Category: Science

Environment, Life, Marine Biology, Science

Peril on the Sea: Nautical Nightmares

by Dr Abalone • March 28, 2016 • 3 Comments

As a marine biologist and surfer I have spent a lot of time on and in the ocean. And while surveying the shore, riding waves, scuba diving, or being underwater in a submersible, I have developed a great respect for the sea. She is all-powerful, magnificent, unpredictable, inspiring, and terrifying all at once. And there are moments you face the realization that you are helpless, the sea is in control, that you may die; all you can do is surrender to its power. It is a completely sublime, humbling but ultimately a life changing experience.

Environment, Marine Biology, Science

The Elephant Seals of Año Nuevo

by Dr Abalone • February 2, 2016 • 3 Comments

The year was 1987 and I was searching for a place where black abalone were largely undisturbed so I could complete my dissertation. The island was the perfect location: isolated, difficult to access, federally protected, and surrounded by seal- and shark- infested waters. During my first low tide on the island I was ecstatic: blacks were common and it was the perfect place to conduct a study but there were elephant seals everywhere.

Environment, Philosophy, Science

First Contact: the Mote in God’s Eye and Lessons for the Future of Humanity

by Dr Abalone • January 30, 2016 • 2 Comments

Fictional setting for the novel: the red supergiant star known as Murcheson’s Eye. Associated with it is a yellow Sun-like star which appears in front of the Eye. Since some see the Eye and the Coalsack Nebula as the face of a hooded man, perhaps even the face of God, the yellow star is known…

Marine Biology, Science

Protecting the Deep-Sea: Conservation in Action

by Dr Abalone • September 20, 2015 • 2 Comments

Last week I joined hundreds of scientists across the country and globe calling for greater protection of our deep sea habitats. The effort to protect the deep sea (depths > 3500m) has been ongoing for many years with groups such as Pew and Oceana joining forces with other organizations and scientists. Why protect the deep sea? It…

Animal ethics, Environment, Marine Biology, Science

Science and Ethics in the Hawaii Marine Aquarium Trade

by Dr Abalone • May 30, 2015 • 5 Comments

Conservation and conflict are irreparably linked as we address human’s widening impact on the planet. From a broader perspective we are moving forward as our new values and perspectives clash with the old. However, for those in the conservation trenches in may not seem like progress when being attacked at public meetings, creating enemies and, in some cases, receiving…

Marine Biology, Science

World’s Deadliest Snail: The California Red Abalone

by Dr Abalone • May 19, 2015 • 5 Comments

It doesn’t sting or bite. It doesn’t have fangs or sharp teeth. No toxins, venom or poisons, It is not swift of foot, on a good day it may travel a few feet. In fact it spends decades sitting peacefully in cracks and crevices quietly munching on kelp. Among animals it is one of the…

Environment, Science

Tsunami of the Century: the Great Cascadia Earthquake

by Dr Abalone • February 15, 2015 • 1 Comment

9PM. Jan. 26. it is a cold winter night and you are standing on a beach looking out over a dark ocean dimly lit by a crescent moon. A low rumbling sounds arises in the distance and grows in intensity into loud thunderclaps. Suddenly the ground begins violently rocking back and forth, knocking you off your feet. You hear landslides…

Environment, Life, Science, Surfing Ecology

The Giant 200-Foot Wave at Trinidad, California

by Dr Abalone • December 31, 2014 • 8 Comments

One hundred years ago, on Dec. 31, 1914, the lighthouse at Trinidad Head was assaulted by a wave of monstrous proportions. Although the details are unclear, we know that the storm that produced the waves was unusual and that the wave was greater than 100 feet and perhaps much more. The only eyewitness was the keeper of the lighthouse at Trinidad Head at that time, Captain Fred Harrington, and here is his account of the notorious wave.

Marine Biology, Science

How to Become a Marine Biologist

by Dr Abalone • December 17, 2014 • 15 Comments

When I tell people I am a marine biologist a common response is “I wanted to do that when I was younger!” Among possible careers it is both high on the list of desirability but low on success rate. Why is that? In my experience many people love the ocean, and hence the marine part, but…

Animal ethics, Environment, Marine Biology, Science

The WildLife: Marine Aquarium Trade, Interview with Brian Tissot

by Dr Abalone • October 31, 2014 • 1 Comment

In July, 2010 I was interviewed by Laurel Neme on the well-known “The Wildlife” radio show. It was a fun interview and I encourage you to visit her site and listen to it here. However, we also made a transcript of that show for those that may not listen to interviews. We were discussing a recent paper…

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