VOLUME 8 | WINTER 2018 Cover: Patrick McCabe, MEM-CEM '19 | Deception Island, WA. Inside Cover: Kelly Dobroski, MEM-CEM '19| Marineland, FL. 4 What's Swimming in the Scottish Seas?: In this edition Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit Claire Atkins-Davis

7 Louisiana Sinking Thomas Lutken

8 Méduse Méditative: Acrylic Artwork Alexie Rudman

10 Bison, Sharks and Students, Oh My! Katie O'Donnell

12 Human-Wildlife Interactions: OBX and Fisheries Observer Program Samantha McLendon

A Note from the Editor:

The eighth volume of UPWELLING showcases work from Duke UPWELLING Vol. 8 University students, incorporating position pieces and artwork from the creative minds of undergraduate and graduate students alike. Published January 12, 2018 Dive in and experience how the oceans have impacted the lives of Publication design by Kelly Dobroski our students. I hope these pieces encourage you to spend more time in the sea and inspire you to do more for the benefit of our oceans. Duke University Ocean Policy Working Group A warm thank you to the Nicholas School of the Environment, [email protected] the Graduate and Professional Student Council, and the Duke University Center for International Studies for their continued The Ocean Policy Working Group (OPWG) is a student organization at Duke support of the Ocean Policy Working Group and UPWELLING. University designed to facilitate cross-disciplinary discussions on human interactions with the ocean. Throughout the academic year, the OPWG hosts a Sincerely, variety of events with the purpose of exposing the Duke community to pertinent Kelly Dobroski issues in our oceans. This working group strives to be a hub for ocean resources. OPWG Publication Coordinator MEM-CEM ‘19 3 What’s swimming in the Scottish Seas?: Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit Claire Atkins-Davis, MEM-CEM ‘19 he Cetacean Research and Rescue must eventually return to the ocean In order to accurately perform [from page 4] TUnit (CCRU) is a small non- surface for oxygen; most observations health assessments of stranded The abundance and profit research organization based in are made when the animal surfaces. marine mammals, we received a density of this species had never been northeast Scotland. It was established Surface analyses are important to Marine Mammal Medic certification documented. Therefore, due to this lack in 1994 with a mission dedicated understand respiratory rates and dive through British Marine Divers. The of information about species presence to the welfare, conservation and patterns for specific species, which certification process focused on in the Moray Firth, a collection of protection of whales, dolphins and aids in understanding movement classroom lectures that were broken up baseline data was recommended. The porpoises (cetaceans); completed patterns and areas of abundance and into different topics. The lecture topics CRRU team is continuing this ongoing through scientific investigation,density. Understanding where the included marine mammal biology, research effort. This was a very exciting environmental education, and the animals go and what they are doing species identification, physiology, and unique experience, and I enjoyed provision of a 24-hour veterinary in these areas aids in the conservation first aid, and rescue techniques. After learning about different approaches service for sick, injured and stranded of the species. Since cetaceans come lectures, there were practical trainings to marine mammal conservation  individuals. As a research assistant, I to the surface to breathe, much of that included re-floatation of seals, and ocean ecosystem management. worked to support the efforts of the their activity and behavior occurs dolphins and large whales. Each CCRU director, Dr. Kevin Robinson. underwater, making it difficult to practical session included hands-on We performed boat and land-based study. Pairing surface observations training where we handled life-size surveys, as weather permitted, to with footage of underwater behavior water filled models, of proper weight, to conduct behavioral analyses in allows researchers to understand practice lifting and first aid techniques. order to understand social structure, more of the whole picture. The exercises were performed (Left) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moray_Firth) population dynamics, reproductive several times and each participant Topographic map of Scotland, noting Moray Firth success rates and habitat suitability for Photo identification of catalogued played given roles in each scenario. (Top Right) Claire Atkins-Davis, MEM-CEM ‘19 cetacean species in the Moray Firth. individuals within the population Surface Surveys in the Moray Firth. was part of the methodology to After receiving the certification, we Behavior analyses were conducted understand social structure and would respond to reported stranded (Bottom Right) Meghan Rickard, MEM-CEM ‘15 though surface observations, as well genetic relatability. The research efforts cetacean and pinniped species. During Breaching Humpback whale in Stellwagen Bank National as underwater footage from multiple were done to establish conservation a proper health assessment, the team Marine Sanctuary, Massachusetts Bay. GoPro camera angles. Because whales and management strategies for would decide the next course of action. are air-breathing mammals, they marine species in the Moray Firth, Depending on condition of the animal, including Bottlenose we would either attempt re-floatation, dolphin (Tursiops or if possible, transport the animal to truncatus), Minke a facility for intense veterinary care. whale (Balaenoptera Re-floatation is only completed after acutorostrata), Harbor proper assessment and if the team porpoise (Phocoena believes the stranded mammal will phocoena), Humpback survive once returned to its habitat. whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and Orca Our team also received a grant to whale (Orcinus orca). conduct a new project to collect baseline DNA data to determine genetic Another interesting relations and reproductive health aspect of this position among Basking sharks (Cetorhinus was marine mammal maximus). [continued page 5] stranding response.

5 Photos: Thomas Lutken, MEM-EEP '19 Mississippi River near St. Joseph, LA. Pictured river height is Louisiana Sinking approximately thirty feet below flood levels from 2011. Thomas Lutken, MEM-EEP '19 rowing up near the Mississippi sediments, lowers the existing land school floated by oil tankers bound for GRiver, I took the long, green and occurs naturally (though there Baton Rouge refineries. Louisiana’s hill for granted. It takes barely two is some evidence that oil extraction commercial fishing harvest exceeded minutes to cross, a disturbingly short can accelerate this sinking process).2 a billion pounds in 2016, and that amount of time to traverse the defense We inadvertently created the third; catch depends on a healthy coastal separating me and my family from a levees protect people upstream habitat.3 Protecting this place force that could wipe us off the map. from floods, but they also stop the means more than preserving a Mississippi River from naturally culture; the regional economy and In 2011, heavy spring rains across replenishing the coast of Louisiana. environment depend on this river. the Midwest had swelled the river. Standing atop the levee, my familiar Draining 31 different states from Solutions exist; a controlled release of forest was now covered with angry, the Appalachians to the Rockies, the the river below New Orleans would red-brown water ripping past the Mississippi carries millions of tons relieve pressure on those in the city trees. I took a canoe with me, hoping of sediment downstream. During and produce new land to help protect to paddle between those treetops, spring floods, this sediment dropped against storm surges.4 Coupled with but the sight of the flood quickly out, creating much of southern more conventional approaches, like extinguished that idea. At my feet, Louisiana. Now, it flows into the Gulf wetland restoration and seawalls, a football sized blob of fire ants of Mexico, making massive gyres Louisiana is working hard to floated past. The ants could simply of turbid ocean water, instead of prevent further losses, but we must move, but when the river floods, replenishing marshes along the coast. act quickly to preserve our coast.  we humans rely on a thousand- mile anthill to protect ourselves. This spring, I stood atop another levee, this time in New Orleans. Well, really It was a few years later when I learned the same levee, just a four hundred this protection came with a price. mile walk downstream. Even without Levee near St. Joseph, LA. The levee protects those living nearby from floods, Downstream, coastal Louisiana was satellites or survey equipment, it but Louisiana's coast is deprived of much needed sediment when the river is confined. rapidly disappearing; over 16 square was clear the Big Easy would be miles of marshes and wetlands were underwater without the levee. lost each year since 1985, according to the U. S. Geological survey.1 More than Jazz and Mardi Gras are Every month, an area the size of in peril; barges bigger than my high Duke’s West Campus erodes away.

There are three distinct problems; rising seas, sinking sediment, and Every month, an area the size of Duke's no new deposition. Climate change “ drives the first, but more local West Campus erodes away. factors control the second and third. Subsidence, or compacting of

1. Couvillion, Brady R., John A. Barras, Gregory D. Steyer, William Sleavin, Michelle Fischer, Holly Beck, Nadine Trahan, Brad Griffin, and David Heckman. "Land area change in coastal Louisiana from 1932 to 2010." (2011). 2. Kolker, Alexander S., Mead A. Allison, and Sultan Hameed. "An evaluation of subsidence rates and sea-level variability in the northern Gulf of Mexico." Geophysical Research Letters38, no. 21 (2011). 3. Annual Landings, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. “2016 Commercial Fisheries statistics.” www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/commercial-fisheries/commercial-landings/annual-landings/index 4. McMann, B., Mike Schulze, Heather Sprague, and Kerri Smyth. (2017). “2017 Coastal Master Plan: Appendix A: Project Definition.” (pp.1- 119). Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. 7 Méduse Méditative Alexie Rudman, MEM-CEM '19 Acrylic

Sea Nettle Alexie Rudman, MEM-CEM '19 New England Aquarium

HEY ARE MESMERIZING. I was inspired to paint nettles [pictured right] suspended themselves against the this jellyfish [pictured left] after a visit to the New deep blue. The way their tentacles curl and their bodies “ England Aquarium, where in a square tank tucked morph silently, like ink drops in water, is hypnotizing. Taway on the back wall of the basement, these Bison, Sharks and Students, Oh My! Katie O'Donnell, MEM-CEM '19 ne of the most challenging high school student that steps off students, even those classified as 'non- Otasks is to articulate what being the boat). The night skies are much swimmers,' how to snorkel and swim in an environmental educator means. clearer than the Los Angeles glow the ocean for the first time, while also Superficially, it is teaching students of light pollution that can be seen teaching them about the ocean itself. about science and the various types in the distance, which provides Lab activities can include investigating of environments through hands- stargazing and teaching opportunities. plankton under microscopes, on experiences. It is coordinating dissecting squid, discussing issues teaching and lab schedules. It is taking As certified lifeguards, assisted by that oceans are challenged with a group of kids into the ocean for the buoyant wetsuits, instructors teach all and touching [continued page 11] first time. It is taking them on a hike in the back yards that they did not know existed. It is chasing a bison off of a beach. It is talking down anxiety attacks. It is learning 20 new names every three days. It is coordinating activities, making announcements and being the question master for over 200 students at a time. It can be overwhelming, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

With one week's notice, I packed up my life and headed off to an island I knew of, but could not imagine what it was actually about until I got there. Working on Catalina Island was one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences I had as an Swell Shark Egg Case Toyon Bay, Catalina Island, CA outdoor educator. The unique challenge is not simply living on an island; it is living in the more isolating interior of the [from page 10] sharks and rays. we finally made it out in the water- their next opportunity to snorkel. island where bison, leopard however, not terribly far this time. Their positive energy and optimistic sharks, and Catalina Island One of the most memorable snorkel attitudes were contagious. With foxes run (or swim) amuck. trips I led was with a group of 16 There were no animals to be found such a complicated job that requires sixth-grade students from Arizona on that sandy bottom during our an instructor to wear so many hats The history of the island is that came during February of brief snorkel, but we kicked around simultaneously, it was a welcome fascinating and provides 2016. It was chilly, which makes in the crystal-clear water, talked reminder that I was there to share a learning experience for Photos: Katie O'Donnell, MEM-CEM '19 motivating students to put on about sand composition, beach my passion about the ocean at students unlike any other. (Above) The Last Pier Jump: Catalina Island Marine Institute dripping wetsuits more challenging formation, and water visibility. whatever capacity that I could.  In the interior of the island, Fulfilling an island tradition, Katie donned a costume to bid her final student group farewell, plunging into the Pacific, as she prepared to begin classes at the than usual. After explaining all there is often no cell service Nicholas School. Captured by fellow CIMI educator, Brooke Fox. the ins and outs of snorkeling, and Upon returning to the shore, my and limited wifi (cue addressing all of their concerns, students were already excited for horrified looks from every 11 Human-Wildlife Interactions: [from page 12] college graduates and observers are not in good shape uncomfortable situations if instituted. come in withvery negative opinions of and not used to living at sea. Some However, this could also decrease OBX and Fisheries Observer Program the fishing industry and the fishermen become seasick for extensive portions the pool of potential applicants. Samantha McLendon, B.S. '18 themselves. This says to me that some of the trip. With extremely close uring a recent trip to the Outer conditions uncomfortable. NOAA’s bycatch. However, our conversation observers may not be unbiased, but living quarters, constant sickness With regard to the fisherman’s concern DBanks, our Bass Connections website also reports that observers definitely elucidated some issues and actually biased against fishermen. can be extremely inconvenient and that training paints fishermen in a team had the chance to tour an are trained biological scientists. drawbacks with the program, as well Although compliance with regulations unpleasant for the fishermen. This negative light, this seems to me to active longline vessel and talk with as giving valuable insight into how and accurate reports of bycatch kind of negative interaction, as be a misconception that likely came a longline fisherman about hisTo me it seems that some kind fishermen might view these observers. are important goals, biases against well as feeling like they are being from personal biases of some specific experiences in the industry. Although of third-party observer program fishermen might be just as important pre-judged by observers, could strain observers. The training regimen our team is studying the human- is absolutely crucial to collecting From his experience, many observers and as harmful as overlooking relationships between fishermen and itself does not seem to suggest wildlife interactions of fisheries,unbiased data on depredation and are recent [continued page 13] regulation violations. The fisherman regulatory organizations. This could negative feelings toward fishermen. specifically issues of bycatch we spoke with seemed to think cause backlash and more problems and depredation, we took this that the training program painted with compliance and honest reporting, Fine-tuning the productivity and opportunity to have an informal fishermen in this negative light. which threaten to make the observer efficacy of the observer program conversation with the fisherman program counter-productive. is a complicated problem. I have about longline fishing in general. One of the instructors of this course also heard mention of observers One of the topics we discussed was kind enough to share some of his However, from the observer’s who generate false data and ignore of particular interest was his experiences as a fisheries observer perspective, training was about as transgressions, indicating that bias opinion of the observer program. with me to provide an alternative thorough as it could be while still exists both for and against fishermen. perspective on some of these ideas. being practical. NOAA provides a Additionally, only about 20% of vessels The NOAA Fisheries National He worked on pelagic longline vessels 3-week rigorous training program get observers, so even if all observers Observer Program began over in Hawaii and trawl vessels in the for observers which covers fisheries are completely unbiased, we may not forty years ago, and aims to place Western Gulf of Alaska and Bering biology, fish identification, sampling have a representative sample of data qualified, unbiased observers on Sea; he reported overall very positive skills, and boat safety. He explained that is applicable across all vessels commercial fishing vessels in the interactions with the fishermen he there is extensive hands-on practice and fisheries. Ultimately, though, the United States in order to gather observer program fills a hole in fisheries data on things such as bycatch, To learn more about Bass Connections data that could not be filled otherwise. depredation, and any breach of programs and opportunities at Duke, visit: regulations. Since fishermen are The instructor who commented on likely to show bias in self-reporting https://bassconnections.duke.edu/ his observer experience emphasizesd (i.e., not reporting bycatch of that adequate funding could achieve endangered species or admitting to solutions to many of the potential rules they break at sea) the observer observed. He also felt he was able with boat safety as well as wet labs to conflicts and shortcomings by program has become the primary to build personal relationships on practice fish identification. Granted, all enabling attraction of the best possible source of data about fisheries and many of his observation trips. This of this training does not provide actual candidates and training them in has important applications for viewpoint of positive and collaborative acclimation to life on a boat, which a comprehensive manner. Having supporting science, conservation, relationships makes me think that seems to be at the root of the problem prepared and open-minded observers and management. The data perhaps negative biases and hostility from the fishermen’s perspective. is the best way to foster positive collected through the fisheries between fisheries and observers relationships with fishermen and  observer program is also used to are more of a rarity than the norm. In terms of requirements to be hired achieve unbiased data collection. help assess populations, set quotas, However, it is difficult to draw a broad as an observer, a candidate needs a Joseph Fader, Ph.D. Candidate (UPE) conclusion from only two viewpoints. bachelor’s degree in marine biology and enforce regulations. Observers Bass Connections field trip to Wanchese, NC to for a hands-on or a similar field, and undergoes can spend anywhere in the range commercial fishery learning experience. of several days to several months Another qualm that we heard about a series of interviews to assess aboard vessels, and NOAA notes the observer program from the overall ability. There is no formal that the work can be intense and fishermen's perspective is lack of requirement for having spent time experience at sea. The fisherman at sea, which could potentially help we spoke with expressed that some decrease some of the aforementioned 13 Submit to UPWELLING UPWELLING is a biannual journal that allows the Duke community to share their thoughts, opinions and research pertaining to the oceans and ocean policy. We are interested in any ocean-related work, including short research articles, OpEds, photographs, maps and other creative content. Content is fairly flexible, and topics may include a summer internship experience, a conference that you attended, the research that you are currently involved in, or other experiences. We welcome work from Duke University students in any department, researchers, faculty, alumni and professors.

Please send submissions to [email protected].

2017-2018 OPWG Leadership

Administrative Coordinator Ali Boden

Outreach Coordinator Honglin Du

Lunch Seminar Coordinator Leah Davis

Action Team Coordinator Colyer Woolston

Publication Coordinator Kelly Dobroski

Contact Alexie Rudman, MEM-CEM '19 [email protected] First year CEM students enjoyed sites.duke.edu/opwg visiting the Marine Lab and fishing off the dock; for many of them, it was their first Beaufort encounter. Thank you to the following supporters of OPWG and UPWELLING: UPWELLING Vol. 8 Published January 12, 2018

Duke University Ocean Policy Working Group [email protected] sites.duke.edu/opwg