WETLANDS AROUND THE WORLD
Written by Hannah Peterson
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In the month of February, we turn our attention to the world’s wetlands. February 2, 2021 is World Wetlands Day, which marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention of Wetlands in 1971. The following article will give some background on what wetlands are, their importance, the threats they face, and how we can help.
Wetlands are land areas that are saturated with water, either seasonally or permanently, and can contain salt or freshwater. Inland wetlands include ponds, lakes, marshes, rivers, floodplains, fens, and swamps. Coastal wetlands include mangroves, lagoons, coral reefs, estuaries, and saltwater marshes. There are also man-made wetlands including saltpans, fishponds, and rice paddies.
Wetlands are important because they help keep the planet healthy through a variety of key functions. Some of these important functions include storing water, naturally filtering pollutants to provide clean water, providing jobs, creating breeding grounds and habitats for many species, providing protection from floods and other natural disasters, and helping regulate climate by storing carbon.
Unfortunately, wetlands are not thriving as one would hope. Currently, many wetland species are facing extinction from wetland decline. A couple of the threats to wetlands include water infrastructure development and climate change. These threats are decreasing the availability of water where it is needed.
Luckily we can help preserve the world’s wetlands. One way is by coordinating water, land, and resource consumption to meet the needs of society without compromising ecosystems. In other words, we need to use wetlands wisely. Additionally, we can avoid damming rivers and find ways to address and reduce wetland pollution.
Visit the World Wetlands Day Website to learn more about wetlands and see stories of how different countries around the world are working to protect and improve them.
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SPOTLIGHT CAREER: SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATOR
Written by Hannah Peterson with contributions from Eve Feldman
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A unique career that combines art and science is a Scientific Illustrator. One path a Scientific Illustrator can take is illustrating marine plants and animals. At Aeon for Ocean, we are lucky to have an aspiring Scientific Illustrator among us, Eve Feldman. The following content was gathered from an interview with Eve.
Primary Tasks of a Scientific Illustrator:
To draw or render scientific subjects accurately for a variety of uses including museum signage, scientific magazines, scientific research, textbooks, and even conservation organizations like Aeon for Ocean.
Where Scientific Illustrators Work:
Research institutes and universities, museums, zoos, publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, web and animation firms, and pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Primary Tools Used for Illustrations:
Traditional forms like paint, pen and ink, and pencil, as well as digital methods such as 3D modeling software and design programs such as the Adobe creative suite.
Preparing for a Career in Scientific Illustration:
Draw and keep drawing! Drawing animals, artifacts, or skeletons in museums and zoos or plants in your backyard are great practice exercises. Also, take any drawing or painting classes offered by your school or a local art center and pay attention in science classes to learn all you can about science.
Eve’s Advice For Aspiring Illustrators:
“Study as much science as you can and keep drawing specimens from real life. Get in contact with local museums, nature centers, and zoos and see what their resources can offer in terms of specimen access.”
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The above are two illustrations by Eve. The left image is a Loggerhead Turtle in Gouache and the right image is a Mallard Duck skeleton sketch in pencil.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: MANATEE
Written by Kennady Smith
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Manatees are gentle, slow-moving mammals that live close to our oceans’ coasts. There are three different species of Manatees: The West Indian Manatee (more commonly known as the Florida Manatee), the Amazonian Manatee (which is the smallest species), and the African Manatee (which is the most endangered species). Manatees reach up to 3,000 pounds! Although they are friendly creatures, they are threatened by habitat loss and being hit by boats. A fun fact is that they are very slow swimmers and usually swim 3-5 mph. Follow us on Instagram to see more on the manatees throughout the month!
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Do you have ideas for future newsletter content?
We are always open to providing what our readers want to see! Email publishing manager, Hannah Peterson, at hannahp@aeonforocean.org with any content ideas including themes, article ideas, announcements, and events. We will try our best to work your content into future newsletters!
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CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS
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World Wetlands Day
On February 2nd, we celebrate World Wetlands Day. Related virtual and global events can be found at worldwetlandsday.org/events.
Hennepin County Plastic-Free Challenge
From January 20th to February 17th, Hennepin County (MN) is having a plastic-free challenge. More information can be found here at hennepinplasticfree.ecochallenge.org.
Whether or not you can participate, now is a great a time to consider your plastic consumption. At Aeon for Ocean, we promote the idea of common sense plastic. Check out our webpage on Common Sense Plastic to learn more and take the pledge!
International Polar Bear Day
February 27th is International Polar Bear Day! Take some time to appreciate our arctic friends, and check out polarbearsinternational.org to learn more.
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MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR POD
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In the month of January, we have added four new members to our team. We are excited for their contributions to Aeon for Ocean.
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SaJorden Miller
Social Media Associate
Carlie Knudsen
Publishing Associate |
Kennady Smith
Publishing Associate
Maria Torres
HR Associate |
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