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FEATURE ARTICLE: OCEAN CURRENTS
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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Ocean currents are one of several significant factors that influence life in the ocean. Ocean currents can be defined as the predictable movement of water in the ocean. This movement is caused by a number of factors such as wind, sun, gravity, salinity, temperature, and the rotation of the Earth. These factors differ throughout the globe, meaning they create different ocean current patterns in different places. Ocean currents move horizontally in marine systems and they play a big role in both ocean life and the Earth’s climate. The main ocean currents function via thermohaline circulation, which can be seen beginning in the Arctic where cold water moves down toward the Antarctic, travels East and up into the Pacific ocean, where it travels towards the West coast of North America before traveling down across North Australia, under Africa, and back up to the Arctic to begin again. Some ocean currents cause gyres, which are circular currents caused by the linking and overlap of multiple global currents. There are 5 main global gyres found around the world including, the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, North Pacific, and South Pacific gyres. Although these gyres help drive life in the ocean, their circular motion has also been found to draw in debris. Once ocean trash is drawn into gyres, it becomes trapped and begins to accumulate into large garbage patches. Both the existence of these garbage patches and the breakdown of materials in these patches cause a variety of issues to marine life. By reducing ocean debris, we can reduce the problems it causes on marine ecosystems.
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SPOTLIGHT HABITAT: ESTUARIES
Written by Hannah Peterson
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The spotlight habitat for November is estuaries! Estuaries are partially enclosed bodies of water typically found where the sea meets a river. They are a place of transition from land to sea. Estuaries are home to many species that have adapted to brackish water, which is a mixture of fresh and saltwater from the water bodies joining together. There are also some entirely freshwater estuaries. A variety of habitat types are found in and near estuaries including shallow waters, marshes, swamps, mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky shores, reefs, mangrove forests, tidal pools, seagrass beds, and river deltas.
Estuaries are critically important. They provide many ecosystem services like filtering runoff and providing nursery grounds for a variety of species. They are considered one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Estuaries also create food, jobs, recreation, and coastal protection. 22 of the 32 largest cities in the world are located on estuaries. Estuaries face a number of threats, including coastal development which upsets their natural balance and increases pressure on their natural resources. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System was established by Congress to protect over a million acres of estuaries that provide an essential habitat, offer educational opportunities, and serve as living laboratories. Humans must be conscious of respecting estuarine ecosystems to preserve their beauty and function.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: PACIFIC HARBOR SEAL
Written by Hannah Peterson
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The Pacific harbor seal is a species of seal commonly found along the coast of California. Their typical range is north of the equator in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They prefer coastal waters near shore where they can rest on sandy beaches, mudflats, rocky islands, estuaries, or bays. They spend about half their time on land and the other half in the water. While they can dive to about 1,500 feet and be underwater for up to 40 minutes, their dives are typically in shallower waters lasting three to seven minutes. They will occasionally sleep in the water as well. Their typical diet includes octopus, squid, cod, herring, hake, sculpin, flounder, and sole.
These seals have spotted coats in colors ranging from white, silver, black, or brown. Some in San Francisco Bay also appear reddish in color due to elements like iron or selenium in the ocean waters. The average harbor seal is five to six feet long and up to 300 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. Pacific harbor seals, like many other seal species, have ear holes and small flippers. They move on land by flopping or galumphing along on their stomachs.
Harbor seals are typically born between February and April, weighing around 20 pounds. Premature seal pups have a fluffy whitish coat that is usually shed before birth. While they can swim at birth, they sometimes ride on their mother’s back, and they drink their mother’s milk for about four weeks. Unfortunately, many harbor seal pups find themselves orphaned when their mothers get scared away by humans or other animals like dogs. Harbor seals must be respected by humans by not getting too close and scaring them away from their babies and resting spots.
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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:
- Director of Technology
- Director of Operations
- Director of Education
- Comic Illustrator
- Social Media Associate
- Graphic Designer
- Publishing 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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