Amazon Megafish Project GIS and Remote Sensing Plan
October 23, 2020

 

The EcoWB GIS Program is assisting Dr. Jens Hegg of the University of Idaho on a project investigating the migration patterns of Largetooth Sawfish ( Pristis pristis ). Dr. Hegg’s project utilizes chemical analyses of bony structures (including rostral teeth) from specimens accidently killed as fishing bycatch to assess habitat affinities across different life stages, with the goal of reconstructing movement patterns to better understand and conserve this critically endangered species. The EcoWB GIS Program is assisting this project by assembling a GIS database that includes water depth, temperature, and salinity within the study area (Fig 1).

Study area used to create the GIS model.

Figure 1. The study area includes riverine and shallow coastal areas within the shaded box.

Depth data will be provided by the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) database, with possible supplementation with digital navigation charts provided by the Brazilian Navy. Water surface temperature data will be generated through analysis of Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) imagery, based on the methods outlined by Vanhellemont (2020). Work is ongoing to identify an adequate method of collecting high-resolution salinity data. To account for seasonal and yearly variation in temperature and salinity, separate maps will be produced for the wet and dry seasons for each variable, based on 5 years of averaged data (with at least 2 records per season per year). These data, when combined with Dr. Hegg’s chemical isotope analyses, will shed important light on the movements and critical habitats of this endangered and little-known species.

References:

Vanhellemont, Q. 2020. Automated water surface temperature retrieval from Landsat 8/TIRS. Remote Sensing of the Environment 237: 111518

Supporting Those in Need During Uncertain Times

By Becky Muston • June 4, 2025
As a volunteer-supported ecological assistance organization, EcoWB contributes to the vital work of the international aid community—supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts where ecological expertise can make a meaningful difference. In recent months, critical funding and staffing for international aid once provided through U.S. government programs have been withdrawn. The effects are already visible: environmental and humanitarian programs paused, local teams let go, and progress at risk of stalling. Among the efforts most affected are those tackling biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change—areas where EcoWB has long provided professional expertise and hands-on project support. In response, we’re actively looking for opportunities to support projects that need ecological guidance or technical capacity to keep going. With our global network of skilled volunteers, we’re well placed to step in where others no longer can. If you know of places, partners, or organizations where environmental needs are going unmet—or if you're looking to make a meaningful impact— we’d love to hear from you . We also encourage those with the means to do so to take a moment: research the organizations struggling on the frontlines, see where funding may have been cut, and consider offering your support. Now more than ever, action matters—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying the work that still needs doing. 

EcoWB Welcomes Biljana Aljinovic as Program Manager

May 24, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Biljana Aljinovic has joined Ecologists Without Borders as our new Program Manager. Biljana brings over 15 years of experience in international conservation, having led projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Her work spans both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and covers a wide range of areas, including sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, marine regeneration, and environmental policy. She holds an MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Padua, Italy. Raised on Mljet, a biodiverse island in the Croatian Adriatic, Biljana developed a deep connection to nature early in life. This connection has fueled her commitment to conservation and her focus on long-term impact and collaboration with local communities. In her role at EcoWB, Biljana will oversee our expanding portfolio of environmental projects, support the development of new initiatives in collaboration with partner organizations and communities worldwide, and help strengthen our internal systems to ensure we can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs. We’re excited to welcome Biljana to the EcoWB staff team and look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to this important role.