Junk Removal in Lake Harbor, FL

In Alaska, harbor seals thrive in the chilled water of Iliamna Lake, sliding their blubbery bodies onto floating pieces of ice for a winter rest. This group of round-eyed water dwellers has remained a mystery for years, but now, in partnership with local Indigenous communities, scientists have found surprising genetic differences in the seals.

Results of their study, published in the journal Biology Letters, reveal that the seals in Iliamna Lake are notably different at multiple genetic markers from the seals found not only in waters that flow from the lake downstream to Bristol Bay but also in the broader Pacific Ocean. Findings indicate that Iliamna seals are likely evolutionarily, reproductively and demographically discrete from other seal populations in the Pacific and could be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.

The study was conducted by scientists from Florida Atlantic University, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Washington and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Donna Hauser, research associate professor at the UAF International Arctic Research Center, began studying the Iliamna Lake seals as an undergraduate student at UW. She’s still passionate about the work 25 years later and co-authored the research paper.

“Iliamna seals are super interesting and unique,” Hauser said. “There are only five different populations of seals who live year-round in freshwater across the entire world, and some of those are recognized as different species and subspecies. Iliamna seals have received relatively little scientific study.”

That’s partly because their remote location makes the elusive seals difficult to research. A long-standing question has been whether the seals in Iliamna Lake are genetically different from those in Bristol Bay, the nearest marine population.

Iliamna seals have long been known to the Dena’ina Athabascan and Central Yup’ik peoples of southwestern Alaska, who have deep cultural and dietary ties to the creature. The initial critical samples for this research came from Alaska subsistence hunters, providing early hints that seal movements between Iliamna Lake and Bristol Bay might be limited.

The rest of the samples came from seal scat that Hauser gathered upon revisiting Iliamna Lake in 2015 and 2017.

“The scats did indeed produce viable DNA for extraction and greatly bolstered the sample size to be able to conduct more detailed genetic analyses,” said Hauser.

The research team conducted a genetic study of Iliamna Lake seals and compared them to seals across almost the entire Pacific range.

The seals in Iliamna Lake were significantly differentiated from seals sampled at several regions across the Pacific, including Japan, the Commander Islands in Russia, other locations in Alaska, and California. They had lower levels of variation at the selectively neutral markers investigated and somewhat higher estimates of inbreeding compared to the marine populations.

“Our findings are both striking and unexpected,” said Greg O’Corry Crowe, senior author, program lead and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. “Indigenous knowledge and early Russian explorers’ accounts suggest that the seals have been in Iliamna Lake for at least 200 years. However, it’s still uncertain whether they have been there for a longer period or if the observed differences might indicate that the Iliamna seals represent a separate subspecies, similar to other freshwater seal populations.”

The team is planning more research on Iliamna seals, which will include the addition of genomic analyses to further resolve their relationships with other seal populations and, more broadly, reveal how genetic diversity is generated, lost or maintained in small, isolated populations and how typically marine species adapt to freshwater habitats.

Concern for Iliamna Lake, its flora and its fauna has increased recently with the growing interest in mineral exploration and development in the region. Detailed scientific data is needed to inform species management and conservation. The authors hope findings from this study could inform comanagement of seals and assist NOAA, the federal agency that manages harbor seals, with decision-making.

Hauser is excited their research was able to address a key question about this unique population. “I hope it sparks new research, and especially collaborations with local communities and Indigenous knowledge holders around the lake,” she said.

There are only five seal populations worldwide that live year-round in freshwater habitats. The Baikal seal, probably the most well-known, lives in the deepest, oldest lake in the world, 1,600 kilometers from the ocean in Lake Baikal, central Siberia. However, perhaps the most enigmatic population of freshwater seals can be found a little closer to home in Alaska’s Iliamna Lake.

Despite their wider anonymity, the Iliamna seals have long been known to the Dena’ina Athabascan and Central Yupik peoples of southwestern Alaska, who have deep cultural and dietary ties to this small pinniped. Unlike other freshwater seal populations globally, the seals in Alaska’s largest lake have been largely overlooked by scientists. Their remote location and the difficulties in studying these elusive animals have contributed to this lack of attention. It wasn’t until 2013 that genetic research finally identified them as harbor seals.

A long-standing question has been whether the seals in Iliamna Lake were separate from those in Bristol Bay, the nearest marine population. The bay is connected to the lake by the 110 kilometer-long Kvichak River. Harbor seals commonly move more than 200 kilometers, and the relatively short distance between the lake and Bristol Bay, combined with sporadic sightings of seals in the river has led to the hypothesis that they move regularly between the freshwater and marine habitats.

A team of scientists, led by Florida Atlantic University, in partnership with local indigenous communities set out to find the answer. Researchers conducted a genetic study of seals in the lake and compared them to seals not only in Bristol Bay, but across almost the entire Pacific Ocean range of the species, from Japan to California.

Results of the study, published in the journal Biology Letters, reveal that the seals in Iliamna Lake are notably different at multiple genetic markers from the seals downstream. Findings indicate that they are likely evolutionarily, reproductively and demographically discrete from other seal populations in the Pacific and could be a unique endemic form of harbor seal.

The seals in Iliamna Lake were significantly differentiated from seals sampled at several regions across the Pacific, including in Japan, the Commander Islands in Russia, other locations in Alaska, and in California. They had lower levels of variation at the selectively neutral markers investigated, and somewhat higher estimates of inbreeding compared to the marine populations.

“Our findings are both striking and unexpected,” said Greg O’Corry Crowe, Ph.D., senior author, program lead, and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. “Indigenous knowledge and early Russian explorers’ accounts suggest that the seals have been in Iliamna Lake for at least 200 years. However, it’s still uncertain whether they have been there for a longer period or if the observed differences might indicate that the Iliamna seals represent a separate subspecies, similar to other freshwater seal populations.”

The initial critical samples for this research came from subsistence hunters, providing early hints that seal movements between Iliamna Lake and Bristol Bay might be limited. However, the small sample sizes necessitated cautious interpretation of these preliminary results. With limited prospects for more samples, the research faced a standstill.

Progress resumed when a University of Washington team, including then-graduate student and co-author Donna Hauser, Ph.D., now a research associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, International Arctic Research Center, collected seal scat (feces samples) from various locations around Iliamna Lake in collaboration with co-author Thomas P. Quinn, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington. This new batch of samples allowed for expanded genetic analysis and reinvigorated the study.

Collaborating with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists, the FAU team processed hundreds of scat samples. Though extracting adequate DNA proved challenging, and many samples were unusable, the scat analysis yielded a four-fold increase in sample size and the statistical power needed for a more in-depth analysis.

“Excluding samples that don’t meet genetic screening standards can be disheartening, especially after investing so much time and effort,” said Tatiana Ferrer, first author and coordinator of research programs in the FAU Harbor Branch Wildlife and Behavior program. “Despite the frustration and long hours in the lab, the eventual success and valuable data make it all worthwhile. Hard work pays off when we achieve meaningful results.”

The FAU team and NOAA are planning more research on Iliamna seals, which will include more sampling and the addition of genomic analyses, to further resolve their relationships with other seal populations, and more broadly reveal how genetic diversity is generated, lost or maintained in small, isolated populations, and how typically marine species adapt to freshwater habitats.

“We can now confidently say there is a separate population of seals in the lake that receives no, or very few immigrants from the much larger marine harbor seal populations nearby,” said Peter Boveng, co-author and a research analyst at NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center. “I’m really excited for further studies to determine whether the lake seals differ from their marine counterparts in significant aspects of their ecology and evolution.”

Concern for Iliamna Lake, its flora and fauna, has increased recently with the growing interest in mineral exploration and development in the region.

“My fascination with Iliamna seals began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, leading to my first research project on their diet and behavior. That work, published in 2008, was the only study on them for years,” said Hauser. “Revisiting Iliamna Lake in 2015 and 2017 with my family, I saw an opportunity to collect valuable samples on this unique seal population. I hope this research sparks further studies and encourages partnerships with local communities and Indigenous Knowledge holders.”

Detailed scientific data is needed to inform species management and conservation. The authors hope findings from this study could inform co-management of seals and assist NOAA, the federal agency responsible for harbor seal management in Alaska, and with decision-making.

“I have been curious about these seals since I first started working on Iliamna Lake in 1987, but never made any progress until Donna Hauser’s study of their diets over two decades ago,” said Quinn. “To see these remarkable genetic results, and the growing research connection to the local community, is simply marvelous. I am confident that there are more discoveries to come on the physiology and behavior of the seals as well as their evolution.”

Other study co-authors are David Withrow, a former research scientist at NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center; and Vladimir Burkanov, Ph.D., chief scientist at North Pacific Wildlife Consulting.

“This study has been a great leap forward in our understanding of these seals; however, more research is needed as it raised a whole new set of questions. That’s just the nature of science,” says O’Corry-Crowe. “We hope to work with the Iliamna and Bristol Bay communities to continue to address their questions, learn about these remarkable animals, and assist in ensuring the Iliamna Lake seal’s future.”

-FAU-

Tags: science | faculty and staff | research | harbor branch

Palm Harbor, FL (October 15, 2024) – A vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Palm Harbor Boulevard South and Whisper Lake Road, leading to injuries and a roadblock in the area. Emergency services were dispatched at approximately 4:13 p.m. to respond to the incident.

Reports indicate that the crash resulted in a roadblock, prompting authorities to advise caution for drivers navigating through the area. While the exact details regarding the number of injuries and the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, the situation has created significant traffic disruptions.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident as they recover from their injuries.

Vehicle Crashes in Florida

Vehicle crashes are a frequent occurrence in Florida, with thousands of individuals sustaining injuries each year. Contributing factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and adverse weather conditions often lead to these incidents, resulting in devastating consequences for victims and their families.

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When involved in a vehicle crash, it is crucial for victims to understand their rights and the legal options available to them. Seeking legal counsel can help ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Being injured in a vehicle accident can disrupt a person’s life in many ways. Victims may face challenges such as mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and the emotional toll of recovery. It is essential for those affected to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can provide support and assistance during this difficult time.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident in Florida, it is important to act quickly. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses.

Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Let us help you understand your options and find the support you require during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.

TAMPA, Fla. − Hurricane Milton howled across the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, tearing a path of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic as it flooded neighborhoods, destroyed homes, tore the roof off a major sports venue and toppled a massive crane into an office building.

In downtown Tampa early Thursday, fierce winds tore down traffic lights, ripped signs out of the ground, and sent construction barricades scudding across the wet pavement. Milton’s winds also ripped off plywood meant to keep the storm out, and a portion of a downtown building’s brick facade collapsed onto N. Florida Avenue, partially blocking the road.

Milton made landfall late Wednesday on the state's western coast as a Category 3 hurricane amid a flurry of tornadoes it spawned. The system was exiting the state early Thursday near Cape Canaveral, still at Category 1 hurricane strength driving winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. update.

At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the state's east coast, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. More than 3 million homes and businesses were in the dark by early Thursday, according to USA TODAY power outage data.

A flash flood emergency was in effect for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the hurricane center said, after parts of the area were blasted with more than 16 inches of rain Wednesday.

The eye of the storm made landfall in Siesta Key, a barrier island off Sarasota about 60 miles south of the Tampa. Milton's powerful assault comes two weeks after Hurricane Helene slammed into the Florida coast on its way to devastating communities across seven states.

Developments

? Oil prices rose Thursday on a spike in fuel demand, the impact of Milton in Florida and concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East amid heightened tensions between Israel and major oil producer Iran. The storm has already driven up demand for gasoline in the state, with about a quarter of fuel stations selling out of supplies, which has helped to support crude prices.

? Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to hurricane relief efforts for victims of Helene and Milton, the non-profit organization Feeding America announced.

Crane collapsed into Tampa Bay Times' office building

Officials reported late Wednesday that a crane collapsed near a building construction site in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the crane left a gaping hole in an office building that houses several businesses, including the newspaper. No injuries were immediately reported.

“The public is urged to continue to shelter in place” but avoid the area, the city of St. Petersburg said in a statement.

"We can confirm one crane cab in the upper section of the mast has fallen," said John Catsimatidis, the CEO of Red Apple Group, which is developing the skyscraper the Times reported. "We are working with city officials and others to assess the situation."

MLB stadium Tropicana Field damaged

Milton battered the Tampa Bay area with high winds and heavy rains after making landfall late Wednesday. St. Petersburg, Florida, officials confirmed that destructive winds damaged the roof at Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. The ballpark was repurposed as a base camp for thousands of emergency responders as Florida braced for Milton. Footage from local television stations and photos shared on social media showed part of the stadium’s roof torn off amid high winds.

The domed stadium has been home to the Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, though plans are in the works to replace it by 2028. It's among the smallest MLB stadiums by seating capacity, but Tropicana Field features a slanted roof designed at an angle in part to better protect it from hurricanes.

− Thao Nguyen, Eric Lagatta

Tornadoes rip through southwest Florida

Reported tornadoes tore through parts of southwest Florida on Wednesday, including in Collier County and Lee County, causing extensive damage across Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

North Fort Myers resident Scott Fincher was sitting on the lanai of his Pine Lakes community home with his family, waiting for Milton. As they waited, they passed the time watching the local news, which was reporting on the "tornado outbreak.”

Reporters then announced a tornado was headed into sister community Lake Fairways, which shares a boundary with Pine Lakes. That’s when Fincher knew: they had to hide.

Fincher immediately began moving everyone into the home: his wife, his sister-in-law and his dog. “Just as we were moving everybody in, that’s when it came through,” Fincher said, “and when I heard the rumbling.”

“It was a wall of black,” Fincher said. “It was just as black as could be . . . I felt fear. You could feel the ground shaking a little bit, the house and everything.”

− Kate Cimini, Fort Myers News-Press

Analysts: Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up to $100 billion

Hurricane Milton could result in losses of up to $100 billion for the global insurance industry, creating a surge in 2025 reinsurance prices that could boost some insurance companies' shares, analysts said Wednesday.

Milton, which slammed into Florida's already storm-blasted west coast Wednesday night, spawned at least 19 tornadoes and caused damage in numerous counties, destroying around 125 homes, most of them mobile homes, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"At this point, it's too dangerous to evacuate safely, so you have to shelter in place and just hunker down," DeSantis said upon announcing the landfall.

Insured losses from Milton could range from $60 billion to $100 billion if the hurricane makes direct landfall in the densely populated area of Tampa, analysts at Morningstar DBRS said. A loss of $100 billion would put Milton on par with Katrina in 2005, they added, adding that insured losses would likely be "substantial but not catastrophic."

Contributing: Reuters