Science News

Hello All,

Just wanted to post this for those of you that may be interested. I know most of the time you like this posted on the links page, but do not know how many view that.

Here is the link to the registration page.

http://orcanetwork.org/news/events.html

Save the Date: January 28th, 2012

Ways of Whales, with a lineup of fascinating speakers on a variety of topics important to whale education and conservation.

All are welcome to Orca Network's annual Ways of Whales Workshop on January 28th, 2012 at Camp Casey, a quarter mile west of the Keystone ferry terminal in Coupeville, with a lineup of fascinating speakers on a variety of topics important to whale education and conservation.

This year's workshop includes presentations by:

~Candice Emmons, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC - Suction cup tag research on Southern Resident orcas

~Jessica Lunden, Center for Conservation Biology, Univ. of Washington - Orca scat project, detecting stress hormones in Southern Resident orcas

~Matt Krogh, North Sound Baykeeper Team - Impacts and implications of the planned Gateway Pacific coal shipping Terminal at Cherry Point

~William Wilcock, School of Oceanography, University of Washington - Fin Whale Seismology

~Howard Garrett, Orca Network - Update on captive orca issues

Environmental education displays and materials will be available throughout the day as well.

Cost of the workshop is $25, and lunch is available for purchase for an additional $10 (for those who pre-register by Jan. 20, or on an as-available basis after this date). Lunch will be Meat or Vegetarian Spaghetti, with garlic bread, vegetable, Caesar salad, fresh fruit, warm apple crisp and beverage. We recommend purchasing lunch at the workshop site, as it allows more time for visiting educational displays, networking, and meeting presenters and other workshop participants. Snacks and beverages are also provided during the morning and afternoon breaks.

For more info, go to www.orcanetwork.org, or contact Orca Network at info@orcanetwork.org or 360-678-3451.

Cathy Bacon

Marine Mammal Research Assistant/Marine Biologist

Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES)

www.smultea.com

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AUSTRALIA - Scientists have found the world's first hybrid sharks in Australian waters. Leading researchers in marine biology discovered 57 animals along a 2000 km stretch from Queensland to NSW.

The predators are a cross between the common blacktip shark and Australian blacktip shark, two related but genetically distinct species.

The scientists say interbreeding between the two shark species is a sign the animals are adapting to climate change.

They also warn that hybridisation could make the sharks stronger.

Dr Jennifer Ovenden, of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, said: "Hybridization could enable the sharks to adapt to environmental change as the smaller Australian black tip currently favours tropical waters in the north while the larger common black tip is more abundant in sub-tropical and temperate waters along the south-eastern Australian coastline."

She added: "Wild hybrids are usually hard to find, so detecting hybrids and their offspring is extraordinary. To find 57 hybrids along 2000km of coastline is unprecedented."

Dr Jess Morgan, a researcher at the University of Queensland researcher, told The Australian that it was unusual for sharks to breed in this way.

"Sharks physically mate, which is usually a good way to make sure you don't hybridize with the wrong species," she said.

Colin Simpfendorfer, of James Cook University's Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre, said: "The results of this research show that we still have a lot to learn about these important ocean predators."