%feed  
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217650594471466415/  
blazepress: “ NYC. ”  
blazepress: “ NYC. ”  
pin-images  

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543706440205/  
A Eurasian lynx in Š  
A Eurasian lynx in Šumava National Park, Czech Republic (© Niall Benvie/Minden Pictures) 2016-08-15 [www.bing.com/search]  
pin-images  

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/354095589435925076/  
Giant sulphur (Colia  

Giant sulphur (Colias gigantea) collected in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, and photographed at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (sample ID: 04HBL003032; specimen record: http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/Public_RecordView?processid=LCH032-04; BIN: http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/Public_BarcodeCluster?clusteruri=BOLD:AAA3447)

 
pin-gaia  

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/77124212348628850/  
Donald Byrd - A New  
Donald Byrd - A New Perspective (1964) Designed by Reid Miles  
pin-art  

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http://redirect.viglink.com?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ozy.com%2Frising-stars%2Fhow-do-you-stop-a-plague-of-loneliness%2F70903&key=ddaed8f51db7bb1330a6f6de768a69b8  
How Do You Stop a Plague of Loneliness?  
This filmmaker is questioning Scandinavia's socialist paradise.  
general  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/16/80-of-all-android-devices-are-vulnerable-to-hackers-hijacking-their-web-traffic/  
80% of all Android devices are vulnerable to hackers hijacking their Web traffic  

A bug that was first found in version 3.6 of the Linux OS kernel (released in 2012) allows attackers to terminate a device's connections to servers and applications. It could also be exploited to spy on unencrypted traffic or inject malware into the user's data stream. The security flaw, which was noted by security firm Lookout on its blog, is worrying because it's also present in Android KitKat 4.4 and later versions. That means that 80 percent of all Android devices, or about 1.4 billion of them, are affected and vulnerable to attacks. There's good news and bad news. The…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/16/snapchats-110m-acquisition-of-vurb-could-remedy-its-biggest-problems/  
Snapchat's $110M acquisition of Vurb could remedy its biggest problems  

Snapchat today acquired mobile search and recommendation app Vurb for a reported $110 million. Why Snapchat was interested in a mobile search app at a all is what makes the purchase interesting. It's no secret that Snapchat is growing. After initially turning down a $3 billion acquisition bid from Facebook in 2013, Snapchat has grown to a reported 150 million daily users and a valuation north of $20 billion. It also passed Twitter this year in daily active users. But still, Snapchat has problems. The most oft-heard gripes center on a confusing interface that makes it difficult for new users to…

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technology  

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http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nybooks/~3/JNoHeKiTfk0/  
African Wildlife: Darkness Falls  
Today, wildlife experts speak of an “elephant holocaust.” The regions of Africa that have suffered most from poaching are those steeped in conflict, where it is too dangerous for conservationists to work. Robert Ross's new book of photographs of the African Selous reserve brings us into a fast disappearing world and keep us there.  
culture  

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http://heptagram.co/post/149006829571  
untrustyou: Mitch Epstein  

untrustyou:

Mitch Epstein

 
art  

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http://heptagram.co/post/149001893484  
weissesrauschen: Jim McAuley  

weissesrauschen:

Jim McAuley

 
art  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/16/study-current-electric-car-batteries-suitable-for-87-of-all-drivers/  
Study: Current electric car range suitable for 87% of all drivers  

If you're still worried that an electric car battery isn't enough to get you from Point A to Point B and back, stop. According to a new study by MIT, the ‘range anxiety' discussion is overblown. By analyzing driving habits across the country, MIT researcher Jessika Trancik and a team of colleagues found that currently available electronic car technology would prove suitable to replace 87 percent of the personal vehicles on the road, and up to 98 percent by 2020 — assuming current rates of battery improvement remain stable. For the study, researcher's used the Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle with…

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technology  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/16/eon-board-adds-an-electric-motor-capable-of-22-mph-speeds-to-any-skateboard/  
Eon Board adds an electric motor capable of 22 MPH speeds to any skateboard  

Personal movement devices like Segway's Mini Pro, hoverboards, and electric scooters are starting to gobble up an increasing amount of marketshare from those that used to walk or ride a bike to work. Eon Board is trying to join their ranks. Designed by Unlimited Engineering, the board uses a low-drag in-wheel motor and replaceable battery pack to propel a skateboard at speeds of up to 22 MPH with a range of 15 miles on a single charge. Through a system dubbed ‘regenerative braking,' the board will also be able to partially recharge itself each time you slow down. Perhaps even more…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/15/striking-out-on-tinder-use-more-gifs/  
Striking out on Tinder? Use more GIFs  

Humans have spent centuries trying to understand the intricacies of love. The answer, as it turns out, might be as simple as GIFs and a dating app. While you spend 20 minutes trying to craft a perfect opener, the guy who sent this GIF is about to take that girl you just matched with out for some cheap beer and free pretzels. According to Tinder, GIF messages are 30 percent more likely to receive a response than their non-GIF counterparts. The company also revealed that conversations with GIFs were two times longer than those without. Tinder's sociologist Dr. Jess Carbino told Engadget she…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/15-21-august-2016/new-culture-secretary-vows-tear-barriers-career-arts/  
New culture secretary vows to “tear down the barriers to a career in the arts”  

Recently appointed Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, has promised to open up the arts to people from all backgrounds, in her first speech since being added to the cabinet when Theresa May became Prime Minister last month.

Speaking in Liverpool, Bradley emphasised that access to arts and culture “must be available to everyone, not the preserve of a privileged few”, citing a survey which found that arts engagement was nearly 82% among the wealthiest adults, but just over 65% from lower socio-economic groups.

Cultural Citizens Programme

“The Government is looking at how we can tear down the barriers to a career in the arts. A new experience that reaches someone who would not otherwise enjoy a rich cultural life changes that person's world,” Bradley said.

“That sort of experience has immeasurable value, but can also have a cumulative impact that can effect change on a local and even national scale. Culture can help regenerate villages, towns and cities.”

The Culture Secretary announced that pilots of the Cultural Citizens Programme, first announced by David Cameron in January, will be launching next month in cities including Liverpool and Blackpool and will help 600 disadvantaged children.

“It is a fantastic initiative which could give thousands of children the chance to take part in a range of cultural activities, such as free visits to local plays, behind the scenes access to museums and galleries, and exclusive trips to world class venues, so they realise that culture is just as much for them as for anyone,” said Bradley.

“Make sure no child is left out”

The Culture Secretary's speech comes after last month's parliamentary debate on the English Baccalaureate a GCSE qualification that excludes art and design which some have claimed devalues creative subjects and makes them inaccessible for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Bradley said she will be working closely with the new Education Secretary Justine Greening to “make sure that no child is left out of this country's magnificent and extraordinary cultural inheritance.”

It is also uncertain whether in light of the vote to leave the EU during the recent referendum the Government could announce further austerity measures affecting arts and culture in this year's Autumn Statement.

The post New culture secretary vows to “tear down the barriers to a career in the arts” appeared first on Design Week.

 
design  

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https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/15-21-august-2016/christine-losecaat-honoured-mbe/  
Christine Losecaat honoured with MBE  

Christine Losecaat, former creative industries advisor to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), has been appointed an Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the creative industries in the UK.

Losecaat also founded consultancy Little Dipper and is a senior business strategy, marketing and creative specialist.

The Dutch national, who is an honorary fellow of the British Institute of Interior Design, is responsible for a number of high profile creative projects, including co-producing Peter and the Wolf. Last year, she also helped bring to life the UK's Pavilion at the World Expo in Milan.

Creative Industries International Strategy

Losecaat, who worked for UKTI until last year, has advised on the UK's Creative Industries International Strategy for over a decade. It was in this capacity that she was one of the creative drivers behind the London 2012 Olympics' British Business Embassy. The project is estimated to have contributed over £15bn to the UK economy in total.

The announcement of her MBE comes after various prominent British designers including Margaret Calvert and Johanna Basford were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June.

“Based in the UK for over 20 years”

“I've been based in the UK for over 20 years. It is a very special place and remains the number one global destination for bringing creative concepts to fruition with global impact,” says Losecaat.

“I am truly delighted to receive such a prestigious honour for doing what I love best bringing together talent with projects that put creative integrity at their core.”

The post Christine Losecaat honoured with MBE appeared first on Design Week.

 
design  

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https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/8-14-august-2016/samuel-mensah/  
Samuel Mensah: “Black designers are never placed at the forefront”  

Every bit as bold, stylish and vibrant as his work, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the multi-talented Samuel Mensah.

What's your background?

I was born in Ghana and raised in London where I work today under the name SMBStudios focusing on brand innovation and visual storytelling. I've got experience in digital marketing, brand identity conception and design, production, visual design and art direction. I like to integrate branding and visual marketing to create overall innovative user experiences. By day I am also a designer at renowned idea agency AKQA on the brand design team.

I am also the founder and creative director of creative organization and studio, Youth Worldwide; a creative platform dedicated to discovering and supporting pioneers in creativity and showcasing emerging young creative talent from around the world.

While traveling in Ghana last summer I had an epiphany to host a youth networking forum with some of Africa's brightest entrepreneurs as part of my responsibility to another organisation of which I am a founding member, Future of Ghana. We lectured at Ghana's first creative university Ashesi, which was founded by Patrick Awuah formerly of Microsoft.

His story of overcoming the odds to build a university over almost a decade inspired me greatly and I realised even though this may not be exactly what I wanted YWW to be, the scale and magnitude of the impact it had on people's lives is something that could not escape me. Upon my return back to the UK I made it a point to team up with more young creatives, begin a small team and begin working on a few cool projects that challenged and fed their skills.

We now work with numerous creatives around the world and have them as part of our network in our aim to share, showcase and express emerging creative talent in all areas on a global stage. The format of YWW has changed and will continue to evolve until we find the most optimum way of making it happen. We want to get to know more people, more leaders that can support and join the movement. Feel free to connect with us.

How did you get started in your field of expertise?

My background lies mainly in the realm of traditional graphic design. That is what I initially fell in love when it comes to design as a whole. I've always seen graphics as the one thing that connects the entire world visually but is heavily taken for granted by most people.

I wanted to design everything and anything when I was younger and my knowledge of design itself was limited but I was determined to dedicate my life to it since I found a purpose with it. I went on to study Design for Advertising at Degree level but really made a name for myself outside the classroom in the digital arts realm.

By taking advantage of online platforms such as DeviantArt, Tumblr, Behance and more I was able to gain popularity quite quickly with my pieces which were always quite vibrant and had a vibe of motivation and inspiration to them. Those are things I take quite seriously in my work. Apart from them looking good I always aim
for my work to actually motivate the audience in some way and bring some semblance of joy in their lives.

This went very well for me and from a young age saw me get featured on quite prestigious platforms and design blogs around the world, which it was hard to take seriously at the time since it never really sunk in. Along with juggling school and interning for Gilbert & George my life 6 years ago was definitely just about design and nothing else.

Nothing much has changed really. The process of making the shift into the working world of advertising and branding with my expertise and skills was quite simple and if you told me I would be designing for Nike almost every day of my life and speaking on an OFFF Festival stage last year about my work, I wouldn't have believed you either but the universe is interesting.

The formation of YWW has also shifted my love of advertising to other creative and design processes such as industrial design, fashion, experiential design and all things tech. I find my understanding of creativity and its applications has evolved and I want to understand more about everything now. From someone who started in digital arts and branding I feel there are no boundaries to how far things can be pushed in regards to how I apply my creativity and the overall impact it can make.

What challenges did you face/overcome in getting into the industry and achieving your ambitions?

The challenges I continue to face are the ones I put before myself. I challenge myself to be the best I can be and place myself in my own lane when doing anything. However I am very aware of the real social challengers that do hold people back in the industry. The creative industries are rife with classism, sexism and other discriminatory ism's which has been slowing down and getting better in recent years but is still very far from eradicated.

I've been brought up with the mentality to work harder than everyone else to give people no reason to say no. Through this approach I have to say I have been able to evade systematic discrimination for the most part in my professional journey, but it begs the question why work so hard just to be seen as equal. I chose to see it as preparing myself to simply be the most equipped and capable.

Coming up in the industry I never studied or was even educated about one great graphic designer that was black, even though there are many out there we are never placed at the forefront. For a long time it confused and angered me. I choose to dispel this status quo forever by being that person of colour that I always wanted to see in certain positions and achieve things that were once thought of as highly improbable.

For many millennials of colour that are entering the industry, simply seeing people in powerful positions in the industry that look like them can inspire them so much and has to be championed more. They can take solace knowing that it is most definitely possible to get to the same level and even exceed that of their predecessors.

Who and/or What are your greatest inspirations and influences?

My greatest inspirations have always come from talking to people. I truly believe that conversation is the most holistic way that we as creatives can create better ideas and become better at our jobs of being visual communicators.

My personal heroes are innovators such as Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Bill Gates, Tim Brown & Elon Musk. They inspire me as being those who were able to wield their creativity in the most impactful way possible and leave a lasting effect on the world for a very long time to come. It bothers me that Steve and Bill are not classed as equally creative, when they both created things from scratch that we all use almost every day of our lives to serve specific imperative functions.

A common misconception is the word “design”, which most people think of as pretty pictures or forms. What is missing however is understanding the depth to which design goes—not only in products, but in essentially every aspect of our lives . Whether it is the design of a program, a shirt or some form of communication tool, we are living in a world that's infinitely designed. Somebody made a design decision about everything we use, and have.

What is your best piece of work or the project you are most proud of?

I always think the project I am most proud of is the one I either just did or the one I am currently executing. I say this because I believe you're only ever as good as your last and you must make that the strongest you've ever done. The project that was most formative for me was the process of creating my first ever typeface. I was 21, just completing 2nd year of my university degree and was bored in the summer, hungry to do something I'd never done before. With my background being typography and typographic studies it meant that every font I used in my designs was in essence created by someone else.

My mind shifted when I realised I could create my own and that in fact I wouldn't be satisfied until I made my own. The process in itself would not only be creatively liberating but also a personal liberation. To own something and furthermore create a resource that could benefit other creatives was inspirational. Once I knew I wanted to take on the task I was determined to make it happen even though I had no idea how to do it. I was luckily able to recollect that I had a friend in New Zealand called Daniel McQueen who was a font specialist and was able to turn my designs into a usable font.

Knowing this, the process of researching began and moving into the mentality of creating something classic. I wanted my first typeface to sit alongside the likes of Helvetica, Avant-Garde & Futura. Those were the ambitions I had for the yet untitled font. I named it Echelon. I remember creating a rollout for it on social media that was able to make its release in early september 2012 all the more impactful. It went on to do very well and be featured in many impressive places and most notably be used last year for Nike's Athlete kit for Basketball giant Kevin Durant.

My subsequent font Atelier Neue, which I released almost exactly a year later went on to do well and is my personal favorite. I saw it as a way of very much cementing myself and not being regarded as a one hit wonder. I feel it proved to many potential critics that I can churn these out. The font has also been used in many notable places; most recently for the BFI's Black Star film campaign.

What would be your dream job or project?

My dream job ideally is not to have to have a job at all. That is the best reason to explain why I formed YWW. It was an escape to what I've always wanted to do, which is simply work on super creative briefs and projects whether it's about making products or crafting films.

My dream project is a collection of many small projects culminating in a cultural shift of creative liberation and acceptance by a generation who can take it further than we ever imagined. It is most definitely a process that will not be achieved in a few years or decades but most definitely in our lifetime.

Please name some people in your field that you believe deserve credit or recognition, and why?

I feel we live in age where because of the internet and social media, everyone is able to have a platform and take advantage of the benefits. They are able to gain recognition and become creatives that are creditable.

Everyone is very visible and it's beautiful because it means collaboration has become easier than ever before. Sharing of ideas, culture, skills and creativity has never been easier.

I do aim to give credit to those that paved the way for me personally and I looked up to coming up. Pioneers like Dieter Rams, Peter Saville, Sagmeister, Milton Glaser & Tibor Kalman just to name a few.

In my field today there are amazing young talents in the YWW network that are doing incredible things. So many emerging creatives, some as young as 15 years old, that I have been exposed to, poses a unique creative approach and understanding. They say tomorrow belongs to those that can hear it coming. This truly is the most fearless generation of all time. We will find out why very soon.

What's your best piece of advice for those wanting to follow in
your footsteps?

Nobody knows what the hell they are doing most of the time. Just do your own thing. I believe everyone has their own specific way of how the universe will unfold itself to them.

What I will say is that life begins when people understand that the key is to give back. When they realise that serving and creating real change and impact in people's lives through their creativity is the most powerful thing they can do.

Forget rules, and let nothing hold you back. That's why I love the next generation. They don't care about paying homage or being constrained to the past, they are more focused in making new, making their own path. That energy is so empowering.

I would also encourage creatives to embrace failure more. I used to be very self-conscious about failing early on in my career. I have now realised how vital it is to understanding the journey of growth that comes with getting to a certain level. Failure will come but you will get over it. If you are not failing you are honestly not innovating enough.

What's next for you?

I continue to be dedicated to my passion of collaborating and showcasing creatives. I will continue to build the YWW network and aim to create impact with the greatest creative talents the world has to offer. Most importantly I aim to have fun.

---

For more information visit:

https://www.behance.net/smbstudios

https://www.facebook.com/SMBStudios

---

Network:

THE CARIBBEAN:

ANIMAE CARIBE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS. Held every year in the caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, the Animae Caribe animation festival will run from October 24th to 31st 2016. The largest animation film network with a regional coverage in the Caribbean, it is recognized to be one of the many notable international annual festivals. In addition, Animae Caribe has a regional and international network of storytellers, writers, puppetry artists, visual artists (including graphic designers and photographers), theatre and music performers, sound and lighting technicians and reseachers, which feed into the animation production sector. Submissions for Short animation are open. Deadline 30th August 2016

EUROPE:

FASHION CITIES AFRICA the first major UK exhibition dedicated to contemporary African fashion opened at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery on 30 April 2016. Exploring fashion and style in four cities at the compass points of the African continent Casablanca in Morocco, Lagos in Nigeria, Nairobi in Kenya and Johannesburg in South Africa Fashion Cities Africa considers recent and contemporary fashion practices in these distinctive metropoles, from couture to street style. Until 8 January 2017

Included in Museum admission fee/£3.50 residents, members and children free brightonmuseums.org.uk/fashioncitiesafrica

#FashionCitiesAfrica

AFRICA:

ALBUS EXHIBITION BY JUSTIN DINGWALL. Barnard Gallery is pleased to present Justin Dingwall's solo exhibition Albus in association with Lizamore & Associates. With an arresting vulnerability and striking intimacy, the photographs in Justin Dingwall's ongoing body of work Albus constitute an extended meditation on the nature of beauty and perception.  Aiming both to raise awareness about Albinism and to challenge the taboo that exists around it, the series interrogates and offers an alternative to traditional notions of beauty. From 23 August til 11 October 2016.

 

The post Samuel Mensah: “Black designers are never placed at the forefront” appeared first on Design Week.

 
design  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/15/reddit-refuses-to-hand-over-ip-address-of-music-pirate/  
Reddit refuses to hand over IP address of music pirate  

Reddit says it's not giving up the IP address of a user who leaked a Twenty One Pilots song a week before its planned release. A track from the Suicide Squad soundtrack, ‘Heathens,' made its way to file-sharing site Dropfile on June 15 and was uploaded to the Twenty One Pilots subreddit minutes later. The leak then forced Atlantic Records and its subsidiary label Fueled by Ramen to release the track on June 16, a week before scheduled rollouts with Spotify, iTunes and other platforms. According to a lawsuit filed in the New York State Supreme Court, Atlantic Records and Fueled…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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http://thenextweb.com/apple/2016/08/15/apple-to-introduce-10-5-inch-ipad-pro-in-2017-new-display-tech-in-2018/  
Report: Apple to introduce 10.5-inch iPad Pro in 2017, new display tech in 2018  

A new report by esteemed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple has plans to release three different iPad models for its 2017 lineup, including a new 10.5-inch size iPad Pro and a “low-cost” 9.7-inch tablet. Oh, and you can expect new display technology for the iPad later in 2018. According to Kuo, the newly added 10.5-inch model will accompany the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 and its more affordable 9.7-inch alternative: We expect three new iPads (12.9” iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5” iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7” iPad) to be launched in 2017, though this may not drive shipment growth amid structural headwinds; 2017F shipments…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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http://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/08/15/popular-kickasstorrents-clone-torrent-site-wants-to-steal-your-credit-card-details/  
Malicious KickassTorrents clone wants to steal your credit card details  

It's a cold summer for the torrent community. Last month pirates' favorite tracker KickassTorrents shut down following the arrest of alleged founder Artem Vaulin and last week the internet's largest meta-search engine, Torrentz.eu, mysteriously closed its doors. With two of its major players out of the picture, the torrent community had a massive gap to fill up and it didn't take long before a bunch of clones spurred. Now it turns out not all of these mirrors are genuine. Popular KickassTorrents clone KAT.am  recently taken down following a run-in with Hollywood  has now resurfaced on the Web; but this time as a scam aimed at stealing your bank account details.…

This story continues at The Next Web  
technology  

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http://borrachas.tumblr.com/post/148990488344  
352  

352

 
gifs  

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http://movieposteroftheday.tumblr.com/post/149003727637  
US one sheet for SUDDEN FEAR (David Miller, USA, 1952)Designer:...  

US one sheet for SUDDEN FEAR (David Miller, USA, 1952)

Designer: unknown

Poster source: Heritage Auctions

Now playing at Film Forum through Thursday!

 
culture  

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http://insider.si.edu/2016/08/fishing-gear-deaths-of-marine-birds-is-focus-of-smithsonian-ecologists-study/  
Fishing gear entanglements of marine birds is focus of Smithsonian ecologist's study  

(Study is one of dozens to be presented by bird scientists this week at the
2016 North American Ornithological Conference in Washington, D.C.)

To catch tuna in the Pacific today, many commercial fishing ships set a series of long lines through the water—lines that are bristling with hundreds and even thousands of baited hooks. While a chunk of squid may be irresistible to a tuna, many seabirds also chase and swallow these fishing baits.

Albatrosses, including Hawaii's black-footed and Laysan albatrosses, feed at the ocean's surface. “Bait on a hook is tempting. It looks like easy prey before the long line sinks into the sea,” explains Autumn-Lynn Harrison, a marine ecologist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. “But, going after the bait means an albatross can also get caught on the hook, become injured, or even drown,” Harrison says.

Albatrosses are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally and information about their interactions with fisheries is important. When fishing vessels pull in the line to release or salvage the bird, they are encouraged to also look for a band on its leg. Metal bands are placed on albatross chicks in the nest, or on breeding adults. A band can identify the specific colony where it was born and its age, or for birds banded as breeding adults, where it bred.

If a hooked albatross has a band on its leg, it is hoped the band information and the circumstances of how it was obtained is reported to the United States Geological Survey, which maintains the North American Bird Banding Database. Database records go back to the 1920s, when major fishing operations hadn't yet left the coast to spread throughout the open ocean. Many original band-return records of albatrosses banded by Smithsonian biologists in the 1960s can even be found in our own records at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

This week, Harrison will speak on large-scale patterns of bird entanglement in fishing gear in North and South America and the Pacific at the 2016 North American Ornithological Conference in Washington, D.C. One of the largest ornithological conferences ever held, lectures by dozens of world experts, workshops, roundtable discussions and interactive sessions and symposia on a vast array of bird-related topics will be featured. Held every four years, this year's conference runs from Tuesday, Aug. 16 to Saturday, Aug. 20 and is being hosted by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

In addition to albatrosses, entanglement of North American banded birds by fishing operations, including recreational fishing, also is reported in large numbers for royal terns, double-crested cormorants, and brown and white pelicans. Globally, entanglement by fishing is a primary reason “all of the 22 species of albatross is listed in someway on the International Union for Conservation Nature Red List of Endangered Species,” Harrison continues.

This interactive map was created from data on all reported fishing-gear entanglements of birds of all species from 1920-2014. (Map courtesy Autumn-Lynn Harrison)

Harrison's current research involves using the USGS Bird Banding database to investigate patterns that show if members of specific albatross colonies (many different colonies nest across the Hawaiian Islands) died more frequently as the by-catch of specific North Pacific fisheries.

Albatross by-catch by the fishing industry is a well-studied phenomenon, yet “how different colonies might be impacted differently because of their migration patterns is just starting to come to light,” Harrison says. The traditional migration route of a specific colony may place its members in harm's way at specific times of operation—right in the seasonal path of a commercial fishery. Another colony in a different area may not face this threat.

“I am trying to learn what 100 years of banding data can tell us about which colonies were caught in which fisheries and how this might have changed through time. Birds that breed on Midway Island in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands [west], for example, may have a higher likelihood of being caught by an Asian fishing fleet versus birds that breed on Kauai or Oahu Islands in the main Hawaiian Islands [east] that are caught more frequently in Hawaiian long-line fleets.”

Albatross death by long-line fishing is “changing over time,” Harrison observes. “Fishing fleets have become more aware about the impacts of their operations on seabirds, and have gotten smarter about ways to try to get albatrosses away from their fishing vessels.  A lot of this work is really improving the ways fisheries are able to avoid bird by-catch.”

Second to commercial fishing as a marine bird hazard, Harrison says, are two other human-introduced threats: floating plastics that albatrosses feed to their chicks, and climate change. “Many marine birds nest on low-lying islands that are likely not to be there in the future,” due to rising sea levels.

The post Fishing gear entanglements of marine birds is focus of Smithsonian ecologist's study appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.

 
culture  

%feed  
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160815185830.htm  
Fifth force of nature? Light particle may be key to understanding dark matter in universe  
Recent findings indicating the possible discovery of a previously unknown subatomic particle may be evidence of a fifth fundamental force of nature, according to new research by theoretical physicists.  
astronomy  

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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160815134951.htm  
Brown dwarfs reveal exoplanets' secrets  
Brown dwarfs are smaller than stars, but more massive than giant planets. As such, they provide a natural link between astronomy and planetary science. However, they also show incredible variation when it comes to size, temperature, chemistry, and more, which makes them difficult to understand, too. New work surveyed various properties of 152 suspected young brown dwarfs in order to categorize their diversity and found that atmospheric properties may be behind much of their differences.  
astronomy  

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London Skyline  

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