Apr 9, 2015

Common birds bring economic vitality to cities, new study finds

A new study published in the journal Urban Ecosystems and co-authored by Environmental and Forest Sciences‘ John Marzluff and Sergey Rabotyagov tries to determine the economic value urbanites place on having birds in their parks, backyards, and green spaces. After conducting and analyzing nearly 700 surveys taken by residents in Seattle, Washington and Berlin, Germany, Marzluff and his team found that people in both cities place a sizable value on the enjoyment they derive from birds.

Storm surges, effects of cook stoves on blood pressure, Arctic greening and more: This week's published research

Each week we share the latest peer-reviewed publications coming from the College of the Environment. Over the past week, six new articles co-authored by members of the College of the Environment were added to the Web of Science database, including an open-access study on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and a look at recreational demand for clean water. Check them out!

New research suggests forage fish populations negatively impacted by fisheries

A new study by Tim Essington, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, shows for the first time that fishing likely worsens population collapses in several species of forage fish, including herring, anchovies, and sardines. Some of the largest fisheries in the world target these species, which are also a key food source for larger marine animals like salmon, tuna, seabirds, and whales. Previously, it wasn’t known whether population collapses and other population shifts in forage fish were naturally-occurring or related to fishing.

Admitted Student Preview: Explore the College of the Environment’s programs!

Were you recently offered admittance to the University of Washington? Congratulations on a huge accomplishment and the start of a new, exciting chapter in your academic career! If you’re interested in natural environments, living creatures big and small, and solutions-focused conversations about the future of our planet, the College of the Environment might be the perfect place for you. In coordination with the University’s Admitted Student Preview events, discover what the College of the Environment is all about by attending one (or all!)

Volunteer scientists contribute up to $2.5 billion in yearly efforts for biodiversity research

COASST volunteers counting marine debris

Have you ever wanted to don your sleuthing cap and help scientists gather clues about how our world works? A recent study indicates that now, more than ever, citizens are doing just that: collecting data for all types of projects in their spare time, all in the name of science. From counting birds and identifying galaxies to measuring different bacteria in our hot water heaters, citizen scientists are providing a critical service that has a huge economic value…$2.5 billion, to be exact.