Happy New Year, with news from the South Pole and the North Shore

As a scientist and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, I’m continually impressed by the exciting and innovative research of our CNS faculty. Take the work of Rob Deconto, whose work in climatology and earth system not only take him all over the world, from the Antarctic to the Connecticut River—but also has landed him a major role in the new Northeast Climate Science Center! Hopefully the center will help us learn more about intense weather, like the October snowstorm.

I’m also amazed by what a renovation, a dedicated and creative researcher, and a useful partnership with a state agency can accomplish. The marine laboratory in Gloucester had been boarded up for four years, and the interior lab space was antiquated. The run-down exterior and frost heave-filled parking lot were victims of the harsh ocean weather. But the spectacular location in Hodgkin’s Cove, and a internationally-recognized and energetic new faculty member who specializes in studying Atlantic Ocean-based sea life—and a desire to create a value-added opportunity for the Commonwealth prevailed—and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute, a shared venture between UMass Amherst and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries was born.

The institute is home to the Large Pelagics Research Center, where Molly Lutcavage, research professor in Environmental Conservation, studies bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, swordfish, and leatherback sea turtles, when she’s not out at sea tracking and tagging them. Lutcavage also partners with Gloucester fishermen, and there will be future opportunities for growth in research and education that will benefit state fisheries and the town of Gloucester. No fish tales here, just clear sailing.