ThayerMahan, Inc. will be conducting an unmanned maritime vehicle (Wave Glider-WG) transit from approximately 100 NM East of Port Canaveral, FL to about 100 NM East of Cape May, NJ.
The transit will commence on or about 7 Dec, 2019 and is expected to terminate on or about 6 Mar,
2020. 24/7 operations consist of scientific ocean data collection.
The Wave Glider carries no fuel, lubricants or hydrocarbons. It is wave powered and remotely attended from the ThayerMahan Operations Center, moving at speeds of about 1kt, and is designed to automatically give way if encountered by a vessel transmitting AIS.
It is approximately 6.5’ x 2’ (surfboard size), copper in color, with a contact plaque and mast extending 3’ above the water surface. Mariners are requested to transit the area with caution.
For more details, contact the ThayerMahan Operations center at 860-969-3171.
source: U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice To Mariners - 5th District
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Chesapeake Bay Foundation State of the Bay Report
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's (CBF) biennial State of the Bay Report score decreased one point to 33, equivalent to a D+.
The lower score for 2018 was due mainly to increased pollution and poor water clarity caused by record regional rainfall.
"The good news is that scientists are pointing to evidence of the Bay's increased resiliency and ability to withstand, and recover from, these severe weather events. And this resiliency is a direct result of the pollution reductions achieved to date. In addition, we did see increases in scores for dissolved oxygen and Bay grasses since 2016, but the recovery is still fragile," said CBF's Director of Science and Agricultural Policy Beth McGee.
Established in 1998, CBF's State of the Bay Report is a comprehensive measure of the Bay's health. CBF scientists compile and examine the best available data and information for 13 indicators in three categories: pollution, habitat, and fisheries. CBF scientists assign each indicator an index score from 1-100. Taken together, these indicators offer an overall assessment of Bay health.
Dissolved oxygen and bay grasses improved. In the pollution category, toxics were unchanged, while water clarity, and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution were worse. In the habitat category, scores for bay grasses and resource lands improved, and buffers and wetlands remained the same. In the fisheries category, scores for oysters, crabs, and rockfish remained the same, while the score for shad declined.
This year's score is still far short of the goal to reach 40 by 2025 and ultimately a 70, which would represent a saved Bay. The unspoiled Bay ecosystem described by Captain John Smith in the 1600s, with its extensive forests and wetlands, clear water, abundant fish and oysters, and lush growths of submerged vegetation serves as the theoretical benchmark and would rate a 100 on CBF's scale.
The Clean Water Blueprint requires the Bay jurisdictions to decrease pollution to local creeks, rivers, and the Bay. State and local governments have committed to achieve specific, measurable reductions. The states agreed to have the 60 percent of the needed programs and practices in place by 2017, and to complete the job by 2025.
Of the primary Bay states, Virginia and Maryland were close to meeting the 2017 goals but need to accelerate pollution reduction from agriculture and urban/suburban runoff. Pennsylvania continues to be far short of its goals, mostly as a result of falling behind in addressing pollution from agriculture.
The full Chesapeake Bay Foundation 2018 State of the Bay Report can be accessed at: http://www.cbf.org/document-library/cbf-reports/2018-state-of-the-bay-report.pdf
source: Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Saturday, April 30, 2016
US Wind Tower Off Ocean City MD
US Wind MD is proposing to establish a meteorological tower within the Maryland Wind Energy Area approximately 15.5 miles east of Ocean City, Maryland. US Wind anticipates establishing the tower in August 2016.
The tower will be located at 38 21 09.9 N, 074 45 12.8 W. Its mast height will be approximately 100 m (328 feet) above mean sea level, and will be made of steel construction, including Braced Caisson foundation (3 legs), deck, and lattice framework tower.
The foundation and deck will be yellow, approximately comprising the first 60 feet of the structure above mean sea level. The tower lattice structure will be painted red and white, comprising the remainder of the tower height.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has determined that the tower will be deemed a Class A structure, meeting the requirements of 33 CFR 67.20. This means it will be equipped with white obstruction lights with 5 mile visibility and a sound signal with 2 mile range. Additionally, the tower will be fitted with aircraft warning lights.
source: U.S. Coast Guard
The tower will be located at 38 21 09.9 N, 074 45 12.8 W. Its mast height will be approximately 100 m (328 feet) above mean sea level, and will be made of steel construction, including Braced Caisson foundation (3 legs), deck, and lattice framework tower.
The foundation and deck will be yellow, approximately comprising the first 60 feet of the structure above mean sea level. The tower lattice structure will be painted red and white, comprising the remainder of the tower height.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has determined that the tower will be deemed a Class A structure, meeting the requirements of 33 CFR 67.20. This means it will be equipped with white obstruction lights with 5 mile visibility and a sound signal with 2 mile range. Additionally, the tower will be fitted with aircraft warning lights.
source: U.S. Coast Guard
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
MARCO Forum in Dewey Beach DE
Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) Forum
January 29, 2016
Hyatt Place
1301 Coastal Highway
Dewey Beach, DE
DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Programs is hosting the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) forum on scientific data that will be used to develop an Ocean Action Plan (OAP) for the region.
The forum will be held 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Jan. 29 at the Hyatt Place, 1301 Coastal Highway in Dewey Beach. The public and stakeholders are invited to attend.
Established in 2009 by the Governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, MARCO provides a forum for the coastal Mid-Atlantic states to collaborate on shared regional priorities related to marine habitats, renewable offshore energy, climate change adaptation, and ocean water quality.
Attendees are required to register by Jan. 28 at: http://midatlanticocean.org/event/public-workshop-on-ocean-planning-data-products/
source: DNREC
January 29, 2016
Hyatt Place
1301 Coastal Highway
Dewey Beach, DE
DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Programs is hosting the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) forum on scientific data that will be used to develop an Ocean Action Plan (OAP) for the region.
The forum will be held 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Jan. 29 at the Hyatt Place, 1301 Coastal Highway in Dewey Beach. The public and stakeholders are invited to attend.
Established in 2009 by the Governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, MARCO provides a forum for the coastal Mid-Atlantic states to collaborate on shared regional priorities related to marine habitats, renewable offshore energy, climate change adaptation, and ocean water quality.
Attendees are required to register by Jan. 28 at: http://midatlanticocean.org/event/public-workshop-on-ocean-planning-data-products/
source: DNREC
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Christmas Bird Counts
Wildlife refuges throughout the Mid Atlantic take part the annual Christmas bird census, coordinated by the National Audubon Society.
2015 Mid Atlantic Region Christmas bird counts:
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NJ)
December 19, 2015
Spend a day counting birds. Novices welcome. For more information, call 973-425-9510.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (VA)
December 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Help count birds on the refuge. For more information, call 757-986-3705
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2015 Mid Atlantic Region Christmas bird counts:
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NJ)
December 19, 2015
Spend a day counting birds. Novices welcome. For more information, call 973-425-9510.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (VA)
December 16, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Help count birds on the refuge. For more information, call 757-986-3705
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Monday, October 5, 2015
Hurricane Joaquin Damage - Mid Atlantic States
A variety of agencies in the USA have been involved in predicting and accessing damage from Hurricane Joaquin.
Coastal change experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently warned that although the path of Hurricane Joaquin continues to move farther offshore, a high probability of dune erosion existed along parts of the Atlantic coast, from the North Carolina Outer Banks to Cape Cod.
Area which could be affected include the Outer banks, Virginia, and Maryland, New England, the New Jersey and New York coast.
USGS issues coastal-change forecasts, which integrate information produced by both the USGS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its National Hurricane Center. The forecasts are posted daily to the agency's Coastal Change Hazards Portal.
source: U.S. Geological Survey
Coastal change experts from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently warned that although the path of Hurricane Joaquin continues to move farther offshore, a high probability of dune erosion existed along parts of the Atlantic coast, from the North Carolina Outer Banks to Cape Cod.
Area which could be affected include the Outer banks, Virginia, and Maryland, New England, the New Jersey and New York coast.
USGS issues coastal-change forecasts, which integrate information produced by both the USGS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its National Hurricane Center. The forecasts are posted daily to the agency's Coastal Change Hazards Portal.
source: U.S. Geological Survey
Saturday, February 1, 2014
2014 International Swan Symposium
2014 International Swan Symposium
February 3-6, 2014
Tidewater Inn
Easton, Maryland
Swan experts and enthusiasts from throughout the world will gather to discuss the latest in swan research, conservation, management and protection at a joint conference of The Trumpeter Swan Society and the Wetlands International/IUCN SSC Swan Specialists Group.
The conference will feature three days of contributed scientific papers, posters and workshops, a banquet and silent auction, and one day of field trips.
Papers will cover all aspects of swan ecology with workshops providing an opportunity to discuss a few specific conservation issues.
source: Trumpeter Swan Society
February 3-6, 2014
Tidewater Inn
Easton, Maryland
Swan experts and enthusiasts from throughout the world will gather to discuss the latest in swan research, conservation, management and protection at a joint conference of The Trumpeter Swan Society and the Wetlands International/IUCN SSC Swan Specialists Group.
The conference will feature three days of contributed scientific papers, posters and workshops, a banquet and silent auction, and one day of field trips.
Papers will cover all aspects of swan ecology with workshops providing an opportunity to discuss a few specific conservation issues.
source: Trumpeter Swan Society
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Rising Mid Atlantic Sea Surface Temperatures
According to the latest Ecosystem Advisory issued by NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), temperatures in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays were more than 6 degrees C (11°F) above historical average at the surface and more than 5 degrees C (9°F) above average at the bottom during the first six months of 2012.
During the same period, sea surface temperatures off North America's Atlantic Coast were the highest ever recorded. The affected area, known as the Northeast US Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (LME), extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The Spring 2012 Ecosystem Advisory is available online at:
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/ecosys/advisory/current/advisory.html
source: nefsc.noaa.gov
During the same period, sea surface temperatures off North America's Atlantic Coast were the highest ever recorded. The affected area, known as the Northeast US Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (LME), extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The Spring 2012 Ecosystem Advisory is available online at:
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/ecosys/advisory/current/advisory.html
source: nefsc.noaa.gov
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
2011 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Assessment
A new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientific assessment of the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab stock has been released, setting higher abundance thresholds and crab population targets.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment, the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab population indicates significantly more work needs to be done to fully rebuild the stock to sustainable levels.
The study concludes that although the stock has increased substantially in response to three years of rebuilding efforts by Virginia, Maryland and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, the stock was more depleted than originally believed and will take longer to rebuild than had been expected.
The assessment sets a new overfishing threshold as well as a new safe abundance level for female crabs. According to NOAA, the project took three years to complete and represents the best available science on the stock’s reproductive capabilities, lifespan, gender and size distributions.
Until now, fishery managers used an interim target of 200 million total adult crabs in the bay as the threshold of a healthy stock and considered overfishing to occur if 53 percent of adult (age 1+) crabs were harvested in a year. Regulations were established to meet these benchmarks, which were based on 2005 bay-wide crab assessment data.
The new stock assessment sets a new healthy-species abundance level of 215 million female crabs, with overfishing occurring if 34 percent of the female crabs are harvested in a year.
Put into context, this means that fishery managers have only come close to achieving this level of female abundance three times over the past 22 years, in 2010, 1993 and 1991.
These more stringent assessments of the stock’s health will allow fishery managers to set more precise female harvest limits in order to fully rebuild the stock. Virginia, Maryland and the PRFC remain committed to working together to rebuild the bay’s crab population to meet the new female population threshold and abundance target.
In September the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee will meet to consider the new assessment, examine data from the past two years and provide management recommendations to Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
The bay-wide crab harvest in 2010 was in the 90 million-pound range, confirming that a healthy harvesting industry can coexist with regulations designed to rebuild a self-sustaining, healthy blue crab population.
Through a historic collaboration in 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission took strong, coordinated action to reduce harvest pressure on female crabs by 34 percent. At that time, scientists deemed conservation measures necessary as blue crab suffered near historic lows in spawning stock.
Dr. Tom Miller, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, lead author of the stock assessment commented on the assessment, stating: "Overall, crabs in the bay are doing well. Implementing recommendations developed in the stock assessment, like focusing fishing regulations on female crabs, will help even more,"
The stock assessment can be viewed in its entirety at: http://hjort.cbl.umces.edu/crabs/Assessment.html
source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission/Maryland Department of Natural Resources
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment, the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab population indicates significantly more work needs to be done to fully rebuild the stock to sustainable levels.
The study concludes that although the stock has increased substantially in response to three years of rebuilding efforts by Virginia, Maryland and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, the stock was more depleted than originally believed and will take longer to rebuild than had been expected.
The assessment sets a new overfishing threshold as well as a new safe abundance level for female crabs. According to NOAA, the project took three years to complete and represents the best available science on the stock’s reproductive capabilities, lifespan, gender and size distributions.
Until now, fishery managers used an interim target of 200 million total adult crabs in the bay as the threshold of a healthy stock and considered overfishing to occur if 53 percent of adult (age 1+) crabs were harvested in a year. Regulations were established to meet these benchmarks, which were based on 2005 bay-wide crab assessment data.
The new stock assessment sets a new healthy-species abundance level of 215 million female crabs, with overfishing occurring if 34 percent of the female crabs are harvested in a year.
Put into context, this means that fishery managers have only come close to achieving this level of female abundance three times over the past 22 years, in 2010, 1993 and 1991.
These more stringent assessments of the stock’s health will allow fishery managers to set more precise female harvest limits in order to fully rebuild the stock. Virginia, Maryland and the PRFC remain committed to working together to rebuild the bay’s crab population to meet the new female population threshold and abundance target.
In September the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee will meet to consider the new assessment, examine data from the past two years and provide management recommendations to Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
The bay-wide crab harvest in 2010 was in the 90 million-pound range, confirming that a healthy harvesting industry can coexist with regulations designed to rebuild a self-sustaining, healthy blue crab population.
Through a historic collaboration in 2008, Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission took strong, coordinated action to reduce harvest pressure on female crabs by 34 percent. At that time, scientists deemed conservation measures necessary as blue crab suffered near historic lows in spawning stock.
Dr. Tom Miller, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, lead author of the stock assessment commented on the assessment, stating: "Overall, crabs in the bay are doing well. Implementing recommendations developed in the stock assessment, like focusing fishing regulations on female crabs, will help even more,"
The stock assessment can be viewed in its entirety at: http://hjort.cbl.umces.edu/crabs/Assessment.html
source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission/Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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