SCIENCE TEASERS
June 1999

PROTECTING THE BOTTLENOSE WHALE

Sable Gully, a deep water canyon off the coast of Nova Scotia, is an area of remarkable marine diversity. It is being looked at for special protection. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has already designated the area in the Notice to mariners as a whale sanctuary to protect the northern bottlenose whale. These gentle giants are a distinct and vulnerable population. Researchers looking at the genetics of the bottlenose whale in the Gully have noticed a significant difference between them and other bottlenose whales.

Contact:
Bob Rutherford,
Fisheries and Oceans,
(902) 426-8398

EASTERN MASSASAUGA RATTLER
species-at-risk

Since 1991, the Massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species. In an effort to preserve its dwindling numbers, scientists are studying and monitoring the snakes. DNA sampling is part of the research being done on the rattler. Scientists are looking for the genetic relationships between different populations. But incredibly, genetic divergence is being found in populations that live almost side by side.

Contact:
Kent Prior,
Environment Canada,
(819) 994-2338

KEEPING OUT UNWANTED VISITORS

Sometimes exotic insect species "hitchhike"into Canada on imported goods. We have to keep a close eye on Canada's ports of entry. Scientists at Natural Resources Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are often called by inspectors from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to help identify insects, in various forms of development, which may be found on imported products or wooden packing material. All this is to prevent potentially dangerous intruders from threatening Canada's urban and natural forests.

Contacts:

Eric Allen,
Natural Resources Canada,
(250) 363-0674

Henri Goulet,
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada ,
(613) 759-1832

IS OUR GENETIC HERITAGE IMPORTANT?

Like high-strung thoroughbreds, today's crop plants excel at their intended purpose, but the cost has been a diminished gene pool. They are sometimes just too much of a good thing. Plant breeders are finding the need to return to wild species related to crop plants to build in protection against diseases, drought and insects. The Plant Gene Resources of Canada (PGRC), a collection of seeds and vegetative matter, is used when developing new varieties. Scientists at PGRC reveal the importance of heritage seeds and their role in maintaining diversity in plant breeds. Often turning to "older" plants will achieve the most desired traits.

Contact:
Ken Richards,
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
(306) 956-7641

Departmental Contacts:

Fisheries and Oceans: Jim Dooley, (613) 990-3633 http://www.ncr.dfo.ca/

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Joanne Butler, (613) 759-1754 http://res2.agr.ca/research-recherche/indexe.html

Natural Resources Canada: Le'Anne Frieday, (819) 992-2398 http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/

Environment Canada: Kathleen Olson, (819) 994-6433 www.ec.gc.ca