Knauss Lecture Series

January 25, 2014

12-1PM EST Monday January 27, 2014 NOAA Central Library, 2nd Floor SSMC3

MEASURING AT RELEVANT SCALES: HOW WHELKS RESPOND TO DIFFERING PREY LEVELS ACROSS REGIONS AND YEARS

Will Tyburczy, NOAA Policy, Planning and Integration

Many multi-species models assume that the reproduction and mortality of predators relate directly to their immediate feeding rate and local prey abundance. Similarly, many empirical investigations measure short-term feeding rates of predators and extrapolate reproductive consequences. However, for annually reproducing species, where predation and reproduction occur on very different timescales, the validity of these assumptions remains in question. From 2009-2012, I measured growth, survival, and reproduction of the predatory whelk, Nucella ostrina, both in caged manipulations across Oregon and Washington, and in naturally isolated populations in Washington. Whelks were exposed to a range of prey abundances. Analysis revealed an effect of barnacle abundance on whelk growth, and a correlation between growth and reproduction, but showed no discernable relationship between barnacle abundance and whelk reproduction. A literature search also revealed large regional variation N. ostrina survival rates. The results demonstrate the value of conducting research at larger spatial and temporal scales.

Four people install substrate for an oyster reef.

Alaska

Biden-Harris Administration invests $60 million to build a climate-ready workforce through Investing in America agenda

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country.

The funding will support nine projects around the nation, with $50 million going directly to the projects and $10 million for technical assistance to support the grantees.

Sea Grant Aquaculture Academy in New Hampshire

Sea Grant aquaculture professionals from across the country convened in Portsmouth, NH in early April for a 4-day intensive “Sea Grant Aquaculture Academy” hosted by New Hampshire Sea Grant with support from North Carolina Sea Grant.

Sea Grant takes center stage in Oceanography special issue

NOAA Sea Grant-funded research and work with coastal and Great Lakes communities across the nation are being highlighted in a special issue of “Oceanography,” the official journal of The Oceanography Society.

This special issue, published in April 2024, features 36 articles contributed by Sea Grant authors across 29 programs and the NOAA National Sea Grant Office.