 |
|
Smithsonian puts tropical Eastern-Pacific shore fishes online
November 25, 2008A new bilingual online information system created by D. Ross Robertson, staff scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and Coeus Knowledge Systems makes it possible for conservationists, sport fishers, tourists, researchers, students and resource managers to identify and generate publishable maps for 1,287 tropical eastern Pacific shore fish species. Shorefishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific Online Information System is hosted by the Bioinformatics Office of the institute and available online at two sites: www.stri.org/sftep and www.neotropicalfishes.org/sftep.
Non-scientists can easily identify fish species using common name searches, or a tool that allows entry of information on a fish's location, shape and color. Each species' page includes text descriptions, photographs and maps of occurrence range. Highlighted text indicates salient features that distinguish one species from other. People can compare images of similar species, and immediately download photos. If there are photo-usage restrictions, contact information is provided.
This is the most complete record of the geographic distributions and biology of an entire fauna of shore fishes in a single database for any biogeographic region in the world, according to Robertson, who wrote the book, Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, with Gerald R. Allen, in 1994. After the book was published, Robertson received funds from the Smithsonian's Women's Committee to create an interactive CD. Support from the Smithsonian Marine Science Network paid for the programming and development of this online system.
Maps can be generated in color or in black and white. Geographic range size can be calculated on the basis of pixels, which represent 4-kilometer by 4-kilometer areas, or by using point-of-occurrence records. Robertson checks all location reports and deletes likely wild cards, creating a much more accurate reference than global databases based on unchecked published reports. He works closely with other researchers and with fishermen who send photos of unusual catches, some of which result in new points on the map, and better photographs showing diagnostic features.
Database queries in the system generate lists of fish by reserve, by island, by country and using templates of different areas to filter results. Because of the enormous quantity of information, the use of area templates with predetermined faunas greatly speeds up comparative searches. It is possible to list species endemic to an area, species that likely occur in an area based on larger range maps, and species whose occurrence is confirmed for that same area, based on occurrence site records. Maps can also be generated that show the richness of the entire fauna or of different types of species in different parts of the region.
"You can see which areas have been well sampled and which areas still need to be studied. Mapping species richness and determining local endemism makes it much easier to decide where to locate reserves," said Robertson. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recently organized two workshops using the geographic databases in this online system to examine the entire regional fauna and determine which species should be included in different categories of their Red List of endangered species. Previously, this was done based on incomplete lists of taxa rather than with a regional fauna.
The system has full capabilities in English and Spanish to enhance its accessibility in the 10 countries that span the region: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Fund contributed to the translation.
In addition to yearly updates of this system, Robertson will soon complete a similar online system for Caribbean shorefishes and then for the coastal fishes of Venezuela. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The institute furthers the understanding of tropical nature and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Maps can be generated in color or in black and white. Geographic range size can be calculated on the basis of pixels, which represent 4-kilometer by 4-kilometer areas, or by using point-of-occurrence records. Robertson checks all location reports and deletes likely wild cards, creating a much more accurate reference than global databases based on unchecked published reports. He works closely with other researchers and with fishermen who send photos of unusual catches, some of which result in new points on the map, and better photographs showing diagnostic features.
Database queries in the system generate lists of fish by reserve, by island, by country and using templates of different areas to filter results. Because of the enormous quantity of information, the use of area templates with predetermined faunas greatly speeds up comparative searches. It is possible to list species endemic to an area, species that likely occur in an area based on larger range maps, and species whose occurrence is confirmed for that same area, based on occurrence site records. Maps can also be generated that show the richness of the entire fauna or of different types of species in different parts of the region.
"You can see which areas have been well sampled and which areas still need to be studied. Mapping species richness and determining local endemism makes it much easier to decide where to locate reserves," said Robertson. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature recently organized two workshops using the geographic databases in this online system to examine the entire regional fauna and determine which species should be included in different categories of their Red List of endangered species. Previously, this was done based on incomplete lists of taxa rather than with a regional fauna.
The system has full capabilities in English and Spanish to enhance its accessibility in the 10 countries that span the region: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Fund contributed to the translation.
In addition to yearly updates of this system, Robertson will soon complete a similar online system for Caribbean shorefishes and then for the coastal fishes of Venezuela. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The institute furthers the understanding of tropical nature and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Fish Species Current Events and Fish Species News RSSDNA barcodes: Creative new uses span health, fraud, smuggling, history, more
The scientific ability to quickly and accurately identify species through DNA "barcoding" is being embraced and applied by a growing legion of global authorities - from medical and agricultural researchers to police and customs authorities to palaeontologists and others.
North Atlantic Fish Populations Shifting as Ocean Temperatures Warm
About half of 36 fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, many of them commercially valuable species, have been shifting northward over the last four decades, with some stocks nearly disappearing from U.S. waters as they move farther offshore, according to a new study by NOAA researchers.
Fish vision discovery makes waves in natural selection
Emory University researchers have identified the first fish known to have switched from ultraviolet vision to violet vision, or the ability to see blue light. The discovery is also the first example of an animal deleting a molecule to change its visual spectrum.
Widespread Occurrence of Intersex Bass Found in U.S. Rivers
Intersex in smallmouth and largemouth basses is widespread in numerous river basins throughout the United States is the major finding of the most comprehensive and large-scale evaluation of the condition, according to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research published online in Aquatic Toxicology.
Time to tap climate-change-combating potential of the world's ecosystems
Investing in restoration and maintenance of the Earth's multi-trillion dollar ecosystems - from forests and mangroves to wetlands and river basins - can have a key role in countering climate change and climate-proofing vulnerable economies.
Human impacts and environmental factors are changing the northwest Atlantic ecosystem
Fish in U.S. waters from Cape Hatteras to the Canadian border have moved away from their traditional, long-time habitats over the past four decades because of fundamental changes in the regional ecosystem.
University of Hawaii at Manoa oceanographers examine mercury levels of pelagic fish in Hawaii
In the open ocean, species of large predatory fish will swim and hunt for food at various depths, which leads to unique diets in these fish.
Round Goby invade Great Lakes
Canadian scientists uncover alarming invasion of round goby into Great Lakes tributaries: impact on endangered fishes likely to be serious.
To manage a fishery, you must know how the fish die
Recreational anglers and commercial fishermen understand you need good fishery management to make sure there will be healthy populations of fish for generations to come.
Sick fish may get sicker
Entire populations of North American fish already are being affected by several emerging diseases, a problem that threatens to increase in the future with climate change and other stresses on aquatic ecosystems, according to a noted U.S. Geological Survey researcher giving an invited talk on this subject today at the Wildlife Disease Association conference in Blaine, Wash.
More Fish Species Current Events and Fish Species News Articles
 |
Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Saltwater Fish by Ken Schultz (Author) The definitive field guide to North American saltwater fish–from the absolute authority on sportfishing Before you head out to the open seas, listen up: Your tackle box is not complete without Ken Schultz’s Field Guide to Saltwater Fish! Written by one of the foremost experts in sportfishing, this colorful reference provides anglers and fish enthusiasts of all levels an easy-to-use, indispensable guide to help you identify and learn about the most common species found off the North American coastlines–from albacore to yellowtail. Based on the award-winning reference book Ken Schultz’s Fishing Encyclopedia, this handy field guide compresses the essence of its bestselling predecessor into a more manageable, compact size. Arranged alphabetically by species, each... |
 |
Ready To Fish All Species Spinning Combo with Tackle Kit by Ready to Fish Everything you need to start fishing today Complete combo features rod, pre-spooled reel reuseable tackle box filled with tackle User guide included |
 |
Secrets to Locating Big Fish Revealed: The Key to locating Walleye, Bass, Perch, Pike, Trout and all species of fish! Starring: Seth Burrill Directed By: Seth Burril |
 |
Wallies Wallpaper Cutouts 25/pkg-tropical Fish (3 Species) 5"x3-1/2" by McCall WALLIES are pre-pasted, vinyl coated, acid free wallpaper cutouts. Each pack of WALLIES contains 25 cutouts, complete instructions and low tack stick dots to help you design your own masterpiece. |
 |
Songs Of A Dumb World part.1 - Species Of Fishes / Pesni nemogo mira ch. 1 - Vidy ryb 1. takk 2. tak 3. ta 4. t 5. Dumb World 6. sh 7. sh-sh 8. sh-sh-sh 9. yamal pt.1 10. yamal pt.2 11. Cat 12. Not My World. |
 |
Aquazone Virtual Aquarium, 12 different fish species. PC CD-Rom {98,ME,2000,XP} by Cosmi Aquazone Virtual Aquarium...12 Different Fish Species..Fill your screen with as many fish as you like!!{Windows 98 - XP...}{98,ME,2000,XP}PC CD-Rom |
 |
Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fish by Ken Schultz (Author) A compact, authoritative guide for freshwater fishing trips From one of the most respected names in the world of sportfishing comes the definitive, full-color guide to 140 of the most common freshwater fish species found in North American rivers, lakes, and streams. Featuring information on identification, habitat, size, and diet, Ken Schultz’s Guide to Freshwater Fish is a must for anglers and sportfishing enthusiasts everywhere. |
 |
Quick and Easy Hermit Crab Care (Quick & Easy (TFH Publications)) by Tfh Publications (Editor) Small Animal Books-species |
 |
Incompatible Species - Fisherman vs Fish by Mary Meyer Incompatible Species - Fisherman vs Fish |
 |
Birds: Why Birdwatchers Watch (Test Your Identification Skills on Over 100 Species) Also With: Steve Maslowski (Primary Contributor), Karl Maslowski (Primary Contributor), Dave Maslowski (Primary Contributor) Why Birdwatchers Watch captures the amazing vitality of the avian world. From the first scene of a glaring eagle to the last portrait of a resting duck, a whirlwind of birds from all corners of the continent saturates the screen with color, sound and action. This is a multifaceted video that entertains, informs and challenges. This intriguing quest into the magnetism of birds is illustrated with a stunning stream of bird images. Striking music and clear natural sounds echo the film's visual beauty. Over a hundred species play a part in the story, but each species is not identified until its final appearance, so you can test your identification skills. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |