Studies of geographic variation are central to understanding ecological and evolutionary processes. Geographic variation in the shell of the black abalone (Halioth cracherodii), a marine intertidal gastropod, involves both
clinal and local variation along the eastern Pacific coast in the number and size of tremata (=respiratory pores) on the shell....
Structure-forming invertebrates belong to a polyphyletic group of primarily sessile and sedentary megafauna that can significantly enhance the complexity of physical habitats. A number of these organisms, including cold-water corals and sponges, are known to be slow growing and vulnerable to physical disturbance. In addition, as filter feeders, these invertebrates...
In response to anthropogenic pressures that have degraded habitat and put marine resources at risk (Leslie et al., 2003; Mumby et al., 2001; Puniwai et al., 2003), there has been a growing interest in the use of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a management tool to help slow, prevent or...
Visitor behavior research has become an essential
component to many museum programs. Since its opening to the
public in 1965, Oregon State University's Mark O. Hatfield
Marine Science Center Aquarium in Newport, it has been
visited by millions of people. A clear understanding of who
this audience was and what...
Each year, over 45 countries export 30 million fish from coral reefs as part of the
global marine ornamental aquarium trade. This catch volume is partly influenced
by collection methods that cause mortality. Barotrauma in fish resulting from forced
ascent from depth can contribute to post-collection mortality. However, implementing
decompression...
Heceta Bank is a large reef on the edge of the central Oregon continental shelf that supports a wide variety of commercial fisheries. Using the research submersible Delta, we studied fish abundances on Heceta Bank and the relationship between species composition of fish assemblages and bottom types. Cluster analysis indicated...
