j. - sites@duke | sites.duke.edu

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The Marine Laboratory >--Duke University School of the Environment J. Combining Science and Policy to Solve Problems in the Coastal Zone ur boat began to slow as we approached the large pod of dolphin in the Newport River. Dr. Andy Read reached for his camera and began rapidly photographing individual dolphin, targeting their characteristically distinctive fins. We passed through a group of over 60 animals including mothers and their calves, waiting for a few adult animals to break from the group and head to shallow water. Less than an hour later Dr. Andy Read, and the other members of the research team comprised of over 50 scientists, veterinar- ians, and assistants from the U.S. and Canada, were chest deep in the Newport River, preparing two adult male dolphins for a series of scientific tests. Dr. Read was one of the principal investigators in this multidisciplinary team whose goal is to assess the health of bottlenosed dolphins in various coastal regions of the southeastern United States. Dr. Read has recently joined the School of the Environment Marine Lab in Beaufort as Assistant Professor and McCurdy Scholar. "It's an exciting time to be here." noted Dr. Read. "A lot of people are starting to work in this area. The potential for collabo- ration is increasing daily." he continued. It is also an exciting time to study marine mammals, especially at the Marine Lab. The introduction of marine mam- I mals studies enhances the continuum of educational and research opportunities at the Marine Lab. The study of marine mammals ties together two other impor- tant new programs at the Marine Lab; marine affairs and policy taught by Dr. Michael Orbach and fisheries oceanogra- phy taught by Dr. Larry Crowder. Early in Dr. Read's career he realized that there was more to the study of marine mammals than mere science. He began by studying the reproductive biology of harbor porpoises while working on his Ph.D. at the University of Guelph in Canada. "I was getting all of my supplies from the local commercial fishermen. It soon became clear that there were a lot of animals being killed," noted Dr. Read. "As I became aware of the plight of the Fall1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 1 animals, I felt it was important to become involved in conservation issues as well. I felt it was my duty to speak out on these issues as well as becoming involved in formulating policy and manage- ment." he continued. It was this notion that caused Dr. Read to choose Duke as the site to continue his efforts. " The link between science and policy is important to make, and something that is a clear part of what the Marine Lab will be doing over the next few decades: bringing science and policy together to solve problems in the coastal zone." commented Dr. Read. "This is encouraged and fostered here. In many other places science and policy work in isolation." he added. Dr. Read began his academic work at the Marine Lab this fall, teaching a seminar course in the conservation of marine mammals. He will follow this in the spring of '96 teaching a full course in marine mammal biology. Rounding out his academic calendar is the summer term when Dr. Read will join a host of scientists to teach a five week course covering a variety of marine mammal topics. The research side of Dr. Read's work also involve a number of projects. He will be continuing his work in the Bay of Fundy on harbor porpoises. This 15 year study focuses on using remote data acquisition, tagging and following the porpoises. Six satellite tags are already on cont. on page 2

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Page 1: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

The Marine Laboratory >--Duke University School of the Environment

J. Combining Science and Policy to Solve Problems in the Coastal Zone

ur boat began to slow as we approached the large pod of dolphin in the Newport

River. Dr. Andy Read reached for his camera and began rapidly photographing individual dolphin, targeting their characteristically distinctive fins. We passed through a group of over 60 animals including mothers and their calves, waiting for a few adult animals to break from the group and head to shallow water. Less than an hour later Dr. Andy Read, and the other members of the research team comprised of over 50 scientists, veterinar­ians, and assistants from the U.S. and Canada, were chest deep in the Newport River, preparing two adult male dolphins for a series of scientific tests. Dr. Read was one of the principal investigators in this multidisciplinary team whose goal is to assess the health of bottlenosed dolphins in various coastal regions of the southeastern United States.

Dr. Read has recently joined the School of the Environment Marine Lab in Beaufort as Assistant Professor and McCurdy Scholar.

"It's an exciting time to be here." noted Dr. Read. "A lot of people are starting to work in this area. The potential for collabo­ration is increasing daily." he continued.

It is also an exciting time to study marine mammals, especially at the Marine Lab. The introduction of marine mam-

I mals studies enhances the continuum of educational and research opportunities at the Marine Lab. The study of marine mammals ties together two other impor­tant new programs at the Marine Lab; marine affairs and policy taught by Dr. Michael Orbach and fisheries oceanogra­phy taught by Dr. Larry Crowder.

Early in Dr. Read's career he realized that there was more to the study of marine mammals than mere science. He began by studying the reproductive biology of harbor porpoises while working on his Ph.D. at the University of Guelph in Canada.

"I was getting all of my supplies from the local commercial fishermen. It soon became clear that there were a lot of animals being killed," noted Dr. Read. "As I became aware of the plight of the

Fall1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 1

animals, I felt it was important to become involved in conservation issues as well. I felt it was my duty to speak out on these issues as well as becoming involved in formulating policy and manage­ment." he continued.

It was this notion that caused Dr. Read to choose Duke as the site to continue his efforts.

" The link between science and policy is important to make, and something that is a clear part of what the Marine Lab will be doing over the next few decades: bringing science and policy together to solve problems in the coastal zone." commented Dr. Read. "This is encouraged and

fostered here. In many other places science and policy work in isolation." he added.

Dr. Read began his academic work at the Marine Lab this fall, teaching a seminar course in the conservation of marine mammals. He will follow this in the spring of '96 teaching a full course in marine mammal biology. Rounding out his academic calendar is the summer term when Dr. Read will join a host of scientists to teach a five week course covering a variety of marine mammal topics.

The research side of Dr. Read's work also involve a number of projects.

He will be continuing his work in the Bay of Fundy on harbor porpoises. This 15 year study focuses on using remote data acquisition, tagging and following the porpoises. Six satellite tags are already on

cont. on page 2

Page 2: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

1111111

Understanding Environmental Pollutants

Dioxin, Agent Orange, Love Canal. These names evoke anger, despair, and questions of accountability among countless Americans. Their effects will be felt for quite some time.

Dr. Pat McClellan-Green grew up with these issues. She has chosen a field where she can make a difference. And the School of the Environment has chosen her to reach her goal, and train others like her at the Marine Laboratory.

No stranger to the halls of the Bookhout Research Laboratory, Dr. McClellan-Green has been promoted to Associate Research Professor and Director of the Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Laboratory.

She obtained both herBS and her MS at East Carolina University in Invertebrate Zoology where she worked on blue crabs in the Pamlico River. One long winter of chipping through the ice on a frozen Pamlico told her that field biology was not for her.

Three and a half years as a technician in the Micro Biology Department at Duke led Pat to seek her Ph.D, which she finished at NC State in 1989. In the fall of that year the Bookhout Research Labora­tory became her new home, as she took a post doc with Dr. Celia Bonaventura.

Next was a move to research associate with Dr. Rebecca Van Beneden in 1991

characterizing the transforming gene in chemically induced medaka.

Now as a Research Associate Professor, Dr. McClellan-Green will be involved in both teaching and research.

She has begun by teaching "The Biochemisty of Marine Animals" in the fall and spring of 1995; splitting that responsibility with Dr. Dan Rittschof when he returns from sabbatical in the summer. This course teaches students the basic mechanisms organisms use to utilize their environment best, which allows them to live in certain areas.The future may see the return of Advanced Research Tech­niques in Marine Molecular Biology and

Bio-Technology, a course formerly taught in the summer by Dr. Van Beneden.

Her work fills an invaluable niche on the School of the Environment's research palate. The study of marine organisms and pollutants in the environment, and how they deal with these pollutants is becom­ing increasingly important as we search for ways to deal with these volatile environ­mental issues.

Concentrating on Cytochrome P 4450 enzyme as a biomarker on pollution exposure, her research explores the receptor mechanisms by which haloge­nated airomatic hydrocarbons alter gene expression in marine organisms: "the dioxin receptor."

"My goal is to develop a world renowned program in environmental toxicology and molecular biology. We're open for business." noted Dr. McClellan­Green.

With her new location on the third floor of the Bookhout Research Labora­tory, and her dedication and spirit, the School of the Environment Marine Lab may soon gain that image, guiding tomorrow's well-trained scientists toward the solutions to the toxic nightmares of our future. );;;;--

L4r.ztlJV l?eatl co11tinuetl ..........•..................•....•......•.......•.•.•.........•.••.••.

porpoises in this area. This study has between 10-15 people working on it and is funded multinationally through a variety of sources.

Locally, Dr. Read will be studying the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin, their feeding habits, and how prey habits influence dolphin demography seasonally. He will also be working on the life history of the local population, work begun by Keith Rittmaster and Vicki Thayer. This is of particular interest because of a potential rebound after the large scale '87-'88

bottlenosed dolphin die-off . "Marine mammals are a high profile

animal and a good indicator of ecosytem health. They get people thinking because of their high visibility." commented Dr. Read.

"As a scientist, dolphins are fascinating animals because they have adapted to life in another medium. We can learn a lot about the limits of being a mammal from the study of animals that live their lives that way," he continued.

"People have an indisputable attraction

Fal/1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 2

toward dolphins. It's important to use that attraction to focus people's thinking toward broader issues: how people affect the world and the interdependence of all systems," Dr. Read concluded.

The combination of excellent re­sources, quality students, and the energy of Dr. Andrew J. Read, give Duke University the potential to become a world leader in the training of young scientists and the performing of significant research in the ecology of marine mammals. );;;;--

Page 3: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

Tracy Andacht presented a poster in July at the COMTOX meeting in Vancouver, Canada on the effect of nickel on sea urchin fertilization.

Rebecca Beavers and Mason Cox will be attending the Geological Society of America meeting in New Orleans Novem­ber 6-9. Becca will be presenting a paper on ((The effects of two fall 1994 storms on the shoreface of Duck, NC", and Mason will also give a talk on ((Shoreface geologic control of nearshore wave energy."

Rick Bodishbaugh received his Ph.D this spring through the Integrated Toxicol­ogy Program. Rick now works for Envi­ronmental Associates in Glenrock, PA.

Tim Boynton attended the American Academy of Underwater Sciences Sympo­sium in LaJolla, California and the Oceans '95 Conference in Marine Technology held in San Diego this October.

Susan Conova, Michelle Duval, and Leslie McKelvey will be attending the American Society of Zoologists meeting in Washington this December. Susan will be giving a talk on the effects of particle surface energy on the capture efficiency of suspension-feeding mole crabs. Susan has also placed in three Eastern Surfing Association contests this year bringing home two seconds and a third.

With instrumentation at Duck, NC, Peter Howd and Rebecca Beavers have been busy this fall measuring the effects of hurricanes Felix, Luis, and Marilyn on the N C coast.

In July, Katerina Smith Korfmacher attended the National Association of County Commissioners meeting in

Atlanta, GA, where she participated in coastal watersheds subcommittee meetings. She also took the opportunity to interview Region IV EPA staff as part of her disserta­tion research on the Albemarle-Pamlico Esturine study. She has recently returned from two meetings in New England. Katerina helped organize the first reunion of the Center for Environmental Studies of Brown University, and participated in the annual New England Environmental Studies director's meeting.

John Layne attended the 4th Interna­tional Congress ofNeuroethology held in Cambridge, England, where he presented two posters on the vision of fiddler crabs. One poster was his own, and the other he co-authored with Mike Land of the University of Sussex. Mike was the final COCOS speaker at the Marine Lab in 1993. John is looking forward to going back to England next April to the Crusta­cean Behavior meeting to be held in Plymouth, to present research and explore post-doc options.

Sylvester ~~sly" Murray has introduced the first edition of the ((Homeboy Cook­book". The long awaited compilation of aptly named down home recipes includes mostly fun foods such as favorites ((way cool tacos", ((bum rush rolls", and all time rave, ((Oh my goodness ... " chocolate chip cookies. Copies are available locally as well as in the Gothic Book Store on Duke campus.

On September 11th, Mike Orbach chaired a panel on ((Who Owns the Fish" at a Sea Grant National Issues Forum entitled ((Can America Save It's Fisheries" at the National Press Club in Washington DC. Mike also chaired a panel on ((Future Strategies and Returns" at the NC Nutri­ent Summit at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh , August 16th.

Jackie Ramus earned her masters in Library Science and Instructional Techno!-

Fall1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 3

ogy from East Carolina University this July. She plans to begin her career as a librarian in Carteret County as soon as possible.

Kathy Reinsel received her Ph.D in Zoology this May under Dr. Dan Rittschof. She is presently a research associate/instructor at the Marine Lab.

Dan Rittschof continues his one year sabbatical at the University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong where he is a visiting professor of biology. His wife Joanne and two daughters Jean and Claire joined him at the beginning of September. Dan is actively working on tropical fiddler crab feeding and tropical hermit crab receptors. Some of the animals live outside his back door! Dan and Eric Holm have recently finished writing a book chapter on antifouling technology. In addition to his science, Dan manages to get in some springboard diving three days a week. Plans are being made for visits to Australia, England, and Japan before he returns to the Marine Lab.

Dr. James David Robertson, 72, an internationally known medical researcher and former chairman of anatomy and Professor Emeritus of Neurobiology at the Duke Medical Center, died at his home August 11 after battling leukemia for several months. He is known worldwide for his high­resolution electron micrograph images of cell membranes that established lipid biayers as the universal molecular basis for biological membrane structure. He did much of his research at the Marine Lab in an effort to discover the mechanism of learning and memory in the octopus brain. His scientific publications total 115 research papers and one book. );;;;>

Page 4: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

To quote '60's political activist Abbie Hoffman, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

The State ofNorth Carolina and its related fisheries have a big problem. School of the Environment Marine Lab professor Mike Orbach and his Coastal Environmental Management (CEM) students are working to be part of the solution. They have become critically involved in what may prove to be an historic moment for the North Carolina fishing industry.

The problem lies in the changing nature of the fishery. In the face of often declining fish catches there is an ever increasing number of commercial fisher­men with their assorted gear as well as recreational fishermen vieing for the same limited catch. Not only is the nature of the fishery changing, but the quality of life for the fishing family, community, and the environment are suffering.

Initiated by these pressures, the 1994 North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill creating a two-year moratorium on the issuance of new commercial vessel licenses. This idea arose out of a Sea Grant research

project Dr. Mike Orbach began while at East Carolina University. The study was initiated by the NC crabbing industry.

The total catch of crabs between the early 80's and the late 80's remained relatively the same, while the number of crab pots rose dramatically. The point was, the crab harvest wasn't going up but the people entering the industry were. There are many issues here ranging from environmental to social. The crabbers came for ideas resulting in a crab morato­rium in North Carolina.

The moratorium concept has now been extended to all North Carolina fisheries. During this time period which is now scheduled to end in June of 1997, the Moratorium Steering Committee, along with fishermen and others interested in the fishing industry, will explore a possible limited entry system which has been used with varying success throughout the coastal United States. The legislature has allocated $225,000 to fund studies that should lead to suggestions on revamping the state's beleagured fisheries manage-ment system.

1

One of the problems facing th~

Fal/1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 4

committee is defining a commercial fisherman. Dr. Orbach and his students initiated a three step process in an attempt to gather information crucial to an accurate understanding of the makeup of the North Carolina fishery. The first step in this process is an extensive set of interviews being con­ducted all over North Carolina by researchers from East Carolina and Duke Universities.

There are over 21,000 commercial vessel licenses issued in North Carolina, yet only slightly over 6,000 fishermen hold endorsements to sell their catch commercially. It appears that there are many more fishermen, and possibly much more gear then needed to land the

Page 5: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

available commercial catch. Professor Orbach and his CEM

students have set about to determine who these people with commercial licenses are, their patterns of fishing, and their involvement with and depen­dence on commercial fishing. They have been calling and personally interviewing a random sample of the 6,000 plus North Carolinians who bought licenses that enable them to sell seafood prod­ucts.

"At first the students were concerned about a cold reception from the fisher­men," commented Dr. Orbach. "But so far we have had only three or four refusals out of 200 interviews. They get invited to dinner at the fishermen's

homes. They start talking to one fisherman, and more walk in wanting to be interviewed. So far, the response has been good." he continued.

The second step in this process will be to hold three different series of workshops at various sites across the state to discuss the problems and issues facing the North Carolina fisheries. The first workshop will discuss these issues, as well as the concept of limited entry, how it has been used in the past, and its possible effects on the industry and the lives of the fishermen and their families.

The second workshop will evaluate the different alternatives for limited entry or access in North Carolina fisheries. And the third workshop will present the results of the evaluations from the second workshop and discuss further development of the concept of limited entry.

The researchers will not tell the committees what the fishermen want to do, they will rely on the fishermen to do that themselves. Their task will be to facilitate discussion of these issues in the fishing community and to provide the fishermen, managers, policy makers,

Fal/1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 5

and the public with the best possible set of information for further deliberation.

The final step will be to present the results of the entire project, including the results of the interview with the fishermen, to the Moratorium Steering Committee, the Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Joint Legislative Study Commission on Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"We're trying to get everyone involved, everyone educated before a formal proposal is made." concluded Dr. Orbach.

Dr. Mike Orbach and his students are part of the solution. Yes, the prob­lem is big. The problem is real. But the problem is not insurmountable. In a textbook example of academic research promoting real world solutions, this could make a difference.

Armed with the data collected by these researchers, the commission should be better prepared to make sound decisions on the tasks ahead. Decisions which could benefit humanity, the economy, and the environment for today as well as tomorrow. );;;>

Page 6: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

'Ill <II"".

Tracy Baynes (ML Spring '82) obtained her Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanogra­phy in March of 1993. She is presently working as a Benthic Ecologist at the NOAA/NMFS Southeast Fisheries Center in Miami, Florida.

Sherri Cooper (ML Spring '77, Duke '78) has been working as the Assistant Director of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Marine Research Program at the University of Maryland. She spent a year as a post doctoral Research Associate at the Chesa­peake Biological Laboratory, Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies in Solomons, Maryland. Starting in Septem­ber of this year, she will be employed at the Duke Wetland Center, School of the Environment. She will be participating in an Everglades project with Dr. Curtis Richardson. Her responsibilities will be paleoecological studies.

i:ric Davis (ML Summer '88, Duke '90) was commissioned in the Marine Corps and traveled around the world to such places as Somalia, Kuwait, Singapore,

The BEAUFORT Experience Newsletter of the Duke University Schoo/ . . · of the Environment, Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC 28516-97221

Dean Norman l. Christensen

Director Joseph S. Ramus

Editor Scott Taylor

Photography Scott Taylor

I

Perth Australia, Hawaii, Kenya, and California. He left the corps in December '94 as a captain and entered UNC Charlotte to pursue an MS in Biology, specifically in plant ecology. His research involves reestablishing a piedmont prairie in Mecklenburg County parkland to preserve a habitat for the endangered species, Schweinitz' s sunflower (Helicanthus schweinitzii). His work appeared in the current issue of the Nature Conservancy magazine. Eric further notes that his course work at the Marine Lab was one of the three courses that taught him how to do real scientific research.

Jim lewis (ML Summer '66 ) took invertebrate zoology from Dr. Gray and marine geology from Dr. Pilkey in the summer of 1966. He also participated in several geological cruises aboard the R/V Eastward. Currently Jim is the Environ­mental Education Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in Tallahassee. He notes that although the facilities have changed quite a bit, the volleyball court still exists, and wonders if anyone has matched Dr. Pilkey's enthusi­asm for the sport.

Ann Oliver (PhD '94) and John Cheek were married on August 5 in the small town ofWashington,Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mter a honeymoon in the Canadian Rockies, Ann and John returned to Middland, Texas where John resumed work with Middland Oil and Ann is teaching at the University ofTexas, Permian Basin.

Steve Pratt (ML Fall '92, Duke '94) is currently a research technician in the hematology department of the Children's Hospital of the Harvard Medical School. He is involved in work with zebrafish and the genetic basis of vertebrate blood formation. Steve notes that he hasn't kept up with members of the fall '92 class but would love to hear from them.

Kristen Rowles (ML Fall '90, Summer '91) finished her MBA at the University of Pittsburgh in the Spring of '95 . She has returned to eastern North Carolina as the Executive Director to the Pamlico Tar River Foundation, Washington, NC.

Dr. Richard Tankersley (Post-doc '92-'93) has moved from Gonzaga University to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Biological Sciences. ~

Please let y,s hear from you\ W"rite ·in care .of;the Editor:

The Beaufort E~perienc~ 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd.~

Beaufort, .. NC 28516 e-mail: [email protected]

Thanks

Fal/1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 6

Page 7: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

I The Summer of 1995 brought major island wide upgrades to the Marine Lab ranging from major repair work to the Pivers Island bridge, to a new public computer cluster in the Bookhout research laboratory.

All who travel to study, research and work at the Marine Lab must cross the Pivers Island bridge at least twice a day. Most of us take this bridge for granted, speeding across it on our way to more important things. We don't stop to think that without it, getting to the Marine Lab would be a lot different.

"The salt environment has corroded all the concrete on the underside of the bridge." noted Dr. Joe Ramus, Marine Lab director. "All of the bridges of that generation in the United States are experiencing similar problems," he continued. A team of underwater divers from "Intercoastal Divers", a Wilmington, NC based firm, is working to solve that problem. The team is digging out the spaulding concrete, exposing the rebar, and coating the above water sections with plasticized concrete. In no time at all those of us who frequent Pivers Island may go back to taking the bridge for granted.

To those who work in the Bookhout research laboratory, the annual failure of the air-conditioning system had become as anticipated as the first summer hurricane warning: expected, but not relished. The more than 25 year-old system was badly in need of replacement. It no longer con­formed to the Montreal Compressor Fluid Guidelines which required all freon-based compressors to be retrofitted by the year 1996.

So when the 150 ton York system decided to take its annual vacation this summer, the decision was made to replace instead of refit. "We replaced it with a 150 ton McQuay unit which has less moving parts and does away with the need for running water, water softening and chemicals. It's more environmentally friendly and cheaper to operate." cited Clifton Davis, island maintenance supervisor. "The unit is even big enough to hook the library up to, if we need to." continued Davis.

Another welcome addition to the Bookhout Research Laboratory is the

public computer cluster. Located on the first floor in the converted former wet lab, this 12 unit cluster is a welcome upgrade to our previous facility.

"We used to have 11 Zenith 386's scattered about in three locations." noted Tim Boynton, who runs the cluster for the island. "These units had no hard drives and were incapable of running windows." he continued." We now have 12 Pentium 90's capable of running windows and all associated hardware, compliments ofNeal Paris ofT echnical Consulting under the Office of Information Technology headed by Vice Provost Betty Le Compagnon at Duke University."

This is important to the students and the professors. Students now have access to the World Wide Web; instructors have a facility that can be used for teaching as well as student research; and course related programs can be placed on the computers for class use.

Previously, individual instructors had to place course related programs on their personal computers for use one at a time by their students. The Marine Lab now has a public cluster on par with the rest of the University. Many thanks to Neal Paris and the Office of Information Technology.

The last major hurdle for island expansion was cleared this summer when the Town of Beaufort voted to annex Pivers Island in order to extend sewer ~nd water to the Duke lab. All that awaits now is for the NC General Assembly to approve the annexation to move the existing limits of the Town of Beaufort to the edge of Pivers Island. With our 55 year old septic system failing, the Marine Lab was at a standstill for continued development.

The old system meant no new building permit. No permits meant no Ocean Science Teaching Center.

With new EPA water quality guide­lines Duke wanted out of the water providing business. It makes more sense to have a central water supply for Beaufort and Pivers Island. The engineering firm of Andrews and Kuske based in Wilmington, NC are designing the sub-aquious crossing and the Marine Lab collection site. Duke will build and retain ownership of the sub­aquious crossing with the town owning the

Fal/1995 THE BEAUFORT EXPERIENCE Page 1

collection system. It will be a winning situation for both the town and the lab. The Marine Lab will get its much needed sewer and water system and the town will increase its contiguous land base. );o>-

Ship Notes:

With fewer than 60 funded cruises scheduled for 1996, the RN Cape Hatteras will be laid up next year. What the lay up means to the crew and shore support staff is still not clear. They hope to make use of this extended in-port period to do some needed work and to begin working on her mid-life refit. They hope to use the crew to perform the majority of the work: however, the resolution awaits funding decisions by Congress and NSF. Whatever the decision, Cape Hatteras's mid-life refit will be completed in early 1998. One matter that will be decided by 1996 is whether or not the ship will be stretched. If the insertion of a 24-foot mid-body will result in the ship falling under the rules of an in­spected vessel, then the stretch will not happen because the costs of operating under those rules would price the ship out of her class. On the other hand, if a stretched Cape Hatteras can operate under the present rules, then there are addi­tional items that can be addressed during the 1996 lay-up.

Page 8: J. - Sites@Duke | sites.duke.edu

"It's like corporate restructuring!"--­was Jere Ayers' summation of the state of the Marine Lab address that I delivered to the Advisory board last May. Indeed, it is restructuring after a friendly buyout, a system of pro­grammatic and fiscal accountability vertically organized rather than horizontally organized.

A salutary consequence of the late Chancellor A. Kenneth Pye' s Direc­tions for Progress memorandum (Sept. 1980) to the Board of Trustees was the application of the formula budget process to the Marine Laboratory, "a tub on its own bottom" as senior administrators were want to say with the pride of authorship. I will admit that the formula budget is a useful planning tool. I will also observe that in this instance the tool had an unexpected side effect: it isolated the Marine Lab from its traditional

Marine Laboratory Beaufort, NC 28516-9721

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

constituencies in Durham, namely the departments of Botany, Geology and Zoology, and provided no dedicated representative to the council of senior administrators at Duke. Horizontally structured, the Marine Lab evolved into an insular unit whose objective was program­matic and fiscal self-sufficiency. Self­sufficiency included curriculum, faculty, student recruitment, fund raising, physical plant maintenance/ modernization, personnel, budget and finance. To make a long story short, self-sufficiency was never perfected. Nor was it advisable to do so, but that's "hindcasting" (from the oceanographer's lexicon). Notwith­standing horizontal structure, some good habits were learned between 1980 and 1991. And we learned our strengths and weaknesses.

July 1991 brought charter mem­bership in the School of the Environ­ment and a reporting structure that was again vertical, to a dean. Since 1991, the Dean has put his own administrative structure in place, namely three Associate Deans, one each for fund raising, budget &

! I

finance and student recruitment. Staff planning and reporting conferencing by speakerphone is now a common occurrence, hopefully to be extended in the near future to televideo-conferencing. University Facilities Management has produced a physical plant audit, which docu­ments over $5M in deferred mainte­nance and modernization needs at the Marine Laboratory. Some of these needs are as fundamental as wastewater treatment, a project now underway. With the audit came the notion that this is a campus of Duke University, not an alien campus. And most significantly, academic program planning once again includes col.:. leagues from Botany, Environment, Geology and Zoology. The planning now crosses campuses and depart­ments to form proposed university programs like ecology and earth systems science.

The journey from vertical to horizontal and back to vertical structure was long and arduous, but not without value. Nevertheless, we're glad to be home. >--

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Beaufort, NC

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