONSTRUCTION. DAMAGE FROM BEACH EROSION COULD TAKE YEARS TO REPAIR.

I'll be posting more about Ike through the day. Stay tuned.

Thank You Ocean

2008-09-10T17:56:00.001-07:00

Are all tunas equal?

2008-09-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

So you should have read through Chapter 1 of Song for the Blue Ocean by this point. Perhaps you've put some thought into my blog post questions from a few days ago. Now you can dig a little deeper. Take a look at the SeaChoice web site. Go to the Ratings for seafood: there are three categories: "Best Choice", "Some Concerns" and "Avoid". Which categories do tuna reside within? What's the main difference between those that might be listed in each of the categories.

You might also want to start thinking about going to Carl Safina's blog. Not only will you find more up-dated information about the status of tuna, but other marine organisms as well. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about him and witness some of his amazing journeys.

The plight of plastics in the oceans

2008-09-08T15:28:00.001-07:00

Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: ocean pollution)

Beginning Song for the Blue Ocean

2008-09-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

You will be reading Song for the Blue Ocean by Carl Safina this semester. The book was written a decade ago, so it should be interesting to see how things have progressed since then. On page 13 of the book Safina introduces the "International Commission for the Conservation of the Atlantic Tunas" (ICCAT), which he says would more aptly be named the "International Conspiracy to Catch All the Tunas". Read through the first chapter of the book (to p.24). Browse through the ICCAT web site. Do a bit of "digging". What do you think?

Some more inspiration!?

2008-09-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

Take a look at what these guys did!
Learn even more from their blog.

Need some inspiration for the "show what you know" assignment?!

2008-09-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Check out what this woman did!
Maybe someone in the class would like to row across Halifax Harbour to raise local awareness?!
Joking.
But then again...

Markham Ice Shelf makes news on MSN...

2008-09-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this article: it relates to the shrinking ice in the Canadian Arctic, which is obviously linked to climate change. The response from our Prime Minister is interesting.
What do you think?

UK makes new claim in the Atlantic

2008-08-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Read about it here.

New map of the Arctic being drawn

2008-08-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

A British team has drawn a new map of the Arctic which will surely become the focus of more dispute and territorial claims in months and years to come. Read about it here. And here.

Cod Food/Recreational Fishery Opens in Newfoundland

2008-07-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

We all know the story of the collapse of the cod fishery....there are many good books on the subject, and I will be posting reference lists in the near future. In the meantime, what do you think about this:

Since 2006, Newfoundlanders have been allowed to fish inshore for northern cod without a licence or tags for a few weeks time. For many, it's become a summer ritual, linking people to traditions of the past. Last month the Federal Fisheries Minister, Loyola Hearn, increased the fishery by 30% and initiated a small-scale commercial fishery based on the increase in the cod stock levels.

But some scientists and environmental organizations do not think this is a wise decision. One serious concern is the fact that DFO had two very different estimates of the amount of cod taken during the 2007 recreational fishery: one estimate was that 540 tonnes were caught, but another reported 5x that amount. "It tells me that management is a bit haphazard" said Robert Rangeley, vice-president of the Atlantic division of the World Wildlife Fund, was quoted as saying in the Chronicle Herald today.

Read more about it on the CBC web site. What do you think?

The Seal Hunt Saga Continues

2008-07-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

The European Union has moved to ban seal products. Read about it here. What do you think?

Canada isn't the only country with offshore fishing issues...

2008-07-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Not by a long shot. This is an interesting article from the BBC about the depletion of fish stocks off Kenya as a result of foreign fishing fleets.

A great web resource

2008-06-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Algalita Marine Research Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its watersheds through research, education, and restoration. They have a great web site: take a look!

Lobster fishermen v. Scallop Draggers

2008-06-24T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Chronicle-Herald reported on Saturday, June 21 that some Shelburne County Lobster fishermen are angry that as many as 45 inshore draggers are expected to arrive in waters off Shelburne and Yarmouth counties Monday morning to begin dragging the bottom for scallops. They are upset because scallop rakes can smash, puncture and cut up lobsters.

In addition to destroying lobsters, they can also destroy the bottom habitat. The scallop fishermen (Full Bay Scallop Association) argue that these are not the lobstermen's areas. The Municipality of the District of Barrington has asked federal Fisheries Minister LOyola Hearn to meet with representatives of local lobster fishermen to talk about the effect scallopers are having on lobster.

Trawling, as seen from space...

2008-03-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

Read about it here.

International Coastal Cleanup

2007-07-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

CLEAN THE SHORELINE - 31 August is the deadline to register for the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (http://www.vanaqua.org/cleanup), scheduled for 15-23 September 2007. Data is collected from each cleanup to determine the major (and minor)causes of shoreline litter in each region. The Canadian initiative is a contributor to the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, a worldwide event that attracts more than 68 participating countries - http://www.coastalcleanup.org

The unnatural history of the sea

2007-07-31T04:26:00.000-07:00

A promising new book is out with the above title. Read about it here.

Marine life researched off the east coast this summer

2007-07-29T16:50:00.001-07:00

An interesting and recent news article on marine life off the east coast of Canada and the impacts of bottom trawling can be found here.

Sea Surface Temps.

2007-07-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

See the oranges and reds; these mean higher Sea surface temperatures (SST). Now look at Atlantic Canada. The water is warmer than usual, by about 3 to 4 degrees. Let's hope that no storms develop anytime in the near future; those temps. are a bad ingredient for hurricanes.

Could it be a sign?

2007-06-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

This news just made me smile a huge, smirky, I-told-you-so kind of smile. The Texans are getting on board! Yee Haw!

Job Opportunity: Atlantic Canada SeaChoice Campaign Coordinator

2007-06-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

Job Opportunity: Atlantic Canada SeaChoice Campaign Coordinator

Sustainable Seafood Canada

* Please Note: Deadline extended until 5:00pm June 20th, 2007

Sustainable Seafood Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian conservation organizations working together via the SeaChoice program to raise public awareness of the threats to oceans and the solutions that sustainable fisheries offer. Sustainable Seafood Canada brings together broad national expertise from the: Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - BC Chapter, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecology Action Centre, Living Oceans Society, and the Sierra Club of Canada - BC Chapter. These member organizations have a demonstrated history of engagement in market-based campaigning and policy reform for fisheries. The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) is the major east coast member of Sustainable Seafood Canada, and is Nova Scotia's oldest environmental organization. The position is part time, and will be housed at the EAC's newly eco-renovated office on Fern Lane in Halifax.

The Atlantic SeaChoice Campaign Coordinator will report to and take direction from the Sustainable Seafood Canada Steering Committee (which includes representatives from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecology Action Centre, Living Oceans Society and Sierra Club of Canada - BC Chapter) and specifically from the Marine Conservation Coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre. Working with and reporting to the Steering Committee, the Atlantic coordinator will take a lead role in coordinating SeaChoice program activities, outreach and public relations on Canada's east coast,

The SeaChoice program includes research on the status of Canadian fisheries, public education, industry outreach, strategic media and website based communications, the development of fisheries policy reform initiatives, as well as cooperation with other sustainable seafood initiatives and organizations that are working on sustainable fisheries policy reform.

Responsibilities:
Coordination:
-Coordinate all logistics related to implementation of the Atlantic Seachoice program.
Liaise with the SeaChoice coordinator on the west coast.
Serve as lead contact for the program on the east coast of Canada
and respond to inquiries from the media and public.
Provide oversight of research projects undertaken by Seachoice member
organization staff and/or contractors on fisheries, chain of custody
research and stock assessments.
Maintain active, functional working relationships with all steering
committee representatives and their organization's staff that are assigned
to work on specific Seachoice projects and activities,
particularly the Marine Issues Committee of the Ecology Action
Centre, CPAWS NS and CPAWS NL.
Regularly provide reports on emerging issues and news to the steering
committee.

Program Development:
Work with SeaChoice coordinator to facilitate the creation of
outreach products for the SeaChoice program (e.g. promotional
materials, novel outreach tools, website content etc.)
Work with outside contractors for necessary projects: e.g.
website, species assessments
Develop relationships and liaise with partners, including seafood
retailers, suppliers, restaurants and fisherman across Canada
Develop funding opportunities for SeaChoice and participate in
writing grant applications.
Conduct any research work as directed by the steering committee.
Build an enhanced level of outreach and education to the public
and seafood industry.
Organize outreach and education initiatives and events, including
event coordination and volunteer participation.
Increase public awareness of SeaChoice and sustainable seafood by
seeking out media opportunities to promote the program.
Work with the SeaChoice coordinator to maintain, update and
continue the development of the Seachoice Website and the online
Loaves and Fishes discussion forum on local, sustainable food in
Nova Scotia (www.ecologyaction.ca/loavesfishes).
Liase with the Food Security Network, EAC's Food Action
Committee, SlowFood NS and other relevant groups in Atlantic
Canada to ensure that sustainable fisheries are included in local
food discussions.

Opportunities:
To work with five of the major marine non-governmental organizations in
Canada
To develop coordination skills across a national range of stakeholders in
NGO's, government, industry and the public sector
To develop a broad understanding of fisheries issues and policy in Canada
To play a pivotal role in the implementation and growth of the first
national sustainable seafood program

Qualifications
Primary
Interest and understanding of environmental and marine conservation
issues (an undergraduate degree is mandatory and a graduate degree is
preferred.
Proficient with MS Office Suite: Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel
Flexible and adaptable - willing to be open to an evolving work plan.
Strong attention to detail
Strong writing skills
Strong interpersonal and campaign skills
Excellent time management skills
Experience in:
outreach, education and communications
coordinating events and groups
marketing - an asset, but not required

Secondary
Knowledge of fisheries issues in Canada (particularly east
coast, Atlantic)
and internationally, knowledge of scientific fisheries literature
Knowledge of environmental certification (e.g. FSC, MSC etc.).
Some familiarity with systems that assess the status of natural
populations or their suitability for harvest (e.g.
COSEWIC, IUCN Red listing, SARA, CITES, MSC)
Some experience conducting and critiquing scientific and social
research
Ability to synthesize and distill large amounts of detailed information
over a broad range of species
Willingness to travel as necessary

Cover letter and resume can be sent to Susanna Fuller at marine@ecologyaction.ca

Website: www.seachoice.org

Wage/Salary: $17.00/hr

Hours per week: 20 hrs/week

Closing date: June 15th, 2007

Term: July 1, 2007 - December 30, 2007 with possibility for extension

CO2 Man

2007-06-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

Oceans Day Lecture

2007-06-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

The International Ocean Institute will be holding its third annual Elisabeth Mann Borgese Ocean Lecture on 8th June to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of Professor Mann
Borgese. Dr Kathleen Conlan, Research Scientist with the Canadian Museum of Nature in
Ottawa, will give an illustrated presentation on Under the Polar Ice: Diversity,
Disturbance and Climate Change at 7.00 p.m. in Room 105 of the Weldon Law Building,
Dalhousie University, 6061 University Avenue. A reception will follow, and all are
welcome to attend.

Be a part of an ocean gyre to celebrate World Oceans Day!

2007-05-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

The Ocean Gyre Ecology Art Performance will be filmed and documented as an artistic expression of our concern about our ocean environment.

WHEN: Friday June 8, 2007, From 2 - 3p.m. World Oceans Day

WHERE: Meet at bottom of Citadel Hill, corner of Sackville and Bell. (Rain date June 9, 2 - 3p.m)

WHAT: Four circles of people will run in opposite directions for approximately 7 minutes at a slow to moderate pace to form an OCEAN GYRE

WHO: 100 people needed to wear a piece of clothing that is blue, green or your favourite ocean colour, AND attach a piece of plastic, pinned or tied.

Bring yourself, and friends, and family! PLEASE RSVP YOUR PARTICIPATION TO: oceangyre@gmail

Performance supported by the Ecology Action Centre's Marine Issues Committee

It really is on-going!

2007-05-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Robert Harris, a student in GEOG 3315 this past semester, persuaded his emplyer to plant a red maple, keeping in mind that "show what you know" is an ongoing assignment...AWESOME, Robert! Future generations thank you. E-mail me some of the things you are doing, and I will post them here (with your permission, of course).

Southern Ocean saturated with CO2

2007-05-17T16:40:00.001-07:00

Read about it here.

From the World Ocean Observatory...

2007-05-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

The "Ocean Forum";
- Breaking Waves: A Digest of Ocean News" Subsribe here.

Andrea

2007-05-10T04:04:00.000-07:00

The first named storm of the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane season has officially formed off the coast of Florida, nearly three weeks before the season usually begins. The winds from the system is currently helping to fan the wildfires in the states of Florida and Georgia, which have had recent drought conditions. Heavy precipitation along the coastal areas and high surf conditions may result. The system is relatively stationary right now, but it will be interesting to see how a cell like this forms and tracks so early in May. I will be posting more on this as it develops.

Action Item...

2007-05-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

Help to send the message to Prime Minister Harper that Canadians want action on Climate Change. Go here to send the message.

David Suzuki Calls the government's new plan a national embarrassment

Go Charles!

2007-05-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

Read it here.

Go Al!

2007-04-28T17:23:00.001-07:00

Read it here.

I LOVE this ad.

2007-04-23T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is an anti-whaling ad that comes from Greenpeace in Poland.

What do you think?

Happy Earth Day

2007-04-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

"We need in the next twenty-five years or so, to do something never before done. We need to consciously redesign the entire material basis of our civilization. The model we replace it with must be dramatically more ecologically sustainable, offer large increases in prosperity for everyone on the planet, and not only function in areas of chaos and corruption, but also transform them. That alone is a task of heroic magnitude, but there's an additional complication: we only get one shot."

"...If we face an unprecedented planetary crisis, we also find ourselves in a moment of innovation unlike any that has come before...we don't need a miracle to win this race; we need a movement. We need millions more people who are committed to doing their part to embrace good ideas, find new solutions in their own work, and live and share what they learn."

-From "WorldChanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century"

Mark this on your calendar

2007-04-20T17:49:00.001-07:00

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND BIODIVERSITY CONVSERVATION IN MEXICO AND COSTA RICA

Dr. Alfredo Ortega
CIBNOR Northwestern Ceter for Biological Research
La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

Dr. Angel Herrera
Executive Director, Marine Park of the Pacific
Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica

Tuesday, May 1, 2007
3:00 p.m. Room 165
Sobey Building,
Saint Mary’s University

Have you ever heard of menhaden?

2007-04-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

There is a brand new book out called The Most Important Fish in the Sea by Bruce Franklin. You can order it here if you are interested. I think it will be a good read!

Show what you know is on-going...

2007-04-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today I am making postcards to mail to Canada's Environment Minister and Prime Minister. This is part of an initiative of the Climate Action Network and "Voters Take Action on Climate Change". I will bring copies to the final exam on Friday. Feel free to make copies and send them in.

Final Exam Format

2007-04-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder that the format for the final exam is very different from typical exams. If you were in attendance at the last review class, you will already know what the format is. If you were not, this is what you need to do...

1. Make up two essay questions (you can use any of the lectures from the entire semester).

2. E-mail your questions to me by Saturday, April 14. I will e-mail you back to confirm that your questions are appropriate or not.

3. Once you have received word back from me, you can begin to study and prepare the responses. You will not be allowed to bring any notes into the exam other than your two questions. You can bring one page into the exam with both of your questions on it.
If you have any questions at all, please e-mail me at cconrad@smu.ca

Mark this date in your calendar

2007-04-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - Ecological Footprint Founder in Halifax!

Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Director of Global Footprint Network
(http://www.footprintnetwork.org/) and co-creator of the Ecological Footprint will be in Halifax for two public events. Mathis has worked on sustainability issues for organizations around the world, and has lectured for community groups, governments and their agencies, NGOs, and academic audiences at more than 100 universities. Mathis has authored or contributed to over fifty peer-reviewed papers, numerous articles and reports, and various books on sustainability that focus on the question of embracing limits and developing metrics for sustainability. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, he completed his Ph.D. in community and regional planning at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he created the Ecological Footprint concept with Professor William Rees.

Sharing Nature's Interest : Ecological Footprints as an Indicator of Sustainability Public Lecture Lecture begins at 7:30 pm Book signing will follow the lecture, and books will be available for purchase Room 1020, Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Ave., Dalhousie University, Halifax Free, all welcome!
Organized by the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Resource Recovery Fund Board, the Nova Scotia Environmental Network and GPI Atlantic

For more information, please contact Clare Levin, 489-2524, clevin@gpiatlantic.org

Time for a little comedy

2007-04-10T18:47:00.001-07:00

Nfld Seal Hunt set to begin on Monday

2007-04-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

And the protesters are coming out of the woodwork. I wish they would be as active in raising awareness about climate change; this is ultimately going to seal the seal's fate. Not the seal hunt. How much carbon dioxide did the Humane Society spew into the atmosphere flying their helicopters around the ocean? We're the problem; not individual fishermen, who likely live far more sustainably than most North Americans. Look at the big picture. And stop making the seal hunt protest an annual fundraiser.

Mark this in your calendar!

2007-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Black River Productions Ltd. & filmmaker Neal Livingston are pleased to announce the Halifax Premiere of their new documentary film,

RUDY HAASE
A biography about Canada’s great unknown environmentalist.
A Film by Neal Livingston
Produced in Association with CBC Maritimes and The Chester Educational Foundation
Monday April 30th, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Park Lane Theatre, Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS Tickets at the door:
waged-$9/un-waged-$7
Both the filmmaker Neal Livingston and Rudy Haase will be in attendance.

Coming Soon: The Green Investment Bank of Canada

2007-04-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Bill C30 can (and should) be read: The Legislative Committee that has been reviewing it has sent it to the House and it is now up to Stephen Harper to decide if it will be passed and implemented or if it will be ignored and allowed to die. I hvae e-mailed every MP in Canada (yes, seriously), urging them to pressure the Prime Minister to sign this Bill. Let's get this ball rolling....

How'd you like to dine here?

2007-04-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

I came across a reference to this undersea restaurant in a Maldives Hilton. They actually have the menu as an online pdf file. Most of the fish is on the "red list" for threatened or unsustainably fished species. Surprise surprise...

The 2007 Seal Hunt Quota is Set

2007-03-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Ottawa cuts seal quota but describes herd as healthy.
Read the article here.

The Canadian Shark Research Laboratory

2007-03-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

On Tueday, March 27 we will have a guest presentation from the Canadian Shark Research Laboratory. You can read all about the Laboratory and what they do here.

You may also want to take a look at Canada's National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, which was just released this month.

131 Governments Set Their Nets for Illegal Fishers

2007-03-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Read the article here.

Sealing Season is set to begin

2007-03-14T18:45:00.001-07:00

And the EU is set to ban seal products.

Show what you know...an on-going "assignment"

2007-03-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Some of you have already completed our "show what you know by what you do" assignment. Some of you have not started it yet. Either way, this "assignment" does not need to end with the 20% grade in this course. This is something you can and should continue beyond this course. Remember that with knowledge comes the onus of action.
Here are two great sites that you can continue to watch for even more ideas.
The Ocean Conservancy
Bluefront
And in the meantime, you can also read the comics...

Sharks and Soup

2007-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Sharks are being killed for the consumption of shark fin soup. It needs to be banned. Eradicated. Read more about this specific issue in a great on-line article posted here. And more about shark conservation from a great organization and wonderful web site here.

Sharkwater

2007-03-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

I have 29 tickets to see Sharkwater at Park Lane Theatre tomorrow night at 7 pm.
Let me know if you are interested, and we will talk about this in class in some detail tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 7 pm at the Park Lane Cinema on Spring Garden Rd.
Rob Stewart will be in attendance leading a Q&A at the end of the film.

Sharkwater is a documentary film by award-winning wildlife photographer Rob Stewart. A young biologist, fascinated by sharks since he was a kid, Rob set out to make a documentary that would debunk the myths surrounding sharks as indiscriminate killers perpetuated by Hollywood movies like Jaws. In the process, he stumbled onto a trillion-dollar black market industry involving the illegal sale of shark fins. With beautiful underwater cinematography best seen on the big screen, Sharkwater brings attention to the heartbreaking plight of a 400 million year old species that survived five mass distinctions but may be wiped out in a few years by humankind.

Winner of the People's Choice Award, Atlantic International Film Festival AND MORE! For more information and to see the trailer visit: http://www.sharkwater.com

Talks Tonight and Potential Movie Screening Tomorrow

2007-03-05T10:50:00.001-08:00

Classroom 3 (King's A&A Building, lower level), Ondaatje Hall (Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, 6135 University Avenue), 7:00 pm

The School of Journalism at the University of King's College, in partnership with the Dalhousie Student Union, are proud to host renowned Canadian journalist and military historian Gwynne Dyer on Monday, March 5.

He will present "The Climate Wars," a talk on global warming.
Free and all are welcome.

Tomorrow night at the Park Lane Theatres, a special screening of the documentary "Sharkwater" will be shown. I hope to up-date you in class tomorrow.

Talks Tonight and Potential Movie Screening Tomorrow

2007-03-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Classroom 3 (King's A&A Building, lower level), Ondaatje Hall (Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building, 6135 University Avenue), 7:00 pm

The School of Journalism at the University of King's College, in partnership with the Dalhousie Student Union, are proud to host renowned Canadian journalist and military historian Gwynne Dyer on Monday, March 5.

He will present "The Climate Wars," a talk on global warming.
Free and all are welcome.

Tomorrow night at the Park Lane Theatres, a special screening of the documentary "Shark Water" will be shown. I hope to up-date you in class tomorrow.

Up-coming Events

2007-02-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

WWF’s Atlantic Region office is hosting a Living Luncheon series, taking place at the Halifax Club in Halifax. Join us on Monday, March 5th from 12 noon to 1:15 p.m. and hear Dr. Christopher Taggart speaking on "Canada's Endangered Right Whales: How Can We Stop Killing Them Off?" Also join us on Thursday, April 26th to hear Dr. Evan Edinger speak about "Deep-Sea Corals: Why Should We Care?" For more details or to purchase tickets, please contact Maya Ahmad at (902) 482-1105 Ext. 38 or mahmad@wwfcanada.org

Canadians for Kyoto

2007-02-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Nation-Wide Kyoto Rally Sunday March 11th Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Canadians for Kyoto Rally is an independent initiative whose ultimate goal is to have Canada recommit to the Kyoto Protocol. It will be taking place simultaneously across the nation. http://www.canadiansforkyoto.com

If you are willing to dedicate time, energy or resources to this cause,contact us immediately. Leah Boutiller Email : LDBOUTIL@DAL.CA
Ryan Timoffee Email: canadiansforkyoto@hotmail.com

Climate Action Network Canada

2007-02-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is a great network to follow and their web site is full of interesting and meaningful information and links. I particularly like their "adopt an MP" program. I've adopted McGuinty. Poor man...

Kyoto and Canadians

2007-02-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

CBC news online has just reported that opposition MPs passed the Kyoto bill despite Tory resistance: even though the ruling Conservatives voted against it, opposition parties pushed through a Liberal MP's bill requiring the government to meet Kyoto targets.

The fact of the matter is that even meeting Kyoto targets is simply not enough. I was reading through some of the comments that Canadians were posting on the CBC site in response to this and felt physically sick by some of them. There is so much mis-information. And, so many poeple who just don't give a shit. If they get the impression that they have to give up anything in their overly plush lives, then forget about it. One even said that we will become a third world country. We shouldn't ignore such opinions. In fact, we need to confront them. Where to begin....

More Spin

2007-02-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

As Al Gore addresses our Environment Minister.

Climate Science Blog

2007-02-12T17:47:00.001-08:00

This is one of the best blogs on Climate Science, with leading atmpospheric researchers regularly contributing to it. Take a look. Hopefully you'll continue to regularly read it.

Two great documentaries

2007-02-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

"Who Killed the Electric Car?"

and

"The Great Warming"

‘Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world!’
-Joel Barker

Here's one way to become a millionaire!

2007-02-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

British airline tycoon Richard Branson announced on Friday a $25-million prize for the first person or group to find a way to remove billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Go here to find out how to enter the contest!

Potential Job/Intern/Thesis Opportunity

2007-02-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Coastal CURA (housed at SMU) expects to have a limited number of opportunities in coming months for student employment and/or student involvement in research activities, on themes of community-based integrated coastal management. These opportunities will include (1) a variety of forms of research assistant employment,
(2) local site-specific studies with individual project partners, and
(3) broader policy-level research, on themes relating to local-level use and management of fisheries, coasts and oceans.

Examples of specific possibilities for research include investigating (a) community-based management models in the Maritimes and elsewhere; (b) the value of the inshore fisheries and of fishermen’s role in coastal planning processes; (c) the structure of community based organizations and their ability to adapt to changes in the fishery and meet the demands of integrated management practices, and (d) changes in traditional values associated with food access (fisheries and other food) in First Nations communities.

The required work could be undertaken as a thesis or as part of an internship and/or project. Funding is available to support the work, but details of the funds will be worked out on a case-by-case basis once the scope of the work is determined. We are willing to discuss possibilities for various levels of student participation depending on academic program requirements.

Talk to me if you might be interested,
Cathy

Class Cancelled

2007-02-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys; class is cancelled today (Thursday, February 8).Apologies for any inconvenience; you can work on your "show what you know" assignment.We will be covering Bottom Trawling next week.

Thursday, Feb. 8: Bottom Trawling

2007-02-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Living Oceans

2007-02-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

This is another great link for your "show what you know.." assignment. Regardless if you use it for that specific assignment or not, it is a great site.

Here's a way to spend your Valentine's Day...(Seriously)

2007-02-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to invite you attend a lecture in our Fisheries and Coastal Lecture Series.

Douglas C. Wilson and Clara Ulrich-Rescan of the Institute for Fisheries Management and Coastal Community Development, North Sea Centre in Denmark will be presenting a lecture entitled:The Science-Policy Interface in Fisheries Management

On Wednesday, February 14, 2007
10:30 am
Secunda Boardroom, 4th Floor Sobey Building
Saint Mary’s Unviersity

Demand Action

2007-02-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

Demand Action.
The head of the IPCC compared the climate change science report that came out yesterday to 50 Pearl Harbours when asked how the world should respond. One day later, and the issue is off the front page of the news. Why is social, ethical, moral and environmental well-being so reprehensible to so many? Is it that the evil-doers might just turn out to be us? That we are the villians? When faced with information, we are no longer ignorant and can not remain in our formerly blissful state. The fact is that this information is inconvenient. But take inconvenient and run with it, because a decade from now, we might wish for inconvenient.

Global Warning

2007-02-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

So the IPCC report came out today. And the media around the world is reporting the results. Let's move forward from the science and think about, discuss, and use our imaginations to effect change. It begins now.

Listen to the summary from the co-convenors of the IPCC meeting here, which can be accessed from the main IPCC web site (look at the right-hand-side bar). I will be summarizing the findings of all the reports next week. You can start to think about what actions you can take; here is a good place to start