Dr. Catherine Macdonald

I wrote a paper with @ecoandrew.bsky.social
that included some of the policy changes around this and we ended up developing a grad student drinking game around assertions that shark feeding and freedom were synonyms.

Algae Living inside Salamanders Aren't Happy about the Situation The world’s only known vertebrate–microbe symbiosis appears to be good for the salamander, but stressful for the alga. So why do they put up with it?

How come none of you have ever informed me that Spotted Salamanders have a symbiotic relationship with algae that grow in their eggs (algae supply larvae with oxygen and sugar)? That algae may live within them and pass to future generations?

www.scientificamerican.com/blog/artful-...

Valid and fair!

Yes but the question of the traits or beliefs of scientists is separate from the question of the bias (if any) of the science itself.

Four heart cockles in different hues from ofange to yellow to purple. Photo by Tim Pierce, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Happy Bivalventines 💗
Heart cockles are the flatfish of bivalves, opening on their sides. They partner with symbiotic algae to get part of their nutrition! (327) photo source: carnegiemnh.org/warm-those-h...

This argument conflates science and scientists. A person can have an opinion and still conduct unbiased research; that’s essentially what science is for. Both of the statements here can be true, and are not mutually incompatible.

Darwin also famously had beef with the marine iguanas of the Galapagos, writing "The black lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large, most disgusting, clumsy lizards" and calling them "imps of darkness"

This female lemon shark graced us with three great passes this afternoon. We couldn’t figure out which to feature, so here’s all three. What other city but Miami can serve megafauna serving like this?? 🙌🍋🦈🍋🦈🍋🦈 #lemonshark #shark #catwalkswim #coralcity #coralcitycamera #miami #portmiami #biscaynebay

It’s a striking headline given the…backstory

“That’s When the Nightmare Started” The 106-page report, “‘That’s When the Nightmare Started:’ UK and US Forced Displacement of the Chagossians and Ongoing Colonial Crimes,” documents the treatment of the Chagossians, an Indigenous peop...

You can read the (pretty damning) report from Human Rights Watch here:

That MPA creation was probably the best way to continue forcibly excluding the people of Chagos from their former homes because “the environmental lobby is far more powerful than the Chagossians’ advocates.”

Important PSA: do not let powerful interests use your love of the planet and desire to conserve it as a bludgeon against marginalized people.

Doubt that’s a risk? Well, in a leaked diplomatic cable, the US State Department noted …

1/3

Marine Biology Career Advice You asked us questions about marine biology careers, and our panel of experts answered them! In April, I solicited your questions about careers in marine biology, and we received nearly 100 questio…

Last year we published the longest post in the more than 17 year history of our science blog.

It contains a panel of experts (including me) responding to nearly 50 common questions that people have about marine biology career advice.

Please read and share! I'm happy to answer any questions.
🧪🦑🌍

First dance

Book with paper roses

Laughing during a toast

You nerds will appreciate this.

I got married on Saturday! It was wonderful.

It was at a rare and historic book library, and we leaned into the theme.

Table centerpieces were books checked out of our library based on our interests, themed to that tables’ guests.

And Eileen made paper roses.

I’ve gotta tell you, we’re having the best time at @whysharksmatter.bsky.social ‘s wedding this weekend!

We volunteer more chondrichthyans, anytime.

This actually sounds heavenly. Oh, to be a Greenland shark, and partake of the peace of their dark slowness.

Every moment like:

Neither would work in the slightest, but I’m confident injections would taste better.

Nightmare fuel.

Stingrays feel like wet mushrooms.

100%

“Some kind of flavor” — you are a born diplomat.

Trying to do my part, but it’s a product that un-sells itself.

People who tell me not to drink shark blood: experts

People who lie for secret nefarious reasons: experts

Conclusion:

I bet it 100% does.

I think the good(ish) news is that this would be an immediate and devastatingly clear example of an action containing its own horrific punishment.

How Greenland sharks defy aging When it comes to bucking the biological ails of aging, humans could learn something from Greenland sharks.

The latest in blindingly obvious life advice from me: do not drink Greenland shark blood for non-existent anti-aging benefits.

Grizzled by Jason Bittel: 9781426223358 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Funny, fascinating, and scientifically grounded, this charming book reveals unknown details about 50 well-known animals. Effortlessly readable, Grizzled reintroduces nature lovers to species they th...

oo, I have a good one for you, Charles! Leatherback sea turtle shells apparently feel like the meat between your thumb and pointer finger.

*eyes glaze over as shameless self-promotion brain parasite takes over* Learn more in my new book, GRIZZLED! www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/804002...

Mostly not soft. RTing for the "angry waterbed wrapped in sandpaper" description, which is 🤌

And I bet somehow your hand always ends up at the jabby bit.