News

9/12/13

Marine ecologists have been grappling with a puzzler. They had expected that, as climate change warms the oceans, most species would migrate toward the poles, fleeing the ever hotter waters near the equator and tracking the zone of their preferred water temperature as it shifts. But some studies revealed that some species seemed to migrate in the “wrong” direction. Now, however, researchers have apparently solved the riddle: For the past 4 decades, marine species found along North America’s coasts mostly have followed cooler water, but that doesn't always mean moving poleward.

“This is really quite a neat study," says Trevor Branch, a fisheries scientist at the University of Washington, Seattle, who was not involved in the work. “It is likely to be the highest profile fisheries paper this year and an instant classic.”

Scientists had long assumed warming oceans would generally drive species' geographical ranges toward higher latitudes. But some studies have found just the opposite, says Malin Pinsky, a marine ecologist at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in New Jersey. Off the shores of California, he notes, some species have been moving south, not north. Other researchers have seen the same trend in the Gulf of Mexico. “Scientists were asking themselves, ‘Why aren’t certain species doing what we expect?’ ” Pinsky notes.

In a new analysis, Pinsky and his colleagues show there's more to the story: Many of those species were moving to cooler waters, it’s just that the studies weren’t detailed enough to reveal that. The team looked at data gathered during coastal surveys between 1968 and 2011—a census of more than 60,000 trawler hauls from coastal regions that together cover more than 3.3 million square kilometers, an area almost twice the size of Alaska. The tally includes more than 128 million organisms representing 360 species or groups of closely related species. “There’s no better data set than this for North America,” Branch says.

From water temperatures measured during the surveys, the researchers calculated which way and how fast lines of constant temperature (similar to temperature contours on a weather map) had been moving. All of a sudden, some of the odd-looking results made sense, Pinsky says. Along the California coast, the "climate velocity" pointed south, so sea creatures had to head that way—not toward the pole—to stay ahead of warming waters. And along the Gulf Coast, species had been moving south to reach deeper—and therefore cooler—waters. Overall, more than 70% of the species that shifted latitude or depth did so in the direction predicted by climate velocity, the researchers report today in Science.

The new research “increases confidence in the science linking oceanography, fish physiology, and [species] movements,” says Daniel Pauly, a fisheries scientist at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, in Canada. The findings also show that over time, as climate change continues, most marine organisms will gradually move away from what’s thought of as their traditional territories.

The new study will likely help scientists anticipate the future movements of marine species—information that may help people better manage fisheries or pick better sites for areas intended to protect marine species or ecosystems. “There’s no point in putting a marine preserve in one place, and then have species move out of it” a few decades later due to climate change, Branch says.

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Coastal Commission advances 101 corridor improvement project


9/13/13



The California Coastal Commission in a 9-1 vote on Thursday afternoon gave Caltrans the go-ahead to build an interchange at the Indianola Cutoff —provided the agency meets certain conditions.



“I don’t know whose idea it was to put us all in a bus with no seat belts and take us across the intersection, but it was very effective,” Commissioner Jana Zimmer said during the commission meeting at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. “This is obviously a public safety issue.” Under conditions laid out by the commission for the Eureka-Arcata Route 101 Improvement Project, Cal­trans officials must facilitate a separated bike trail and pedestrian right-of-way, remove all billboards along the corridor, submit a sea­level rise analysis report in their Coastal Development Permits and thoroughly explore wetland mitigation plans.



Caltrans District 1 Director Charlie Fielder called it a “workable solution,” and confirmed that Caltrans pledged $1 million for a bay trail on Tuesday.



“We’re very pleased that a good majority of the commis­sioners approved the project,” Fielder said. “We recognize the community support and desire for a bay trail, and we will be doing what we can to make that a reality.”

The 50 mph safety corridor between Arcata and Eureka on U.S. Highway 101 was estab­lished in May 2002 due to public outcry over higher than state average collision rates. Over­all collision rates dropped by 45 percent during the first year of implementation, but Coastal Commission District Manager Robert Merrill reported that rates at Mid-City Motor World and Indianola Cutoff remained at more than twice the statewide average.

Caltrans’ solution is a $46 million project for a signaled intersection at Airport Road/Jacobs Avenue on northbound 101, a raised interchange at Indianola Cutoff and the closure of median crossings at Mid-City Motor World, California Redwood sawmill, Bracut and Bayside Cutoff.

Under the proposal, the highway will be raised by 25 feet so cross traffic can pass below. Caltrans Project Manager Kim Floyd said the interchange will have a “compact” diamond design, meaning sloped with on- and off­ramps will be at maximum grade for a smaller overall footprint. The project is estimated to take three years once construction begins.

The project was brought before the state commission to review whether it is consistent with the policies of the California Coastal Management Program under the Coastal Act. Commission staff recommended rejection of the project, because under the act road expansion is not allowed “ … where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative,” and development must designed to protect views along scenic coastal areas. They suggested a signal light.

Community members, residents and busi­ness owners from Eureka, Arcata, Manila, Bayside and Indianola, as well as county and city representatives from a crowd of around 50 spoke during public comments addressing issues such as safety, possible alternatives, increased traffic, environmental impacts and the want for a bay trail.

One presentation that was met with applause was a video featuring 11 examples of confusion and close calls among drivers — caused by factors ranging poor judgment to illegal maneuvers — that were recorded at the Indianola intersection from 4:50 to 5:50 p.m. on Monday. Gasps from both the crowd and the commissioners could be heard as they watched a bicyclist, cars and a semi-truck dodge traffic.

Commissioner Martha McClure, who moved to conditionally concur following public comment, said she expects to see all the billboards gone and the bay trail tied to the project.

“I think that with the design phase, when Caltrans comes back with the final design, we can see improvements on the interchange then,” she said. “I also disagree with staff that it is capacity-increasing.” Zimmer said she agreed with McClure.

“In this case Caltrans does have to come back to us and it is my understanding that we have full discretion to analyze the Coastal Develop­ment Permit to our standards,” Zimmer said.

Commissioner Steve Kinsey said he was not at all concerned about whether the construc­tion would be growth-inducing, but asked that Caltrans consider State Route 255 and Old Arcata Road while the project is developed.

Northcoast Environmental Center Executive Director Dan Ehresman, who attended the hearing to oppose the project, called the final outcome a “win-win.” “I’m disappointed there was not more research done on the alternatives,” he said.“But personally I think it’s an outcome that we can live with.” Humboldt County 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace said he felt that the commission did exactly what it was supposed to do. “They took something that was imperfect and found the right mitigation to please the majority of the issues,” he said.

Fielder said the next step would be filing per­mits with the Eureka, Arcata, Humboldt County and the commission.

“The other agencies — the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers — have already approved,” he said. “We just need to finalize it.”

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9/5/13






The Wiyot Tribe will receive $125,000 to remove marine debris from Humboldt Bay and Indian Island, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra­tion announced Wednesday.




According to a NOAA release, nearly $1 million has been provided to sup­port locally-driven, community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects to 11 groups across the country, including the Wiyot Tribe.




“Marine debris plagues coastlines all over the country, and these communities have the expertise and motivation to ad­dress it,” NOAA Marine Debris program director Nancy Wallace said in a release. “We are proud to support them as they work to mitigate impacts and address the damage marine debris has caused.”




The release states that the Wiyot Tribe will work to remove large marine debris from Humboldt Bay and on Indian Island, a National Historic Landmark and the site of the Wiyot World Renewal ceremony, a dance ceremony that lasted seven to 10 days. During a ceremony in 1860, a group of local Eureka men went to the island and massacred sleeping men, women and children. A candlelight vigil is held each year to mark the tragedy.




The tribe did not regain ownership of the land until 2000, when the tribe was able to take back 1.5 acres on the island. That was followed in 2004 by the return of about 60 acres from the city of Eureka.




NOAA’s Restoration Center is accept­ing applications for the next funding cycle, due by Nov. 1. For more infor­mation, visit www.habitat.noaa.gov/ funding/marinedebris.html.

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8/30/13

Officials with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are urging users of the Mad River to avoid contact with algae in the lower Mad River in the area above the Blue Lake Bridge and below the Mad River Hatchery. This week, a dog wading in this area suffered symptoms consistent with those of ingestion of toxic blue-green algae. The dog survived and is recovering.

“A blue-green algae bloom can present a health hazard to those swimming or playing in the river, especially children and pets. We recommend that people stay out of the water where significant algae are present, and keep their dogs out of this part of the river at this time,” said Kevin Metcalfe, Consumer Protection Unit supervisor of the DHHS Division of Environmental Health. Other areas that are warm, slow, stagnant and muddy are to be avoided, especially areas with floating algal mats.

DHHS is aware of 11 dog deaths which may have been caused by blue-green algae poisoning since 2001. The dogs died shortly after swimming in Big Lagoon, the South Fork Eel River and the Van Duzen River. A nerve toxin associated with blue-green algae was found in the stomachs of the dogs that died on the South Fork Eel River in 2002. The same toxin was found in water samples from the South Fork Eel and Van Duzen rivers in 2009 just after two dogs died. This poison is the most likely cause of the dog deaths on these rivers. Dogs are more vulnerable than people because they may swallow the toxin when they lick their fur. The onset of symptoms can be rapid; dogs have died within 30 minutes to one hour after leaving the water.

Blue-green algae can be present in any freshwater body. It looks like green, blue- green, white or brown scum, foam or mats floating on the water. Usually, it does not affect animals or people. However, warm water and abundant nutrients can cause blue-green algae to grow more rapidly than usual. These floating algal masses or “blooms” can produce natural toxins that are very potent. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods.

Potential symptoms in dogs following exposure to blue-green algae toxins can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, salivation, vomiting, urination, diarrhea or convulsions. People can experience eye irritation, skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea and cold or flu-like symptoms.

This summer, increased algae in the Mad River may be due to warmer coastal temperatures, low flows, added nutrients and warmer water temperatures.

DHHS officials recommend the following guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas in Humboldt County:

• Keep children, pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats.
• Adults should also avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal blooms. Try not to swallow or inhale water spray in an algal bloom area.
• If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water.
• Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water.
• Never drink, cook with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or lakes.
• Get medical attention immediately if you think that you, your pet or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to tell the doctor about possible contact with blue-green algae. 


Human activities can have a big effect on nutrient and water flows in rivers, streams or lakes. Phosphorous and nitrogen found in fertilizers, animal waste and human waste can stimulate blooms. Excessive water diversions can increase water temperatures and reduce flows. People can take the following measures to prevent algal blooms in our waters:

• Be very conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn, garden or agricultural operation.
• Recycle any “spent” soil that has been used for intensive growing by tilling it back into gardens. Or protect it from rainfall to avoid nutrient runoff.
• Plant or maintain native plants around banks. These plants help filter water and don’t require fertilizers.
• Pump and maintain your septic system every three to four years.
• Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas.
• Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations. 


Contact the DHHS Division of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 or 1-800-963- 9241 for more information. People may report unusual blooms or conditions, including pictures, to Environmental Health by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The California Department of Public Health website also has more details at www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/bluegreenalgae.aspx.

Download the DHHS press release HERE.