H ALIBUT HERALD

October 1, 2009

We're Cute Too! The Most Underrated Adorable Animals

Certain animals have a stigma about them and just don't get enough credit. This week, HuffPost Green thought they'd
give a little bit of love to the cute underdog. Vote on your favorite underrated but adorable animal.
VIEW: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/27/were-cute-too-the-most-un_n_300326.html?slidenumber=0#slide_image

South Atlantic Thank Palau for Establishing a

Council Approves 270,000+ Mile Shark Sanctuary!!!
Plan to Save More Sign the Thank You Card.
Than 23,000 On September 25, 2009 Palau declared itself the
Square Miles of world's first National Shark Sanctuary and called for
Rare Corals an international ban on shark-finning. Please thank
http://oceana.org/north- Palau for this historic and important shark-saving
america/media- action.
center/press-releases/all-
press- SIGN THE THANK YOU CARD TO PALAU:
releases/press_release/0/1 http://www.sharksavers.org/en/get-
097/ involved/sign-these-petitions/608-thank-you-
palau.html
Electric Fish Turn Down Charge Recuperated Rare Fish Fish Poison makes Hot
for Energy Efficiency Released in China Things Feel Icy and
Cold Things Feel
Burning Hot

Fish that use electric fields to sense their

environments dim their signals to save energy
during the day when they are resting.
Sternopygus macrurus, a South American river
fish, is a natural practitioner of energy efficiency. Wildlife officials in China released a rare
It can reshape the charged-molecule channels in paddlefish into Yangtze River Sunday after
its electricity-producing cells to tone down its nursing it back to health from injuries
inflicted by fishermen. Eating some bad fish might not
electrical signature within a matter of minutes. seem like the most spectacular way
READ ON:
“This is a really expensive signal to produce. The http://www.physorg.com/news10140830 to ruin a tropical vacation, but for a
fish is using up a lot of its energy budget,” 3.html 45-year-old man from England, a bit
READ ON: of tainted seafood was the
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/09/e beginning of a wild ride.
lectric-fish/ READ ON:
Four-Winged Fossil Bridges http://www.wired.com/wiredscien
Goma the Gorilla Turns 50! Bird-Dinosaur Gap ce/2007/10/the-bizarre-eff/

Professor’s Research on
Salmon Published in
National Geographic

A newly described, profusely feathered

dinosaur may give lift to scientists’
understanding of bird and flight evolution,
researchers report.
READ ON: READ ON:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/ http://www.montanakaimin.com/index.
09/dinosaur/ php/news/news_article/professors_re
search_on_salmon_published_in_nati
onal_geographic/4005
Cool Cousins: Southern Elephant Seals

“They’re way cooler because they can survive in colder environments, and
have deeper, longer dives. Southern elephant seals dive to over 2,100
meters, the deepest dive our lab has on record...so far.”
“[Southerns] are foraging on the ice edge, and could be using it to find
prey. They forage on shelf waters on the Peninsula. That’s interesting
because traditionally they’ve been thought of as active in the deep ocean
READ ON: food web, but they may also have a impact on an entirely different, coastal
http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2009/09/gorilla- food web.”
turns-50-at-zoo-basel.html READ ON: http://www.topp.org/features/cool_cousins
 Can Palm Oil Be Sustainable?
Seventh Generation Thinks So

http://savethef
rogs.com/arti
sts/2009-
winners.html

According to one estimate, as many as half of the

products in a U.S. grocery store contains palm oil.
Because it is found in such a wide array of products
— from foods and drugs to personal care items and
detergents — U.S. consumption of palm oil has
tripled from 324,000 tons in 2005 to 1 million tons
today. But Palm oil production has come under
increasing scrutiny in the last few years because of
the widespread practice of clear-cutting rainforests
to plant oil palm crops. The large monocrop
plantations in Southeast Asia and South America
fouling watersheds and driving people and animals
from their land.
READ ON:
http://earthandindustry.com/2009/09/can-palm-
oil-be-sustainable-seventh-generation-thinks-
so/
http://www.thegp2project.org/
Elephant Tusk Surgery
Take action: Stand Up for Your Rice! If you think about it, an
elephant’s tusk is a big
tooth. And like any
tooth, a tusk can break
or otherwise get
damaged and the
elephant would then
need to see a dentist
(shudder!). That’s
Rice is daily food for half of the world's population. exactly what happened
Genetically modified (GM) rice, on the other hand, is a in the North Carolina
threat to our agriculture, our biodiversity and a possible Zoo.
risk to our health.

At present, GM rice is not grown commercially anywhere

in the world. But Bayer, the German chemical giant, has
WATCH VIDEO: http://www.neatorama.com/2009/09/29/elephant-
genetically manipulated rice to withstand higher doses of
tusk-surgery/
a toxic pesticide called glufosinate, which is considered
to be so dangerous to humans and the environment that
it will soon be banned from Europe. Mayor outlines ‘Green Capital’ economic
In just a few weeks, the European Union will decide
strategy for Vancouver
READ ON: http://www.vancouvereconomic.com/vedcnews/mayor-
whether or not this GM rice can enter EU countries,
outlines-%E2%80%98green-capital%E2%80%99-economic-strategy-
appear on supermarket shelves and end up on our
for-vancouver
dinner plates. If the EU approves the import of Bayer
GM rice, farmers in the US and elsewhere may soon More information on the
start planting it. city’s economic
READ ON & SIGN PETITION: development strategies can
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/
genetic-engineering/hands-off-our-rice/hands-off-
be viewed @
our-rice www.vancouvereconomic.com
 http://www.petropolis-film.com/

Rare Earths are Vital, and China Cruise Ship Report Card
Millions of Americans take cruise vacations every year. However, most don't
Owns Them All realize that cruising is more harmful to the environment and human health
"We are addicted to rare earths as much as we are
than many other forms of travel. With ships that can carry up to 7,000
addicted to oil,"
passengers and crew, these floating cities pollute the air we breathe and the water
we use and enjoy.

Rare earths may not be on most investors' radars,

but they are certainly in almost any high-tech item
they use -- and in the world of rare earths, China is
king.
The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes 17
different rare earths, materials with science-fiction-
esque names like lanthanum and gadolinium. They
are used in everything: glass polishing and
ceramics, automotive catalytic converters,
computer monitors, lighting, televisions and
pharmaceuticals. READ ON: http://www.foe.org/cruisereportcard
READ ON: Grading Methodology: http://www.foe.org/cruise-line-grade-methodology
http://www.physorg.com/news173379084.html
 CALLING ANYONE WITH A BLOG? BE A PART OF THE
SOLUTION AND REGISTER YOUR BLOG TODAY!
http://www.blogactionday.org/

THIRST America’s First Zero Carbon Before 'Lucy,' there was

Mass Transit Shuttle. 'Ardi': Oldest Hominid
Skeleton Provides New
Evidence for Human
Evolution

A series of high performance electric buses and

This is an educational presentation minibuses using a patented ultracapacitor
exploring humanity's water use and the technology. Compared to diesel or CNG buses,
emerging worldwide water shortage. It their buses have low maintenance costs, low
is designed to act as a stand-alone operation costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and can
presentation. Enjoy! reach a zero carbon footprint if powered by
VIEW SLIDESHOW: renewable energy sources.
http://www.slideshare.net/jbrenman/t READ ON:
hirst?src=embed http://ecotechdaily.com/2009/10/01/presentatioREAD ON:
n-americas-first-zero-carbon-mass-transit- http://www.physorg.com/news1736152
shuttle/ 21.html OR:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10
Google Earth Launches Climate Today is World /01/ardi-oldest-human-
Change Modeling Tools skeleto_n_306033.html
Vegetarian Day!
Underwater Museum to Protect
Coral Reefs in Mexico

Google Earth launches a new set of online tools

this week, enabling anyone to learn about how
climate change may impact them or their
business and research options for managing its
effects.
Google is working with the Danish government http://www.worldvege
on the project, and the new Google Earth layers Mexico has announced plans to build the largest
are part of the lead up to the 15th Conference of tarianday.org/ underwater museum in the world, with around
the Parties under the United Nations’ Climate 400 figures made of concrete submerged in the
Change Convention (COP15) Caribbean sea, near Cancun. The goal?
READ ON: Protecting the regions coral reefs.
http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/technolog READ ON:
y/google-earth-launches-climate-change- http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/und
modeling-tools erwater-museum-to-protect-coral-reefs-in-
mexico.php
Sound Machines Could Help Monitor HuffPost Game Changers: Who Is The Ultimate
Health of Coral Reefs Game Changer In Green?

Putting EARs in the water among the bustling life of coral

reefs could help us monitor the health of coral reefs
around the worlds. EAR is an Ecological Acoustic
Recorder, a device developed by NOAA and the
University of Hawaii, listens in on the sounds of coral
reefs and helps determine the overall health and changing
status of reefs. It looks to be a promising technology, and
the first one to be deployed in the Coral Triangle has just HuffPost's Game Changers celebrates 100 innovators, visionaries, and
been installed. leaders in 10 categories who are harnessing the power of new media to
READ ON: reshape their fields and change the world. With your help, we've picked 10
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/sound- people who are changing the game in Green. We honor and salute them.
machines-could-help-monitor-health-of-coral- READ ON: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/01/huffpost-game-
reefs.php changers-wh_n_302959.html

David Griffin on How Photography Connects Us Reusable Coffee Cup Looks Like A
Disposable

The photo director for National Geographic, David Griffin knows the
power of photography to connect us to our world. In a talk filled with
glorious images, he talks about how we all use photos to tell our stories.
WATCH:
http://www.ted.com/talks/david_griffin_on_how_photography_conn READ ON:
ects.html http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2009/10/01/reusable-
coffee-cup-looks-like-a-disposable/

Vancouver’s Mandatory Electric Car

Chargers
While detractors argue against the current usefulness of plug-
ins, many claim that the only way electric cars will catch on is if
the infrastructure is already in place. Put another way, electric
cars are the chicken and charging outlets are the egg. Or is it
the other way around?
READ ON:
http://www.centreflow.ca/2009/10/01/vancouver%E2%80%99
s-mandatory-electric-car-chargers/
 Archival Photo

Murray Newman examines water dragon lizard, 1971.

Library News
For more library news, book reviews, access to our online catalogue and much more, visit us on the aquanet:
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/default.aspx

Get your up-to-the minutes news via RSS feed from the library’s What’s new pages. Currently, there are two What’s new
pages running a variety of interesting news feeds

What’s New – Animals and Nature – for news about birds, reptiles, marine mammals, and places such as the Arctic
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/WhatsNewAnimalsandNature.aspx

What’s New – Business and General – for news about business, finance, tourism, visitor experience and marketing
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/What%27sNewBGN.aspx

News on Environmental conservation and education will soon be available via the Conservation Current
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/ConservationCurrent/Pages/Default.aspx

Did you know that the Library has access to over 100 journals and magazines??
At least 80 of these are available full text online.
For a complete hyperlinked list, visit the library journals page on Aquanet:
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/Journals.aspx

As well, you can find new books and movies listed on this page of Aquanet:
http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/LibraryCatalogue.aspx
Staff News

www.cammacdonald.ca
Events

http://ripeforthereading.wordpress.com/what-is-ripe/

Harnessing the Power of Local: Positioning Your Business to Thrive

in a Shaky Economy
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (PT)
@ Chambar Belgian Restaurant 562 Beatty Street
EVENT INFO: http://thepoweroflocal.eventbrite.com/

http://community.wwf.ca/localicious/WhatsLocalicious.cfm
From Earth to Ocean: Stories from Gwaii Haanas

Parks Canada has identified the waters around Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (Queen
Charlotte Islands) as a potential national marine conservation area reserve.

To present the stories of Gwaii Haanas, Parks Canada has partnered with The Vancouver Aquarium to offer a unique
speaker series open to the public. Participation is free, though seats are limited. Each engaging event allows
audience members to explore a different aspect of the region and understand the benefits of its protection. Starting in
September, join us to find out more about:

Session 2: Icons of the Pacific

Monday October 26
A look into the history and journey of whales throughout Gwaii Haanas and why protecting these habitats benefits us
all.

Moderator: Don Enright, National Parks Interpretation Specialist, Parks Canada

Investigate the diverse marine life within Gwaii Haanas and delve into the history of whaling in the Queen Charlotte
Islands and the journey of the iconic killer whale and graceful humpback that can be seen off the coast of Gwaii
Haanas. Learn how national marine conservation areas are of value to the diverse marine life and their habitats.

Speakers include:
Reservations close on Monday, October 19th
• Kathy Heise: “Historical Whaling in Gwaii Haanas” Admission is free.
• Lance Barrett-Lennard: “Orcas and Humpbacks”
• Caitlin Birdsall, Cetacean Sightings Network Please RSVP to: lectureseries@vanaqua.org or
phone 604-659-3432

Session 3: Changing Seascape

Monday November 16
Learn about ancient Haida villages, changing sea levels and how historical trade practices have all played a role in shaping today’s
Gwaii Haanas.

Session 4: Healthy oceans, healthy people

Monday December 7
Whether it’s dining out or reporting a whale sighting, your actions can make a difference to our oceans. Join us for this special
conclusion to find out what you can do to help

Each session takes place at The Vancouver Aquarium from 7 – 9 pm.

Please enter at the AquaQuest Administrative Entrance.

To confirm your seat, email: lectureseries@vanaqua.org or call 604-659-3432.

Please identify which session you would like to attend. Seating is limited.
 http://vimeo.com/channels/22348

http://vorg.ca/2971-Interesting-Vancouver-2008-Recap

http://industrialbrand.com/blog/unconferences_very_interesting_indeed

http://interestingvancouver.com/
Local 350.org Events!

See below for some of the events happening October 24, 2009 in Vancouver.
Check the website for events happening worldwide on this critical day for OUR
PLANET.

EVENT
WEBSITE:
http://www.b
ridgecoolpla
net.ca/en/
EVENT
WEBSITE:
http://www.3
50.org/node/
5833

ALL
REGISTERED
EVENTS
APPEAR
IN
ORANGE

http://www.3
50.org/map
 http://fishopolis.com

http://www.roundhouse.ca/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=133

SUSTENANCE will feature artwork by VanAqua’s own Cam MacDonald (C&E).

http://www.cammacdonald.ca/home.htm

http://oneofakindvancouver.com/
FREE BREAKFAST! OCT. 3 9AM-NOON @ VPL: 350 W. GEORGIA. BRING
DONATIONS!

http://www.naturespath.com/company/media/news/2009/09/28/food-bank-food-drive
http://www.gaininggroundsummit.com
 Classified

http://www.cov
erealty.ca/listin
g_detail-
2995255.html