Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog » Ocean Related News

A Touch Too Much

Creedence — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:09:52 +0000

Whale sharks are enjoying quite the popularity these days, as sightings of the gentle giants become more common than usual to the casual visitor. In Queensland, Australia, two men were filmed “riding” a whale shark who happened upon their boat while fishing for tuna earlier this month. The small fishing town of Oslob, found in the Philippines, has enjoyed a recent tourism boom after fishermen began hand-feeding a population of whale sharks to the delight of SCUBA divers and tourists visiting the area. Although the filter-feeding creatures are most certainly docile and pose no threat to humans, physical interaction between the whale sharks and people is the source of recent controversy, because of the impacts it has on the animal in the short and long term. So the question is: are the concerns a bit dramatic, or do they have a valid point?(...)
Read the rest of A Touch Too Much (421 words)

How Do We Know What We Know About Sea Creatures?

Creedence — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:47:16 +0000

Have you ever wondered how it is that scientists are able to learn so much about creatures in the sea? It is not without determination, patience, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, that much is sure. But there is also a heavy technological influence in studying deep-sea animals, as is evidenced by this video of researchers from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who are studying jellyfish. Technology plays a vital role in the collection and analyzing of undersea life forms, many of which are being discovered and documented for the first time in history.

Because these depths often exceed what even technical SCUBA divers are capable of enduring, robotic cameras and other equipment are fundamental to much of today’s oceanic research. Advancement of underwater robotic technology continues to stay at the forefront of oceanic research; most recently notable is the development of an underwater robotic vehicle whose engine is powered entirely by thermal energy that it collects from the surrounding water, which presents two significant advantages: it can stay underwater for indefinite periods of time, and thermal energy is not only non-polluting, it’s a renewable resource. Check out these ocean techs at work!

Photo via USACE-Sacramento District

Endangered Species Ups and Downs of 2011

Creedence — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:46:45 +0000

The year 2011 saw a great deal of triumphs when it comes to endangered marine species, and more awareness of their plight than ever is surely setting the scene for even more successes in 2012. Of course, it was not a year of total success, as there were losses for some species as well. Let’s take a look at some of the less-reported highlights of this year:

January 2011

Pacific Walrus

The ten most important coral species in the world are identified by the Zoological Society of London, and a conservation program is planned to set up marine parks, community education of sustainable fishing practices and conservation management, and carry out research in fragile areas. The US joins other nations in establishing a ban on shark finning in all US waters.

February 2011
Despite projections of complete dissipation of summer sea ice by the year 2030, the Pacific walrus is denied Endangered status in favor of a place on the “warranted, but precluded” list. A study in 2006 showed their population to be about 130,000. The polar bear is caught in legal limbo between Threatened and Endangered status.

March 2011
The devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami derails Japan’s plan to build another nuclear power plant on a landfill in the country’s Inland Sea, a National Park since 1934, which hosts rare, endemic, and endangered species. The plan faced opposition from long-time residents of nearby islands.

April 2011
A new hook is developed to reduce unintended bluefin tuna bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico, where bluefin fishing has been illegal since the 1980s. A study in the Mediterranean concludes that of 519 species, 10 percent face extinction, and also within the 519, 40 percent of 76 species are endangered.

May 2011
The NOAA authorizes officials in Washington and Oregon to “lethally remove” a population of California sea lions that are preying on endangered steelhead and other salmon species. The predators are deemed a serious threat to the recovery of endangered fish stocks, as they are consuming the fish as they migrate upriver to spawn. By contrast, the California sea lion population is healthy, and the cull is limited to 85 sea lions per year, and only those who have been observed eating the endangered fish.

Jewelry made from red coral

June 2011
A proposal to build a petrochemical factory in Taiwan is rejected, thanks to environmental activists’ concern for the area’s endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Around 70,000 signatures were gathered in opposition to the factory.

July 2011
US Fish and Wildlife agrees to resolve the status of more than 250 species that have been backlogged for decades, approving or denying them Threatened or Endangered status. Either of these statuses will offer the species a higher level of protection for themselves, as well as their habitat.

August 2011
Members of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species voted to impose further restrictions on the harvest and trade of red and pink corals, which are often used to make expensive jewelry.

September 2011
A theme park in Hong Kong abandoned a plan to buy and import red-listed wild-caught Beluga whales due to public outcry from conservationists. Although there had allegedly been previous success in removal of the creatures, more evidence showed that the whales are often killed or injured during capture, and suffered a high mortality rate in captivity. The capture of Beluga whales is banned in the US and Canada.

October 2011
Studies indicate a slow but sure comeback of the Atlantic’s goliath grouper in Florida due to a two-decade moratorium on the endangered species, while the goliath grouper remains critically endangered elsewhere throughout the world.

Sea turtle hatchlings

November 2011
Florida officials vote to implement a full ban on tiger sharks and 3 species of hammerhead sharks that will take effect the first day of 2012. Bangladesh creates its first dolphin sanctuaries.

December 2011
More than 42 million sea turtle hatchlings are released in Mexico due to concentrated efforts to protect existing turtles, their nests, and their eggs. Australia observes a record breeding season for humpback whales, with more than 2,000 mothers and calves sighted during their migration.

Photos via USFWS Headquarters, knottyboy, olcoge

Be An Environmentally Friendly Diver

Creedence — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:02:31 +0000

Much of recreational SCUBA diving revolves around observing your environment and all the life contained within, which is an exhilarating experience. All too often, however, the joy is lessened slightly by evidence of man-made pollution, and the effects it can have on ecosystems.

No excuse.

Coral bleaching caused by chemicals used on land, marine animals entangled in discarded nets or fishing line, and bits of common trash are frequently spotted in dive sites around the world.

SCUBA divers are in a unique position when it comes to this kind of pollution, for the plain fact that we are able to actually see it. The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” applies greatly to matters of ocean pollution, because most people simply do not see the problem, so there is no call to action. Because we have the skills, training, and (presumably) a love and respect for the ocean, we possess the power to lend a much-needed hand to marine conservation efforts. There are several ways to accomplish this.

(...)
Read the rest of Be An Environmentally Friendly Diver (359 words)

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Be An Environmentally Friendly Diver is an original article from Aquaviews.net | 4 comments

Restoring Ocean Life With Marine Reserves

Creedence — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:15:03 +0000

Australia recently made international news with the revelation of its intent to create the world’s largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea, which would protect an area one and a half times the size of France. The plans have some commercial fishing operations seeing red, as areas established as reserves are regulated by no-take rules. But it has been proven that many species show significant growth when their removal is prohibited from reserve areas, and that quality of catches actually improves in the areas surrounding marine reserves. This thought-provoking video showcases the importance of protecting the life found within our oceans, and the role that protection plays in furthering our own existence on planet Earth.

Photo via Neville10

Ode to Our Oceans

Creedence — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:58:34 +0000

The world’s oceans are truly awe-inspiring, for the life they have produced over millions of years, and the sheer magnitude of unknown information they hold. While some may not hold them in quite the same esteem, there are many people out there who are compelled to show their appreciation for the oceans’ magnificence through outstanding works of art. These artworks have helped countless others come to appreciate the oceans as a truly wonderful part of life on Earth, and have perhaps even motivated others to express themselves similarly. Whether you like to create or simply observe, there is no denying that these pieces are truly inspiring!

via grant_loy

via jurvetson

via _Tony_B

via karmadude

via Jo Naylor

via tyger_lyllie

via Nikchick

via Sarah Camp

A Day of Thanks For All Things SCUBA

Creedence — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:54:54 +0000

Today is one of several days that many people from all over the world come together to enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on what they are thankful for. SCUBA divers have much to appreciate, and here is just a small list of things we here at Aquaviews are thankful for. Feel free to share yours!

Shark finning awareness is creating more protection for sharks

More is being done to protect coral reefs

Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his devotion to the ocean

Lionfish are easy to catch — and delicious!

Marine biodiversity

Dive buddies

Beautiful dive sites all over the world

Divers everywhere just like YOU!

From all of us at Aquaviews, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Original photos via eazy traveler, NOAA’s National Ocean Service, NASA, Serge Melki, Mot the barber, fishpickdiver, Dan Hershman

Please Don’t Eat Me!

Creedence — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:41:09 +0000

A lot of talk about sustainable fishing practices lately is just that –a lot of talk– if we don’t all do our part to lessen the demand for unsustainable products. Efforts are being made by more and more fisheries to operate in a way that allows fish time to repopulate, as well as ways that do not harm the surrounding environment and marine life. Methods that have a large amount of undesired species bycatch, and trawling are fishing practices that are doing more harm than is necessary. We should do our best to support companies who make these decisions despite profit losses, as it is the only way to avoid species extinction and eventual collapse of marine ecosystems.

(...)
Read the rest of Please Don’t Eat Me! (87 words)

© Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog, 2011. | Please Don’t Eat Me! is an original article from Aquaviews.net | One comment

Bye Bye, Bluefin

Creedence — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:33:11 +0000

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the world’s most prized fish, and for that reason, is also one of the most endangered. Demand for the fish goes back decades, popular in the raw fish market for use in sushi and sashimi. Due to a skyrocketing desire for Atlantic bluefin, this species has already experienced extinction in the Black and Caspian Seas. Conservationists are working with agencies across the globe to establish protection for the species, but evidence has shown that despite strict regulations, a higher amount of Atlantic bluefin is being bought and sold than reported catches reflect. The problem lies with an insatiable demand for the fish coupled with outrageous market prices, driving commercial fisheries to compete for higher profits. Unfortunately, there is much more at stake than money if the Atlantic bluefin is fished to extinction.

(...)
Read the rest of Bye Bye, Bluefin (388 words)

7 Spectacular Seabirds

Creedence — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:41:21 +0000

Seabirds are so often overlooked in discussions of marine creatures, when they are actually a large part of marine ecosystems. Sailors have long found them to be beneficiaries at sea, because they act as indicators of land, or a mass of fish. Fisheries find them useful for their guano, which can assist in fertilization of surrounding seas. Sadly, great numbers of seabirds are killed each year from entanglement in fishing lines and nets, as well as consumption of plastic, mistaking it for prey. Birds are some of Earth’s most ancient inhabitants, and each species has their own unique qualities. Here are 7 of our favorites!

Black-Footed Albatross

via Alan Vernon.

The black-footed albatross is most noticeably different from other albatross by its dark plumage. These seabirds take residence mainly in the North Pacific Ocean, nesting on isolated tropical islands of Japan and Hawaii. These birds are pelagic feeders, consuming fish and their eggs, as well as squid and the occasional crustacean. Because they consume so much seawater during their hunt, their beak is equipped with a salt gland that desalinates their bodies, and is secreted as almost pure sodium chloride.

Red-Throated Loon

via Rainbirder

This migratory seabird can be found widely throughout the northern hemisphere, and breeding takes place in Arctic waters. The characteristic red throat for which the bird is named is actually only present during breeding season. Red-throated loons breed with only one partner for their entire lives. Although this bird is protected under several international treaties, some of the species are in decline due to environmental disasters and entanglement in fishing nets. Curiously, this bird is incapable of walking on land, but is incredibly adept at taking off from small bodies of water.

Double Crested Cormorant

via mikebaird

The double-crested cormorant has a wide range of habitat, from as north as Canada to as south as the Bahamas, but it generally prefers warmer climes. The namesake crests on its head are only apparent in breeding season, and can vary in shades of white, grey, or black. Although its feathers are not entirely waterproof, it dives beneath the surface to catch fish, and will hunt in the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Double-crested cormorants are very social birds, often found living in colonies that include other species of seabirds.

Black Oystercatcher

via ian.white1

The black oystercatcher is a shorebird, ranging in habitat from rocky shores of Alaska to Baja California, but it does not usually stray far from its coastal habitat. As its name suggests, this seabird is indeed fond of molluscs, and its long, bright red beak is incredibly capable of prying open their shells. The black oystercatcher also forages in intertidal zones for crustaceans, barnacles, and isopods, using its sharp eyesight as its main hunting tool. The shells of black oystercatcher eggs are quite hardy, and can survive being submerged in a high tide.

Marbled Murrelet

via USFWS Pacific

This tiny coastal seabird hails from the North Pacific, and it feeds underwater on fish at sea, as well as inshore bays and freshwater lakes. The marbled murrelet does not reach breeding maturity until two years of age, where it nests high atop the branches of old-growth forest conifers. It lays just one egg on a bed of moss on the branch, and when the chick is old enough to fledge, it flies directly to the sea from the nest, unaccompanied by an adult. Unlike many birds, the marbled murrelet nests and hunts in a solitary manner, rather than within a colony.

Arctic Tern

via joeri-c

The Arctic tern is an abundant species of seabird, found in all of the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas of North America, Asia, and Europe. This plunge-diver’s diet is comprised mainly of juvenile shoaling fish such as herring and cod, but will also consume small crustaceans, insects, and berries. The Arctic tern can live to be more than thirty years old. It is renown for its migratory patterns, which allow for the Arctic tern to experience two summers and cover an incredible distance of more than 40,000 miles per year!

Long-Tailed Jaeger

via Seabamirum

The long-tailed jaeger is quite the conniver, often enjoying its meals of fish that have been stolen from other seabirds, known as kleptoparasitism. This migratory seabird nests on the dry, cold tundras of Arctic regions in Russia, Canada, and Alaska, but winters in the warmer south Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its nearly foot-long tail has two distinctive streamer feathers about six inches in length. The long-tailed jaeger will eat a variety of stolen or hunted foods, including small birds and mammals, carrion, and scraps of fish and other edible debris. It is one of few species of birds that are not generally afraid of humans.