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392 posts in Publications

Longer body size means more female calves for baleen whale moms

Two humpback whales swim in the ocean

Long baleen whale mothers are more likely to have female calves than males, according to a new study led by the University of Washington. The findings, published by UW QERM student Zoe Rand and Professors Trevor Branch and Sarah Converse, contradict a popular evolutionary theory postulating that strong mammals benefit more from birthing males.

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Inspired by her mother and the mountains: Aashna Sharma writes for Science

Aashna Sharma stands on a wooden bridge over a river in a forested area of India.

Fullbright Scholar, Science contributor, freshwater biologist. These are some of the ways to describe Aashna Sharma, who is currently working with Dr. Julian Olden at SAFS as part of her two-year postdoctoral fellowship. From the foothills of the Himalayas in India, Aashna was recently inspired by the Past as Prologue feature in Science that highlights how different scientists from around the world are shaped by their family and background, and submitted a piece herself.

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In a shifting ocean environment, what are the impacts on Pacific oysters?

Oyster farm viewed from above, close to the shoreline.

Seeking to understand the impacts of environmental stressors on Pacific oysters is the driving force behind a years-long research project involving scientists from the University of Washington and NOAA, and in collaboration with the oyster industry. Critical in aquaculture, Pacific oysters are the dominant oyster species grown on the US West Coast, with the industry in the Pacific Northwest alone valued at over $270 million a year.

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A sweet surprise: Polar bear glucose reveals new insights into their reproduction and conservation

Four polar bears pictured on a snowy landscape looking towards the camera.

Each year, polar bears cycle through periods of intense feasting and prolonged fasting. For reproductive females, seasonal bulking is crucial – it fuels the winter denning and fasting period when they give birth. And when they emerge in spring, it gives biologists a chance to assess populations. A new study led by Sarah Teman explores whether A1c could reveal if a polar bear had recently denned, which – combined with the absence of cubs – may signal reproductive failure.

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Changing waters, changing views: Stakeholder perspectives on ocean acidification and adaptations in shellfish aquaculture

Aerial view of an oyster farm in the water.

Shellfish aquaculture is a vital industry in the US, but one which faces mounting challenges threatening both productivity and business viability. Research often fails to align with growers’ immediate needs, so to close this gap, a team led by Connor Lewis-Smith set out to document how industry participants perceive ocean acidification threats and evaluate emerging adaptation strategies that are actively being researched.

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Tracking two invasions for the cost of one

A shrimp, white in color, pictured against a black background.

While conducting early detection monitoring for invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas), Washington Sea Grant Crab Team discovered a non-native shrimp Palaemon macrodactylus, hitherto unreported along Washington’s portion of the Salish Sea. By examining prior data, and tracking this species closely over subsequent years, the team which included researchers from SAFS, were able to consistently monitor the spread and increase of this species across the region.

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Without a trace: How is Russian seafood ending up on US plates?

A white dinner plate with fish, grated cheese and greens. On the right-hand side is a knife and fork, with a lemon at the top edge of the plate.

Whether it is food or clothing, people care about where their products come from. Seafood is no different. Governments, retailers, and customers care about the source of the seafood on their plate as it is an important factor for evaluating the product’s sustainability and whether it aligns with their values. In a new perspective piece published in npj Ocean Sustainability, Jessica Gephart worked with a team of researchers to look into a specific case of seafood traceability in relation to US imports after sanctions on Russia.

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