Dr. Howar studies the behavior and feeding patterns of seabirds, especially how they find food in the ocean. He emphasizes the impact of environmental factors like sea temperature, salinity, and ocean patterns on seabird populations. His research covers conditions affecting species such as Cassin's auklets and nonresident seabirds, investigating the relationship between these birds and their prey, mainly krill. By identifying critical feeding areas and foraging behaviors, his work aids in the conservation of these birds and their habitats, especially in response to human activities like shipping and oil drilling.
Key findings
In a 2017 study, key areas near Cordell Bank were identified as critical feeding grounds for nonresident seabirds, highlighting the need for protective measures.
A 2015 study revealed that 72% of Cassin's auklets dove less than 30 meters deep to feed on two specific krill species, which constitute their primary diet.
Dr. Howar's 2013 research identified that 10% to 50% of essential feeding areas for seabirds in central California's National Marine Sanctuaries require better protection due to risks from human activities.
Over 11 years, the 2011 study found vital hotspots for seabird aggregations in Northern and Southern California, many of which currently lack legal protection.
A 2007 study showed that 72% of patients improved their lifting ability, and 64% reached workplace goals following a conditioning program for back issues, demonstrating functional recovery despite ongoing pain.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Howar study seabirds?
Yes, Dr. Howar focuses on seabird foraging patterns, particularly in California's marine environments.
What do Dr. Howar's research findings mean for conservation?
His research findings indicate important areas that need protection to ensure seabird populations thrive amid increasing human impact.
How does Dr. Howar's work help patients with back pain?
His 2007 study indicates that patients can improve their functional abilities even if they still experience pain, aiding recovery efforts.
What methods does Dr. Howar use in his research?
He uses habitat modeling, data analysis from seabird sightings, and environmental assessments to study seabird behaviors.
Is Dr. Howar’s work relevant to wildlife conservation policies?
Yes, his work provides crucial data that informs policies for protecting marine wildlife and their habitats.
Publications in plain English
Modeling Nonresident Seabird Foraging Distributions to Inform Ocean Zoning in Central California.
2017
PloS one
Studwell AJ, Hines E, Elliott ML, Howar J, Holzman B +2 more
Plain English This study looked at where nonresident seabirds, which don’t breed in Central California, go to find food in the ocean. Researchers found that key factors like sea temperature and salinity influenced where these birds foraged, with the area near Cordell Bank standing out as particularly important for their feeding. This matters because understanding these high-use areas can help protect critical habitats as human activities in the ocean increase.
Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists and policymakers focused on protecting marine wildlife.
Spatial Distribution and Temporal Patterns of Cassin's Auklet Foraging and Their Euphausiid Prey in a Variable Ocean Environment.
2015
PloS one
Manugian S, Elliott ML, Bradley R, Howar J, Karnovsky N +5 more
Plain English This study examined how Cassin's auklets, a type of seabird, find and feed on krill (small shrimp-like creatures) in a changing ocean environment. Researchers found that these birds mostly dove less than 30 meters deep to hunt for two specific species of krill, accounting for nearly all their food intake. The research showed that the abundance of Cassin's auklets and the availability of krill are influenced by both large-scale ocean patterns and local conditions.
Who this helps: This benefits marine biologists and conservationists who monitor seabird populations and marine ecosystems.
Using seabird habitat modeling to inform marine spatial planning in central California's National Marine Sanctuaries.
2013
PloS one
McGowan J, Hines E, Elliott M, Howar J, Dransfield A +2 more
Plain English This study focused on understanding where seabirds prefer to feed in central California's national marine sanctuaries. Researchers analyzed seabird data gathered from 2004 to 2011 and found that the best feeding areas for these birds are mainly located outside of current protected zones, meaning they are at risk from threats like shipping and oil spills. They recommended protecting 10% to 50% of these key areas to enhance conservation efforts and ensure seabird populations can thrive.
Who this helps: This benefits wildlife conservationists and policymakers working to protect seabird habitats.
Where the wild things are: predicting hotspots of seabird aggregations in the California Current System.
2011
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America
Nur N, Jahncke J, Herzog MP, Howar J, Hyrenbach KD +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how to predict where seabirds gather in the California Current System, which stretches from Canada to the US-Mexico border. Over 11 years, researchers used data on seabird sightings and ocean conditions to identify areas, called "hotspots," that attract different seabird species. They found that certain regions, especially in Northern and Southern California, are important for these birds, and some of these hotspots are not currently protected.
Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists and environmental planners working to protect marine ecosystems.
Association between clinician-assessed lifting ability and workplace tolerance and patient self-reported pain and disability following work conditioning.
2007
Work (Reading, Mass.)
Hart DL, Kirk M, Howar J, Mongeon S
Plain English The study looked at how improvements in lifting ability and workplace tolerance, assessed by clinicians, related to patients’ self-reported pain and disability after participating in a work conditioning program. Out of 76 patients with lower back issues, 72% improved their lifting ability and 64% reached their workplace goals, while their reported disability and pain intensity decreased. This is significant because it shows that even if patients still feel pain, they can still gain functional improvements that help them work better.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from back injuries.