USGS EcoNews - Vol. 2 | Issue 5
In this edition we highlight the USGS National Climate Change Viewer, Sea Otter Awareness Week, the return of our annual sea otter surveys, and our new Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Plus, check out our science on recreational fishing during a pandemic, wind energy and raptors, contaminants, wildlife disease, and more!
Sea Otter Surveys Get a High-Tech, COVID-Safe Update for 2021
After a 2020 cancellation of the annual sea otter census, the count was back on for 2021.
Nevada Becomes 39th State to Create Multi-Agency Cooperative Research Unit
The newly formed Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit brings state and federal wildlife-management resources together, providing for a cooperative partnership that ensures resources are best serving Nevada’s wildlife and wild places.
A Whole New (Fiery) World
As a wildfire approached Tonto National Monument in Arizona, archaeologists and firefighters rushed to cover the park’s 700-year-old cliff dwellings with fire resistant aluminum wrapping.
USGS National Climate Change Viewer
Helping Land Managers and Decision Makers Plan for Climate Change
New Research Shows Recreational Fishing Popular During Pandemic Due to ‘Social Fishtancing’
National CASC Research Fish Biologist Abigail Lynch and co-authors analyzed a survey on recreational anglers and found that recreational angling remained a popular activity for many U.S. anglers during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the perceived safety of social fishtancing.
New Study Helps Wind Industry, Wildlife Managers Identify Risks to Certain Raptors from Collisions with Wind Turbines
A recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Oklahoma State University study shows not all raptor species are equally impacted by collisions with wind turbines. Of 14 species studied, five are at risk of population declines due to collisions.
New Insight on the Potential for Blue-Winged Teal to Transfer Avian Influenza to Domestic Poultry
A first-of-its-kind study by the USGS and partners provides an initial analysis of when commercial chicken and turkey facilities in the U.S. are at greatest risk to avian influenza viruses from one species of migratory waterfowl.
Ecotoxicology and Ecological Risks of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Ecotoxicology and ecological risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are summarized to highlight critical gaps and uncertainties, and to provide potential approaches to fill those gaps, including the development of targeted monitoring programs and cross-disciplinary approaches.
Assessing Contaminants at Virgin Islands National Park and the Coral Reef National Monument
The U.S. Virgin Islands attracts more than two million people each year, most of whom are eager to explore the white sandy beaches and tropical marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 research abstracts
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as the research arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior and has established a series of strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. Within the USGS, the Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for conducting and sponsoring research that addresses the following thematic objectives under the overarching strategic goal of “Science
Friday's Findings - September 24 2021
National Seed Strategy Progress Report 2015-2020
Date: September 24, 2021 from 2-2:30 p.m. eastern time
Speaker: Molly Mccormick, RAMPS Coordinator/Ecologist, USGS Southwest Biological Science Center
I Am A...
Welcome to the "I Am A(n)..." series - a collection of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show whimsically "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." Check out our full series below! Or, click below to order or download our FREE coloring book!