Tag Archives: UC Santa Barbara
Acclaimed British Biologist Birdwatcher Charged with Spying on Houseguests
Steven Courtney — an acclaimed British biologist formerly associated with UCSB’s National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) — faces up to four years in prison for allegedly installing multiple hidden cameras in the bedroom and shower of a Montecito house he sublet to acquaintances. Last month, a tenant called the police after finding a miniature camera disguised as a household electronic device in the house she rented from Courtney, who is 61. A subsequent police search of Courtney’s computer and cell phone files showed he had been viewing the footage for apparent sexual gratification for about a year, police said. Courtney was not formally employed by the NCEAS, but he had rented a desk at its downtown collaborative space for two years; as such, he was granted adjunct status. After the case was filed, said Ben Halpern, the center’s director, he immediately severed ties with him. According to Courtney’s LinkedIn page, he also has offices in Washington, D.C. He has held leadership roles at nonprofits that seek to influence public policy. He is also an ardent birdwatcher, among other things! Read the rest here 10:07
Researchers use the North Atlantic Oscillation as a predictive tool for managing Gulf of Maine Cod
In recent decades, the plight of Atlantic cod off the coast of New England has been front-page news. Since the 1980s in particular, the once-seemingly inexhaustible stocks of Gadus morhua—one of the most important fisheries in North America—have declined dramatically. In 2008, a formal assessment forecasted that stocks would rebound, but by 2012, they were once again on the verge of collapse. Two years later, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration instituted an unprecedented six-month closure of the entire Gulf of Maine cod fishery to allow stocks to recover. While overfishing is one known culprit, a new study co-authored by researchers at UC Santa Barbara and Columbia University finds that the climatological phenomenon known as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is also a factor. And it contributes in a predictable way that may enable fishery managers to protect cod stocks from future collapse. Read the rest here 17:37
Marine Sanctuary’s. The Focus is Eliminating Fishing, but only for Humans!
The team gathered information from two data sets — satellite and geolocation animal tracking data, and a database of 24 conditions caused by humans that put stress on those species, compiled by Benjamin Halpern at UC Santa Barbara. Researchers used this data to determine which of the 24 stressors would impact the marine predators the most, and where, Maxwell said. Man-made issues like fishing, pollution and climate change affect each of the bay’s top marine predators differently. The authors hope this data will push marine sanctuaries toward better legislative power, as most sanctuaries don’t have the political clout to enforce as many sustainable practices as they would like, Maxwell said. more@montereyherald 15:38
