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FEATURE ARTICLE: MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Written by Kiyas Kousoulas
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This month we are focusing on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs are areas of water that are protected by government regulations, which limit harmful activities that result in habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. These protected areas can be found all around the world in oceans, estuaries, and even in the United States's Great Lakes! There are over 16,000 MPAs currently established, however the level of protection varies between areas. There are four main levels of MPA protection: minimally, lightly, highly, and fully protected. The smallest amount of regulations can be seen with minimal protection. Minimal protection in an MPA means that many destructive activities and resource removals are still allowed, but the area still provides some conservation to the environment. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we see the highest level of regulations in fully protected MPAs. Full protection means that all destructive activities and resource removals are not allowed. These strict regulations can often be seen in areas that contain endangered species or in areas that are very important to biodiversity and cultural history, such as areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Although there are often strict limits on the people and activities allowed in these areas, many MPAs are used by scientists. Since these areas are untouched by most human activities, scientists are able to get lots of information on the organisms that live there. This allows them to learn about what the organisms need to survive and then use that information to make new laws and ensure the safety of future generations.
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SPOTLIGHT HABITAT: INTERTIDAL ZONE
Written by Hannah Peterson
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The spotlight habitat for September is the intertidal zone! The intertidal zone is where the ocean and land meet between low and high tides. This zone could contain rocky ledges, sandy beaches, or mudflats. The intertidal zone is divided into four sub zones. The first is the spray zone, which receives spray from the ocean but is only submerged in water during very high tides or storms. The next is the high intertidal zone, which floods during daily high tides and can be dry much of the day. Creatures here need to be able to withstand pounding waves. The third zone is the middle intertidal zone, where tides ebb and flow twice daily and a greater number of plants and animals inhabit. The last zone is the low intertidal zone which is almost always underwater unless there are very low tides. There are even more species here due to the near constant protection of water. Some species will travel with the tides to remain in submerged areas to avoid getting too dry. Larger species such as seals and fish will forage in high tide areas while shorebirds prefer low tide when looking for food. All species in the intertidal zone need to be adaptable to the changing water levels.
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SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: SEA STAR
Written by Hannah Peterson
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This month’s spotlight species is the starfish or sea star. While commonly called starfish, scientists pushed to call them sea stars, since they are not actually a fish. Rather, they are an echinoderm, similar to sand dollars and sea urchins. They are a carnivorous invertebrate that typically measure 4.7 to 9.4 inches and can weigh up to 11 pounds. There are actually around 2,000 different sea star species, with habitats ranging from cold seafloors to tropical waters. While most have five arms, there are species with 10, 20, or 40 arms as well. Sea stars also have the ability to regenerate limbs. Sea stars can live up to 35 years in the wild and have defensive adaptations like bony skin that protects them from predators and colorings that help them blend in. They can also consume prey outside their bodies with their suction-cup like feet and stomachs that can emerge from their mouth. These unusual creatures are primarily found in oceans and on shores and are an interesting sight to see during a walk on the beach or in a reef or shallow area.
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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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