Science Integrator position

The Integration and Application Network is seeking qualified applicants to work with a dynamic team of Science Integrators and Science Communicators, based in Maryland but working in a range of locations and on a diversity of projects. The Science Integrator duties include identifying and negotiating projects, facilitating workshops, acquiring data, conducting analyses, synthesizing and interpreting results and communicating through written and oral means to multiple audiences, including peer review publication. The Science Integrator is expected to work with multiple, diverse partners, particularly government agencies and non-government organizations. See the UMCES employment page for further details.

Chesapeake Bay Report Card 2010

Report card coverThis report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2010 Chesapeake Bay health. The overall health of Chesapeake Bay, assessed using water quality and biotic indicators, declined slightly in 2010. The overall grade decreased from a C in 2009 to C- in 2010. Only two reporting regions (James River and York River) had improved grades in 2010, three were unchanged, and nine declined. The highest-ranked region in previous years, the Upper Western Shore, decreased to fourth highest. The Upper Bay (C+) became the top-ranked region in 2010. For further details, visit the Report Card website.

South East Queensland Floods 2011 newsletter #3

Newsletter coverMoreton Bay is internationally recognized for its large population of green sea turtles and dugongs and for its unique location next to a major capital city, Brisbane. Following the January flood, there has been serious concern about the impact of the flood plume on these iconic Moreton Bay creatures. This newsletter provides an overview of some of the initial flood impact assessment results for seagrasses, turtles, and dugongs, and identifies the risks that need to be monitored. For further information, see the associated blog posts.

Case studies of Regional Ecosystem Research

RER report coverEight case studies from a Regional Ecosystem Research workshop hosted by NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research highlight lessons learned in conducting regional-scale research and incorporating this information into management. The case studies represent a wide variety of physical and ecological contexts, including the Great Lakes (Lake Erie), a river-dominated coast (northern Gulf of Mexico), tropical lagoon systems (Micronesia and South Florida), and coastal ocean systems (California coast, Bering Sea, Gulf of Maine, and the Northwest Atlantic). Case studies were chosen to display the variety of issues, funding, and participation involved in regional ecosystem research. Each case study provides perspectives on planning and implementation of regional ecosystem research from the point of view of scientists and managers.

Melissa Andreychek moves to New York

Melissa AndreychekMelissa Andreychek joined EcoCheck in May 2010 as an intern, in partial fulfillment of her Masters degree requirements in Technical and Scientific Communication through Miami University (OH). During her time with EcoCheck, Melissa assisted in the creative development of several ecosystem health assessments and forecasts, including those of the Chesapeake and Maryland Coastal Bays, Great Barrier Reef, and Baltimore Inner Harbor. After nine months with EcoCheck as both an intern and full-time science communicator, Melissa headed north to Albany to begin work with Environmental Advocates of New York. In her new position, Melissa supports the communication strategies associated with Environmental Advocates' advocacy, coalition building, citizen education, and policy development initiatives. She also completed her Masters curriculum for spring 2011 graduation. Melissa remains on board with EcoCheck as a part-time consultant and can be reached via email at andreychek@umces.edu.