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FEATURE ARTICLE: WORLD OCEAN DAY
Written by Hannah Peterson
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World Ocean Day is celebrated each year on June 8th. The ocean is a great body of water crucial to the survival of life on Earth. It means a lot to many people around the globe, as well as supporting many different species and their habitats. This day is meant to unite the world to protect and restore our blue planet. People globally can come together to take action for the world’s oceans, following the concept of “One Ocean, One Climate, One Future-Together.” Collaboration from leaders in over 140 countries helps make World Ocean Day possible. Additionally, World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council powers this oceanic holiday. Celebrate World Ocean Day by working with your family, friends, community, or workplace to create a better future for the world’s oceans by protecting and restoring it. Here at Aeon for Ocean, we work year round towards this goal by increasing awareness of ocean threats and doing our part to influence others to take action. What can you do to help protect the world’s oceans?
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SPOTLIGHT HABITAT: MANGROVES
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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Lining the oceans' tropical and subtropical coastlines is where you’ll find this month’s spotlight habitat. Mangrove forests are some of the most important coastal ecosystems worldwide. Although these forests are named after the mangrove trees, those aren't the only plants that make up these ecosystems. Mangrove forests are also home to multiple species of trees, shrubs, grasses, ferns, and many other plants. These forests are also home to a variety of animals including monkeys, lemon sharks, dugongs, shrimp, wild cats, snails, and flamingos. Not only do mangrove forests provide homes for countless organisms, they are also incredibly beneficial to surrounding environments. Mangroves help remove pollutants from the water, keeping the water quality clean for all organisms around them. They also protect the shoreline from storms and erosion. Although the organisms found in each specific mangrove forest depend on its location in the world, these forests all function in similar ways. Since these habitats form along coastlines, many of them are 50% salt water and 50% fresh water. This makes it very difficult for many plant species to grow, but mangroves grow best in these conditions and in doing so, they help support an incredible amount of life all around them.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: LEMON SHARK
Written by Hannah Peterson
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June’s spotlight species is the lemon shark! Lemon sharks are a yellow-brown color that helps them blend into sandy areas, and they have a stocky build with a flattened head and short snout. They can grow up to 10 feet long and 551 pounds. A special feature of the lemon shark is that their retinas have a horizontal band or visual streak that allows them to see color and fine detail underwater. Lemon sharks are found in the shallow waters of mangrove forests, as well as coral reefs and enclosed bays in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They tend to have a home range and congregate in groups of up to 20 to feed. Lemon sharks can live up to 30 years and give birth to live young, classifying them as viviparous. They can give birth to up to 17 pups at a time, which is done in shallow nurseries where pups remain for several years, feeding on nutrients from mangroves. They are a powerful predator, feeding on bony fish, stingrays, crustaceans, seabirds, or smaller sharks. Lemon sharks are threatened by commercial fishermen looking to sell or trade their meat and fins. They are currently listed as near threatened, so they need our protection!
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Earth Day Challenge Winners
Thanks to all of you who participated in our Earth Day Challenge! The challenge came to a close on May 22nd, with participants sharing how they are investing in our planet. Congrats to our winners, Norine Barber, Tony C. Saladino, and Craig Eder!
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World Ocean Day Interview
On June 7th, we are planning to interview Uko Gorter in honor or World Ocean Day. Uko Gorter is a scientific illustrator specializing in marine mammals such as dolphins, porpoises, and whales. We look forward to an interesting discussion. Stay tuned to hear more about it.
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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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