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FEATURE ARTICLE: CELEBRATING EARTH DAY
Written by Hannah Peterson
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April is Earth Month, with Earth Day falling on April 22nd. This important holiday has now been going on for over 50 years! This year’s theme for Earth Day is to “Invest in Our Planet.” As we are seeing environmental decline, now is the time to make changes for the sake of our planet. This means changing the business and political climates, as well as changing how we are taking action on climate. Together we need to invest in our planet with courage to preserve and protect, for the sake of everyone. In this mission of investing in the planet, everyone is both accounted for and accountable in acting, innovating, and implementing to improve our quality of life as well as the health of the planet. Now is the time to make an effort towards a prosperous and sustainable future for us and for the generations to come.
What can you do this Earth Day to invest in our planet? There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, whether that be making sustainable choices in consumption, planting trees, taking part in environmental activism, or just appreciating the beauty of Earth. There are so many options, and there is sure to be something you can do to both invest in and celebrate the Earth, on Earth Day and everyday. For the sake of the planet’s future health, it is up to all of us to make an effort in some way.
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SPOTLIGHT HABITAT: THE ABYSSAL ZONE
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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About 13,000 to 20,000 feet down in the ocean we find the abyssal zone. This zone is nearly the deepest part of the ocean, and it receives no sunlight, meaning it is in a constant state of darkness. The lack of sunlight also means the abyssal zone has incredibly low temperatures, reaching nearly 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme depth of this environment results in incredibly high pressure from the vast amount of water above it. Living in this area of the ocean is incredibly difficult for a variety of reasons. The lack of sunlight, near freezing temperatures, and extreme pressure are also coupled with a lack of oxygen and an intense input of chemicals from hydrothermal vents at the ocean floor. These conditions make it seem impossible for any creature to live, but life always finds a way. Creatures in this area have developed a variety of traits that allow them to thrive. Traits that make life suitable for this environment include things like: squishy skin, hard shells, slow metabolisms, big eyes, and very little overall movement. Some organisms have even developed the ability to create energy using hydrothermal vent chemicals to perform chemosynthesis since there is no light for photosynthesis. Organisms of the abyssal zone have long ago developed the necessary tools to overcome the seemingly impossible obstacles of such a fascinating zone.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: ROYAL RED PRAWNS
Written by Hannah Peterson
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Royal red prawns are a species of deepwater shrimp. They are also known as the pink prawn, jack-knife prawn, and redspot king prawn. They are typically red or pink in color with antennae of equal length. They are small, and females can grow larger than males. Their typical lifespan is three to four years. In the ocean, royal red prawns are found in deep waters, typically on the edges of slopes and continental shelves. It is believed that they may migrate to shallower waters during the winter. Royal red prawns feed on small mollusks, crustaceans, and worms, and are the prey of a variety of fish. Female prawns will typically breed several times in their lives while males typically do only once. A female royal red prawn can produce 58,000 to 140,000 eggs, which is less than other prawn species. Their eggs are typically larger than other species and blue in color. Royal red prawns are a shrimp species that humans will often catch in fisheries, typically through a bottom trawl method. Unfortunately, this method can also catch unwanted fish species called bycatch and cause damage to ocean ecosystems, so fishermen need to be careful.
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Earth Day Challenge
Beginning on Earth Day, April 22nd, we have a challenge for you! From April 22nd to May 22nd, we challenge you to tell us how you invest in our earth’s future and enter for chance to win eco-friendly prizes! Send your entries to contest@aeonforocean.org. This is open to residents in all 50 US states. Judges decision will be final, and winners will be announced at the end of May.
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Interview with Dr. Lori Marino
In February we had an interview with Dr. Marino to learn more about her whale sanctuary project and to help celebrate World Whale Day. If you have not already seen the interview, watch here!
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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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