FALL 2009 "RESPONSE PAPER" ASSIGNMENTS
Oceanography 101
Details: Choose one or two questions for each ocean issue. All responses should be roughly 2 pages in length (typed, double-spaced). Each response is due at the beginning of class, whether you are submitting a printed copy or sending it via email. If sending over email, save the attachment as yourname_assignment_X.doc. Your grade will be based on your creativity and your ideas, which should demonstrate and be supported by your new scientific understanding of oceanography and ocean issues, with a small portion of your grade for grammar and spelling. All facts, sources, ideas that are not your own must be cited in the text and in a bibliography at the end of the paper. Be prepared to discuss your opinions with classmates.

Natural Disasters
Due Wednesday, 10/21
(5% of final grade)

In our tsunami-earthquake-volcanic eruption prone corner of the world, should more emphasis and education be given to natural disaster safety in schools/the commuity??
Who should install and operate tsunami-warning systems for those countries that cannot afford to do so?
What information about wave formation and tsunamis could/should be shared to prepare people?
Why was the death toll from the 2004, Indonesian tsunami (230,000 people) more of a social and economic issue rather than a scientific issue?

Helpful links:
NOAA Tsunami Warning Systems
Washington Emergency Management Division
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Climate Change and the Ocean
Due Monday, 11/16
(5% of final grade)

Are there ethical arguments for capping greenhouse gas emissions, which are very likely causing climate change? (Very likely means 90% probability in the words of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.)
Who should fund relocation/relief programs for countries/communities affected by climate changes : the richest countries, the biggest polluters . . . ? (Focus this question on changes in the ocean ecosystem that result from climate change: low lying countries being affected by sea level rise, countries whose economies depend on healthy coral reefs and fisheries, countries that experience more frequent and destructive hurricanes)

Helpful links:
Real Climate (Science behind climate change)
UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Science and mitigation reports)

Fisheries Decline & Commercial, Tribal and Scientific Whaling
Due Monday, 12/16
(5% of final grade)

What can be done to encourage less damaging salmon fishing techniques in Puget Sound?
Should the Exclusive Economic Zone be pushed further (currently the limit is set at 200 nm) into international waters to allow countries to better manage resources along their coastlines?
Should fish farming be expanded to lessen pressure on wild stocks, which are currently down 80%?

Do you believe that there is value in aboriginal subsistence whaling?
Was the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society right in protesting the Makawh’s return to whaling?
Should scientific whaling be allowed? If yes, under what circumstances?
Should there be an international body to enforce laws on common world resources, such as whales?

Helpful links:
Makah Tribal Council
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
International Whaling Commission
State of the Sound 2007 (Puget Sound Action Team)
Salmon Recovery Puget Sound (Puget Sound Partnership)