Whale Songs

In the waters near New York City, whales songs are being heard for the first time. Experts from the Bioacoustics Research Program are saying that "just miles from the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building great whales are singing," from Chris Clark. Whales like these are some of the rarest animals and are surviving right off the coast of New York City. The whale songs were first discovered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This provides proof of the whales inhabitant off the coasts. The data is received by acoustic monerating. Already, recorders are being place in different locations to pick up these sounds. Likewise, this will help to make plans to have laws to protect these whales. I feel this will be an exciting experience for New Yorkers to have whales in their near waters. Also I think if they were to stay off the coast of New York City, whale watching boats could become a tourist attraction. In conclusion, the whales inhabiting these waters will bring researchers as well as site seers to New York City.




http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143906.htm

Coral Reefs

Previously an untapped coral reef at the Seychelles Islands was discovered by researchers at the Department of Biological Science. Dr. Dave Smith, Dr. Dave Suggett, PHD student, Seb Hennige, and local Seychelles collaborators were at the Curieuse Island for studying. This protected island is home to over two hundred tortoises. There were no known whereabouts of any coral reefs in the area. After a dive, they found a coral reef that was so deep it was not visible by the normal snorkeler. Caused by the 2004 tsunami, both doctors found clear evidence of destruction to the coral reef. This particular reef held various species of fish, such as the tiger shark. Dr. smith said that "next time he will go about doing experiments differently with coral reefs." Also there seemed to be a physiological difference between the tolerant and sensitive species on the reef. Currently now a marine field base is going to be established for the study of this new and magnificent coral reef.

link and picture: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081023101343.htm