The Future of Oceans: Short of Breath―Marine Life in a Warming World

Curtis Deutsch, PhD

Associate Professor, 

School of Oceanography, 

College of the Environment 

University of Washington

Sunday, December 10
3 pm
Curtis Deutsch, PhD
The Fort Worden Commons*
*Please note change of venue


Admission: $5

(students, teachers FREE)


Dr. Curtis Deutsch’s research is aimed at understanding the interactions between climate and ecosystems. He combines numerical models of varying complexity with diverse types of biological and physical data, to discover the ways in which climate produces spatial pattern and temporal variability in ecosystems, and thus influences their basic functioning. Most of this work has focused on biogeochemical cycles in the ocean, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms that regulate the cycles of nutrients and oxygen over a range of time scales from years to millennia. He also works with terrestrial ecologists to understand how climate influences the patterns of thermal fitness, and their implications for biodiversity in a changing climate. He received an Investigator Award from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and is a Fellow of the Kavli Frontiers of Science.

This is the third installment of The Future of Oceans lecture series (learn more about the series here).

This event is offered with generous support by the Darrow Family.

Assisted Listening Devices available

The Future of Oceans: Sharing the Sound― Salmon, Steelhead and Settlement

Sunday, November 12

Jill Rolland, Sc.D.

3 pm

Jill Rolland, Sc.D.
The Fort Worden Chapel
Admission: $5 (students, teachers FREE)

The Sonic World of the Amazonian Pink Dolphin

Sunday, October 8, 2017 

3 pm

David Bonnett, Citizen Scientist

The Fort Worden Chapel

Admission: $5

(students, teachers FREE) 

Mr Bonnett will present his most recent finding of his acoustical research with Amazonian Pink Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) including how ecosystem changes in the Amazon are impacting this species and how this research relates to our local species of Cetacea. His research grows from decades of underwater acoustical research and designing ultra-quiet vessels. 

This is the first installment of The Future of Oceans lecture series. 
This event is offered with generous support by the Darrow Family.

Assisted Listening Devices available

Day of the Orca

Port Townsend Marine Science Center kicks off Orca Month and it’s 35th Anniversary year with The Day of the Orca, June 3rd.  

Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 11am-5pm
Free Admission to Fort Worden State Park; Free Admission to PTMSC

Come help celebrate with us and learn about the Southern Resident and Transient Orca populations that swim these local waters. For thirty-five years the Port Townsend Marine Science has been dedicated to inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea for a healthier environment for orcas and all marine creatures. The Marine Science Center is home to one of only 8 fully articulated orca skeletons which is featured in the exhibit, Learning from Orcas. The exhibit tells this orca’s story and how our community came together to have her remains inspire all of us to take action for a healthier Salish Sea.

“What better way to begin our 35th year and celebrate Orca Month, than to partner with Puget Sound Express and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce to create Orca Fest, a month long learning opportunity of these remarkable animals.” said Janine Boire, Executive Director, Port Townsend Marine Science Center. For more information and other events celebrating Orca Month go to: http://ptorcafest.com.

June 3rd activities at PTMSC will include:

• Welcome – with Port Townsend Marine Science Center Executive Director Janine Boire, and Jamestown S’Kallam tribal member and Chief Chetzemoka descendent Marlin Holden
• Introduction to Our Orcas – with Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, PTMSC Executive Director Janine Boire, and photographer and Puget Sound Express Naturalist Bart Rulon (Seating is limited)
• How to ID Orcas – with Puget Sound Express Naturalist Bart Rulon
• Get To Know Your Orcas session for children and families
• Tours of Hope – one of only 8 fully-articulated orca skeletons in the world
• Free Boat Tours on Puget Sound Express whale watching vessels
• Listen to Orcas – Learn how orcas communicate and listen in via the Hydrophone Listening Network

Family-Oriented Art Projects take place throughout the day

Screening of "Plastic Ocean"

Port Townsend Marine Science Center to Host Screening of Award Winning Documentary, A PLASTIC OCEAN :

Saturday, April 22, 2017 - Port Townsend, Washington @ 3:00 PM at Port Townsend Marine Science Center Natural History Exhibit

A PLASTIC OCEAN uncovers the shocking truth about what is truly lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. More than 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans each year. A PLASTIC OCEAN follows an international team of adventurers, researches and ocean ambassadors on a mission around the globe. This award-winning documentary shows the devastating effects of our disposable lifestyle on marine life and the consequences for human health.

During its four-year production period, A PLASTIC OCEAN was filmed in 20 locations around the world, documenting the global effects of plastic pollution and introducing workable technology and policy solutions that can, if implemented in time, change things for the better.

NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries together with Washington CoastSavers are hosting free screenings in Port Angeles at Peninsula College on April 13th at 7:00PM, and in Port Townsend at Port Townsend Marine Science Center on April 22nd at 3:00PM. The screenings will be followed by panelist discussions and are open to the public. Washington CoastSavers is an alliance of partners and volunteers dedicated to keeping the state’s beaches clean of marine debris through coordinated beach cleanups, education and prevention. Make a difference, register for April 29, 2017.

Washington Coast Cleanup at http://www.coastsavers.org/

A PLASTIC OCEAN can be found on iTunes and other online movie platforms.

A Plastic Ocean Website: http://www.plasticoceans.org

Washington CoastSavers Website: http://www.coastsavers.org/

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Website: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center inspires conservation of the Salish Sea. A new initiative—Gone Green? Go Blue! Support Your Local Ocean—encourages collective action and civic engagement. Located on the beach at Fort Worden, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit and the Natural History Exhibit. The Natural History & Orca exhibit is open Friday through Sunday, 12 to 5 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth, and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org/events.

FEEL GOOD. DO GOOD. Yoga Benefit for PTMSC

MONDAY, APRIL 10TH @ 5:30PM

MADRONA MINDBODY, FORT WORDEN

 

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is excited to partner with local yoga teachers for the FEEL GOOD/DO GOOD yoga benefit on Monday, April 10th from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at Madrona MindBody, Fort Worden. This is an “all level” class suitable for everyone. Come stretch and breathe, at the same time you support PTMSC! Donate whatever you can…$10, $20… whatever! You’ll leave refreshed, energized and restored.

Here’s what yoga teacher Shanon Leonard has to say about the event:

"The classes support local nonprofits and provide an opportunity for people to experience a wide variety of yoga styles and practices."

Visit http://www.feelgooddogood.org/Home_page.html for more information

DAMS AND DIRT: THE COASTAL RESPONSE TO THE ELWHA DAM REMOVAL

Sunday | February 12, 2017 | 3 pm

Ian Miller, PhDCoastal Hazards Specialist, Washington Sea GrantThe Fort Worden ChapelAdmission: $10 ($5 for PTMSC members)

A skilled science communicator and media spokesperson, Dr. Ian Miller is Washington Sea Grant’s coastal hazards specialist, working out of Peninsula College in Port Angeles as well as University of Washington’s Olympic Natural Resources Center in Forks. Dr. Miller works with coastal communities on the Olympic Peninsula to increase their ability to plan for and manage coastal hazards, including tsunami, chronic erosion, coastal flooding and hazards associated with climate change. To accomplish this, he uses a suite of tools including outreach, applied research, synthesis of existing science, and coordination to help coastal communities access funding and expertise to achieve their goals and implement their plans. Dr. Miller has expertise in a range of topics including: sea level rise, ocean acidification, marine debris, tsunamis, beach erosion and change, Washington coastal ecology, coastal sediment transport and geomorphology.

Before joining Washington Sea Grant, Dr. Miller served as the education director of the Olympic Park Institute and as Washington field coordinator for the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation. Dr. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in marine ecology at Western Washington University’s Huxley College of Environmental Studies and a doctorate in ocean sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His graduate research focused on the transport and fate of sediment in the coastal zone adjacent to the Elwha River delta. Find him online blogging at the Coast Nerd Gazette.

40 YEARS OF CHANGE: COOPER ISLAND'S SEABIRDS RESPOND TO A MELTING ARCTIC

Sunday | January 8, 2017 | 3 pm

presented by George Divoky, PhDDirector/Researcher, Friends of Cooper IslandThe Fort Worden ChapelAdmission: $10 ($5 for PTMSC members)

George Divoky has studied seabirds in arctic Alaska since 1970 when, as a researcher at the Smithsonian Institution, he participated in the Coast Guard’s survey of the Arctic Ocean adjacent to Prudhoe Bay. Since then he has been involved in Alaskan seabird research relating to a diverse group of conservation issues including the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act, oil and gas exploration of the outer continental shelf, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and regional climate change. Since 1975 he has maintained a continuing study of Black Guillemots on Cooper Island, Alaska, that is one of the longest longitudinal bird studies in the Arctic. The Cooper Island study’s findings on the consequences of recent snow and sea ice reductions provide some of the best examples of the biological consequences of climate change. 

Dr. Divoky’s research was featured in a cover story in the New York Times Magazine entitled “George Divoky’s Planet,” in the PBS’s Scientific American Frontiers program “Hot Times in Alaska,” and on ABC Nightly News and Nightline. He has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, been interviewed NPR’s Talk of the Nation and Science Friday, and his story and findings were featured in a play about climate change, Greenland, staged by the Royal National Theatre in London in 2011. He helped found and has twice been chair of the Pacific Seabird Group, an international organization working to advance conservation and research of Pacific Basin seabirds. Currently, as Director of the nonprofit Friends of Cooper Island, he is working to ensure the continuation of research on Cooper Island seabirds in coming decades when they will have to deal with the complete disappearance of summer ice, offshore drilling, increased shipping and commercial fishing. 

Divoky was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Michigan State University and a doctorate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. When not in the field he lives in Seattle, Washington.

Citizen Science, Searching for Heroes and Hope

Sunday | December 11 | 3 pm

Citizen Science, Searching for Heroes and Hope

The Fort Worden ChapelAdmission: $10 ($5 for PTMSC members)

This lecture is presented by author Mary Ellen Hannibal who is a Bay Area writer and editor focusing on science and culture. She is a regular contributor to LIVESTRONG magazine; her writing has also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Esquire, Elle and Yoga Journal magazines among many other publications.

Ms. Hannibal's new book, Citizen Science, Heroes and Hope in a Time of Extinction was released in September 2016. Book sale and signing to follow lecture. Books will be $20 for PTMSC members, $28 for non members.

Take a Walden Moment

Four words, expressed beautifully in an email, unequivocally wormed their way into my heart and mind today: "...take a Walden moment," Betsy Carlson, our interim Citizen Science Coordinator, wrote to staff, in reference to Henry David Thoreau's book, Walden, or, Life in the Woods.

The brilliant blue sky beckoned me outside, away from the harsh light of the computer screen, and I eagerly welcomed the warmth of the sun on this not-so-frigid February afternoon. A mundane Monday became an exciting outdoor adventure on my lunch break, where I would take full advantage of this beautiful day!

With my camera in tow, I set out on a mission; to connect with nature and find the beauty of our natural world in simplicity. In the words of Thoreau from Walden:

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear.... I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and....to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion."

It's in days like these that I'm able to step back and fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds us in the Pacific Northwest, and particularly Fort Worden State Park.

We are so fortunate to live in place of amazing landscapes, stunning vistas, and incredible wildlife. Even the "common" glaucous-winged gulls have a special glow about them in the soft afternoon light.

In fact, it seemed like everyone had a special glow about them today; a little more spring in their step, and excitement in their voice as they greeted each other in homecrew, when making phone calls, or when crossing paths on the beach. Behold the power of the sun!

While it's true that winter has not surpassed us, I'm looking forward to each day as we get closer to spring — when the sun gets warmer, the trees begin flowering, and the urchins, abalones, and barnacles start spawning. That's when I know spring has arrived!
Happy Lunar New Year, everyone!

How do you take your "Walden moments"? Let us know in the comments!

Photos by Amy Johnson

—

AMY JOHNSON is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Answering the Call to Serve: MLK Day Weed Pull

The MLK Day of Service invasive weed pull is an important project for the Americorps team and a yearly tradition at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC). Each year volunteers from around the community gather to embrace the power of collective action, and this year was no different.

Americorps and volunteers braved the wind to pull invasive dune grass on the beach

On MLK Day, Volunteers and Americorps met at the Marine Science Center to help make MLK Day a day on, not a day off. Dedicated volunteers chose to serve their community and restore native beach habitats at Fort Worden by removing invasive plants. Rebecca started the afternoon with a call to service from Martin Luther King Jr. himself:

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

As Americorps, we have already chosen to answer a call of service with our decision to serve at the Marine Science Center. On MLK Day, we asked the community of Port Townsend to join us in a day of service and celebration of the activist's legacy, and they answered. Over thirty volunteers gathered to learn about the history of invasive plants at Fort Worden and worked together to change that history.

Rebecca explains the differences between native and invasive dune grasses

After learning how to identify the weeds we would be pulling, it was time to head out to the beach. Despite strong winds and unpleasant weather, 31 volunteers donated 89 hours to pull over 1,100 pounds of invasive weeds. The large pile ready to be hauled away at the end of the day was an impressive testament to the dedication of our volunteers, staff, and the Port Townsend community.

Zofia and Katie keeping our invasive dune grass pullers motivated

In addition to the European dune grass that was planted in the park decades ago to stabilize the dunes, volunteers targeted invasive Scotch Broom as part of an ongoing eradication project led by the trail crew at Fort Worden, another excellent example of dedication to service.

A load of Scotch broom ready to be hauled away

The PTMSC Americorps team (plus guests!) gather to celebrate a tough day of weed-pulling

This event wouldn't have been possible without the help of numerous community organizations and individuals who donated their time, skills, and supplies. Thank you to the Friends of Fort Worden, Washington State Parks, the North Olympic Salmon Coalition, the Washington Native Plant Society, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Thanks also to Jan North, Forest Shomer, and Ranger Todd Jensen. Thank you also to Katie, Zofia, and Rebecca for their work in organizing, promoting, and running a successful weed pull. And most of all, thank you to the community members from Port Townsend and beyond who joined us in our MLK Day of Service.

Volunteers and staff return to the NHE after another successful weed pull

—

CAROLYN WOODS is the Natural History Exhibit and Volunteer Educator and an AmeriCorps Member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

4th of July Low-Tide Walk

Saturday, July 4th
11:00 am - 12:30 pm 

Meet at the Natural History Exhibit at 11 am for a guided Low Tide Walk. Not only is tomorrow the 4th of July, but it's also a great low-tide (-2.12) perfect for a public low-tide walk!

If you'd like to join us and learn about the wondrous creatures beneath our waters, then come down to the Natural History Exhibit at Fort Worden at 11am on Saturday. Wear closed-toe shoes you'll be comfortable walking about a half-mile each way in on a gravel beach and dress for the weather. It should be a lot of fun!

Be sure to stop by the Marine Science Center at 2pm for the animal feeding in the Marine Exhibit to say goodbye to Inky, the Giant Pacific Octopus before her release back into her undersea world! She's had quite the stay here, growing larger and larger, eating lots of crabs, and helping PTMSC staff and volunteers educate our guests about the wonders of the Salish Sea.

PTMSC staff are preparing to release her very soon, crossing our fingers that she'll continue to grow, find a mate, and lay eggs that will introduce new little GPO's to the Salish Sea.

But wait! There's more!

Stick around for the first annual "Old School 4th of July!"

Fireworks are returning to Fort Worden this year and will make their official debut at 8:30 pm on Saturday. July 4th celebrations will be underway from 4pm-on at the Fort.

3rd Annual MLK Day of Service: Make it A Day On, Not a Day Off!

Marine Life Trivia

Okay so here’s a little Marine Life Trivia for you…

What species…

• Lives to be somewhere between 20 and 30 years old, with the females reaching the upper limit of this range…

• Has an average adult male that can weigh up to 1500 lbs (!) with females averaging 600 lbs…

• Will regularly travel up to 250 miles to find food and as deep as 600 feet…

• Needs to eat at least 6% of its body weight each day in order to survive? Let’s do the math… average male is 1500 lbs. x 6% = 90 lbs. a day!! *

So… we’ll give you a hint… it’s a mammal!

   ** Puzzled?......

Okay, here’s another hint… Our Marine Program Coordinator Chrissy McLean and AmeriCorps Citizen Science Assistant Jamie Landry responded to a stranding of one of these guys last week! So can you guess now???

Okay, Okay, I’ll tell you!!

A Steller Sea Lion!!

PTMSC’s Marine Program Coordinator, Chrissy McLean and Artemis the male Steller Sea Lion

PTMSC's AmeriCorps Citizen Science Assistant Jamie Landry helps document Artemis' stranding

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is part of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN) and responds to calls of mammal stranding on a regular basis. Last week, a local citizen reported a dead and beached Steller Sea Lion on Marrowstone Island. After collecting basic information on this endangered species, Chrissy and Jamie collected the head in hopes to get tissue samples and a fully intact skull which the Marine Science Center will use for educational purposes. We have named the male Steller Sea Lion Artemis and are looking forward to having his skull in the Natural History Museum at Fort Worden State Park. It was an exciting call and we want to give special thanks to our volunteers who participate in the MMSN and all locals who place calls to inform us of marine mammal stranding in the East Jefferson County area.

If you find what you believe to be a stranded mammal, please visit our website http://www.ptmsc.org/mmstranding.html for more information on what to do and who to call.

* Statistics credit: The Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission
** Cartoon Credit: Mark A. Hicks





Until next time,
PTMSC

Mega-what?

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has teamed up with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center to monitor crab megalops during the summer again this year. Most of Puget Sound has a healthy population of Dungeness crab, but some places like Hood Canal and the Tacoma Narrows have shown a decline in their population. So what are crab megalops and how do we find them?

Megalops are one of the stages of growth in a crab. They go through a few different stages of growth before turning into a mature crab. We are able to find these tiny megalops (about the size of rice grains) by deploying mesh bags with an anchor that hang from local docks. The megalops that are floating around in the water column will get stuck in the sampler that we collect and count each week.

This research will hopefully provide more information about crab populations in the Puget Sound.

Growth stages of a crab

http://www.panagadivers.com/Diving/Z_kap_crab.JPG

2010 Abundance of crab megalops at various sample sites 

Crab Zoea, the growth stage before megalops

A week ago at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center there were thousands of crab zoea in the water, check out the video below to see how they move! You can find crab zoea on Fort Worden beaches right now, they are the tiny poky guys that you might be feeling when walking on the beach. Take a closer look next time you are visiting.

Crab zoea in a plankton sample

Valerie Lindborg

PTMSC Lab Coordinator



A Trickster In Our Midst

In happens once in a while--I see a fleeting shadow trotting across the road as I am entering Fort Worden State Park, on the way to my office on the pier. Sometimes, the coyote stops and looks at me, seemingly sizing me up for moment before it turns and resumes its easy trot. 

Coyote close up.  Photo by Christopher Bruno

Coyotes are wild, dog relatives with the ability to slyly adapt to just about any situation--earning them the nickname "trickster" in Native American myths. Aside from the south eastern United States and northern Canada, coyotes can be found almost anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere (including downtown urban environments). True opportunists, their diet consists of fruit, rodents and carrion. I'm also willing to bet they regularly find tasty morsels on the beach at low tide.

A coyote on the beach at Fort Worden State Park. Photo by Andrew Reding

Coyotes are so adaptable that some people consider them to be pests. True to their opportunistic nature, they have been known to prey on chickens and house cats. They are also adept at scrounging through unsecured garbage or uncovered compost piles.

In our area, coyote pups are born in early April through May.  During this time, coyotes are protective of their young and den sites which can result in bold or aggressive behavior, especially towards dogs. You can help prevent unpleasant coyote encounters by walking your dog on a leash, not feeding wildlife, feeding dogs and cats indoors, and keeping dogs and cats indoors from dusk to dawn.

I, for one, am happy to live and work in a community that can support wild animals. Follow the links below to learn more about these amazing animals and how to humans and coyotes can successfully co-exist.


Chrissy McLean, 
PTMSC Marine Program Coordinator


Native American Trickster Tales
Living With Wildlife--Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
 The Burke Museum

Co-Existing With Coyotes