Heather Spence, Marine Biologist
Orchestrating Coastal Marine Ecology Investigation and Outreach

Heather Spence, Marine Biologist

Ecological Acoustic Recorder Deployed in Mexico

Mexico Bioacoustics Project deployed the Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula! Check out some pictures below!

Thank you to the deployment team, from Project Domino, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the Mexican Government (CONANP), and the many scientists who collaborated with me to get my project this far. More than two years of planning and fundraising have been necessary to reach this major milestone.

This Project, to study the sounds of animals, including crustaceans, fish and marine mammals, is a step toward developing new ways to monitor the health of coastal ecosystems. It is part of my vision to establish an international center for sustainability studies in Cancun, Mexico.

The Bioacoustics Project is made possible by Michelle’s Earth Foundation, in partnership with Oceanwide Science Institute.

You can help!
-Offer your special skills to the project (translation, diving, computer, acoustics, website, etc.)
-Suggest or comment, by email or on my website.
-Encourage others to get involved.
-Make a donation to the Bioacoustics Project through Michelle’s Earth Foundation.
-Listen to your world, tell me what you hear.

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The EAR was deployed off of Isla Contoy, an island near Cancun, Mexico that is protected by the federal government as a bird sanctuary. This area is a bridge between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean/MesoAmerican Reef System – highly diverse, and an important migration route.

Isla Contoy, view from observation tower

Ecological Acoustic Recorder, being prepared for deployment

Deployment team inspects potential deployment area

Moving the mooring for the EAR

Ecological Acoustic Recorder, secured to mooring on sea floor

Returning after successful EAR deployment

Photo credits: Don Hodges, Patricia Gray, Heather Spence

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Diana Reiss Interview “studying the big-brained dolphin”

An interview with Diana Reiss, my adviser at Hunter College, was just published in the New York Times. She discusses her research on dolphins at the national aquarium in baltimore, her involvement with the film The Cove as scientific adviser, and the important connection of science and advocacy.

You can read the whole interview on the New York Times website: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/21conversation.html

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Concert in Cancun 9/16

-Choir of the city of Cancun
-Americanto vocal ensemble
-Vivace chamber orchestra
Directed by Noe Garrido

Where: Convention Center Auditorium, Hotel Zone, Cancun Mexico

Thursday, September 16 2010
8pm

200 pesos

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