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FEATURE ARTICLE: Spring Migrations
Written by Jordan Bacon
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It’s that time of the year. Things are warming up, flowers are beginning to bloom, and the days are getting longer. It’s springtime! And with spring comes the spring migrations of several species of animals across our planet. Millions of animals will travel thousands of miles, both to breed and to feed, braving numerous challenges along their way.
Northern Elephant Seals
Northern elephant seals are one of the largest types of pinnipeds, or seals, in the world. The large males of the species are unmistakable, what with their large proboscis (nose), to which their common name is attributed. These seals have semiannual migrations, where they travel between beaches in California and Mexico where they breed and molt and the north Pacific Ocean where they feed. During their migration journeys over the course of a year, northern elephant seals may travel between 12,000 and 14,000 miles.
Arctic Tern
No other animal in the world migrates as far as the arctic tern, whose annual migration sees these ocean-loving birds travel from where they are born in the Arctic Circle to warmer summer climates in the Antarctic Circle. If going in a straight line, this route would take 30,000 miles — however, the arctic tern often zigzags between continents, going out of their way looking for the best food and the best weather along the way. Using small trackers on these birds, scientists have recorded journeys as long as 44,000 miles during this migration. Arctic terns evolved to tackle this migration feat. Their lightweight bodies and wing design allow them to glide on ocean breezes without having to use much energy. In fact, they can even eat and sleep while gliding.
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Leatherback sea turtles are the largest species of sea turtles on Earth, measuring up to 7 feet long and weighing up to 2,000 pounds. This species is distributed widely throughout the globe, with leatherback sea turtles being found in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. Leatherbacks travel both to feed on jellyfish in far off foraging grounds as well as to lay eggs. Depending on where they originate from, their migration journeys can be as long as 10,000 miles and can take 10 to 12 months to complete.
These animals as well as numerous others undertake these extreme treks around the world year after year. These journeys are epic and often dangerous, and truly go to show the strength of these creatures.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: Chinook Salmon
Written by Madeline McCormick
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As the spring season rolls around, there is no better time than now to learn about and appreciate this spotlight species. The Chinook salmon, commonly referred to as the “spring” salmon, is the largest pacific salmon and is native to the northern pacific waters of Russia, Japan, and Canada, as well as the watersheds of the northwestern states of California, Oregon, and Alaska. Unlike marine and freshwater fish, salmon are anadromous, meaning they survive and thrive in both freshwater and marine environments. Chinook salmon spend much of their lives maturing in the ocean until it is time to reproduce, at which point they begin their migration. The salmon will migrate thousands of miles, only stopping when they reach the cold, highly oxygenated water of the rivers they once hatched in. This migration typically takes place in spring months, different from other species of salmon that wait until summer and even early fall to swim upriver. This, of course, is how the Chinook salmon acquired its “spring” title. When there, male and female salmon reproduce and eggs are then laid in redds, or depressions, made in gravel and sediment by the female salmon. After hatching and staying for 3 months to a year in freshwater, the juvenile salmon are strong enough swimmers and are ready for a run back to the ocean, where they will spend 1 to 5 years before returning to freshwater to spawn. The Chinook salmon runs facilitate some of the biggest watershed events of the season. It is imperative the salmon reach the ocean and mature to ensure the cycle continues. This has become a growing concern for conservationists as two species of Chinook salmon in the northwestern United States have been categorized as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Bringing awareness to these amazing creatures has proved beneficial in protecting and maintaining salmon populations. Aside from educating the public, efforts have been made to improve waterways by eliminating pollution from runoff and restoring habitats. A healthy waterway means healthy fish, and hopefully with every passing spring, we will see Chinook salmon populations recover.
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SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE: Spring in the Arctic
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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Similar to the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the Arctic begins springtime around March. Although one may think an Arctic spring would look a bit different from the bees, trees, rain showers, and fresh flower-filled springs many know, springtime in the Arctic is actually very similar. Starting around mid-March, light begins to shine in the Arctic sky as the sun appears for the first time in about six months. With the increase in light and temperature, the ice in the surrounding ocean begins to break apart. Frozen streams begin to run ice-free and plants capable of survival in this extreme environment poke their colorful heads up through the remaining snow of the Arctic tundra. Polar bears emerge from their hibernation with their winter-born cubs, those of whom will feel the warmth of the spring sun for the very first time. These hungry mother bears will quickly start their hunt for food, teaching their cubs along the way. One of the main targets of these ferocious creatures is a far more docile animal, the harp seal. Luckily the harp seal is a highly migratory animal and they don’t stick around waiting for the polar bears to wake up. Instead these animals leave their icy breeding ground for the ocean to hunt their own prey. In the frigid waters they are joined by numerous other migratory species like narwhals and belugas. The broken ice allows for these mammals to surface and breathe the thawing Arctic air. Although snow and ice still covers the terrain, creatures begin to stir all around the frozen habitats of the Arctic. Even in one of the Earth’s most inhospitable environments, spring still makes an impactful appearance.
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International Day of the Seal – March 22nd
A day to honor seals and raise awareness of seal conservation
Manatee Appreciation Day – March 29th
A day to appreciate and learn about these gentle creatures
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March is Dolphin Awareness Month
A month to celebrate these intelligent creatures and raise awareness of the threats they face
World Wildlife Day – March 3rd
A United Nations International day to celebrate the world's wild animals and plants
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MEET THE NEW MEMBER OF OUR POD
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Since our last newsletter, we have added 1 new member to our team. We are excited for their contributions to Aeon for Ocean.
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Gil Ponte
Board Member |
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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:
- Board Member (Treasurer)
- Director of Technology
- Social Media Manager
- Education Associate
- HR Associate
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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