Science Communication Library
At Biodiversity Research Institute, we believe that science must inspire action, foster understanding, and spark conversation. With science communication, we highlight our work and bridge the gap between complex research and real-world conservation action. BRI staff also develop sampling protocols for standardized data collection and analysis.
Explore all of our communications pieces below! Use the top row to select topics of interest or use the search bar. If you have questions or further inquiries, please reach out to Allie Foster.
Gulf of Maine Bat Research Program: R/V Connecticut
The Biodiversity Research Institute established the Gulf of Maine Bat Program (GoMBat) to advance understanding of bat activity in the Gulf of Maine, home to several rare bat species. This flier presents results from the spring 2026 monitoring season for the R/V Connecticut.
Proceeding Report: Custom Online Training 1
The Online Custom Training on Monitoring the Trade of Mercury and Mercury Compounds, held on 26 May 2025, is part of a broader effort to build national capacity in support of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Convention is a key multilateral environmental agreement aimed at protecting human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. This training is organized under the Japan-funded UNEP project titled “Project for Promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by Making the Most of Japan’s Knowledge and Experiences.” The project seeks to strengthen implementation by facilitating information exchange, awareness-raising, education, and technical capacity building among participating countries. Specifically, this session targeted customs authorities, ministries of environment and health, and other relevant stakeholders, with the goal of enhancing their understanding and practical ability to monitor and control mercury trade.
RAIL Drone Services and Capabilities: UAS Operations for Wildlife Research and Environmental Monitoring
BRI's Remote Acoustics & Imagery Lab (RAIL) uses uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to collect high-resolution data for wildlife research, environmental monitoring, and applied management. We use FAA Part 107-certified flight operations to deliver science-ready geospatial products with clear documentation and quality checks, for habitat mapping, change detection, and repeatable monitoring.
Document d’information sur la formation douanière au Gabon
Le présent document fournit des informations sur les présentations et les documents d’orientation de la formation des Douanes du Gabon relatifs à la gestion du commerce du mercure et aux produits contenant du mercure. Il présente un aperçu des ressources de formation élaborées pour soutenir les activités de renforcement des capacités axées sur la gestion du commerce du mercure et les produits contenant du mercure, avec un accent particulier sur les produits éclaircissants pour la peau contenant du mercure (SLP).
Sampling and Analysis Protocol: for suspected mercury-added skin lightening products
The following sampling protocol is based on over 1,000 skin lightening products analyzed since 2016 and work conducted under the GEF 10810 Project “Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products (Jamaica, Gabon and Sri Lanka)” conducted from 2022 - 2026.
Protocole d’échantillonnage et d’analyse: pour les produits éclaircissants pour la peau contenant du mercure
Le protocole d'échantillonnage suivant s'appuie sur l'analyse de plus de 1 000 produits éclaircissants pour la peau réalisée depuis 2016 et sur les travaux menés dans le cadre du projet GEF 10810 « Élimination des produits éclaircissants pour la peau contenant du mercure (Jamaïque, Gabon et Sri Lanka) », mené de 2022 à 2026.
BRI Songbird Research Program 2026
Overview of BRI's ongoing songbird research initiatives, including contaminant monitoring and migratory bird banding at River Point Bird Observatory. At BRI, scientists study how contaminants, wind energy development, climate change, and habitat change influence songbird ecology and population dynamics. BRI’s work spans New England, the United States, and into Central and South America, with a particular focus on neotropical migratory species.
FERC Hydropower Licensing and Compliance Fisheries and Wildlife Studies 2026
BRI staff have extensive history working with hydro companies, private consultants, and state and federal resource agencies to develop and execute wildlife and fisheries studies related to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydroelectric licensing and compliance.
Threatened and Endangered Species Services 2026
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) has a strong team of experts working with threatened and endangered species. Our staff include former state and federal employees with expertise in the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as relevant state conservation laws.
Contaminants and Ecotoxicology Support Services 2026
Assessing contaminants provides critical data to inform human health risks, environmental health, and conservation. Such data provide a baseline towards remediation and restoration efforts to remove threats. In New England, mercury and PFAS are ongoing, ubiquitous stressors requiring close monitoring and mitigation efforts.
Bird Field Sampling Methods: Collection, Storage and Analyses of Avian Tissue Samples
Sampling of birds for blood, feathers, and other tissues can be informative for various aspects of diet, contaminants, exposure, movements, and health. The specific tissues chosen for these endpoints, however, will vary based on the life history of the focal species, season of sampling, and the research objective(s) to be addressed.
National Training Summary Report: Sri Lanka 2025
National Training on Strengthening Country-Level Inter-Agency Coordination on Trade of Mercury. A one-day in-person national training workshop was developed to provide practical guidance on combatting issues related to the trade of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury-added products (such as mercury-added skin lightening products) in alignment with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Customs Training Summary Report: Sri Lanka 2025
Sub-regional customs training to enhance monitoring of trade of mercury, mercury compounds, and mercury-added skin lightening products. A two-day in-person sub-regional training workshop was developed to equip customs officers, environmental regulators, and law enforcement agencies with the guidance to detect and control mercury trade. Key areas of focus include regulatory compliance, risk assessment, intelligence-sharing, and forensic analysis.
Proceeding Report: Custom Online Training 3
The Online Custom Training on Monitoring the Trade of Mercury and Mercury Compounds, held on 13 August 2025, is part of a broader effort to build national capacity in support of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Convention is a key multilateral environmental agreement aimed at protecting human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. This training is organized under the Japan-funded United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) project titled “Project for Promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by Making the Most of Japan’s Knowledge and Experiences.” The project seeks to strengthen implementation by facilitating information exchange, awareness-raising, education, and technical capacity building among participating countries. Specifically, this session focused on Best Practices/Available Resources for Managing Mercury Trade and targeted customs authorities, ministries of environment and health, and other relevant stakeholders, with the goal of enhancing their understanding and practical ability to monitor and control mercury trade.
National Training Summary Report: Palau 2025
A one-day in-person National Training workshop was developed to provide practical guidance on combatting issues related to the trade of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury-added products (MAPs) in alignment with the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This activity was a joint initiative developed under the Japan-funded “Project for promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by making the most of Japan's knowledge and experiences to support Parties in the implementation of the Convention” implemented regionally by UNEP. The project has a special focus on the area of information exchange, awareness and education, research, development, and monitoring.
National Training Summary Report: Mongolia 2025
A one and a half day in-person National Training workshop was developed to provide practical guidance on combatting issues related to the trade of mercury, mercury compounds and mercury-added products (MAPs) in alignment with the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This activity was a joint initiative developed under the Japanfunded “Project for promoting the Minamata Convention on Mercury by making the most of Japan's knowledge and experiences to support Parties in the implementation of the Convention” implemented regionally by UNEP. The project has a special focus on the area of information exchange, awareness and education, research, development, and monitoring.
Updates in Identification and Monitoring of Mercury-added Skin Lightening Products: under the Project: GEF 10810: Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products – Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka
The use of skin lightening products is widespread across the globe. To enable the engagement of each key region where skin lightening is more prevalent, Jamaica, Gabon, and Sri Lanka were engaged to provide insight into the prevalence of the issue in the Caribbean, African, and Asian regions respectively.
Avances en la identificación y el control de los productos blanqueadores de piel con mercurio: En el marco del proyecto—GEF 10810: Eliminación de productos blanqueadores de piel con mercurio – Gabón, Jamaica y Sri Lanka
El uso de productos blanqueadores de piel está ampliamente extendido a nivel global. Para garantizar la participación de las regiones donde esta práctica es más común, Jamaica, Gabón y Sri Lanka fueron seleccionados para ofrecer una representación geográfica y ofrecer información sobre la prevalencia del problema en el Caribe, África y Asia, respectivamente.
Mises à jour concernant l’identification et la surveillance des produits éclaircissants pour la peau contenant du mercure: dans le cadre du projet : GEF 10810 : Élimination des produits de blanchiment de la peau à base de mercure—Gabon, Jamaïque et Sri Lanka
L’utilisation de produits éclaircissants pour la peau est très répandue à travers le monde. Afin de permettre l’engagement de chaque région clé où l’éclaircissement de la peau est plus prévalent, la Jamaïque, le Gabon et le Sri Lanka ont été sollicités pour fournir des informations sur la prévalence du problème dans les régions des Caraïbes, d’Afrique et d’Asie respectivement.
Mercurio en aves cantoras tropicales: Evidencia desde África Central
Los investigadores del BRI realizaron un esfuerzo de muestreo en la provincia de Djibloho, Guinea Ecuatorial, utilizando redes de niebla, trabajando junto a científicos de la Iniciativa de Biodiversidad y del Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo del Sistema de Áreas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP) para cuantificar las concentraciones de mercurio en las aves.
Mercury in Tropical Songbirds: Evidence from Central Africa
BRI researchers undertook a sampling effort in Djibloho Province, Equatorial Guinea, using mist nets, working alongside scientists from Biodiversity Initiative and El Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo del Sistema de Áreas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP) to quantify mercury concentrations in birds.
Le mercure chez les passereaux tropicaux: Donnéesprovenant d’Afrique centrale
Les chercheurs du BRI ont entrepris un effort d’échantillonnage dans la province de Djibloho, en Guinée équatoriale, en utilisant des filets de brouillard, en collaboration avec des scientifiques de l’Initiative pour la biodiversité et de l’Instituto Nacional de Desarrollo Forestal y Manejo del Sistema de Áreas Protegidas (INDEFOR-AP) pour quantifier les concentrations de mercure chez les oiseaux.
Studying Migrant Raptors Using the Atlantic Flyway: Block Island Raptor Research Station, Block Island, RI: 2012 – 2024 Season Summary
During fall seasons of 2012–2024, we operated the Block Island Raptor Research Station (BIRRS) on Block Island, Rhode Island to enable multiple ongoing research investigations on migrant raptors.
Bat Acoustic Monitoring in the Gulf of Maine: Preliminary 2024 Results
With support from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW), from July— October 2024, the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) conducted a bat acoustic monitoring effort in the Gulf of Maine to better understand offshore bat activity in the context of forthcoming offshore wind development in the region.
Méthodes d’échantillonnage sur le terrain des chauves-souris: Collecte de tissus pour l’analyse du mercure
La collecte et l’analyse non létales d’échantillons de sang entier chez les chauves-souris sont utilisées pour identifier l’absorption alimentaire récente de contaminants, tels que le mercure (Evers 2018), et divers isotopes stables (c’est-à-dire δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) qui permettent de reconstruire le régime alimentaire et d’identifier les origines migratoires.
Méthodes d’échantillonnage des sols et des sédiments sur le terrain
Le présent protocole d’échantillonnage est conçu comme un guide pour la collecte, le traitement et l’expédition d’échantillons de sol et de sédiments destinés à l’analyse du mercure. La collecte d’échantillons selon ces protocoles généraux permettra d’établir des comparaisons entre les sites d’échantillonnage, d’aider à identifier les sites potentiels présentant des risques élevés pour la santé humaine et la santé des écosystèmes, et de mieux comprendre les flux et les mécanismes du mercure.
Soil and Sediment Field Sampling Methods: Collection of Samples for Mercury Analysis
This sampling and testing protocol is designed to serve as a guide for collection, storage, shipping, and analysis of soil and sediment samples for the measurement of mercury. The use and application of these recommended sampling protocols will help ensure consistency in sampling across sites and through time so the collected data will be comparable and scientifically sound for comparison with other global monitoring studies.
Méthodes d’échantillonnage des cheveux humains: Collecte d’échantillons pour l’analyse du mercure
Ce protocole d’échantillonnage est conçu comme un guide pour la collecte, le traitement et l’expédition d’échantillons de cheveux humains pour la mesure du mercure total. L’utilisation de cette méthodologie par tous les collaborateurs garantira la cohérence de l’échantillonnage dans tous les lieux et la solidité scientifique des données générées. La collecte correcte des échantillons garantit la pertinence des résultats pour la comparaison avec d’autres résultats de surveillance mondiale.
Human Hair Field Sampling Methods: Collection of Samples for Mercury Analysis
This sampling protocol is designed as a guide for the collection, processing, and shipping of human hair samples for the measurement of total mercury. The use of this methodology by all collaborators will ensure consistency in sampling in all locations and that data generated will be scientifically sound. Proper sample collection ensures suitability of the results for comparison with other global monitoring results.
Méthodes d’échantillonnage des poissons sur le terrain: Collecte de tissus pour l’analyse du mercure
Le présent protocole d’échantillonnage est conçu comme un guide pour la collecte, le traitement et l’expédition d’échantillons de tissus de poisson en vue de la mesure du mercure total. La collecte d’échantillons selon ces protocoles généraux permettra d’effectuer des comparaisons entre les sites d’échantillonnage et contribuera à l’identification des points chauds potentiels du mercure présentant un risque pour la santé humaine et l’écosystème.
Fish Field Sampling Methods: Collection of Tissues for Mercury Analysis
This sampling protocol is designed as a guide for the collection, processing, and shipping of fish tissue samples for the measurement of total mercury. Sample collection following these general protocols will allow comparisons to be made across sampling sites and assist in identifying potential mercury hotspots posing risk to both human and ecosystem health.
Méthodes d’échantillonnage des oiseaux sur le terrain: Collecte de tissus pour l’analyse du mercure
La collecte et l’analyse non létales d’échantillons de sang entier chez les oiseaux sont utilisées pour identifier l’absorption alimentaire récente de contaminants, tels que le mercure (Evers 2018), et divers isotopes stables (c’est-à-dire δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) qui permettent de reconstruire le régime alimentaire et d’identifier les origines migratoires.
Bat Field Sampling Methods: Collection of Tissues for Mercury Analysis
The nonlethal collection and analysis of whole blood samples in bats is used to identify the recent dietary uptake of contaminants, such as mercury (Evers 2018), and various stable isotopes (i.e., δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) that allow for diet reconstruction and identifying migratory origins.
Biodiversity Surveys in South Dakota
In its over 25-year history, BRI has applied these techniques and a multitude of others across North America, Central and South America, East and southern Africa, and Southeast Asia for funding partners including the United Nations and several U.S. federal agencies.
Mercury in the Global Environment: Impacts to Biodiversity
To inform policy efforts and advance public awareness, an international group of scientists collaborated on producing 18 peer-reviewed papers that describe the impacts of mercury on the environment and key biota—information vital for evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. These papers, published in two parts, are collected in a Special Issue of Ecotoxicology entitled Assessing Global Environmental Mercury Exposure in Biota and Potential Impacts on Biodiversity. This publication, Mercury in the Global Environment: Impacts to Biodiversity?, highlights the major findings of those studies and collaborative efforts.
Mercury in Indonesia: Reducing Supply and Availablity
Project summary on initiatives supporting the restriction of mercury supplies in Indonesia. Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), in collaboration with Nexus3 Foundation and other nongovernmental organizations, is leading initiatives with funding from the U.S. Department of State, to support the Government of Indonesia in restricting mercury supplies, especially for the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector.
Projecting the effects of Offshore Wind mediated benthic changes on U.S. marine ecosystems
One-page summary about benthic changes research relating to offshore wind development. Benthic (or seafloor) communities can be highly reactive to disturbance. More information is needed to understand how Offshore Wind (OSW) farms will impact benthic marine communities in the northwest Atlantic, where a majority of U.S. OSW development is underway.
Projecting the effects of Offshore Wind mediated benthic changes on U.S. marine ecosystems
Detailed research study objectives looking at impacts to benthic communities due to offshore wind development. Studying changes in benthic communities can be challenging, particularly due to the variation in seasonality and mobility across organisms. This project takes an ecosystem-focused approach to gain a more holistic understanding of potential impacts of OSW on marine benthic communities.
Sentinels in the North Woods: Evaluating mercury and lead exposure risk of Bald Eagles and Common Loons in Northeastern Maine
In 2021, the Mi’kmaq Nation received grant funding to evaluate the exposure of Bald Eagles and Common Loons to mercury and lead, which can threaten both species. No prior efforts have evaluated mercury and lead exposure in loons or eagles in northern Maine. The grant also committed to conducting outreach on the health risks of lead and mercury to wildlife and humans, and to expanding the tribe’s capacity through field training and equipment purchases.
Supporting offshore wind siting in the Gulf of Maine – Marine birds: Report to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has reconvened the Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force commercial planning process to aid in identifying potential renewable energy lease areas on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine (GOM). To support the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife during the offshore wind commercial planning process, Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) conducted a desktop study and literature review to determine regions of importance for breeding and migrating marine birds in the Gulf of Maine to inform regions of higher and lower risk to marine birds. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has reconvened the Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force commercial planning process to aid in identifying potential renewable energy lease areas on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine (GOM). To support the State of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife during the offshore wind commercial planning process, Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) conducted a desktop study and literature review to determine regions of importance for breeding and migrating marine birds in the Gulf of Maine to inform regions of higher and lower risk to marine birds.
