NECWA News Blog

The Shocking Ray of New England Blog by  Coleman Earner - December 21, 2020 Dead Torpedo Ray in Brewster, MA Torpedo Rays are a genus of rays that are part of the Order  Torpediniformes (electric rays). In reference to local sightings, the most commonly seen torpedo ray in the Cape Cod region is the Atlantic Torpedo ( Torpedo nobiliana ). They are cartilaginous fish (most similar to the structure of sharks and skates) with a flat and rounded disc-like structure. As suggested by their order, torpedo rays are most commonly known for their ability to discharge electricity of up to 220 volts from both pectoral fins (pectoral fins are flat and expanded and fused to the head area) as a self defense mechanism or as a means of capturing prey. Their feeding strategy consists of burying themselves under the sand and waiting for unsuspecting prey to wander by.  Dead Torpedo Ray on a Cape Cod Beach. Torpedo Rays feed mainly on benthic/pelagic fish such as flounders, damselfish, and o...

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Thresher Sharks in Cape Cod, MA By: Cory Farrelly UMASS Dartmouth Intern At the end of 2019, there were a number of Thresher Sharks washing ashore on Cape Cod beaches. Thresher Sharks are very unique sharks in the order Lamniformes, which are commonly called Mackerel Sharks. Threshers are easily identified by their extremely long caudal or tail-fin, which they use to stun their prey, making their prey easy to consume. Threshers can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These species are highly migratory and can cover vast distances in a relatively short period of time. There are three species of Thresher Sharks: The Bigeye Thresher, Common Thresher and Pelagic Thresher. The Common Thresher is the largest species, reaching a length of 20ft and is the species that is found in New England waters.  Dead Common Thresher Shark found in Wellfleet, MA In the fall of 2019, I have responded to 2 stranded Thresher Sharks along the shores of Cape Cod. One shark ...

Tickets still available for this exciting offshore adventure: Update on September 28, 2019  The weather looks great for tomorrow so the trip is a GO! Please be down at the 7 Seas Whale Watch dock parked and ready to board by 6:30 am for we will depart at 7:00 am sharp. Dress in layers, wear a hat and bring sunglasses and binoculars if you would like. Cameras? Of course! You can bring your own food and drink, but no alcohol. You can also purchase food and drinks from the galley so bring cash. I believe they also take credit cards, but cash is easier.  We still have lots of room onboard so please continue to spread the word. If anyone want to join us, please have them register online. If there is no time for that, just have them come with cash or a check for payment. No credit cards.  Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Thank you again for supporting NECWA. This fundraising event will allow us to purchase gear and supplies for our many projects a...

Endangered Species Act Now Endangered by Mel Edie In 1973, the United States introduced the Endangered Species Act. This incredibly important legislation has served to conserve hundreds of threatened and endangered species as well as their habitats. Among the requirements to ensure successful protection include federal agencies working with environmental government services and the prohibition of "taking" (importing, exporting, etc) any of the listed species. To date, the Act protects over 1,600 domestic plant and animal species and has been 99% successful. However, under the Trump Administration, the strongest law protecting our biodiversity may itself be in danger.                           1- Bald Eagle is one of the species negatively impacted by these policy changes. To read more about the Endangered Species Act, follow this link: ...

The Terrapin Traverser  by Brendan McCarthy             This summer, I worked on repairing a hand-made wooden prawn boat as my main project for NECWA. I am, in no way, shape, or form, an experienced carpenter. As a result, I was very much outside of my comfort zone throughout the entire endeavor. I consulted many boat repair shops and various other people in the field about how to properly fix up a boat that was not capable of floating. The Terrapin Traverser right side up and freshly scrubbed.             After many consultations, I began to gather the various materials required of me, including a sander, sandpaper, epoxy, resin, boat paint, etc. I was excited to take on a new challenge, something very outside my comfort zone. I was presented with a pristine opportunity to dive into a field of work that I had no previous knowledge of. This all...

Keystone Species: What They Are and Why You Should Care By NECWA Intern Lydia Myers A keystone species is any organism that is irreplaceable in its ecosystem.  These animals, plants, fungi, and other life forms significantly influence their surroundings and the number of other members of their food webs.  A defining feature of keystone species is that though they have a large impact, they’re not incredibly abundant.  Sea otters, African elephants, fig trees and hummingbirds are all examples of keystone species. A kelp forest with otters, and without https://seaotters.com/2013/05/why-are-sea-otters-important-no-sea-otters-no-kelp-forests/ Keystone species are often predators, not prey species.  Their job is to keep other species in check and maintain balance in the ecosystem. Sea otters prey on sea urchins in kelp forests.  Without this interaction, the kelp forests would be completely diminished by the sea urchins.  African elephants, on the othe...

Your Guilt Free Gift Guide by NECWA Summer Intern Lydia Myers Buying gifts can be difficult, especially for the tree hugger in your life.   You want it to be personal, meaningful, and environmentally friendly.   If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the greenest member of your family, take a look at some of the companies and products below.   These gift ideas add a whole new meaning to the gift that keeps on giving. Clothing and Jewelry and Other Apparel: Fashion forward and feel good choices SANDCLOUD Sandcloud is perfect for your ocean lover. Based out of California and specializing in cute, beachy wares like towels, reef safe sunscreen, metal straws, and glass water bottles, Sandcloud emphasizes a plastic free lifestyle.  They also offer tee shirts made from recycled water bottles, which are incredibly soft and smooth.  When you buy from Sandcloud, 10% of your purchase goes towards marine life conservation, and 6 of their main recipi...