CELEBRATING WATER
Written by Hannah Peterson
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What does water mean to you? That is the conversation we will be having on World Water Day this year on March 22nd. Water is important because everyone needs it to survive. Availability of water can improve health and hygiene, with clean drinking water as well as running water for washing up. To some people, water can have cultural or spiritual meaning too. Water is also often appreciated through recreation with activities like swimming or boating. Ultimately, water serves many purposes.
Water is a necessity, but not widely available to everyone. Unfortunately, much of the world is facing a growing water crisis due to growing populations, increased demand for agriculture and industrial uses, as well as the impacts of climate change. On that note, we need to be more conscious of our water usage and try to use less. That could mean taking shorter showers, installing more efficient water fixtures in buildings, or finding different alternatives for processes requiring a lot of water. In addition to conserving water, we also need to avoid polluting it to maintain the resources we have.
At Aeon for Ocean, our main focus is on ocean education and conservation. From that perspective, we consider the importance of the water in our world’s oceans. The oceans are a system of large water bodies that are critical for the survival of many plant and animal species, including humans who depend on ocean resources for survival. While freshwater resources seem to face a greater threat in terms of running out of water, ocean water is of great importance too.
Check out https://www.worldwaterday.org/ to learn more about the importance of water and join in the conversation this year for World Water Day.
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Reference: https://www.worldwaterday.org/
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SPOTLIGHT CAREER: MARINE PHOTOGRAPHER
Written by Hannah Peterson
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On February 15th we had the opportunity to interview Marine Photographer, Jodi Frediani. Jodi has had a lifelong interest in photography which has been built upon through education in art and science as well as global travel. One notable experience has been swimming with and photographing whales in the Dominican Republic for a number of years. Aside from that, she has spent a lot of time boating and taking pictures in Monterey Bay. Read her full bio on her Website and check out her current project, Wild Monterey Bay.
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From our interview with Jodi Frediani, we learned that Marine Photography is both a rewarding and challenging career path. Anyone can get started by obtaining a camera, studying the animals they want to photograph, and starting to take pictures. It can even be helpful to start by photographing pets or family members if access to wildlife is limited. Courses in photography are valuable as well. There are many factors to consider with wildlife photography, such as the movement and behavior of animals, so patience and species knowledge is important. Having the proper equipment is important as well. This includes understanding camera settings such as shutter speed as well as having a waterproof case for underwater photography and the proper lens types. While anyone can practice their photography with a phone or a GoPro, a DSLR is a great option for professional photographers. Jodi’s advice to aspiring marine photographers is to follow your passion, stick with it, and see where it takes you. Stay tuned to social media to view the interview with Jodi about Marine Photography!
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This photo was provided by Jodi Frediani and is an action shot of her photographing a whale.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: WHALE SHARK
Written by Hannah Peterson
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Whale Sharks are the largest species of shark. They are found in all of the tropical oceans of the world and are an endangered species. Each Whale Shark has a unique pattern of spots to distinguish itself from others. They can be about 40 feet long and weigh 11 tons. Due to their size, they are challenged with finding enough of their primary food, plankton, to sustain themselves. An interesting study recently found that Whale Shark ages could be determined by nuclear bomb testing. Scientists were able to compare carbon in the vertebrae of two Whale Sharks to nuclear bomb tests from the Cold War to determine their ages, leading to more knowledge on their average lifespan. Read the full details of the study here. Stay tuned to our social media to learn more about Whale Sharks throughout the month of March!
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The Whale Shark Illustration was created by Eve Feldman, our Illustration Lead.
References: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/whale-shark
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/world/whale-shark-age-bomb-carbon-scn-trnd/index.html
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Wetlands Drawing Contest Extended
Our Wetlands Drawing Contest is extended through March 31st! Winners will be announced in April!
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International Day of Action for Rivers
On March 14th, we come together to voice the importance of rivers. This year the theme is "Rights of Rivers." Check out International Rivers to learn more and get involved!
Global Recycling Day
March 18th is Global Recycling Day where we can recognize the importance of recycling and waste management for a sustainable future. Learn more and nominate your recycling hero at the event's website.
World Water Day
On March 22nd, we celebrate World Water Day by considering the impacts of water on our everyday lives. The theme for 2021 is "Valuing Water." What does water mean to you? Check out the World Water Day website to join into this year's conversation.
International Seal Day
Celebrate the seals on March 22nd! Species including the Bearded Seal, Guadalupe Fur Seal, Hawaiian Monk Seal, and Ringed Seal are endangered and in need of protection. Take some time to consider how you can help the seals on International Seal Day.
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MEET THE NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR POD
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Since our last newsletter, we have added a new board member to our team. We are excited for her contributions to Aeon for Ocean.
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Andrea Cook
Board Member |
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