Adrift Lab (Marine Science)

In 2024, we reached out to the Boomerang Bags community to collaborate on the design of new bags we could use when handling #seabirds. We were overwhelmed by the generous offers of assistance!

With #HPAI avian flu arriving in Australia earlier this year, our bird handling procedures were carefully reviewed. Each bag can only be used once before needing to be sterilized. We needed more bags. Monica generously raised her hand, #volunteering to make additional bags for the #birds again

In 2024, we reached out to the Boomerang Bags community to collaborate on the design of new bags we could use when handling #seabirds. We were overwhelmed by the generous offers of assistance!

Over the years, our team has been subjected to academic #bullying. Sometimes in the form of rebuttal papers, written by the same group of people. Rife with grammatical, statistical & plotting errors, the tone invariably personal & offensive. We have never responded. Until now.

It’s important to confront toxicity with evidence, not more toxicity. That is what our newest paper does doi.org/10.1016/j.ha...

#Translocation is increasingly used to relocate vulnerable species away from high-risk sites. But as ocean temperatures rise, storm activity is shifting. Islands once considered safe from #cyclones are being pushed into the danger zone #Conservation #ornithology #OceanWarming #birds #ClimateChange

Exposure to #plastic is increasing rapidly, but few consequences have been described in detail. Does this mean we’re worrying about nothing? Nope! Our #NewPaper highlights the bio-mechanical consequences of #PlasticIngestion on the stomach. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Stomachs exposed to #plastic contracted more strongly and were heavier. This was unexpected, so…what’s going on? Chronic irritation from the plastic caused inflammation & ‘smooth muscle hypertrophy’: the bird’s stomachs became stiffer & didn’t undergo normal mass reduction This is a problem!

Exposure to #plastic is increasing rapidly, but few consequences have been described in detail. Does this mean we’re worrying about nothing? Nope! Our #NewPaper highlights the bio-mechanical consequences of #PlasticIngestion on the stomach. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

One of the most important plots we’ve ever made helped us answer a question we’re constantly asked: “is the amount of ingested plastic increasing?” Answer: yes, there’s been a sustained and rapid increase in #plastics in Sable #Shearwaters since 2021

Another key finding: study duration matters! Had our study been only 3 years (a typical PhD), we could have concluded ingestion was rising, falling, or flat, purely by chance. 🔵 = plastic decrease ⚪️ = no change 🟠 = plastic increase

One of the most important plots we’ve ever made helped us answer a question we’re constantly asked: “is the amount of ingested plastic increasing?” Answer: yes, there’s been a sustained and rapid increase in #plastics in Sable #Shearwaters since 2021

Our newest team member has arrived: meet Chip (short for Chipolata). After the sudden loss of Ms Vienna Sausage, our remaining dog, Farley Mowat, was feeling rather lonely.

While #AdriftLab's research primarily focuses on the effects of #PlasticPollution, sometimes our projects dont go according to plan. Adapting to changing situations is an important skill in science, and so...that's precisely what we did for our newest project

Read more about the amazing travels undertaken by 90 day-old Australian #seabird chicks here adriftlab.org/news/fledgli...

While #AdriftLab's research primarily focuses on the effects of #PlasticPollution, sometimes our projects dont go according to plan. Adapting to changing situations is an important skill in science, and so...that's precisely what we did for our newest project

During 2022, we attempted to deploy GPS tracking devices on Sable #Shearwaters from #LordHoweIsland. Most of the tags failed to transmit. After 2-years of negotiation with the manufacturer, we re-deployed a new set of tags in 2024. Sadly, most of these also failed.

For years, one of the most common criticisms of #PlasticPollution research was that we could show harm to individual animals, but not to populations. Today, after 15 years of fieldwork, we finally have an answer. #IngestedPlastic reduces #seabird survival, and thus, can drive POPULATION decline

The message from the birds is clear: plastic pollution is not just something animals survive with. It is affecting who lives long enough to come home and breed. Read the Open Access paper in PNAS >> doi.org/10.1073/pnas...

For years, one of the most common criticisms of #PlasticPollution research was that we could show harm to individual animals, but not to populations. Today, after 15 years of fieldwork, we finally have an answer. #IngestedPlastic reduces #seabird survival, and thus, can drive POPULATION decline

Why has it taken so long? Studies like ours are difficult. #Seabirds spend years at sea before returning to breed. Thus, most mortality occurs far from land. Detecting the consequences of plastic ingestion therefore requires long-term #monitoring of individually marked birds across many years.

For years, one of the most common criticisms of #PlasticPollution research was that we could show harm to individual animals, but not to populations. Today, after 15 years of fieldwork, we finally have an answer. #IngestedPlastic reduces #seabird survival, and thus, can drive POPULATION decline

Last night #AdriftLab were fortunate to attend a T’ɬakwagilogwa Cultural Event on Comorant Island in a remote corner of western Canada. Afterwards, one of the Elders invited us to a private event where we witnessed a Welcome Ceremony between two neighboring tribes.

Last night, we sat with this community, side by side with Elders who survived the forced relocation. Barely a generation has passed (this isn’t ancient history!), and yet they spoke only of peace making and invited two complete strangers to share bannock (traditional bread)

Last night #AdriftLab were fortunate to attend a T’ɬakwagilogwa Cultural Event on Comorant Island in a remote corner of western Canada. Afterwards, one of the Elders invited us to a private event where we witnessed a Welcome Ceremony between two neighboring tribes.

In 1964, the Canadian federal government and Department of Indian Affairs forced the Gwa’sala and ’Nakwaxda’xw Nations to leave their vast traditional homelands on the central coast of BC. This forced relocation was made under extreme duress, and with many, many promises from the government.

Last night #AdriftLab were fortunate to attend a T’ɬakwagilogwa Cultural Event on Comorant Island in a remote corner of western Canada. Afterwards, one of the Elders invited us to a private event where we witnessed a Welcome Ceremony between two neighboring tribes.

Marine Environmental Research gave us 3 weeks to revise a paper. We asked for a 1-month extension because the first author is overseas. They said no, the most they can give is 2 weeks. Otherwise it's considered withdrawn.