Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
News
Keep up to date with WARC news.
USGS Hurricane Response Met Challenges in 2017, Prepares for 2018
No one has a crystal ball to foresee what will happen during the 2018 hurricane season that begins June 1, but NOAA forecasters say there’s a 75 percent chance this hurricane season will be at least as busy as a normal year, or busier.
Invasive Cuban Treefrogs Leap Out of Florida, Establish First Known Population in Louisiana
A population of exotic invasive Cuban treefrogs has been discovered in New Orleans, more than 430 miles (700 kilometers) from the nearest known population in Florida, making this the first known breeding population in the mainland United States outside that state, reports a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Scroll down to hear and download calls of Cuban treefrogs and two native treefrogs.
USGS Tracks How Hurricane Floodwaters Spread Non-Native Freshwater Plants and Animals
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate may have spread non-native freshwater plants and animals into new water bodies, where some of them can disrupt living communities or change the landscape.
New genetic test detects manatees' recent presence in fresh or saltwater
Environmental DNA picks up traces of the elusive mammals’ saliva, skin, waste, or exhaled breaths.
Scientists, volunteers rescue about 1,000 cold-stunned sea turtles
Florida's second-largest turtle rescue of 21st century is “exhausting, inspiring,” USGS biologist says
Biologist starting over after Hurricane Irma damages home, office, research site
Coral reef expert Caroline Rogers was the only USGS employee in the Virgin Islands when the Category 5 storm hit.
Emerging Disease Further Jeopardizes North American Frogs
A deadly amphibian disease called severe Perkinsea infections, or SPI, is the cause of many large-scale frog die-offs in the United States, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Federal Ocean Partnership Launches DEEP SEARCH Study of Coral, Canyons, and Seeps Off the Mid- and South Atlantic Coast
Scientists beginning a three-week research cruises to study deep-sea corals, canyons and seeps departed from Norfolk, Virginia on September 12 after a one-day delay due to the effects of Hurricane Irma. USGS research oceanographer Amanda Demopoulos is the lead scientist for this cruise, the first of three planned as part of a four-and-a-half year study.
Invasive Pest May Not Be Only Cause of Recent Louisiana Marsh Die-off
A non-native insect infestation may not be the only factor involved in the ongoing die-back of a marsh grass in the Mississippi River’s “bird foot delta,” the ecologically and economically important part of coastal Louisiana where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico.
USGS: Louisiana’s Rate of Coastal Wetland Loss Continues to Slow
Lack of Major Hurricanes Since 2008 Is Likely the Main Reason
Real-Time Public Engagement in Deep-Water Remotely Operated Vehicle Dives at Methane Seeps
Outreach activities were a critical component of the remotely operated vehicle research cruise during which USGS scientists teamed with collaborators to explore the seafloor at methane seeps on the U.S. Mid-Atlantic margin aboard the R/V Hugh R. Sharp.
Coastal and Marine Geology is Airborne!
A number of Coastal and Marine Geology researchers have completed the Unmanned Aerial Systems certification classes held by the Department of Interior Office of Aviation Safety and the USGS Unmanned Aerial Systems program, creating a fast and inexpensive way to make accurate three-dimensional maps and take aerial photos.