Latest news with #Risley
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Wild oysters are returning to Midcoast Maine waters
May 22—Wild American oysters, long considered extinct in Midcoast Maine, have returned to the region, according to a recent study. With the help of local shellfish harvesters, researchers from the University of Maine identified the oysters in nearly 40 areas along the coastal Damariscotta River. And they raised questions about whether aquaculture farms could be responsible for the species' return to the wild. The study also reported steep declines in soft-shell clam and mussel populations. However, the findings were just a part of the overall goal: to improve stewardship of estuaries and their shellfish populations. Coauthors Sarah Risley, a marine science PhD candidate, and Heather Leslie, a marine conservationist scientist and professor, said they were looking for empirical proof on the effectiveness of using knowledge from fishermen to inform research and data. The study is a part of a growing effort marine scientists and officials are making to invite fishermen to the table. The ultimate conclusion, the study asserts, is that industry input and participation helps scientists and rulemakers best understand Maine's marine ecosystems — and, in turn, can help them better write the regulations that affect fishermen's day-to-day lives. "As researchers, we can only be out in the field for a couple months out of the year. We talked to harvesters who spend 365 days a year on the mud flats, sometimes two tides a day," Risley said. "Ultimately, they are the experts on the ecosystem." THE NEED The Town of Damariscotta makes decisions about how to steward, sustain and enhance the local shellfish resources — like how many commercial shellfish licenses to allocate and what areas to close off to fishing. The town and its Shellfish Committee had anecdotally heard from harvesters that there were visible changes in shellfish populations in estuaries of the Damariscotta and Medomak rivers. But the town has struggled to make those decisions. Leslie said there haven't been regular biological surveys to understand the populations. And scientists have struggled to conduct this research. "It's hard for us to navigate through the mud, work with the tides and collect shellfish to gather data in consistent ways that can be used for management," Leslie said. Using the people who navigate these flats day in and day out, and whose families have dug their catch there for generations, is an obvious solution, Leslie and Risley said. THE FINDINGS The study kicked off in 2020 and ran until 2021. Due to complications during the start of the coronavirus pandemic, researchers gathered information from local experts, instead of gathering the shellfish themselves. The local experts included harvesters, oyster farmers, conservationists and harbormasters. The groups worked together to build a map of the regions within the two estuaries and then spoke in formal interviews to share their experiences, provide context and posit theories on what is causing these changes. The researchers intentionally did not go to validate the locals' findings with their own work. "Despite recent progress in collaborative research, local knowledge is often treated as something of lesser value than knowledge generated or curated by professional researchers," the study states. "Local knowledge is often treated as just another form of data, subject to the structures and power hierarchies ... researchers should be careful to not concentrate power away from local knowledge holders and resource users." The fishermen reported a low amount or absence of soft-shell clams all along the Damariscotta River and medium- to low-populations in the Medomak River estuary. There's also the resurgence of the wild oyster. The species was once abundant, but populations fell because of rising sea levels, changing tides, overdevelopment, overfishing and pollution. The oyster has long been considered "functionally extinct" in Damariscotta and very rare in Maine at large, according to the study. Not much on those fronts has changed to encourage the return of the wild oyster. But the growth of aquaculture has. FUTURE RESEARCH Today, there are around 60 oyster farming sites along the Damariscotta River, according to a list of aquaculture leases from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The locations where fishermen reported oyster populations are concentrated around those sites. Fishermen believe that oyster larvae are spreading into the water from those farms. But they don't necessarily feel excited about the potential for a new catch. Many believe that wild oysters are taking down the soft-shell clam population. "We are wild clammers, and we want to stay that way," one fisherman told researchers, according to the study. The study doesn't conclude that the fishermen's theories of the "why's" are accurate. But scientists and Damariscotta officials are now launching research projects to explore the fishermen's ideas. "This has emphasized the the valuable depth and the multi-generational quality of the knowledge and information that harvesters have," Risley said. And they hope that federal scientists and regulators take note. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Matt Risley Exiting Channel 4 After Five Years Running 4Studio
EXCLUSIVE: Matt Risley, Channel 4's YouTube supremo who founded and runs the broadcaster's 4Studio agency, is exiting after more than five years. Risley made the announcement on LinkedIn earlier today. He said it has been the 'professional privilege of my career to launch, scale and nurture a department that has become integral to the business' future.' Channel 4 confirmed his departure but declined to comment on succession plans. More from Deadline Legacy Media? UK Pubcasters Balk At Outdated Term & Say "We've Got To Be Phoenixes Rising From The Ashes" Alex Mahon Writing Debut Novel 'The Rich Bitch Club' & Pitching To TV Producers After Ending Stint As Channel 4's Highest-Paid CEO International Insider: AI - Friend Or Foe?; Guard Change At Channel 4; Canneseries Report Based in Leeds, 4Studio creates social content for Channel 4 across platforms and strikes commercial deals. The studio has been talked up by departing CEO Alex Mahon in recent years, who has placed digital front and center of Channel 4's strategy. The network recently had its first YouTube show, Tapped out Prank Stars, piloted on linear, while Risley steered its first-of-a-kind move to make popular soap Hollyoaks available on YouTube and helped launch numerous other channels. Risley listed his achievements as 'establishing Channel 4 as the leader in broadcaster-led social and YouTube strategy,' 'helping to create dozens of job opportunities with the vast majority based outside of London' and 'scaling global social audiences in their billions.' A Channel 4 spokesman said: 'Matt has been an integral figure in the launch and growth of 4Studio. He has led the development of 4Studio into a social powerhouse, generating new revenue streams, collaborating with teams across the business to drive billions of social views to Channel 4 content annually, and creating dozens of roles that have introduced the next generation of digital talent into the business and industry – the vast majority of which are based in our Leeds National HQ.' Risley's exit comes just a few days after he appeared on a Creative Cities Convention panel alongside YouTube UK boss Alison Lomax, who discussed the barriers breaking down between traditional TV and YouTube. His departure comes two weeks after Mahon revealed she was exiting the network she has run for eight years. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery All The Songs In Netflix's 'Forever': From Tyler The Creator To SZA
USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa baseball completes series sweep vs. Michigan
Iowa baseball completes series sweep vs. Michigan After claiming the weekend series with a 3-2 victory on Saturday, Iowa baseball (27-11, 17-4 Big Ten) completed the series sweep vs. Michigan (23-17, 8-10) with a 7-4 Hawkeyes win Sunday afternoon from Ray Fisher Stadium at the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex in Ann Arbor, Mich. Redshirt senior right-hander Reece Beuter (4-0,3.99 ERA) got the start for Iowa as he threw six innings, allowing one earned run on three hits while walking two batters and matching a career-high with eight strikeouts. Anthony Watts (3-2, 3.90 ERA) came out of the bullpen and threw the final two innings to earn the win and improve to 3-2 on the season. In his closeout role, he gave up just one run on two hits and struck out one batter. "Reece Beuter was outstanding today," said head coach Rick Heller. "After that, the bullpen hung on for us. Hogue and Watts did a really nice job of shutting it down." Similar to the start of Game 2, Michigan opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo home run. The Hawkeyes would take the lead in the fifth when Miles Risley hit a two-RBI single with two outs in the frame. Iowa added another run to make it a 3-1 score in the seventh on a Blake Guerin RBI single up the middle. The Wolverines cut their deficit to one in the seventh by scoring on an error, and then knotted the game at three in the eighth. The Hawkeyes promptly responded with a massive four-run ninth inning, highlighted by an RBI SAC fly from Risley and a bases-clearing double from pinch-hitter Mitch Wood. "Mitch Wood steps up with a two-strike two-out bases loaded double over the right fielder's head to break it open for us," said Heller. "I couldn't be happier for Mitch. He's been waiting for his time. He about tied it up for us last week in the game we lost to Nebraska, but he came through today." While Michigan would strike back with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to make it a 7-4 score, Risley would rob Michigan's Cole Caruso of the Wolverines' second home run of the inning with a leaping catch in center field that all but finished any threat of a late rally. "Risley made an unbelievable catch in centerfield in the ninth inning to really finish it off for us," said Heller. Risley led the Iowa offense, going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk, three RBIs, and a run scored. "Offensively, we had chances to break it open early and didn't execute real well," said Heller. "The pitchers picked us up this weekend and the offense did just enough. I'm really happy for the team." Regarding the Big Ten standings, Iowa's weekend sweep of the Wolverines, coupled with UCLA dropping two of three against Oregon, now extends the Hawkeyes' lead atop the conference to 2 1/2 games. Iowa will return home to Duane Banks Field for the next game on Tuesday, April 22, when the Hawkeyes play another midweek non-conference game vs. Western Illinois (11-24, 5-10 Ohio Valley). Tuesday's game will begin at 6:02 p.m. CT and stream on Big Ten Plus (subscription required). Fans can also follow along through the Hawkeyes Radio Network alongside play-by-play voice John Leo and color analyst John Evans. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iowa baseball offense storms back in Game 2 victory, Hawkeyes claim series vs. Nebraska
Iowa baseball (22-10, 14-3 Big Ten) stormed back late vs. Nebraska (15-20, 4-10) to claim its sixth conference series win of the season with an 11-6 Game 2 victory over the Cornhuskers from Duane Banks Field Saturday afternoon. Junior right-hander Aaron Savary (5-0, 4.02 ERA) started on the hill for the Hawkeyes, having up five runs on five hits and striking out four in five innings of work. Chas Wheatley (2-0, 2.45 ERA) entered and gave the Hawkeyes two solid innings of work, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one. Brant Hogue (2-1, 2.87 ERA) threw the final two innings and earned the win, striking out three and not allowing a hit. Given the rivalry series between the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers, the crowd at Duane Banks Field on Saturday reached 2,654, making it the largest crowd in head coach Rick Heller's tenure. Advertisement "Hawk fans didn't disappoint," said Heller. "Had a great night last night, and an even better crowd today. They were into the game, and it really helps out when you have that kind of support." In terms of scoring, the Hawkeyes took the lead in the first inning when Daniel Rogers hit a single up the middle to score Gable Mitchell. Nebraska would answer with a two-run shot in the second inning to take the lead. In the third, Mitchell tied the game by smacking the 11th pitch of his at-bat over the right field wall. Unfortunately, the tie game did not last long as Nebraska responded again in the fourth inning, taking a 5-2 lead with a three-run bomb. Advertisement Miles Risley would bring Iowa within one with a two-run dinger in the fifth inning. The two-run homer is his fifth of the campaign. Nebraska would add another run in the seventh inning to make it a 6-5 game before Kooper Schulte would tie the game at six on an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning that scored Risley. In the eighth inning, the Hawkeyes would erupt for five runs to break the game to take a commanding 11-6 advantage. The offensive outburst started with a game-tying leadoff homer from Ben Wilmes, followed by a bases-loaded RBI sacrifice fly from Rogers and a two-out Caleb Wulf RBI single, bringing in two more runs for Iowa. Andy Nelson put an exclamation point on the inning when he clobbered a three-run blast to deep left field, bringing home Wulf and Risley to give the Hawkeyes a few more insurance runs. 'Down 5-2, to come back and find a way to win, especially after we had squandered some opportunities and didn't execute very well all day long, was impressive,' said Heller. 'One of the big goals for us every game is to try to win the last three innings, we just kept telling them keep pushing.' Advertisement With the series victory secured, Iowa will look to complete a three-game sweep over Nebraska today from Duane Banks Field with Reese Bueter (4-0, 4.21 ERA) on the mound for the Hawkeyes. Game 3 will start at 1:02 p.m. CT and broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Watch Iowa vs. Nebraska (Game 3) As always, fans can listen to the action alongside play-by-play voice John Leo and color analyst John Evans on the Hawkeyes Radio Network. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Advertisement Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa baseball storms back in Game 2 win to claim series vs Nebraska
USA Today
13-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Iowa baseball offense storms back in Game 2 victory, Hawkeyes claim series vs. Nebraska
Iowa baseball offense storms back in Game 2 victory, Hawkeyes claim series vs. Nebraska Iowa baseball (22-10, 14-3 Big Ten) stormed back late vs. Nebraska (15-20, 4-10) to claim its sixth conference series win of the season with an 11-6 Game 2 victory over the Cornhuskers from Duane Banks Field Saturday afternoon. Junior right-hander Aaron Savary (5-0, 4.02 ERA) started on the hill for the Hawkeyes, having up five runs on five hits and striking out four in five innings of work. Chas Wheatley (2-0, 2.45 ERA) entered and gave the Hawkeyes two solid innings of work, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one. Brant Hogue (2-1, 2.87 ERA) threw the final two innings and earned the win, striking out three and not allowing a hit. Given the rivalry series between the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers, the crowd at Duane Banks Field on Saturday reached 2,654, making it the largest crowd in head coach Rick Heller's tenure. "Hawk fans didn't disappoint," said Heller. "Had a great night last night, and an even better crowd today. They were into the game, and it really helps out when you have that kind of support." In terms of scoring, the Hawkeyes took the lead in the first inning when Daniel Rogers hit a single up the middle to score Gable Mitchell. Nebraska would answer with a two-run shot in the second inning to take the lead. In the third, Mitchell tied the game by smacking the 11th pitch of his at-bat over the right field wall. Unfortunately, the tie game did not last long as Nebraska responded again in the fourth inning, taking a 5-2 lead with a three-run bomb. Miles Risley would bring Iowa within one with a two-run dinger in the fifth inning. The two-run homer is his fifth of the campaign. Nebraska would add another run in the seventh inning to make it a 6-5 game before Kooper Schulte would tie the game at six on an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning that scored Risley. In the eighth inning, the Hawkeyes would erupt for five runs to break the game to take a commanding 11-6 advantage. The offensive outburst started with a game-tying leadoff homer from Ben Wilmes, followed by a bases-loaded RBI sacrifice fly from Rogers and a two-out Caleb Wulf RBI single, bringing in two more runs for Iowa. Andy Nelson put an exclamation point on the inning when he clobbered a three-run blast to deep left field, bringing home Wulf and Risley to give the Hawkeyes a few more insurance runs. 'Down 5-2, to come back and find a way to win, especially after we had squandered some opportunities and didn't execute very well all day long, was impressive,' said Heller. 'One of the big goals for us every game is to try to win the last three innings, we just kept telling them keep pushing.' With the series victory secured, Iowa will look to complete a three-game sweep over Nebraska today from Duane Banks Field with Reese Bueter (4-0, 4.21 ERA) on the mound for the Hawkeyes. Game 3 will start at 1:02 p.m. CT and broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Watch Iowa vs. Nebraska (Game 3) As always, fans can listen to the action alongside play-by-play voice John Leo and color analyst John Evans on the Hawkeyes Radio Network. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
