This is our attempt to help an endangered species by supporting the Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center. Please read below.
Humpbacks whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the North Atlantic migrate to lower latitudes during the winter, including areas off Puerto Rico. Understanding behaviors of humpbacks off Puerto Rico has the potential to fill in gaps of knowledge for the species. Mothers nursing neonates, singletons, and (less frequently) groups of humpbacks can be observed off Puerto Rico, however; occupancy and habitat use in this area is poorly understood. Changes in movement and occupancy patterns may be indicators of changes in species (numbers), or habitats (oceans). This research investigates occupancy of humpback whales using acoustic data from hydrophones placed in the study area, digital photography of individuals, and land-based observations of behaviors. Data from hydrophones represent almost four years of humpback whale vocalizations in the study area. In addition to establishing habitat use, this low density area makes it possible to study these animals in a way not possible in high density aggregations, including the reaction of mother-calf pairs to manmade vessels in the (apparent) winter nursery habitat off the Puerto Rican coast. The shallow waters at Mona Pass may provide females a haven from males seeking an opportunity to breed with cows entering a period of estrus post partum. Humpback whale mother-calf pairs swim close to shore in Puerto Rico, and there is conflicting evidence of the response to ecotourism in humpback whale behaviors. We speculate that encounters with vessels, divers, and snorkelers in nursery habitats elicit changes in humpback behaviors. Determining the reaction of mother-calf pairs to vessel traffic may provide clues to stressors having the potential to compromise fitness of nursing calves prior to the first migration to feeding habitats. Understanding the importance of this habitat as a nursery area, as well as the impact of activity that may interrupt nursing, has implications for conservation and management of this endangered species.
The website is:
http://www.marine-eco.org/
A percentage of our online sales go towards this enviornmental cause, so when you buy from us, you are helping better the world.
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We had the honor of being selected to participate in the Lake Country Charity Connection at Chenequa Country Club. LCCC was founded by a group of compassionate Lake Country women in 2003. LCCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an objective of creating awareness and providing financial support to local charities. This seasons local charity was Katy's Kloset in Waukesha, WI that is an equipment lending library for anyone that would have the need. A percentage of the vendors sales goes to the selected annual charity.
We have been involved in the charity group, The Hunger Task force, as well as various area schools in helping to raise money for these charities.