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FEATURE ARTICLE: AERODYNAMICS & THE OCEAN
Written by Aeon Bashir
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It’s fast, stable, and extremely maneuverable. It’s not a shark or a dolphin. It’s a boxfish. When thinking about speed and efficiency, a boxfish is probably not the first animal that comes to mind. As its name suggests, the boxfish is quite literally shaped like a box. The scientific name of the boxfish is Ostracion Cubicus (O. Cubicus) which is derived from the Greek word “ostrakon,” which means shell (referring to the armor underneath the boxfish’s skin), and the Latin word “cubicus,” meaning cubical. However, the signature boxy design makes the boxfish one of the most aerodynamic fish. The coefficient of drag (cd) describes the amount of drag, hence the lower the cd, the more efficient the shape. The cd of the boxfish is only 0.19. To compare, the cd of a McLaren F1 is 0.32. This is what led research to study the boxfish’s aerodynamic properties. It is so efficient that Mercedes-Benz has made a concept compact car based on the fish (which also has a cd of 0.19). In addition, they have modeled the structure of the car based on the boxfish’s lightweight inner armor. This makes the car agile, environmental, and economical as well as being secure and stable.
However, the boxfish is not the only marine animal whose design is utilized to make more efficient vehicles. For example, take the kingfisher. When diving, the kingfisher is extremely aerodynamic and fast. This inspired the idea of a high-speed train. Again, the cd of this bionic train is only 0.1559 compared to the normal bullet train, which is 0.3504. Another example can be seen in the humpback whale, whose flippers are being used to make a more efficient windmill blade. Another whale has been used to model a submarine. The sperm whale is an extremely efficient diver with a cd of only 0.00306, compared to a normal submarine’s cd of 0.35. There are many more examples of current animal-inspired advancements, and even more waiting to be discovered. From large sperm whales to small kingfishers, the future is driven by nature.
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SPOTLIGHT HABITAT: SEAGRASS MEADOWS
Written by Hannah Peterson
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Seagrass meadows are the spotlight species for August! These unique ecosystems, made up of seagrasses, are incredibly important for many species in the ocean. Segrasses are found all over the world in oceans and estuaries, and there are over 70 different species, some of which are better adapted to warm or cold climates. Interestingly, they are the only flowering plants in the sea. Seagrass meadows are a place for a variety of species to feed, grow, and mature. Species like fish, shellfish, dugongs, manatees, aquatic birds, and green sea turtles use seagrass meadows as grazing beds and nurseries for raising their young. In addition to helping animal species, seagrasses also have a number of environmental benefits. They filter water, produce oxygen, and control erosion by using their roots to trap sand and soil. They also absorb wave energy, protecting other habitats like coastal lands and coral reefs from storm damage. Seagrass meadows require clean energy and sunlight, and their main threats are water pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus. They can also be damaged by shoreline development and dredging. It is important for seagrass meadows to get the protection they need.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: DUGONG
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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August’s spotlight species is no other than the dugong. Often confused with the manatee, dugongs are large, herbivorous mammals that call the ocean their home. Their defining features include a short, downward facing trunk and a tail similar to that of a dolphin. Unlike the manatee, dugongs are only found in the ocean, and their downward facing trunk means they exclusively feed off the ocean floor. Off the Northern coast of Australia, as well as the Indian and Pacific oceans, these creatures spend their lives floating in the shallow water of bays and seagrass meadows. Their love for feeding on seagrass has even landed them the nickname “sea cows.” With only few natural predators and relatively good health, these creatures have been known to live up to 73 years old. Although they are shy creatures, they are not lonely as they mate for life with a partner from as young as 6-12 years old. Dugong's ancestors have roamed the seas for over 50 million years, and although they might have looked a bit different back then, people have always been fascinated by their interesting looks. The dugong is even believed to be the origin of the mermaid myth, with sailors mistaking them for human-like creatures.
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Uko Gorter Interview
In case you missed it last month, view our interview with Uko Gorter, scientific illustrator, in honor of World Ocean Day.
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OPPORTUNITIES AT AEON FOR OCEAN
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Are you interested in joining our team and helping to contribute to ocean conservation? We are currently looking to fill the following positions:
- Comic Illustrator
- Social Media Associate
- Graphic Designer
- Publishing Associate
- Director of Technology
- Director of Human Resources
- Director of Operations
More information can be found on our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Interested applicants can apply directly on our website using the link above.
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KRILL2WHALE PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
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What is Krill2Whale?
Krill2Whale (K2W) is a program focused on educating kids about marine life and oceans so they can then share that information with other children in both casual and formal presentation settings. The goal is to spread awareness on the importance of the marine ecosystem and to increase involvement in activities to save our oceans.
How does K2W benefit kids?
Not only will new K2W Ambassadors join a group of inspiring kids, make new friends, and learn about marine life, but they will also learn valuable life skills like public speaking, leadership, and planning. The K2W Ambassadors will be given the opportunity to present a 30-45 minute interactive presentation at schools and libraries and help organize events for their communities.
How can my child join?
Head to aeonforocean.org/krill2whale for more information. If you'd like to join, click “Join me” in the “Become a K2W Ambassador” section and complete the form. If you have further questions about the program, please send an email to info@aeonforocean.org.
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