Brith Of A Baby Gray Whale

Dolphins near Grand Isle being tested for BP oil exposure

As the work proceeded beneath the aluminum boat's Bimini umbrella, several of the researchers poured water on Y-18's skin to keep it from drying out, as the temperature quickly reached 85 degrees on the water between Dutch Island and Grand Isle.

After 10 minutes, though, both the animal's labored breathing -- a series of whooshes through the blowhole -- and the electrocardiogram machine attached by leads to Y-18's skin showed it was becoming stressed, and the 573-pound dolphin was eased back into the water.

There, the final steps of the exam were completed -- branding irons dipped in liquid nitrogen were held onto the dorsal skin, marking the dolphin with its scientific name forever.

A tag containing a radio beacon and a satellite transmitter also was attached to the fin atop its back.

Then the scientists released the dolphin, and it swam quickly west toward Caminada Bay.

Dozens of research projects are in progress

Left behind were dozens of vials and packets that scientists hope will help federal and state officials determine the damage caused to dolphins and other natural resources by the oil spill.

The dolphin research is just one of dozens of such research projects for the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process required under the Oil Spill Act of 1990. The law requires BP and other companies found responsible for the spill to pay for projects that would mitigate the harmful effects caused by the oil or compensate the public for the loss of the resources.

Other studies are focused on effects on birds, deepwater corals, sperm whales, Atlantic bluefin tuna and other fish species, and both submerged aquatic vegetation and wetlands, including potential erosion, said Tom Brosnan, an environmental scientist who directs NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration, which oversees the damage assessment process.

A Definitive Tourist Destination Tips In Taking A Wonderful Holiday ...

Mazatlan Vacations

On the Gold Coast of Mexico is Mazatlan with its palm-lined stretches of beach that is worth of being included in your Mexico vacation itinerary. Mazatlan is a very interesting marriage of history, culture and fun activities. A must-do is a visit to Old Mazatlan where the citys famous twin towered cathedral is located while nearby is the citys second oldest plaza, Plazuela Machado. A refreshing start or end of your day is a stroll along the malecon or promenade which is Mexicos most scenic walkway along the oceanfront lined with palm trees that connects the old part of Mazatlan with the vibrant zona dorada or resort area. The villages of Concordia, Copala and Cosala with its beautiful handcrafted furniture and ceramic and clay handicrafts is located on the Sierra Madre Mountains and forms part of the countryside tours. The known islands of Mazatlan, Isla de Chivos or Goat Island, Isla de Pajaros or Bird Island and Isla de Venados or Deer Island has fine sand beaches and should be included in your tour of Mazatlan. The passionate side of Mexico of Mexico is very much evident in Mazatlan.

The Surfing Waves of Escondido

Worth including in your Mexico vacation itinerary is Puerto Escondido which is called as the Mexican Pipeline and is known as one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world. The Mexpipe Challenge is held in February and an international surf contest in November. Professional and amateur surfers will get a pick of the best waves they have. There are several beaches in Puerto Escondido but the Playa Zicatela is not ideal for swimming as it is the main surfing beach with strong rip tides that will pull you in as well as some of the best and strongest waves in the world which topples even the popular Hawaii Banzai Pipeline. This surfing spot is limited to very experienced surfers only as even the most professional surfers have met accidents that have placed them in wheelchairs for life. The Point is another popular surfing area with a rapid and tough surf ride. The Far Bar at the end of the beach break is another surfing area with the most surfers since the waters there is deeper than other areas and the waves break further from the shore. Puerto Escondido is truly a surfers paradise and is best recommended for surfing lovers coming on their Mexico vacations.

A Christmas carol in prose, being a ghost story of Christmas

Of mice and men

A streetcar named desire

A moveable feast, the restored edition

A People's History of the United States