Prof. A S Kittur .’s Post

Today marks the start of the stone crab open season in The Bahamas🇧🇸 Stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) is the 3rd largest export fishery in The Bahamas, raking in an estimated $3.1 million annually. This fishery is unique compared to others like the spiny lobster and queen conch due to the fact that it is “claw only”, meaning when the crabs are caught, their claws are harvested and the living crab is released back into the ocean. 💡Did you know?💡 Stone crab can drop their claws to escape predators, just like lizards drop their tails. As open season begins, we want to remind local fishers about the best ways to harvest: ✅Stone crab claws must be at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) long for legal harvest. ✅Harvest 1 claw per crab to ensure the living crab can feed and defend itself when released. ✅Don’t clip it, stick it! Research scientists at Cape Eleuthera Institute discovered a new method called the "stick-it" technique that significantly boosts crab survival after claw removal. Instead of breaking off the biter, sticking the joint of the biter triggers the crab to drop their claw without harm. This technique increases their survival by almost 30%, and allows the crab to regrow the claw, increasing the sustainability of the fishery. By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure the Bahamian stone crab fishery continues to feed our economy, and the stomachs of those that enjoy it for years to come. Visit our website to learn more about sustainable seafood in The Bahamas: https://lnkd.in/gFZk6ZeV #SustainableSeafood #StoneCrab #Fisheries #FisheriesResearch #Bahamas

Vineyard Update: East Coast vineyards often experience thunderstorms and hurricanes or tropical storms in late summer. Last year we experienced a damaging hail storm in July and had to harvest the crop a couple days early in September to beat Tropical Storm Ophelia. These weather events can greatly impact the vintage. Regarding the deer—most commercial vineyards have deer fencing. We didn’t want to install deer fencing as our vineyard is very close to our house and the fencing would impact the aesthetics. Also, there weren’t many deer when we first planted the vineyard, they have since “discovered” it. Our alternative is the netting. Each year we learn more. Now we know to watch the sugar content closer, especially in early drought years. Get the nets up as the sugar goes up. #knowyourwine #virginiavineyards #virginiawine

🌸🐝 As the weather improves, let's lend a helping hand to our pollinators! 🌞 Creating watering stations for bees and butterflies can be a fun and rewarding activity that makes a big difference in their survival during warmer days. Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Choose shallow containers: Use shallow dishes or trays filled with water to provide easy access for our winged friends. Adding a few pebbles or marbles to the water will give them a safe landing spot while they hydrate. 2. Add some sweetness: Enhance your watering station by placing slices of fruit like oranges or watermelon around the edges. This not only provides additional hydration but also attracts butterflies with its natural sweetness. 3. Keep it clean: Change the water in your watering station regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep it fresh for our pollinator pals. 4. Location matters: Place your watering station in a shaded area to keep the water cool and refreshing throughout the day. Let's do our part to create a welcoming oasis for bees and butterflies in our gardens! 🌼💧 #SaveTheBees #ButterflyGarden #SummerTips #Louth🦋🐝

#COLORSOFTHEOCEAN_28 Goatfish belong to the family Mullidae. They are a tropical or sub-tropical species reaching between 12-24 inches in length. There are at least 65 different species of goatfish worldwide and 10 different species that are native to the Hawaiian reefs. The one in the image is Weke ‘a’a or yellowstripe goatfish. Goatfish have two whisker like sensory barbels on their chin. The barbels are able to locate prey not only by touch but also by taste. They are used to dig, poke, and prod into the reef or sand to detect prey. When not in use, they tuck them under the sides of the bottom jaw. The goatfish enjoy eating worms, mullusks, crustaceans, small invertebrates, and even small fish. Once they locate the food, the fish will dive head first into the sand to root for it’s prey. They will inhale the prey as well as sand. They will swallow the food and expel the sand via their gill covers. Not all goatfish have the same behaviors. Some are solitary and eat during the day. Others feed at night and prefer to hang out in larger schools during the day. They are capable of changing their coloration and camouflaging quickly. It is common to see the fish camouflaged while resting but quickly change its color when becoming active. #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN

5 practical tips to help keep squirrels away from your bird feeders: ⭐Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Invest in bird feeders specifically designed to be squirrel-proof. These often have weight-sensitive mechanisms that close off access to the seeds when a squirrel climbs on. ⭐Placement is Key: Position bird feeders away from trees, roofs, and structures. Squirrels can jump long distances, so try to place feeders at least 10 feet away from any launch points and about 5 feet off the ground. ⭐Baffle Them: Install baffles above or below bird feeders. Baffles are dome-shaped or cylindrical barriers that prevent squirrels from reaching the feed. Make sure the baffle is large enough to be effective. ⭐Spicy Solution: Mix some cayenne pepper or chili powder into your birdseed. Birds are not bothered by the spice, as they cannot taste capsaicin, but squirrels definitely can and will avoid the food. ⭐Choose the Right Seed: Squirrels are less attracted to safflower seeds and nyjer seeds, which many birds prefer. Using these could naturally deter squirrels.

WILDLIFE FEEDING - SQUIRRELS It is that time of year when the temperature drops and snow covers the ground. 🐿️ Squirrels just love eating peanuts, corn, and nuts. They will eat whole cobs of dry corn and just enjoy hanging nut balls. One important consideration is they need water, and it can be hard to get in winter. Add an outdoor feeding water feature or a bowl. #Guelph #GuelphPestControl #HomeInspections #Home #Mice #Rats #Squirrels https://lnkd.in/eEUGf2Rj

It's blueberry season! Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools to grow this superfruit at home. Remember, these berries love their sun, dislike neighbors stealing their moisture, and favor acidic soils. 🌞 Check out our detailed guide at https://bit.ly/3n3qu8r, and don't forget to grab your SoilKit! Ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor? 🫐🌿 #BlueberrySeason #GardeningTips #HarvestSuccess

Soft-shell crabs, typically associated with coastal habitats, are now finding a new home in freshwater lakes. Their adaptive nature and distinctive moulting process make them an intriguing addition to these serene environments. Careful consideration goes into choosing the ideal lake locations for soft-shell crab integration. Experts assess water quality, temperature, and the availability of natural food sources to ensure the crabs thrive in their new surroundings. #WormholeSeafood #SeafoodCompanyInMyanmar #SeafoodExport #SoftShellCrab #SoftShellCrabInMyanmar #SoftShellCrabExport

Whale Sharks can stretch their mouth to four feet wide! As such, they can process more than 6,000 litres of water an hour through their gills! Don't worry though, they may have big mouths but they're all talk no bite. These gentle creatures have teeth so tiny that they can only eat small shrimp, fish and plankton by using their gill rakers as suction filters. #whaleshark #eatmoreplankton

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