Hot Topics
Invasive Species
Invasive animals come from other parts of the world via packing materials, equipment, ballast water, etc.. Because they are not part of the local environment, invasive species can cause harm to natural resources, humans and the economy. If detected early, efforts to control or eliminate invasive species can be made before they cause harm.
One species that is currently of concern in Alaska is the European green crab. European green crabs are considered one of the most notorious and successful aquatic invaders world wide; and also one of the most economically damaging predators in eastern and western North America. Scientists and resource managers agree that with climate change warming Alaska waters, it is no longer a question of “if” but “where and when” European green crabs will arrive in Alaska. European green crabs first arrived on the east coast of the United States in 1817. The species arrived on the west coast in the 1980’s and quickly became firmly established in every significant bay and estuary from Monteray Bay, CA, to Gray’s Harbor, WA. European green crabs are able to utilize a large range of habitats and exploit a wide range of prey types including clams, snails, crustaceans, fish and algae. Several native species have declined by 90% as a result of European green crab predation. Indirect effects may also be impacting invertebrate, fish and shorebird populations.
You can help by learning how to detect and collect European green crab samples. Click on the link here to download the reference poster created by the Alaska Invasive Species Council http://www.uaf.edu/ces/aiswg/pdf-documents/LOOK_OUT_FOR_European_green_crab.pdf. To learn more about the national management plan click on http://www.anstaskforce.gov/GreenCrabManagementPlan.pdf. If you would like to participate in monitoring in Prince William Sound, email Jennifer@pwsoundkeeper.org.
Pest Alert
In 2007, we receive calls to our hotline regarding concerns over hemlock and Sitka spruce trees in parts of Prince William Sound that are turning noticeably brown. This is being caused by the black-headed budworm which is actively defoliating mountain hemlock and Sitka spruce in the region. The black-headed budworm is one of the most well-studied forest insect pests in the state. The 2007 outbreak was particularly intense. Damage is typically aesthetic with little actual tree mortality, however, infested trees can become more susceptible to secondary diseases and pests. The US Forest Service is assessing the 2007 outbreak. Click here to read more information on the black-headed budworm.
A truly simple and effective idea!
11% of all water used in the industrial world is used for making paper. The paper industry is the #1 cause of global deforestation, the #1 consumer of fresh water on the planet and the 3rd largest industrial generator of global warming.
By simply changing the margins on your computer from the standard preset of 1 ¼ “ to ¾”, any average organization or company will use about 4.75% less paper.
Would this make a difference? In 2004, the US used 380,000 tons of paper, or about 152 million reams. A conservative estimate of the potential savings is about $400 million.
By simply changing you margins, you can make a difference. To learn more about the campaign to change the margins, visit www.changethemargins.com. You can also sign onto a petition asking Microsoft to change the preset margins on their software from 1 ¼” to ¾’.
Use GoodSearch and support PWSoundkeeper
How can you help Prince William Soundkeeper? A new search engine powered by Yahoo! called GoodSearch supports your Prince William Soundkeeper, or any other cause you care about, with every search. It doesn't cost you a thing!
Search engines generated more than $6 billion in revenue last year. Just think how much progress could be made to protect Prince William Sound with even a fraction of this money went to Prince William Soundkeeper! GoodSearch.com donates half its revenue from advertisers, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. You use it just as you would any search engine, and it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results.
Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Prince William Soundkeeper as the charity you want to support. You can also read about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and more.
Just by spreading the word and asking family and friends to use GoodSearch and designate Prince William Soundkeeper as their charity of choice, you can help support our work!
