Interest in our oceans

Are you an angler, or just interested in the well-being of the world's oceans? Then check out the links on this posting for great opportunities in helping and learning about the marine world. 

First, check out the Large Pelagics Research Center headed by Dr. Molly Lutcavage out of University of Massachusetts Amherst's Gloucester station. There is a plethora of good information here as well as a link to Tag a Tiny, a program dedicating to learning about Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. If you're an angler (commercial or recreational), you can receive tags and help with the study!

All tunas are pretty important, especially those globally consumed. Yellowfin Tuna is also on that list. If you are a recreational angler interested in the possible collection of data on yellowfin to help national and international management of the species, call in THIS Friday, 27 April 2012, to be a part of a public conference call discussing the history and future of gathering data on this species.

Getting back to Bluefin tuna, and all highly migratory species, NMFS is hosting meeting down the Atlantic coast pertaining to whether the existing management of HMS is working or if amendments should take effect. The meetings are public and can be found on the official announcement.

If you're in the Boston area of Massachusetts, come check out the Aquarium Lecture Series! This week, Dr. Greg Stone will be speaking about the state of the oceans as well as the ocean health index. Each talk is free, and only ask that you register so the staff knows how many people will be there.

Another great talk is on 29 April at Boston's Museum of Science. The panel focuses on the sustainability of the seafood we eat during our generation and generations to come. This is also a free event, but are kindly asked to register!

So, go out and fish to help understand our target species! Come out and listen to professionals talk about their research in the field, and discuss the hot topics of the oceans!

New beginnings

What do the Andrea Gail, Wicked Tuna, and I have in common starting tomorrow? We share Gloucester, Massachusetts as our homebase for work. While one was a swordfish boat, the other is a popular series about fishing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. I will not be in the commercial sector, but working towards sustainability for all species sought in the oceans.

Aside from that, a new ink will be posted on Etsy by the end of the week. Once I name it and take photos of the finished product, it will be posted!  For now, enjoy a photo of the beginning...

New to-be-named ink of a sea jelly.  To be posted on Etsy later this week!

Back on Track

Okay, so I have been horrible with these weekly posts! I have been mainly posting to Twitter because it's quick, easy, and done on my phone. Now that life is back on track, I'll be posting weekly again, I promise. To give you an update on life...

We are moved into our new place and the studio is fully functioning.  The weekend of the move, I had two orders for Truffula Trees and one for Unless from the Lorax. After that, I have been busy decorating the house and filling a custom order of Picasso Triggerfish, Mandarin Goby, customized Fathoms Below, Queen Triggerfish, Lionfish, and a custom piece called Turtles to the Surface.

Turtles to the Surface

Closeup of leatherback sea turtle for Turtles to the Surface.

Closeup of Kemps Ridley sea turtle for Turtles to the Surface.

Now with a custom narwhal completed, I am ready to continue. Monday starts my 'real' job, but I will continue with all art forms. As always, I have an idea for something new, but it will be awhile before it comes to full action. I promise when it does, it'll be grand!

There is also a cute new crochet octopus named Little Blue on Etsy as well as some more Dr Seuss inspired works.

For now, check (and follow me on!) Twitter for links to fun, interesting, and inspiring stories, and random updates on my work. Even check my flickr stream for quick photos on the randomness of life.