July 2021

JULY 2021

THE PROBLEM OF OCEAN PLASTICS
Written by Hannah Peterson

The Problem
There is no denying that plastic pollution in the ocean is a major problem. It is currently one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. Plastic pollution has become a problem due to increased plastic production, lack of recycling, and poor waste management. Each year, between 4 and 12 million tons of plastic find their way into the ocean, and that is likely to triple in the next 20 years. Unfortunately, plastic doesn’t just go away either. Plastic debris generally breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which aren’t any better for the environment. One form of plastic pollution that has become widely known is that of plastic bags ending up in the ocean. It takes up to 500 years for a plastic bag to disintegrate, which means once they are in the ocean, they aren’t likely to go anywhere quickly, and the quantity will only increase over time. Plastic pollution negatively affects many marine species and habitats. More than half of the sea turtles in the ocean and almost all seabirds have consumed plastic. Plastic pollution also takes away from the beauty of beaches and coastlines as well as the ocean in general.

How You Can Help
There are a number of actions people can take to help reduce the marine plastic pollution problem. One relevant thing this month is to celebrate International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3rd. International Plastic Bag Free Day is a global initiative to eliminate plastic bag usage by finding safer alternatives. You can celebrate by stopping usage of plastic bags and reusing bags you already have. Aside from eliminating plastic bags from the wastestream, there are also other ways to combat plastic pollution. Reducing single use plastic usage is one of the easiest ways to get started in combating the problem. Proper recycling is another way to keep plastics out of the ocean. Another great idea is to take part in a beach or river cleanup, similar to Aeon for Ocean’s recent virtual event. Other options to address plastic pollution include supporting bans on plastic products, avoiding products with microbeads, spreading the word about the problem, and supporting organizations that are addressing plastic pollution. If you can do something to help, no matter how small, it will help have a bigger impact on keeping our oceans clean.

References: https://nationaltoday.com/international-plastic-bag-free-day/
https://www.oceanicsociety.org/resources/7-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-pollution-today/

SPOTLIGHT CAREER: PROFESSIONAL SURFER
Written by Hannah Peterson

A professional surfer is a unique ocean-related career for any adventure-seekers out there who are willing to put in the time and effort. While it sounds like a fun career, professional surfing also requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Additionally, it requires getting noticed. To become a pro surfer, one must first learn how to surf. Then they need to practice a lot and start entering competitions. To move from an amateur level to a professional, dedicated surfers need to go out of their comfort zones to surf in different places against a variety of different surfers. To become professionals, surfers also need to compete in Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) events. Top ranked surfers will get to compete in more prestigious events and make a name for themselves. Aspiring professional surfers should also compete in the WQS, a worldwide tour of pro events, which is basically a full-time job. As a professional surfer, one will then spend their days continuing to improve their skills and dedicating their lives to chasing waves.

Reference: https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-become-a-pro-surfer-3154663

SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: MOON JELLYFISH
Written by Troy Engel

Moon Jellyfish are amazing creatures that live in every ocean around the world. They are the most common type of jellyfish and belong to an enormous group of animals called invertebrates because they have no spine. Matter-of-fact they have no bones at all. What they do have is four main body parts which are their tentacles, mouth, oral arms, and stomachs. The jellyfish uses their tentacles to sting and immobilize their food. Then the food is moved to the oral arms that transport it to their mouth. Finally, after passing through the mouth, it ends up in their stomach. Jellyfish have no heart, lungs, ears, eyes, or even a brain. They can’t even swim on their own and simply float in the current.

In the wild moon jellyfish eat phytoplankton which are tiny plants, and zooplankton which are tiny marine animals. They also eat fish eggs, algae, small crustaceans, plankton and mollusks. They have also been seen eating larvae of tunicate (a type of marine invertebrate), wheel animals (microscopic marine animals), young bristle worms and protozoans. Apart from these, they may also eat comb jellies.

These plentiful jellyfish live in saltwater and they prefer to live in calm locations like bays and protected areas along the coast lines. They prefer warmer water, so you usually see them in tropical place but they can live in colder water - in fact, you can find them in the northern areas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But like you, they prefer to stay warm and live in a warmer location if they can.

Moon jellies are beautiful and amazing creatures. Just be careful if you ever see them floating in the water and stay far away so you don’t get stung by their tentacles.

Artwork by Eve Feldman

ANNOUNCEMENTS & RECENT EVENTS

Interview with Dr. Cécile Gaspar
On June 6th, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Cécile Gaspar of the organization Te mana o te moana. Dr. Gaspar is also a marine veterinarian and had many unique experiences to share. Check out the interview to hear our conversation.

Virtual Beach/Park Cleanup Winners
Our virtual beach/park cleanup event came to a close on June 30th. We are currently going through the entries, so winners will be announced in August's newsletter. Thanks to all who participated in this fun event!

UPCOMING EVENTS

International Plastic Bag Free Day
July 3rd is a day to leave plastic bags behind. As we know, plastic bags end up in the ocean and harm wildlife. Consider your alternatives by getting reusable bags and refusing single-use plastics.

World Orca Day
On July 14th, we get to celebrate the Orcas like our mascot Smarty. Orca's are a top predator in the ocean and also a keystone species that help hold the ecosystem together. Check out the World Orca Day website to learn more about the species and how to get involved in protecting and celebrating them.

Shark Awareness Day
July 14th is a day to consider the many different species of sharks and the role they play in the ocean ecosystem. Do you have a favorite species? While many people fear sharks, sharks are actually more threatened by humans than we are by them.

International Save the Vaquita Day
July 24th is a day dedicated to Vaquitas, the world's most endangered marine mammal species. This could be our last chance to take a stand against extinction of these wonderful creatures, so be sure to check out the VIVA Vaquita website and find a way to make a difference this month!

World Nature Conservation Day
On July 28th, we will celebrate nature and all the ways to conserve Earth's natural spaces. This holiday acknowledges the importance of a healthy environment for a healthy society. While we are focused primarily on the ocean in this organization, there are so many other natural areas worth learning about and protecting.

National Marine Week
From July 25th to August 9th, we celebrate the importance of the marine environment. This special week is based out of the UK, but we can celebrate all over the world!

July Team Member Birthdays
July 1st: Caleb Walker, Technology Associate
July 6th: Sajorden Miller, Social Media Associate
July 7th: Aeon Bashir, Chief Krill
July 23rd: Madelyn Ruemping, Publishing Associate