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VIMS Stories

Loss of oyster reefs a global problem, but one with solutions

A new study by an international team including professor Mark Luckenbach of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, shows that the decline of oyster reefs is not just a local problem.

New web-based map tracks marine 'dead zones' worldwide

New research by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, identifies more than 530 low-oxygen "dead zones" and an additional 228 sites worldwide exhibiting signs of marine "eutrophication."

VIMS team returns to Antarctic Peninsula

A team of researchers led by professor Deborah Steinberg of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has returned to Antarctica for their annual 6-week field season aboard the research vessel Laurence M. Gould.

Researchers brave icy waters to study Arctic food web

Professor Deborah Bronk of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is now leading a VIMS study of the Arctic coastal ecosystem, and how climate change might affect the supply of nutrients that supports the food web on which native peoples depend.

Sea-level study brings good and bad news to Hampton Roads

Dr. John Boon, the study's lead author, says the good news is that "absolute sea level in Chesapeake Bay is rising only about half as fast as the global average rise rate." The bad news, says Boon, is that "local subsidence more than makes up for it."

Study suggests a third of shark and ray species are threatened

Dr. Jack Musick, emeritus professor at the College of William and Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science, has overseen a global study suggesting that 33 percent of shark, skate, and ray species are threatened with extinction.

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VIMS prof. briefs senate caucus on chemical dispersants

Robert J. Diaz, VIMS professor of biological sciences, briefed the U.S. Sentate's Science and Technology Caucus on the ecological impact of chemical dispersants on the ocean and its marine life.

Study can help minimize impact of dredge spoils

Dredging of navigational channels in Chesapeake Bay is crucial to maintaining Virginia's role as a leading gateway for international shipping, particularly with the advent of deeper-draft container vessels. A new study by VIMS professor Linda Schaffner provides data that can help future in-water disposal of dredge spoils proceed with minimal environmental impact.

Gas hydrates subject of 'hot' VIMS paper

A study of gas hydrates by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, is among the top 25 most-downloaded articles in the journal Marine Chemistry according to Science Direct, an on-line database of the latest trends and developments in science.

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VIMS helps bring science to Gulf spill

VIMS researchers and alumni are helping to craft the nation's immediate and long-term scientific responses to the Gulf oil spill.

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VIMS oyster study confirms early Jamestown drought

A VIMS study of 400-year-old oyster shells from the Jamestown settlement confirms that a harsh drought plagued the early years of the colony and made the James River much saltier than today.

Seagrass restoration effort with volunteers

The seagrass program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy for the third consecutive spring to use volunteers, especially recreational divers and snorkelers, in the largest and most successful seagrass restoration project in the world.

Big river, big study

Steinberg-led VIMS team to join Amazon River research project by David Malmquist

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VIMS researchers monitor status of American Eel

The VIMS' American Eel Monitoring Team is working this spring to count the young eels migrating into Virginia's freshwater tributaries and estuaries.

W&M offers new minor in marine science

The College of William and Mary, partnering with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, will offer a new undergraduate minor in marine science.

VIMS professor to serve U.N. climate-modeling group

Dr. Marjorie Friedrichs of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, will join experts from 20 other countries to provide guidance to the United Nations concerning the computer models that are used to project the magnitude and rate of future climate change.

VIMS a partner in Coastal America Award

The Lynnhaven River Oyster Restoration Team­a partnership between the College of William and Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and Lynnhaven River NOW­has been selected to receive a 2009 Coastal America Partnership Award for innovative efforts to restore the river's native oyster population.

Private gift supports Antarctic research

A private gift from Adrian G. "Casey" Duplantier Jr., matched by 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union of Newport News, will support another season of Antarctic field research for two W&M students¬graduate student Kate Ruck of W&M's School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and W&M undergraduate Sarah Giltz.